On Saturday, Dolly Parton’s beloved Dollywood theme park announced an “unscheduled” indefinite closure. Here’s what fans of the Smoky Mountain theme park need to know. Dollywood Announces Closure on Saturday Credit: Dollywood On December 20, Dollywood posted a press release to its official Instagram story, explaining that the Dollywood Express attraction had indefinitely closed due to “unscheduled” but necessary maintenance ...

Universal’s New Theme Park Initiative Universal Studios has announced plans to construct a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The proposed park will be situated within the Qiddiya Entertainment Complex, a sprawling project designed to reshape the entertainment landscape in the region. This location is strategically chosen to capitalize on Saudi ...

Arizona’s Emergence as a Theme Park Contender Arizona is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the theme park industry, directly challenging Central Florida’s long-standing supremacy in the sector. Glendale and Mesa are leading this charge with ambitious development plans aimed at creating attractions that compete with the iconic offerings of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Credit: Jeff ...

A new Harry Potter theme park is on the way, but it’s not owned by Universal Destinations & Experiences. The Comcast-owned company currently operates six Wizarding World lands at Universal Orlando Resort (including Universal Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing. Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling have ...

Challenges Facing Six Flags Under New CEO Six Flags has recently appointed John Reilly as its new CEO, effective December 8, bringing with him a robust background in the amusement park industry. Reilly previously served as the CEO of Palace Entertainment and held the position of COO at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. His expertise is essential for navigating the pressing ...

New Rival in Central Florida Mattel has officially announced its plans to open a new theme park in Central Florida, marking a significant move in the competitive landscape dominated by Disney and Universal. This venture aims to tap into the region’s vast family-friendly tourism market, which has long been the cornerstone of Central Florida’s appeal. By leveraging its beloved intellectual ...

Major Acquisition Announcement Herschend, the owner of Dollywood, has officially acquired Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park, situated in Athol, Idaho. This significant move marks Silverwood as the largest theme park in the Northwest, enhancing Herschend’s presence in the region. The acquisition aligns well with the company’s vision to extend its reach across the United States while honoring ...

Overview of the Vandalism Incident Playland Park, the cherished theme park famous for its connection to Tom Hanks’ iconic film Big, has suffered a disturbing act of vandalism that has left the community reeling. The incident, which occurred during the park’s off-season, is estimated to have caused damages exceeding $57,000. Credit: 20th Century Fox This theme park, known for its ...

Financial Turmoil Plagues Six Flags Six Flags, the largest theme park operator in North America, is currently engulfed in financial turmoil. The company has taken drastic measures in response to its ongoing struggles, including the recent closure of several parks. The closure of Six Flags America, located near Washington, D.C., on November 2, is a stark indication of the challenges ...

A few characters have gone missing from a Disney theme park. Credit: Bastien Nvs, Unsplash Related: Disney Makes Entrance Changes at Magic Kingdom, Fall Guests Affected The Disney theme parks are best known for their long lists of rides and attractions. From classic coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to iconic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and ...