PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has added another employment-related award to its list of recent honors by being named a 2025 USA Today Top Workplaces award winner. Dollywood made the list of organizations with more than 2,500 employees.

Millions of employees were surveyed to recognize the top organizations across 65 markets for regional Top Workplaces awards. This award celebrates organizations that have built great workplace cultures with more than 150 employees. The winners of the Top Workplaces USA list were chosen based on employee feedback gathered through a 25-question survey.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties are nationally recognized and growing at a tremendous pace. Awards like the Top Workplaces recognition reinforce the brand’s strong reputation for top-notch customer service, an attribute that attracts top talent and further contributes to the company’s thriving culture.

“The awards we’ve received during the last several years really are humbling,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “We take pride in our host culture, and we seek to provide our team with great benefits that show our appreciation for the work they do to make Dollywood the most unique and welcoming theme park experience in the entire world. When you consider that the results of this recognition are derived from the survey results of our own hosts, it illustrates their belief in our host culture and their pride in the place they work.” 

Energage, an organization dedicated to building top workplaces, administers the survey.

Earlier this year, Dollywood was the second-highest ranked travel company on the Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Dollywood was the only theme park company on the Forbes list as well.  Earlier this month, Dollywood also received a spot on Newsweek’s Best Workplaces for Women award, one of only three theme park companies on the list. 

Dollywood’s award-winning host experience translates directly to the guest experience. Forbes ranked Dollywood Parks & Resorts in the top 1% (No. 27) of more than 3,000 US brands rated for exemplary customer service for 2024, and late last year, Dollywood was named by Newsweek as America’s Best Customer Service for theme parks in 2025.  

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, and complimentaryDollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.  

The Swedish Accident Investigation Board has concluded the investigation of the fire at Oceana on February 12, 2024 and has today presented its final report. It is a thorough and well-founded report with important lessons for all parties involved.

The Accident Investigation Board states in its report that the fire probably started in connection with electric sleeve welding of a diverter pipe in one of the water slides on the outside of Oceana. The Commission makes safety recommendations to four parties, including Liseberg, which is recommended to continue to develop systematic work environment management as a developer in order to strengthen the safety culture.

“Liseberg has great confidence in the work of the Accident Investigation Board and their expertise, and we have done our utmost to assist them during the course of the investigation. Liseberg takes the safety recommendations very seriously and we are grateful for all the observations that not only make us but the entire industry better,” says Andreas Andersen, CEO of the Liseberg Group.

As a municipal company, Liseberg places high demands on our suppliers and, in its role as developer, has a responsibility when it comes to setting requirements and following up. In the light of the Accident Investigation Board’s investigation, it can be stated that the systematic follow-up work that was in place at the time can and should be strengthened to ensure that the requirements set are complied with.

“We must all learn from the fire. Otherwise, it will be extra meaningless. That is the purpose of the report, to make us all – developers, contractors and suppliers – better and ensure that something like this does not happen again,” says Andreas Andersen.

According to Liseberg, the safety recommendations proposed by the Accident Investigation Board in its final report have largely already been incorporated into the organisation, and Liseberg, in its role as developer, will continuously continue to work to further strengthen internal processes and procedures for systematic work environment management. Implemented measures include:

• Updating internal governing documents and manuals.
• Strengthened control of Liseberg’s procured suppliers.
• Continued active participation in all construction site safety rounds, construction meetings, production meetings and planning meetings.
• Extra third-party control of existing approved fire protection in order to identify reinforcing measures.

The purpose of the Accident Investigation Board’s investigation is to clarify what happened, why it happened and how a similar incident can be avoided in the future. The issue of responsibility is handled by prosecutors whose investigation is not yet complete.

ORLANDO — Grammy-winning icon Beyoncé is set to make her mark in Orlando with a stunning new wax figure at Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds Orlando, debuting on March 29 – exactly one year after her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. For one evening only, fans will have an exclusive opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the new figure at a special event hosted at Ole Red Orlando. The free event, taking place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., will offer fans an exclusive first look at Beyoncé’s new wax figure, styled in a brand-new iconic Cowboy Carter inspired look. The celebration will feature exciting giveaways, themed drinks, special menu items for purchase, and plenty of surprises. This fan event marks the official launch of the figure before it takes its permanent place at Madame Tussauds Orlando on March 30. 

“Beyoncé stands among the biggest superstars of our time, and we’re honored to add her new Cowboy Carter-inspired wax figure to our Music Stars collection,” said General Manager of Madame Tussauds Orlando Paul Gould. “The figure celebrates Beyoncé’s extraordinary influence on music and culture, paying tribute to her lasting impact on the world.” 

The latest figure channels the American flag-inspired style central to Beyoncé’s bold Cowboy Carter era. Inspired by the record-breaking album, which earned Beyoncé a Grammy for Album of the Year, the figure is dressed in a striking red, white, and blue suede jacket adorned with fringe, layered over a vintage Willie Nelson T-shirt. The look is completed with crystallized blue denim shorts, a silver cowboy belt buckle, American flag platform heels, and a matching floor-length durag under a cowboy hat, perfectly capturing the larger-than-life presence of the singer. 

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Allevity Entertainment is excited to announce a major expansion of its offerings, introducing a new sports bar, an upgraded restaurant and menu, and additional arcade games. Since opening in 2020, Allevity has remained committed to delivering a unique “eatertainment” experience in the Aberdeen area. As guest expectations evolve and industry trends shift, these enhancements will provide an even more engaging and dynamic atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Why These Changes Are Happening

• Expanding the Audience – The goal is to attract a broader demographic, particularly those in the 21-40 age range, while maintaining Allevity’s signature family-friendly environment.
• Enhancing the Dining Experience – With an upgraded restaurant and refreshed menu, Allevity aims to create a dining destination that encourages more frequent visits, even for guests stopping by solely for a meal.
• Responding to Community Feedback – Based on insights from last year’s community survey, there is a clear demand for additional dining and entertainment options. These changes are designed to meet that demand.
• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends – As the entertainment landscape evolves, Allevity remains committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

What’s Changing?

• ✔️ The Ballocity play area will be removed on March 24 to make room for these current upgrades and future plans. The interactive climbing wall be removed as well but a removal date hasn’t been determined yet.
• ✔️ A brand-new sports bar will be introduced, featuring 21 TVs, an expanded drink menu, and a real-time sports ticker, creating the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts.
• ✔️ A revamped menu will offer a wider selection of exciting dining options.
• ✔️ Five new arcade games will be added to enhance the gaming experience.

Additional improvements are also being explored, with details to be shared once finalized.

Allevity Entertainment looks forward to unveiling these exciting updates and welcoming guests to experience the enhanced offerings.

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure is proud to introduce Jeremy Hacker as the park’s first Executive Chef. Chef Hacker’s leadership and culinary expertise marks a new chapter in Six Flags Great Adventure’s commitment to elevating the park’s dining experience.

Chef Hacker’s career has been defined by a passion for creating innovative, high-quality dishes at popular establishments including PJ Whelihan’s and Xfinity Live. Known for his skill in seafood and Italian cuisine, he will lead the park’s culinary team to offer a variety of exciting dining options that complement the park’s world-class attractions.

“I’m excited to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to dining at Six Flags,” Chef Hacker said. “Whether it’s introducing new offerings or elevating classic dishes, my goal is to offer guests a memorable dining experience that matches the thrill of the park.”

Chef Hacker, a resident of Elk Township, NJ, is a devoted husband and father of three.

The Seminole Towne Center Mall, an enclosed shopping center originally owned by Simon Property Group and later owned and operated by Hollywood-based 4th Dimension Properties, that serves as the first location for Elev8 Fun, has been sold.

Atlanta-based “The Ardent Companies”, an asset-management firm with multiple divisions including real estate development, has acquired The Seminole Towne Center Mall for $17.5m, in a deal that includes over 50 acres of prime real estate off the I-4 interstate highway. Once a prominent mall in the north Orlando area, the mall has since struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a fluctuating tenant mix, and recurring change in ownership. At present, the mall is home to 4 anchors: Elev8 Fun, Dillards, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and is flanked by an outdoor shopping center, “The Marketplace at Seminole Towne Center” which features national tenants and recently traded for $68.7m.

Given the mall’s vast acreage, and vacant former Macy’s department store, the property is ideal and thus earmarked for major mixed-use development. Though redevelopment plan details haven’t been officially disclosed by the Mall’s new ownership, Ardent, the Sanford community speculates the mall will attract top retail tenants, office tenants, restaurants, hotels, multi-family complexes, and more, given its location and already-established anchors, coupled with Ardent’s track record in development.

Elev8 Fun acquired the former Sears department store at the mall in 2019, and has operated its first location there since opening in January of 2022. Even with the decline of traditional enclosed shopping centers and retail, and the mall itself, Elev8 has continued to serve its customers with top-of-the-line entertainment, but admittedly, the company is welcoming its new neighbors with open arms and is committed to synergistic collaborations. David Goldfarb, Elev8 Fun Principal, had this to say after the news broke: “We always knew our Sanford location would be a winner long term due to the growth that we’ve seen in the trade area, and the redevelopment potential the mall has thanks to its vast acreage. Now, that long term vision will come into fruition, and we are ultimately excited about collaborating with our new partners to spearhead the entertainment portion at the Seminole Towne Center.” 

On the international front, Walter Kern, PrimeTime Amusements Director of Sales, has worked arduously to further penetrate the company’s targets overseas. Kern, with his team, will exhibit at IAAPA Latin America, in Mexico City next week. PrimeTime will also be present at the “Deal Show” in Dubai, SEA Expo in Saudi Arabia and AAA Expo in China. Kern believes that now more than ever, PrimeTime must reassure its commitment to its customers and partners across the globe. Commenting on the ever-shifting global market for arcade and amusement equipment, he had this to say: “We have found that these markets have a significant demand for our used arcade equipment, so this segment of our business continues to show great opportunity for growth”.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — The swashbuckling and adventurous crew from Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Pigeon Forge veer slightly off course this spring and find themselves docked in an unknown port in their never-ending search for more treasure. This new experience for the pirates, “South Pacific Celebration,” adds even more excitement and fun to the popular Pigeon Forge show throughout the 2025 season.

Hoping to find mermaids, gold and perhaps more sea lion friends, the Buccaneer Bay crew stumbles upon a talented and energetic group of inhabitants on what they thought was a deserted Polynesian island. The native islanders specialize in a welcoming rhythmic celebration composed of the dramatic and powerful sounds of percussion on their beautiful native drums. The combination of rhythmic movement, colorful costumes, roaring voices, and exciting vocal and musical exclamations make “South Pacific Celebration” a truly memorable experience. 

This island performance gives way to a “fiery” finish and ends the pirates’ time on the island, with one of the natives showcasing his skills to light up the adventure. Even the sky above the scene becomes part of the act, as colorful island architecture and a grand display of giant flowers in full bloom surround the entertaining dance of the islanders before the pirates move back to their endless treasure hunt.

The excursion to this unknown island for a “South Pacific Celebration” will provide Pirates Voyage dinner show guests with an unforgettable visual and sound journey with special effects, brilliant costuming, pyrotechnics and more. 

“I’ve been all around the world and have seen so many different types of entertainment,” said Dolly. “I love the amazing variety of music in different cultures, and any chance I get, I incorporate something new in my shows that people might not get a chance to see anywhere else in this area. So since not everyone gets the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a Polynesian island, I just decided I’d bring all that here to Pigeon Forge. And I thought I’d throw in an act with fire, too. Leave it to me to ‘fire folks up’ with actual fire – it’s a hot number!  I can’t wait for folks to see this amazing new part of my Pirates Voyage show and feel transported to the tropics and back in this island celebration.”

The brand-new “South Pacific Celebration” experience just adds to the fun of the swashbuckling adventure that is Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. All guests will enjoy a fabulous four-course feast while experiencing an immersive adventure with sword fights, cannons, mermaids, live animals and, of course, pirates. A crew of characters combines heroics and high-flying acrobatic fun that has guests cheering and experiencing thrills around every corner in an epic battle on land, on deck and in the water of the show’s 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon. Additionally, guests will start the delicious part of their Pirates Voyage with a four-course feast of Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Buccaneer Biscuit, Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken and Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham, Cob-O’ Buttery Corn, Matey’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese and a choice of desserts.

GILROY, Calif. — Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park opens on Saturday, March 22, kicking off the park’s 25th Anniversary year with exciting new live musical shows, nostalgic exhibits, fun character meet-and-greets, and specialty food and drinks throughout the park.

The Gilroy Gardens 25th Anniversary Celebration includes an energetic “Welcome Party” at the Clubhouse as guests cross over Sycamore Bridge to enter the park. Another new live show, “25 Years: A Musical Celebration,” plays three times daily in the Lakeside Amphitheater and takes guests on a journey through the park’s history and educational mission.

The Mascot Meet-and-Greet area gives guests the chance to say hello to Gil and Roy, the park’s garlic bulb mascots, as well as other friendly “critters” who served as mascots in the past, such as Rax Raccoon, Rita Rabbit, and P.G. “Probably Gonna” Swinedlya the Coyote. Different characters appear each weekend—and guests can collect fun souvenir trading cards on every visit. 

Other special 25th Anniversary experiences include historical exhibits at various Memory Spots throughout the park plus a Time Capsule Creation Station, where guests can add their own favorite Gilroy Gardens memories to a time capsule that will be sealed up and re-opened at the park’s 50th Anniversary in 2050.

Specialty food items available only during the 25th Anniversary Celebration (through May 26) include throwback favorites like the Banana Split and Apricot Freeze as well as new limited-time offerings such as New Orleans-style Beignets and a unique Pandan Funnel Cake topped with vanilla ice cream and coconut flakes.

President and General Manager Hoa Minh Le said, “Everyone at Gilroy Gardens is excited to kick off the new season as we celebrate 25 years of learning, love and laughter. We’re truly grateful to our Members, volunteer docents, and many community partners for making this milestone anniversary possible. And we can’t wait to get the party started!” 

The Gilroy Gardens 25th Anniversary Celebration opens March 22 and lasts through Memorial Day Weekend, ending on May 26. The park is open weekends from 10am-6pm and select weekdays during Spring Break (April 7-11) from 11am-5pm.

ATLANTA, Ga. — Herschend and Parques Reunidos have signed a definitive agreement under which Herschend will acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. entertainment properties from Parques Reunidos. This agreement represents a significant milestone for both organizations—supporting Herschend’s strategic expansion in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to reinforce its strategic focus on its core European market.

“This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “Today’s announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision. By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.”

Palace Entertainment’s over 20 historic and beloved entertainment venues across 10 U.S. states will join Herschend’s growing family of world-class destinations. Palace’s diverse portfolio of amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, and hotels includes notable properties like Kennywood in Pa., Pittsburgh’s thrill and entertainment destination known for its classic wooden coasters and modern thrill rides; Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pa., the world’s best family park and kingdom for kids; and Lake Compounce in Conn., which holds the title of America’s First Amusement Park and features the renowned Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster.

With this acquisition, Herschend will strengthen its position as the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a broad portfolio of brands spanning theme parks, aquariums, resorts, and immersive attractions that collectively entertain more than 20 million annual guests.

“We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands,” added Wexler. “The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and building on their success. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams.”

“Herschend is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties,” said John Reilly, Palace Entertainment Chief Executive Officer. “Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks. Palace Entertainment’s team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.”

“Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day,” said Herschend’s Board Chair, Chris Herschend. “These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.”

Herschend is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees (hosts), guests, and communities. No immediate changes are planned for daily operations as the company thoughtfully integrates these properties into its portfolio. In the coming months, Herschend will prioritize:

• Supporting its new employees with training, resources, and opportunities aligned with Herschend’s people-first culture.
• Maintaining continuity in guest experiences while exploring enhancements that align with Herschend’s commitment to high-quality entertainment.
• Proactively communicating with employees, guests, and local communities as the transition progresses.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close thereafter. BDT & MSD Partners is acting as Herschend’s exclusive financial and debt advisor and Goldman Sachs was the exclusive committed financing provider for the acquisition. Akerman, LLP is serving as legal advisor to Herschend on the acquisition, with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP providing legal advice for the debt financing. J.P. Morgan is acting as the exclusive financial advisor for Parques Reunidos Group. A&O Shearman is serving as legal advisor to Parques Reunidos Group on the transaction.

Ann-Kathrin Mack, daughter of Marianne and Roland Mack, has been appointed as an additional Managing Partner of Europa-Park. The 35-year-old architect, who has held a leading position in the company for nine years, is already responsible for the Mack Solutions/Construction Management division. In her new role as Managing Partner, she will additionally take on responsibility for the Marketing, Sales & Digital division.

After completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture at the University of Applied Sciences in Konstanz, Germany, Ann-Kathrin Mack gained extensive practical experience in renowned architectural firms. She further deepened her knowledge by working internationally in theme parks around the world.

With this appointment, Ann-Kathrin Mack is the first woman in the almost 250-year history of the family-owned company to be appointed to the management board. In a joint statement, Roland and Jürgen Mack said: “In her role overseeing numerous construction projects in recent years, Ann-Kathrin has impressively demonstrated that she is able to combine functionality, aesthetics and unique theming in an ideal way. With her appointment to the management board, we are ensuring the continued development of our family business and guaranteeing that our visitors will continue to be thrilled every day”.

This step underlines the company’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability and continuous growth – always with the aim of developing the Europa-Park Resort into a leading leisure destination.