Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the company that owns the famous Dollywood theme park, has announced the permanent closure of two amusement parks in Georgia. This news came as a surprise to many families who loved visiting these places. People in the local communities are feeling sad about losing these fun spots. It is the end of a long chapter for both parks.
The two parks are Malibu Norcross and Mountasia, both located in the state of Georgia. Malibu Norcross was known for its arcade games and go-kart racing. Mountasia offered mini-golf and other family fun activities in Marietta.
The closures happened within days of each other, catching many people completely off guard. Employees and regular visitors did not have much time to prepare for the news. It was a quick and painful goodbye for everyone involved.
Malibu Norcross had been serving families for more than 20 years. That is a long time, and many people grew up going there with their parents and friends.
Herschend had acquired these parks earlier in the year after purchasing Palace Entertainment, the former parent company of both venues. After looking at all the parks they now owned, they decided to shut these two down. The company thanked the community and its staff for years of great memories. Fans of the parks hope that somethingew and fun will one day take their place. For now, the gates are closed for good.
About the Author
Sarah Mitchell is a writer who loves covering entertainment and lifestyle news. She enjoys finding stories that people truly care about. Her work has been read by thousands of people across the world.
She has been writing about theme parks and family entertainment for several years. She knows how much these places mean to families and local communities. That passion shows clearly in every story she tells.
When she is not writing, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new places. She believes that good stories bring people together. Her goal is always to keep things simple, honest, and easy to read.
Kayla Aldecoa
Kayla Aldecoa is an entertainment journalist who has worked with well-known publications like In Touch Weekly, Life & Style, and Closer Weekly. She has built a strong name for herself in the world of celebrity and entertainment news. Her readers trust her to bring them stories that are accurate and easy to follow.
She has a real passion for covering stories that people connect with on a personal level. Whether it is theme park news or celebrity updates, she always brings her best. Her writing style is clear, simple, and straight to the point.
Kayla continues to grow as a journalist with every story she publishes. She works hard to stay on top of the latest news in entertainment. Her dedication to her craft makes her a writer worth following.
History
Herschend Family Entertainment got its start back in 1976 when it purchased Goldrush Junction, a small theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The company grew slowly but steadily over the years. They focused on creating fun and safe places for families to enjoy. It was the beginning of something truly big in the world of family entertainment.
A decade later, country music legend Dolly Parton became a co-owner of the park, and it was renamed Dollywood. That one decision changed everything for the company. Dollywood quickly became one of the most loved theme parks in the entire country. Today, Herschend owns dozens of properties and serves millions of happy guests every single year.
The Dollywood Company
Herschend Family Entertainment operates 49 properties with around 22,000 staff members serving nearly 20 million guests every year. That is a truly impressive number of visitors. The company has grown into one of the biggest names in family entertainment across the United States.
Dolly Parton and Herschend together also own Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Dollywood’s Splash Country. These are beloved destinations that attract families from all over the country. Each park is built around the idea of creating happy memories for every guest who walks through the gates.
The company has always focused on creating positive workplace environments and memorable guest experiences that families will treasure for years to come. That mission has guided every decision they have made. It is what sets The Dollywood Company apart from other theme park operators in the industry.
Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens is a beautiful resort and nature preserve located in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It has been a favorite getaway spot for families for many decades.
The gardens cover thousands of acres filled with flowers, trails, and peaceful outdoor spaces. Visitors come from all over the country just to enjoy its natural beauty.
The resort also offers fun activities like butterfly shows, fishing, and seasonal events throughout the year. It is a place where both kids and adults can relax and have a great time.
Callaway Gardens has long been a proud part of Georgia’s tourism and entertainment scene. It remains one of the most visited and cherished destinations in the entire state.
Past Properties
Herschend acquired Palace Entertainment’s former parks, including Malibu Norcross and Mountasia, along with 22 other parks earlier this year. This was a massive addition to their already growing portfolio. However, not every park they acquired was able to survive under the new ownership.
Malibu Norcross had served Gwinnett County for more than 20 years while Mountasia operated for roughly a decade. Both parks had created countless memories for local families over the years. Sadly, their time came to an end after the new ownership reviewed their performance and overall park attendance numbers.
Before the major purchase, Herschend already operated 49 properties with Dollywood serving as its flagship attraction. The acquisition nearly doubled the company’s footprint in the theme park industry. Some of those newly added parks were eventually closed as the company focused on its strongest and most profitable locations.
References
This article was written using information gathered from trusted and well-known news sources. All facts were carefully checked before being included in this piece. The goal was to make sure every reader gets accurate and honest information.
The story about Dollywood’s park closures was originally reported by Men’s Journal. Their coverage helped bring this important news to a wider audience.
Additional details were gathered from other reliable entertainment news outlets. All sources used are credible and up to date.
External Links
If you want to learn more about Dollywood and its many attractions, you can visit the official Dollywood website. There you will find all the latest news, park updates, and information about upcoming events. It is the best place to stay informed about everything happening at the park.
For more details about Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation and its full list of properties, their official website has everything you need. You can also follow their social media pages to get the latest updates. These links will help you stay connected with all the exciting things the company has planned for the future.
Top Stories
One of the biggest stories making headlines right now is the permanent closure of two beloved amusement parks in Georgia. Families and local communities were shocked to hear the news. Many people have been sharing their favorite memories from these parks on social media.
Another top story gaining a lot of attention is the ongoing challenges facing the amusement park industry across the country. Six Flags America in Maryland closed after 50 years in operation as the company faces significant debt leading to cost cutting and park closures. It is a tough time for many entertainment businesses trying to stay open and profitable.
Despite being named the top theme park in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers Choice Awards, Dollywood itself has faced some significant challenges recently. Fans of the park are hoping things turn around soon. Everyone is watching closely to see what the company decides to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are the Dollywood Owners?
Dollywood is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation and country music legend Dolly Parton. They have worked together since the mid-1980s.
What Parks Did Dollywood Owners Recently Close?
Dollywood owners permanently closed Malibu Norcross and Mountasia, both located in Georgia. Both parks shut down after decades of serving local families.
Why Did Dollywood Owners Close Two Amusement Parks?
The company closed the parks after reviewing their performance following a major acquisition. They decided to focus on their stronger and more profitable locations.
When Did Dollywood Owners Buy Those Parks?
Herschend acquired the parks earlier in 2025 after purchasing Palace Entertainment, the former parent company of both venues. The closures came just months after that purchase.
How Many Parks Do Dollywood Owners Have?
Herschend Family Entertainment operates around 49 properties serving nearly 20 million guests every single year. It is one of the largest family entertainment companies in the country.
Where Is Dollywood Located?
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, nestled in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. It is one of the most visited theme parks in the entire United States.
Is Dolly Parton Still an Owner of Dollywood?
Yes, Dolly Parton remains a co-owner of Dollywood alongside Herschend Family Entertainment. She has been part of the park since the 1980s.
What Did Dollywood Owners Say About the Closures?
The company thanked its community, staff, and guests for making Malibu Norcross a place to create timeless memories for more than 20 years. They expressed deep gratitude for the support over the decades.
Are Dollywood Owners Planning to Close More Parks?
The company has not made any official announcement about further closures at this time. Fans are keeping a close eye on any new updates from Herschend.
What Is the Flagship Park of Dollywood Owners?
Dollywood serves as the flagship attraction for Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. It is the most famous and most visited park in their entire portfolio.
Final Thought
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation has built something truly special over the years. From a small theme park in Pigeon Forge to owning dozens of properties across the country, their journey has been remarkable. The closure of Malibu Norcross and Mountasia was a sad moment for many families. But the company continues to move forward with a clear focus on what matters most.
With nearly 20 million guests visiting their parks every year, Dollywood owners remain one of the most powerful names in family entertainment. Dolly Parton and Herschend have always put families and fun at the heart of everything they do. Fans around the world still love and support Dollywood with great passion. The future may have its challenges, but this company has always found a way to keep the magic alive.
David is a passionate celebrity blog writer with 4 years of experience covering celebrity news, biographies, and trending stories. He currently works with CelebVibeZone, delivering engaging, accurate, and reader-focused celebrity content.