🎢 This Week in the Amusement Industry: Lawsuits, Lodges, and Leadership Moves

Week of March 17–24, 2025

It’s been an eventful week across the amusement sector. From a billion-dollar park acquisition to new safety regulations and lawsuits that raise eyebrows, there’s a lot for operators to digest and act on. Here’s what stood out this week:

🏗️ Herschend Buys Lake Compounce in a Major U.S. Expansion

Herschend Family Entertainment, the company behind Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, has acquired Lake Compounce in Connecticut from Parques Reunidos. The deal, estimated between $750 million and $1 billion, signals a major investment into revitalizing historic U.S. parks.

🌲 Paultons Park to Add 95-Lodge Holiday Resort

Paultons Park in the UK is planning a major expansion with its first on-site resort. The Scandinavian-style holiday lodges are part of a push to increase multi-day stays and offer a full family getaway experience.

🎟️ Six Flags Fiesta Texas Implements Permanent Chaperone Rule

To address behavioral issues, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has made its chaperone policy permanent. Guests 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 21+ after 4 p.m.

⚠️ Safety Lawsuits: ICON Park and Six Flags Magic Mountain Under Fire

A former technician at ICON Park alleges that his safety concerns about the FreeFall ride were ignored before the tragic 2022 death of Tyre Sampson. He’s now suing the park for wrongful termination.
Meanwhile, Six Flags Magic Mountain faces a wrongful death lawsuit after a guest reportedly died from head trauma following a ride on X2.

🏰 Universal’s Epic Universe Opens May 22

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, a $7 billion expansion, is officially opening this May with Super Nintendo World, a new Wizarding World, and several original lands. It’s one of the largest single-park builds in U.S. history.

🎡 Dreamland Margate Adds Unlimited Ride Wristbands

UK’s seaside icon Dreamland Margate is launching all-day ride wristbands this season. The goal: improve guest value and streamline the park experience.

🧠 Final Thought

From safety reforms to resort expansions and IP-fueled mega-projects, the amusement industry continues to shift. Operators should take note of these trends — and consider where to adapt, innovate, or take caution.

✅ Sources

All reporting credited to original outlets: