Herschend Family Entertainment, which is also an operating partner of the Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has assumed the day-to-day operations of the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort.

While HFE is now the management company for Darien Lake, CNL Lifestyle Properties maintains ownership of the theme and water park resort.

"HFE was a natural choice due to the company's solid history of operating first-class, successful theme parks with a reputation for top service and guest experience standards," said Curt Caffey, senior VP and managing director for CNL.

Herschend Family Entertainment owns, operates or partners in 24 entertainment, tourism and hospitality properties in eight states, including the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson Missouri and Atlanta's Stone Mountain Park.

"With 50 years of experience serving millions of guests, and operating a variety of family entertainment enterprises including theme parks, water parks, tour businesses, hotels and campgrounds, HFE is committed to delivering great value while always bringing families closer together," said Joel Manby, president and CEO of HFE. "Our aim is to make the transition as seamless as possible for the park's employees and as transparent as possible to guests."

Besides the theme park and water park resort, Darien Lake also includes the Lodge on the Lake Hotel with Forts-o-Fun suites, Brown Bear Cabins, RV sites and campgrounds. It's also home to the 22,000-seat Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center.