Palace Entertainment has announced that it will permanently close the Cartoon Network Hotel located in Lancaster County on January 1, 2026, with plans to reopen the property in March 2026 as the Dutch Wonderland Inn.
Rebranding Strategy and Closure Timeline
The decision to rebrand comes as a strategic move by Palace Entertainment to align the hotel’s identity with its adjacent theme park, Dutch Wonderland. By not renewing the Cartoon Network licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, Palace is streamlining its offerings under a unified theme that resonates with the family-friendly Dutch Wonderland experience.
Key Dates
- Closure Date: January 1, 2026
- Reopening Date: Late March 2026 as Dutch Wonderland Inn
Room Redesign and New Themes
With the transition, the hotel’s existing 165 Cartoon Network-themed rooms—featuring franchises like Adventure Time, Powerpuff Girls, and Ben 10—will be fully redesigned. In their place, guests will experience a cozy, family-oriented aesthetic inspired by Dutch country themes.
Updated Room Offerings
- 155 redesigned family rooms that reflect the warm charm of Lancaster County
- 4 luxury suites with premium amenities for an elevated stay
Enhanced Amenities and Packages
To elevate the guest experience, the new Dutch Wonderland Inn will offer expanded pools and a full-service restaurant. The hotel will introduce new Stay & Play packages, providing both accommodation and access to the theme park for a bundled price.
Stay & Play Package Details
- Rates starting at $199–$229 per night
- Includes up to three tickets to Dutch Wonderland per night stayed
- On-site amenities: expanded pools and full-service dining options
This transformation reinforces Palace Entertainment’s efforts to create a seamless and immersive family destination, bridging hospitality and amusement all in one location.
Cartoon Network Hotel Shutting Down for Major Rebrand in 2026
The beloved Cartoon Network Hotel at 2285 Lincoln Hwy E in East Lampeter Township will permanently close its doors on January 1, 2026, marking the end of an era for families who’ve enjoyed its colorful themed accommodations. After the closure, the property will undergo extensive renovations before reopening as the Dutch Wonderland Inn in late March 2026.
Warner Bros. Discovery has decided not to renew the Cartoon Network licensing agreement, forcing this significant transformation. Palace Entertainment, which has owned both the Dutch Wonderland amusement park and the hotel since 2018, will continue operating the property but under completely new branding that aligns with their existing theme park operations.
Complete Room Redesign Coming
The transformation will affect all 165 currently themed rooms that feature popular Cartoon Network characters. Guests who’ve stayed in Adventure Time, Powerpuff Girls, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Ben 10 themed accommodations will find these familiar designs completely replaced when the property reopens. Palace Entertainment hasn’t yet announced specific details about the new room themes, but the redesign will likely incorporate Dutch Wonderland’s family-friendly aesthetic and branding elements.
Strategic Alignment with Theme Park Operations
This rebranding represents a strategic move by Palace Entertainment to create stronger synergy between their hotel and amusement park properties. The company’s decision to operate under unified branding could enhance the guest experience by offering seamless transitions between accommodations and park activities. Visitors can expect integrated packages and promotional offerings that weren’t possible under the separate Cartoon Network licensing arrangement.
The timing of this closure during the winter months minimizes disruption to peak tourist seasons, allowing the renovation team adequate time to complete the extensive redesign work. Families planning visits should note that innovative hotel concepts continue emerging across the hospitality industry, and this transformation positions the property to compete with other unique family destinations.
Palace Entertainment’s ownership of both the theme park and hotel creates opportunities for exclusive guest experiences that independent properties can’t offer. Similar to how themed entertainment venues enhance visitor engagement, the unified branding approach should strengthen the overall destination appeal for families visiting the Lancaster County area.
The Dutch Wonderland Inn will join a growing trend of properties that create immersive experiences extending beyond traditional hotel stays, potentially setting new standards for family-oriented accommodations in Pennsylvania’s tourism market.
From Cartoon Characters to Dutch Country: What’s Changing at the Rebranded Resort
The transformation from Cartoon Network Hotel to Dutch Wonderland signals a complete reimagining of the guest experience. I’ve observed that this shift represents more than just a name change – it’s a strategic pivot that promises to create a unified theme park destination.
Room Configurations and Themed Experiences
The property will reduce its inventory from 165 themed rooms to 155 family-friendly rooms alongside 4 luxury suites. This downsizing allows for more spacious accommodations and enhanced amenities within each room. Gone will be the beloved Cartoon Network intellectual property that once defined the hotel’s identity. The Flintstones’ stone-age charm, Scooby-Doo’s mystery-solving adventures, and The Smurfs’ whimsical village aesthetic will all disappear as the property embraces its new Dutch country identity.
Dutch Wonderland’s signature themes will replace the animated characters, creating what the resort calls a seamless park-to-inn experience. Guests can expect Pennsylvania Dutch influences, farmland motifs, and countryside charm to permeate the room designs. This thematic consistency extends from the moment visitors enter their accommodations until they step into the adjacent theme park.
Enhanced Amenities and Dining Options
The resort’s recreational facilities will undergo significant upgrades that address common family vacation needs. The current resort-style pool and kids’ splash area will expand into a comprehensive aquatic complex featuring both indoor and outdoor pools. Water slides and dedicated splash pads will provide entertainment options regardless of weather conditions, positioning the hotel as a year-round destination similar to other ambitious hotel projects.
Dining experiences will also see substantial changes as the coffee lounge and themed dining areas make way for a full-service public restaurant. This addition creates opportunities for both hotel guests and day visitors to enjoy meals without leaving the property. The redesigned arcade will incorporate modern gaming technology while maintaining family-friendly appeal.
These improvements reflect broader industry trends where theme park hotels enhance their standalone appeal. Much like how theme park innovations continue to evolve globally, the Dutch Wonderland rebrand positions itself to compete with established family resort destinations. The combination of upgraded water features, enhanced dining, and cohesive theming creates a compelling package for families seeking immersive vacation experiences.
The transition timeline hasn’t been announced, but the scope of changes suggests an extensive renovation period ahead. Families planning visits should prepare for a completely different experience once the transformation completes.
Dutch Wonderland Inn Rates and Packages: What Families Can Expect
The Dutch Wonderland Inn will offer compelling Stay & Play packages designed to maximize family convenience and value. Starting at $229 per night, these comprehensive packages include hotel accommodations plus up to three single-day Dutch Wonderland tickets, creating an all-in-one vacation solution for families.
Package Options and Pricing Structure
Budget-conscious families can take advantage of introductory online rates beginning at $199 per night. These special rates provide an accessible entry point for families looking to experience both the hotel amenities and park attractions without stretching their vacation budget. The pricing structure reflects the property’s commitment to maintaining affordability while delivering quality accommodations.
The Stay & Play concept continues the successful formula of bundling park entry with hotel stays, eliminating the hassle of separate bookings and often providing cost savings compared to purchasing accommodations and tickets individually. Families visiting the 48-acre amusement park can enjoy immediate access to over 35 rides and attractions, from gentle rides perfect for toddlers to thrilling coasters that excite older children.
Strategic Location Benefits
The hotel’s prime positioning directly along Route 30 offers multiple advantages for visiting families. Guests enjoy unparalleled convenience being situated next to Dutch Wonderland amusement park, allowing for easy transitions between hotel rest time and park activities. Parents appreciate the ability to return to their rooms for midday breaks or forgotten items without lengthy walks or transportation concerns.
Additionally, the proximity to Tanger Outlets provides families with shopping opportunities and dining alternatives beyond the park offerings. This location creates a complete vacation hub where families can enjoy amazing hotel features while having easy access to multiple entertainment and retail options.
The package structure acknowledges that modern families seek streamlined vacation planning. By including both accommodations and park tickets, the Dutch Wonderland Inn eliminates multiple booking processes and provides clear, upfront pricing. This transparency helps families budget effectively while ensuring they can focus on creating memorable experiences rather than managing logistics.
The combination of competitive pricing, convenient location, and comprehensive packages positions the Dutch Wonderland Inn as an attractive option for families planning visits to this beloved Pennsylvania destination. The property recognizes that successful family vacations require both comfort and convenience, delivering both through its strategic package offerings and prime location advantages.
The Hotel’s Journey: From Ramada to Cartoon Network to Dutch Wonderland
This Lancaster County property has experienced multiple transformations throughout its decades-long history, evolving from a traditional roadside hotel into a themed destination that reflects changing entertainment landscapes and ownership priorities.
Early Years and Initial Development
The hotel first opened its doors in 1971 as a Ramada Inn, capitalizing on the franchise’s reputation for reliable accommodations along major travel corridors. Just three years later, in 1974, the property underwent its first rebranding when it became the Continental Inn. This change reflected the hospitality industry’s shift during the 1970s, as independent operators sought to distinguish themselves from larger chain properties while maintaining familiar service standards.
For over four decades, the hotel operated under various management structures until Palace Entertainment recognized an opportunity to create something entirely different. The entertainment company purchased the property for $4.7 million in 2018, setting the stage for a complete reimagining of what a family hotel could offer.
The Cartoon Network Era and Future Dutch Wonderland Integration
Palace Entertainment’s vision came to fruition when they launched the Cartoon Network Hotel in January 2020. This transformation represented far more than cosmetic changes—it involved extensive renovations that brought beloved animated characters into every aspect of the guest experience. The timing aligned perfectly with families’ growing desire for immersive entertainment experiences, particularly as unique themed hotels gained popularity worldwide.
Cartoon Network itself has deep roots in children’s entertainment, having launched in 1992 as a dedicated animation channel. The network’s current ownership under Warner Bros. Discovery, which took control in 2022, brings additional corporate stability and creative resources to themed ventures like this hotel.
The upcoming rebranding to Dutch Wonderland represents another strategic evolution in the property’s journey. Dutch Wonderland amusement park, established in 1963, has been entertaining families for six decades with its fairy-tale theme and attractions designed specifically for children and families. Palace Entertainment’s acquisition of Dutch Wonderland in 2010 created synergies that now make perfect sense for cross-promotional opportunities.
This transition from Cartoon Network to Dutch Wonderland theming reflects several practical considerations:
- Local brand recognition: Dutch Wonderland has been a Lancaster County institution for generations of families, providing strong name familiarity.
- Immediate credibility: The park’s longstanding reputation for quality family entertainment adds value to the hotel’s identity.
- Operational efficiency: Integrating the hotel with Dutch Wonderland’s existing systems brings logistical and cost-saving benefits previously unavailable through a licensing agreement.
Guests can now experience a seamless connection between their accommodation and park visits, similar to how themed entertainment destinations worldwide create comprehensive experiences.
The hotel’s transformation from a standard roadside inn to a character-driven destination and now to a park-integrated experience demonstrates how properties can adapt to changing market demands. Each iteration has built upon previous investments while addressing evolving guest expectations for immersive entertainment experiences.
Palace Entertainment’s ownership of both properties since 2010 and 2018 respectively has allowed for long-term strategic planning that benefits both the amusement park and hotel operations. This vertical integration approach enables coordinated marketing campaigns, package deals, and operational efficiencies that independent properties couldn’t achieve.
The rebranding maintains the property’s core mission of providing family-friendly accommodations while leveraging Dutch Wonderland’s established local presence and decades of operational expertise. Guests can expect the same attention to themed details and family-oriented amenities that made the Cartoon Network Hotel successful, now enhanced by direct connection to one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved family attractions.
Why the Rebrand Makes Strategic Sense for Lancaster County Tourism
The transformation from Cartoon Network Hotel to Dutch Wonderland Hotel represents a calculated move that strengthens the connection between accommodation and local attractions. I see this shift as a strategic alignment that prioritizes regional partnerships over external licensing agreements, creating a more cohesive visitor experience in Lancaster County.
Dutch Wonderland amusement park has established itself as a cornerstone attraction for families exploring Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. The 48-acre facility draws thousands of visitors annually who seek age-appropriate entertainment for young children. By connecting the hotel’s brand directly to this beloved local destination, the property positions itself as an integral part of the Dutch Wonderland experience rather than a separate entity.
Creating Natural Guest Flow and Extended Stays
The hotel’s prime location directly across from Dutch Wonderland creates an obvious advantage that the rebrand fully capitalizes on. Families can now view their accommodation as part of their park experience, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. This proximity eliminates transportation concerns for parents traveling with young children and tired little ones at the end of park days.
The rebrand targets the same family demographic that previously enjoyed the Cartoon Network theming while emphasizing local charm and accessibility. Parents appreciate the convenience of stepping out their hotel room door and walking to park attractions. This seamless connection reduces stress and enhances the overall vacation experience for families.
Local tourism benefits significantly from this strategic shift. Rather than paying licensing fees to an external media company, the hotel now supports and promotes a Lancaster County business. This creates a stronger economic ecosystem where tourism dollars circulate within the local community. The partnership also allows for coordinated marketing efforts and package deals that benefit both properties.
The timing of this rebrand aligns perfectly with trends in family travel preferences. Modern parents increasingly seek authentic, locally-connected experiences over generic branded accommodations. The Dutch Wonderland connection offers families a sense of place and community that resonates more deeply than cartoon character themes.
Strategic partnerships like the innovative hotel concepts emerging across the hospitality industry demonstrate how properties can differentiate themselves through local connections. This rebrand follows a similar philosophy by strengthening ties to regional attractions rather than relying on mass-market entertainment properties.
The move also provides operational flexibility that wasn’t possible under the Cartoon Network licensing agreement. Hotel management can now customize experiences, design promotional packages, and create special events that directly complement Dutch Wonderland’s seasonal offerings. This agility allows both properties to respond quickly to market demands and guest preferences while maintaining their family-focused mission.
Construction Timeline and What Guests Need to Know
The transition from Cartoon Network Hotel to Dutch Wonderland Inn follows a carefully planned schedule that balances guest experience with construction efficiency. Current operations at the Cartoon Network Hotel will officially end on January 1, 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting transformation.
Renovation Schedule and Reopening Plans
Renovations will commence immediately following the hotel’s closure, with construction teams working to reimagine the property’s theming and amenities. The project timeline allocates approximately two months for the complete makeover, allowing Dutch Wonderland Inn to welcome its first guests in March 2026.
This relatively tight construction window reflects the property’s solid infrastructure, requiring primarily cosmetic and thematic changes rather than structural modifications. I expect the renovation to focus on updating room decor, common areas, and dining facilities to align with Dutch Wonderland’s family-friendly atmosphere while maintaining the hotel’s existing layout and core amenities.
Guest Accommodation Options During Closure
Families planning visits during the closure period still have access to Dutch Wonderland amusement park, which continues normal operations throughout the renovation. However, they’ll need to secure alternative lodging in Lancaster County.
Several accommodation options exist in the immediate area to support visiting families:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster offers modern amenities just minutes from Dutch Wonderland
- Country Inn & Suites provides family-friendly rooms with complimentary breakfast
- Red Roof Inn Lancaster delivers budget-conscious options for extended stays
- Local vacation rentals through various platforms offer home-like accommodations for larger groups
The Lancaster County tourism infrastructure provides ample lodging alternatives, ensuring families won’t miss out on Dutch Wonderland experiences during the hotel’s transformation. Many nearby properties offer shuttle services or convenient access to the amusement park, maintaining the seamless vacation experience families expect.
Property management recommends booking alternative accommodations early, particularly for spring break periods when the newly branded Dutch Wonderland Inn reopens. The March 2026 launch coincides with peak family travel season, potentially creating higher demand for both the renovated hotel and surrounding accommodations.
Similar to how themed attractions generate excitement through strategic timing, Dutch Wonderland’s hotel rebranding capitalizes on spring tourism patterns. This timing allows the property to debut during optimal weather conditions while capturing families planning Easter vacation trips.
The renovation represents more than simple rebranding – it creates an integrated resort experience where guests can immerse themselves completely in Dutch Wonderland’s atmosphere. Unique hotel experiences continue gaining popularity among families seeking memorable vacation destinations that extend beyond traditional park visits.
Sources:
Palace Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery
