The Attractions Group Podcast
Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.
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Episodes
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
Thursday Jan 29, 2026
2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years the attractions industry has seen in decades—and the news isn’t slowing down.
In Season 5, Episode 26 of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger break down the biggest theme park, amusement park, and attractions industry news heading into 2026.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:
The most anticipated new attractions opening in 2026
Who (or what) is the mysterious “Enchanted Parks”
What trademark filings under the Enchanted Parks name could mean for Six Flags properties
Is this a rebrand, restructuring, or something bigger?
What truly separates a GOOD roller coaster from a GREAT roller coaster
Why storytelling, pacing, layout, and guest experience matter more than just height and speed
From roller coaster design philosophy to corporate strategy and branding, David and Clete dig into what operators, designers, and enthusiasts should be paying attention to right now.
If you work in—or are obsessed with—the theme park, water park, zoo, or attractions industry, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Subscribe to the Attractions Group Podcast for weekly conversations on:
Theme park industry news
Ride design & guest experience
Attractions operations & strategy
What’s next for the future of entertainment
👇 Drop a comment below:
What new attraction are you most excited for in 2026—and what makes a roller coaster “great” in your book?
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#AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParkNews #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #SixFlags #EnchantedParks #ThemeParkPodcast #AttractionsPodcast #ThemeParkDesign #CoasterEnthusiast #2026Attractions #IndustryNews #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger #AttractionsGroupPodcast
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Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
After decades of shaping the global attractions industry, David Mandt (Former IAAPA Chief Governance Officer & Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation) has officially retired—and he’s joining us for his first exclusive interview since stepping down at the end of 2025!
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with David to reflect on a career that has left an indelible mark on our industry. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your journey in attractions, this is an episode you cannot miss.
🎢 What’s inside the episode:
The Origin Story: How David’s path led him to the heart of IAAPA.
The Evolution of Fun: Reflections on the biggest industry shifts and technological leaps witnessed throughout his lengthy career.
The IAAPA Foundation: A deep dive into the mission of supporting the next generation of global attractions talent.
Next Chapters: What life looks like after a career at the pinnacle of the industry.
David’s wisdom, leadership, and passion for the community have been a guiding light for many of us. Tune in to hear his unique perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re going.
🎧 Listen NowFind the Attractions Group Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix!
#AttractionsGroup #IAAPA #IAAPAFoundation #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #Leadership #Podcast #DavidMandt #AmusementParks #CareerMilestones
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Welcome to another exciting year for the Attractions Group Podcast!
Buckle up for an awesome ride, we're excited that you are joining us!
We break down what Christmas looks like for theme parks heading into 2025, how seasonal events are evolving, and what recent announcements mean for the future of the attractions industry. Then we zoom out to discuss why Qiddiya City matters, how Six Flags’ global expansion is changing the landscape, and what this project signals for the next generation of theme parks.
Whether you’re a theme park fan, coaster enthusiast, or someone who follows the industry closely, this episode connects current news with where the parks are heading next.
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Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Welcome to "Inside the Park," where we explore the hidden mechanics that keep the Attractions Industry running efficiently. Today’s focus is on a technology that is often described as the "Invisible Green Machine": Power Factor Correction (PFC). This webinar is sponsored by a joint venture between Cincinnati-based Energy Efficiency Group and the Attractions Group.
While many theme parks and zoos gain public recognition for visible sustainability efforts like solar farms or eliminating plastics, PFC offers a direct hit to the bottom line and a faster return on investment—often within 12 to 24 months.
Here is an overview of why this technology is a game-changer for the attractions industry:
The "Beer Foam" Analogy:
To understand PFC, our friends at the Attractions Group suggest thinking of a glass of beer. The liquid represents Working Power (kW), which does the actual work of running a roller coaster’s lift hill or a wave pool’s pump. The foam at the top is Reactive Power (kVAR); it is necessary to create magnetic fields for motors but doesn't perform actual work. The total contents of the glass represent the Apparent Power (kVA) that the utility company must supply. Power Factor Correction is essentially the process of "minimizing the foam" so you only pay for the "liquid" you actually need.
Why Attractions are Ideal Candidates
Amusement parks, waterparks, and zoos are perfect candidates for PFC because they rely heavily on inductive loads:
Amusement Parks: Utilize hundreds of electric motors for ride systems and hydraulic pumps.
Waterparks: Run massive, high-horsepower pumps 24/7 for filtration.
Zoos & Aquariums: Depend on constant-run life support systems and industrial-scale HVAC for climate control.
The Financial and Operational Benefits
Implementing PFC provides several immediate advantages to a park's P&L:
Elimination of Penalties: Many utility companies charge "Reactive Power Penalties" for low power factors (usually below 0.90), which can cost major parks tens of thousands of dollars monthly.
Increased System Capacity: By "clearing the foam," a park frees up capacity on existing transformers. This allows for the addition of new rides or exhibits without the massive expense of upgrading an electrical substation.
Extended Equipment Life: High reactive power causes heat; optimizing electrical flow allows motors and transformers to run cooler and last longer.
Why It Is Often Overlooked
Despite these benefits, PFC is frequently ignored because it is invisible—capacitor banks sit in gray metal boxes in back-of-house areas and provide no "eco-theming" for guests to see. Additionally, complex energy bills and siloed departments often mean that sustainability teams focus on guest-facing waste while facilities teams lack the capital budget for these infrastructure improvements.
Ultimately, for a large-scale resort, correcting a poor power factor is a measurable sustainability win, equivalent to taking dozens of cars off the road by reducing line losses and making equipment more "digestible" for the electrical grid.
www.theAttractionsGroup.com
info@theAttractionsGroup.com
www.EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com
development@EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
🎢 Six Flags New CEO John Reilly: IAAPA Fallout & What's Next | Attractions Group Podcast
The biggest attractions business news is here! Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a deep-dive analysis into the monumental leadership shift at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Veteran operator John Reilly has been named the new President and CEO, and this episode breaks down exactly what that means for the future of Six Flags and the broader regional park landscape.
Reilly is taking the reins at a pivotal moment—fresh off the heels of the Six Flags and Cedar Fair merger, and with the high-stakes lessons and innovations revealed at the recent IAAPA Expo still top of mind.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Reilly Effect: An in-depth look at John Reilly's extensive background (Palace Entertainment, Parques Reunidos, SeaWorld) and the critical changes he must prioritize to "reinvigorate profitable growth" at Six Flags.
🎧 The Attractions Group Podcast A podcast for theme-park employees, industry pros, and fans who want real conversations about operations, leadership, innovation, and all things attractions. Hosted weekly by David Detling & Clete Reinberger.
👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for weekly episodes on theme park news, operations, and industry insights! Follow the
Attractions Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group/
Join the Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Follow Clete Reinberger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clete-reinberger-4a9759257/
Follow David Detling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/
If you want more episodes about theme-park news, roller coaster rumors, IAAPA announcements, and operations insights, hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss out.
Cedar Fair new CEO, Cedar Fair CEO 2025, Cedar Point news 2025, Kings Island news 2025, Knott’s Berry Farm news, theme park news, theme park industry, amusement park news, roller coaster news, Attractions Group Podcast, theme park podcast, Cedar Fair Six Flags merger, Six Flags news, IAAPA 2025, roller coaster updates, Disney news 2025, Universal Studios news, theme park analysis, amusement industry trends, coaster enthusiasts, roller coaster construction, park operations, theme park leadership, new attractions 2025, theme park strategy, Clete Reinberger, David Detling
#SixFlags #ThemeParkNews #JohnReilly #IAAPA #ThemeParkPodcast #AmusementParkNews #CleteReinberger #AmusementIndustry #AttractionsGroup #RollerCoaster #DavidDetling #ThemeParkBusiness #SixFlagsCEO #ThemeParkIndustry #CedarFair #ParkOperations #IAAPAExpo #ThemedEntertainment #SeaWorld #Leadership
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Join hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger for a deep-dive breakdown of everything that went down at IAAPA Expo 2025 — the biggest global gathering for rides, tech, attractions, and themed entertainment.
Whether you’re in operations, design, guest experience, or leadership, this episode gives you an insider-level look at the products, people, and innovations shaping the future of our industry.
🚀 A full reaction to Nightflight Expedition, one of the most talked-about new attractions at IAAPA
🎠 A closer look at Falcon’s Creative Group and the launch of their brand-new dark ride company, plus what that means for storytelling tech
📰 The most exciting news, reveals, and prototypes from the IAAPA 2025 show floor
🔧 Trends, tech shifts, and operations insights that theme park employees should have on their radar
🤝 Conversations with vendors, creators, and park professionals shaping the next era of attractions
🎙️ About The Attractions Group Podcast
The Attractions Group is a podcast by and for theme park employees — from front-line cast members to park leadership, designers, operators, and anyone passionate about building world-class guest experiences. Each episode blends real-industry insight with practical takeaways, stories from the field, and conversations with the people driving innovation in themed entertainment. If you work in parks—or dream of it—this is the place for you.
👍 Like, Subscribe & Stay Connected
If you love roller coasters, dark rides, themed design, guest operations, or anything IAAPA-related, you’ll feel right at home here. Hit Subscribe for weekly episodes covering:
🎢 Industry news
🎡 Ride design
🛠️ Ops & guest service
🌎 Global park updates
🎥 Imagineering & creative insights
#iaapa2025 #IAAPAExpo #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #NightflightExpedition #FalconsCreative #DarkRides #RollerCoasters #ThemedEntertainment #AmusementParks #ParkOperations #GuestExperience #AttractionsGroup #ThemeParkPodcast #BehindTheScenes #RideDesign #ExpoHighlights
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Join Alex & Isabelle from the Attractions Group and the Energy Efficiency Group (both based in Cincinnati!) for this "high-voltage" webinar on a critical, often overlooked, strategy for massive energy savings at theme parks, zoos, waterparks, and large attractions.
These venues are powerhouses of energy consumption, running thousands of horsepower of inductive loads, including:
Rides and Attractions: Motors for roller coasters, carousels, and dark ride animatronics.
HVAC Systems: Air conditioning for indoor exhibits, restaurants, and offices.
Pumps: Massive pumps for water rides, pools, and fountains.
This heavy reliance on electric motors often leads to a poor power factor (PF), meaning the park is drawing more current than is efficiently being used to do the actual work. This translates directly to higher utility bills and potential penalties.
In this episode, Alex and Isabelle will break down the practical application of Power Factor Correction (PFC) technology, showing you how to:
Reduce Utility Penalties: Eliminate or significantly lower fees from your electric utility for low power factor.
Increase System Capacity: Free up electrical capacity within your existing infrastructure, allowing you to add new attractions without costly upgrades.
Lower Overall Energy Consumption: Decrease the total power demanded from the grid, leading to substantial kWh savings.
Improve Equipment Lifespan: Reduce electrical stress on transformers, motors, and cables.
Learn why PFC is the essential, non-disruptive, behind-the-scenes strategy your operations team needs to deploy right now to achieve significant energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
For more information:
www.theAttractionsGroup.com
www.EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eeg-llc
ddetling@theAttractionsGroup.com
development@EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com
#EnergyEfficiency #PowerFactorCorrection #ThemeParkEnergy #WaterParkSavings #ZooOperations #CincinnatiBusiness #SustainableAttractions #UtilityBills #ElectricalEngineering #FacilityManagement
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
⛰️ Attractions Group Podcast: A Smoky Mountain Expedition with Dollywood President Eugene Naughton 🎢
Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a fascinating deep dive with a true industry visionary, Mr. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company!
In this must-listen episode, we go straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains to discuss what it truly takes to operate a world-class resort in the attraction-rich Pigeon Forge area. Eugene Naughton shares exclusive insights on leading the company through its historic 40th anniversary and the exciting developments shaping the 2025 operating season!
But the main event? We get details on the newly announced, record-breaking attraction that is set to redefine family thrills: "Night Flight Expedition." Hear directly from the source about this first-of-its-kind indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, and how it embodies the magic and adventure of the Great Smoky Mountains at night.
Whether you're a theme park professional, a die-hard Dollywood fan, or just curious about the business of fun, this episode is packed with leadership lessons, industry analysis, and a look at the future of one of America's favorite family destinations.
Connect & Explore: Attractions Group Podcast:
🌐 Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
🐦 X (Twitter): @attractions_grp
💼 LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Hosts:
Clete Reinberger (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/clete-reinberger-4a9759257/
David Detling (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/
The Dollywood Company:
🌐 Dollywood Website: https://www.dollywood.com/
📰 Night Flight Expedition Details: https://www.dollywood.com/hiddenhollowaviation/
Eugene Naughton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-naughton-2034a214/
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #Dollywood #NightFlightExpedition #EugeneNaughton #ThemeParks #AmusementIndustry #PigeonForge #SmokyMountains #RollerCoaster #NewFor2026 #HybridCoaster #WaterRide #AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParkNews #Dollywood2025 #DollyParton #AttractionsGroup
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Get ready for a deep dive into the thrilling world of coaster history! 🎢 In this episode, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with two incredible guests from the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Texas: Kris Rowberry and Mark Rosenzweig.
Kris and Mark pull back the curtain on the massive undertaking of preserving amusement park history. They share:
🛠️ What it takes to build a world-class exhibit: From tracking down historic ride vehicles to restoring rare artifacts.
⭐ Their favorite exhibits in the NRCMA's massive collection—you won't believe what they've saved!
🥇 The ultimate debate: Everyone shares their favorite roller coaster of all time! Listen to find out if your favorite steel or wooden masterpiece makes the list!
This is a must-listen for coaster enthusiasts, theme park professionals, and anyone who loves a great behind-the-scenes story.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes from the Attractions Group Podcast!
Connect with Our Guests & NRCMANational Roller Coaster Museum & Archives (NRCMA): https://www.rollercoastermuseum.org/
NRCMA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalRollerCoasterMuseum/
NRCMA on X (Twitter): @NRCMA
Connect with The Attractions Group PodcastWebsite: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
X (Twitter): @attractions_grp
LinkedIn (Attractions Network Group): https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Connect with David Detling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/Connect with Clete Reinberger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clete-reinberger-4a9759257/
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #RollerCoasterMuseum #CoasterEnthusiast #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #NRCMA #KrisRowberry #MarkRosenzweig #Museum #ThemeParkHistory #BehindTheScenes #Podcast #AttractionsIndustry #Texas
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
🚀 Beyond the Theme Park Gates: Interview with Former Disney Executive Djuan Rivers 🏔️
Join The Attractions Group Podcast hosts Clete Reinberger, David Detling, and America's Theme Park Technologist, Matthew Miller, for an incredible conversation with former Disney Executive and global adventurer, Djuan Rivers!
From leading one of the world's most successful theme park divisions (including his time as VP of Disney's Animal Kingdom during the opening of Pandora - The World of Avatar) to now traveling the globe, Djuan shares his fascinating journey.
Hear the stories behind the headlines, including the incredible distinction of being the only person (that we know of!) to have both ridden Expedition Everest and successfully done a HALO skydive over the real Mount Everest!
Also in this must-watch episode:- Running a marathon in Antarctica.- Riding on the wing of a bi-plane at 10,000 feet in the air.- The business insights from his 30-year Disney career.- Lessons from a life dedicated to curiosity and adventure.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a true leader and world traveler.
Connect with the Attractions Group:- www.theAttractionsGroup.com- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup- X: https://x.com/attractions_grp
Djuan Rivers- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djuan_Rivers- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13302625/
#DjuanRivers #DisneyExecutive #ExpeditionEverest #MountEverest #SevenSummits #DisneyParks #AnimalKingdom #ThemedEntertainment #ThemeParkPodcast #TravelGoals #AntarcticaMarathon #AdventureTravel #AttractionsGroupPodcast #PodcastInterview #TravelInspiration #MatthewMiller #DisneyLegend