The Attractions Group Podcast

Season 4, Episode 021- Chuck Mingo Returns! + Dynamic Pricing Mania! | Attractions Group Podcast

Get ready for an episode that transcends traditional boundaries! the Attractions Group Podcast is thrilled to welcome back Chuck Mingo, from Crossroads Church in Cincinnati. Crossroads is renowned for its ability to create incredibly immersive environments, and Chuck joins hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger to unpack the key elements of immersive design and storytelling.
Discover how a large church like Crossroads, known for its dynamic services and engaging experiences, spares no effort in crafting environments that captivate and connect. Chuck will share valuable insights on what the attractions industry can learn from their approach to experiential design, from audience engagement strategies to leveraging audio-visual technology for maximum impact.
Then, we shift gears to tackle the hot topic of dynamic pricing — what it means for parks, guests, and employees alike. Is it the future of attendance management, or just another revenue tool? They'll discuss how these flexible pricing strategies are beginning to emerge across theme parks, attractions, and entertainment venues, exploring the pros, cons, and implications for both businesses and consumers. Whether you're an experience designer, a theme park professional, or just fascinated by how spaces can transform and engage, this episode offers a unique perspective on innovation and the future of entertainment.
📌 Subscribe for weekly discussions at the intersection of operations, innovation, and guest experience!
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #ChuckMingo #CrossroadsChurch #ImmersiveDesign #ExperientialMarketing #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #DynamicPricing #EntertainmentInnovation #Podcast #ExperienceEconomy #GuestExperience #AVTech #Cincinnati #Innovation #FutureOfEntertainment

Season 4, Episode 20: John Dunlap, CEO- Five Star Parks & Attractions

Thrilled to share our latest podcast episode featuring John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions! 🎧 We dive deep into the exciting world of family entertainment centers, discussing the strategic vision behind Five Star's rapid growth, their commitment to guest experience, and the future of the attractions industry. You won't want to miss John's insights on leadership, innovation, and what it takes to create unforgettable moments for guests. Tune in now!
#FiveStarParks #FamilyEntertainment #FEC #AmusementIndustry #PodcastInterview #JohnDunlap #Leadership #Innovation #GuestExperience #AttractionsIndustry

Webinar- the Attractions Group. "A Walk in the Park"- Dan Cockerell, former VP of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

from 2021.
(fast forward to about 5:30 in the recording. It was very early on in our Webinar days and it didn't get rolling until after the 5 minute mark).
 
Before the Attractions Group did podcasting, as an outgrowth from the challenges of the Pandemic- the Attractions Group conducted a series of Zoom Webinars featuring known industry professionals.
Step into the magic of unparalleled Guest Service! Join as the Attractions Group re-releases a timeless Webinar with Dan Cockerell, former Vice President of Walt Disney World's iconic Magic Kingdom. In this insightful "A Walk in the Park" session, Dan draws upon his 26 years of Disney leadership to reveal the foundational principles of creating extraordinary Guest Experience. Learn how cultivating a strong Company Culture and focusing on Employee Engagement are key to delivering the magic that keeps guests returning again and again. This is an essential listen for anyone in the Attractions Industry seeking to elevate their service standards, build a thriving Workplace Culture, and understand the Disney Difference firsthand.
 
#AttractionsGroup #DanCockerell #GuestExperience #DisneyMagicKingdom #WaltDisneyWorld #ThemeParks #CustomerService #Leadership #Hospitality #ParkOperations #leadershiplessons
 
 

Season 4, Episode 19: Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig (now of the Tower Topics Podcast) Return

Ryan and Don return to the podcast they started! Of course, the Cedar Fair / Six Flags merger came up, and of course their topic of interest, Kings Island.
This is a great crossover episode! Here are the hashtags for the Attractions Group Podcast featuring Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig of the Tower Topics Podcast, discussing Six Flags and Kings Island:
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #TowerTopicsPodcast #RyanSuhr #DonHelbig #SixFlags #KingsIsland #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #AttractionsIndustry #CoasterEnthusiast #OhioThemeParks #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast #TravelPodcast #ThemeParkFans
 
🚨 EPIC Crossover Alert! 🚨 The #AttractionsGroupPodcast welcomes #RyanSuhr and #DonHelbig of the #TowerTopicsPodcast! Join #CleteReinberger and #DavidDetling as they dive deep into the fascinating worlds of #SixFlags and #KingsIsland, sharing incredible #ParkHistory, #ThemeParkNews, and #IndustryInsights from two #CoasterEnthusiast legends. Don’t miss this must-listen #Podcast for all #ThemeParks fans!

Season 4, Episode 18: Clete and David talk immersive experiences and Kathy Isaacs of 22Miles checks in

What are the components of an immersive experience? Cedar Point Shores opens after the third month of March finally passes.  Kathy Isaacs of 22Miles stops by to discuss digital/interactive wayfinding.  And Clete is dealt a hypothetical question to answer.
 
Thanks for checking out the AGP, see you back here next week.
Kathy Isaacs
Kathy.isaacs@mail.22miles.com
Linkin.com/in/kathy.isaacs/
 
22Miles https://www.22miles.com
Visit 22Miles at InfoCom 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, June 11-13, 2025. Booth 4975.

Season 4, Episode 17: Clete and David dive into Six Flags Structure Changes. Herschend Completes Merger, and more, and more

It was an uncharacteristically busy news week in the Attractions Industry. Six Flags began a massive restructuring at the Park Leadership level.  Herschend and Palace Entertainment merger finalizes.  AND... the first ground-up park in the US in a few decades opens: Welcome EPIC UNIVERSE, and more...

Season 4, Episode 16: Chuck Mingo, Co-Founder & CEO of UNDIVIDED joins the podcast

Pick Six returns this week as Clete and David discuss what "really bothers" them about the Attractions Industry... Chuck Mingo of UNDIVIDED joins the show!
Through his passion for justice and racial reconciliation, Chuck has transformed a congregational training into a national movement. Chuck, a self-claimed roller coaster enthusiast, rates his "Top 3."
https://undivided.us/
a little Easter Egg from the podcast featuring Chuck in a "commercial." https://youtu.be/kCsG27xWrGI?si=eInGr5nySRA_tlUp
Thanks for tuning in! We'll see you real soon!

David Kaman of the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum

Season 4, Episode 15
David Kaman of the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum joins the podcast. Plus Clete and David dive into the Disney announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
301 Jackson StreetSandusky, OH 44870
https://sanduskycedarpointmuseum.org/
https://www.facebook.com/cedarpointhistoricalmuseum
 
 

Discover Universal's Cassie Tucker Talks Epic Universe! Plus New Segment! Attractions Group Podcast

Season 4, Episode 14
Thanks for Joining us again here on The Attractions Group Podcast to discuss Epic Universe and some what-if's about Walt Disney!
See you back here next week!
Cassie's Website: https://www.marketingwithcassie.com/
Discover Universal: https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/po...
Marketing Happy Hour: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/

Six Flags America is Closing! What Parks are safe? | Attractions Group Podcast

Season 4, Episode 13
WEEKEND SPECIAL EPISODE!
After the announcement of Six Flags America's closure, David and Clete just had to hop on for a special episode of the Attractions Group Podcast. From Frontier City to Discovery Kingdoms, this video explores all of the implications of possible closures around the chain.
Thanks for joining us for this bonus episode! Make sure to join us back ehre Wednesday morning at 7am for our interview with Cassie Tucker to explore what guests can expect from Epic Universe!