The Attractions Group Podcast

S5, E031- Things Park Operators Wish Guests Would Stop Doing! | The Attractions Group Podcast

Welcome to Opening Day Eve! 🎢
This week on The Attractions Group Podcast, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling are pulling back the curtain on the "unofficial" side of the theme park industry. After putting out a call to industry professionals on LinkedIn and social media, the responses flooded in—covering the weird, the odd, the funny, and the flat-out gross things that park guests do.
From the "Blue Puke" cleanup at Kings Island to the shocking frequency of finding prosthetic limbs in splashdown pools, Clete and David dive into the chaotic human element of park operations. We’re calling out the behaviors that drive staff crazy and sharing the "insider" stories that never make the official brochure.
In this episode, we also discuss:
Major Milestone: The Attractions Group is officially a 2026 IAAPA Sponsor for the Kings Island meetup!
Industry News: A look at John Riley’s leadership at Six Flags and Wild Adventures’ "Paradise River" nomination for Best Lazy River.
New Coaster Alert: The debut of "100% Wolf" and why Gerstlauer airtime coasters belong in every park.
The "Truth Bomb": Why parents need to put the phones down and interact with their kids.
🕒 EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro: Reds Fans & Opening Day Eve
01:05 – Clete’s "Worst Moment": Kicking Joey Votto off stage?
05:20 – Industry News: John Riley & Six Flags Update
06:26 – Wild Adventures: Is "Paradise River" the world’s best lazy river?
10:00 – BIG NEWS: The Attractions Group is a 2026 IAAPA Sponsor!
14:50 – Changing diapers on restaurant tables?!
16:20 – Restroom Horror Stories: Why the target is so big
19:15 – Spreading Cremains at Disney: The Landfill Truth
24:25 – Don’t Lick the Rails: The mystery of adult guest behavior
26:30 – The "Blue Puke" at Kings Island: Delirium vs. Blue Ice Cream
30:55 – Line Jumping: The "Catching up to my party" excuse
34:25 – Lost & Found: Finding prosthetic legs and 8-inch knives
38:30 – Hotel Horrors: Ice buckets and "Crime Scene" nosebleeds
48:05 – "Can you turn off the rain?" Guest Services logic
55:10 – Cell Phones on Rides: Safety, POV "Clowns," and Business Calls
59:00 – A Message to Parents: Enjoy the time with your kids
01:02:30 – New Coaster News: 100% Wolf at Plopsaland
🔗 CONNECT WITH US:
Submit your stories: Have a ridiculous reason a guest demanded a refund? Email us ddetling@theAttractionsGroup.com and we’ll share it anonymously in Part 2!
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theAttractionsGroup
 
🏷️ PODBEAN TAGS:
Theme Park Podcast, Attractions Industry, The Attractions Group, Clete Reinberger, David Detling, Kings Island, Disney World Secrets, Roller Coaster News, Park Operations, Ride Operator Stories, Amusement Park Humor, IAAPA 2026, Guest Experience, Six Flags Merger, Wild Adventures, Theme Park Management, Coaster Enthusiast, Travel Tips.
 
#️⃣ HASHTAGS:
#ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #TheAttractionsGroup #Podcast #RollerCoasters #KingsIsland #DisneyWorld #ParkOps #GuestExperience #AmusementParks #IAAPA #ThemeParkStories

S5, E030- 36 Years of Disney Hospitality: A Masterclass with Jeff Korte

How do you sustain "world-class" hospitality for over three decades at the most famous vacation destination on Earth?
In this episode of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling are joined by Jeff Korte, a 36-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company. Jeff has navigated the massive evolution of the Hospitality sector within the attractions industry—from the foundational service models of the 1990s to the high-tech, personalized guest experiences of 2026.
While the "E-Ticket" attractions get the headlines, it is the Hospitality layer—the resorts, the guest services, and the "human touch"—that creates the emotional connection and long-term loyalty that defines the industry.
In this deep-dive conversation, we explore:
The Evolution of Service: How Disney-level hospitality has shifted over 36 years.
Tech vs. Touch: Strategies for integrating modern technology without losing the personal connection.
Operational Excellence: Maintaining high standards in a complex, fast-moving resort environment.
Leadership Lessons: Advice for the next generation of hospitality and attractions professionals.
Whether you are a resort operator, a themed entertainment professional, or a fan of the "Disney Difference," this episode offers a rare, longitudinal look at the heart of the guest experience.
Connect with the Attractions Group:
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/46Sx4OroyA4
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
X/Twitter: https://x.com/attractions_grp
About Our Guest: Jeff Korte’s career at Disney spans nearly four decades, during which he has been a witness to—and a leader in—some of the most significant shifts in global hospitality.
 
#AttractionsIndustry #HospitalityManagement #DisneyVeteran #GuestExperience #ThemedEntertainment #ResortOperations #AttractionsGroup #JeffKorte #Podcast

S5, E029: The Tech Behind Legoland’s Galacticoaster & Dollywood’s Night Flight Expedition

Theme Park News & Industry Analysis with Special Guest Matt Miller
This week on the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive into a massive week of theme park news, construction updates, and corporate shifts. Joining the show is America’s Theme Park Technologist, Matt Miller of Innovated Studios in Orlando, to provide a technical breakdown of the most anticipated attractions of 2026.
In This Episode:
Legoland Florida’s Galacticoaster Deep-Dive: Matt shares his expert perspective on the opening of Galacticoaster. We discuss the ride system, the interactive queue technology, and how Legoland is pushing the boundaries of the "family coaster" category.
Dollywood Construction Tour – Night Flight Expedition: Get the inside track on Matt’s recent media tour of the Night Flight Expedition construction site. We discuss the multi-sensory elements and the "Rocking Boat" coaster technology coming to Pigeon Forge.
The Enchanted Parks Acquisition: We analyze the major industry headline: the sale of seven Six Flags properties to the Orlando-based Enchanted Parks. What does this divestiture mean for the regional theme park landscape and the future of themed entertainment investment?
Follow the Attractions Group Podcast:
Official Website: theattractionsgroup.com
Special Guest: Matt Miller (Innovated Studios)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
X (Twitter): /attractions_grp
LinkedIn: search "the Attractions Group" / "Attractions Network
 
Keywords: Attractions Group Podcast, Theme Park News 2026, Galacticoaster Legoland Florida, Night Flight Expedition Dollywood, Six Flags Sale, Enchanted Parks, Theme Park Technology, Roller Coaster Construction, Themed Entertainment Industry, David Detling, Clete Reinberger.
 
#ThemeParks #Podcast #AttractionsGroup #Legoland #Dollywood #SixFlags #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkTech

S5, E 028- Six Flags SHOCKER: 7 Parks Sold! The Rise of Enchanted Parks & EPR Properties

The landscape of the theme park industry just shifted forever. In this emergency breakdown, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling dive deep into the massive March 5th announcement: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is divesting seven of its regional properties in a $331 million deal with EPR Properties and the newly emerging operator, Enchanted Parks, LLC.
What does this mean for the future of your favorite park? From the "Midwest Cluster" to the streets of Montreal, we’re breaking down the business strategy, the "lemon for tangerine" pricing, and what guests can expect for the 2026 season and beyond.
 
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Big Divestiture: Why Six Flags (post-merger) is shedding Valleyfair, Worlds of Fun, Michigan’s Adventure, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags Great Escape, Schlitterbahn Galveston, and La Ronde.
Who is Enchanted Parks? We pull back the curtain on this spinoff from Innovative Attraction Management (IAM) and their partnership with EPR Properties.
The 2026 Transition: Will your Season Pass still work? (Spoiler: Yes, but there’s a catch).
Strategic Optimization: Analyzing CEO John Reilly’s move to "sharpen operational focus" and pay down debt.
The Industry Impact: Is this a "fire sale" or a brilliant portfolio cleanup? We discuss the $331M price tag and what it says about the current value of regional parks.
 
Watch/Listen to find out which parks are staying "Six Flags" through 2026 and which ones might be getting a total rebrand under the "Enchanted" banner.
 
Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: The Industry News of the Year2:45 – The List: Which 7 Parks are Being Sold?7:10 – Financials: Is $331 Million a "Low-Ball" Price?12:30 – Meet Enchanted Parks, LLC & James Harhi18:50 – The EPR Properties Master Lease Explained25:15 – What Happens to Six Flags Season Passes in 2026?32:40 – John Reilly’s Vision: "Portfolio Optimization" or Survival?40:00 – Future Outlook: Will More Parks Be Divested?
 
Connect with The Attractions Group:- Website: www.theattractionsgroup.com- LinkedIn: Join the Attractions Network- Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit the bell for notifications!
 
About The Attractions Group Podcast:Hosted by industry veterans Clete Reinberger and David Detling, we tackle the leading questions in the attractions industry from a business and operational perspective. Whether you're a park employee, a CEO, or a superfan, we bring you the "why" behind the "what."
 
#SixFlags #EnchantedParks #ThemeParkNews #AmusementPark #SixFlagsSale #EPRProperties #WorldsOfFun #Valleyfair #SixFlagsStLouis #MichiganAdventure #LaRonde #GreatEscape #Schlitterbahn #TheAttractionsGroup #CleteReinberger #DavidDetling #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkBusiness #IndustryNews2026

S5, E027- The Future of Malls + Six Flags Adapts Regional Gold Passes | Attractions Group Podcast

The Attractions Group Podcast | Season5, Episode 27
Clete and David officially at the 1-year mark hosting the tAG Podcast!
In this episode, we’re moving beyond the "year in review" and diving straight into the heavy hitters shaping the future of themed entertainment. From Disney’s corporate strategy to the "death" of the American mall, we’re breaking down the business of fun.
In this episode, we discuss:
The D’Amaro Era: A deep dive into Josh D’Amaro’s latest leadership moves at Disney Parks and what they mean for fans and shareholders.
Six Flags’ Big Gamble: Analyzing the new regional pass strategy. Is this the fix the chain needs, or a short-term band-aid?
The Mall Paradox: Is retail actually dying, or are we witnessing the birth of "Lifestyle Centers"? We look at how physical spaces are evolving into entertainment hubs.
Reflections on Year One: Our favorite moments and the biggest lessons learned covering the industry.
🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: One Year of The Attractions Group 09:35
Josh D’Amaro & The Future of Disney Parks 18:20
Six Flags’ New Pass Strategy: A Deep Dive 27:10
The Evolution of Retail & Malls 44:14
Closing Thoughts & What’s Next for TAG
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Visit our Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
 
Disney Parks news, Josh D’Amaro, Six Flags strategy, Six Flags season pass, themed entertainment industry, theme park podcast, retail evolution, future of malls, Disney leadership, attraction business analysis.
 
#ThemeParks #DisneyNews #SixFlags #ThemedEntertainment #RetailTrends #Podcast #TheAttractionsGroup

S5, E 026- Roller Coaster Episode: What separates a "Good" coaster from a "GREAT" Coaster?

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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https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
 
#AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParkNews #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #SixFlags #EnchantedParks #ThemeParkPodcast #AttractionsPodcast #ThemeParkDesign #CoasterEnthusiast #2026Attractions #IndustryNews #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger #AttractionsGroupPodcast
 
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S: 5, E: 025- NEW EPISODE: A Legend’s First Look Back

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

S:5, E: 024- The Attractions Group Podcast is Back in 2026! | Attractions Group Podcast

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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tAG Webinar- Power Factor Correction: The Invisible Green Machine

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
 

Season 5, Episode 022: Six Flags' New CEO: John Reilly Takes the Helm & more IAAPA Expo Aftermath

🎢 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
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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.
 
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