The Attractions Group Podcast

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.
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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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Episode 5:021- IAAPA Week 2025 + A Look Into The Future | Attractions Group Podcast

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.
 
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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

tAG Webinar: Theme Park Energy Savings: Power Factor Correction (PFC) Unlocked!

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

Episode 5:020 | A Smoky Mountain Expedition with Dollywood President Eugene Naughton

⛰️ 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
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🐦 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

Episode 5:019 | National Roller Coaster Museum's Kris Rowberry & Mark Rosenzweig

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

Episode 5:018 | Beyond the Park Gates: Interview with Former Disney Exec Djuan Rivers

🚀 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

Episode 5-016 | David Rosenberg talks Guest Experience & Sustainability | Attractions Group Podcast

Don't miss our latest episode featuring David Rosenberg, EVP of SSA Group! David dives deep into the future of the Attractions Industry, focusing on the critical intersection of Guest Experience and Sustainability. Learn how attractions are innovating to create seamless, impactful, and environmentally conscious visits.
Plus, stick around for a high-thrill segment as your co-host, Clete, unveils his highly debated Top 10 Roller Coasters! 🎢 Do your favorites make the cut? Tune in to find out which steel and wood masterpieces reign supreme!
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #GuestExperience #Sustainability #AttractionsIndustry #SSAGroup #DavidRosenberg #ThemeParks #RollerCoasters #AmusementPark #CoasterEnthusiast #ThemedEntertainment

Behind the Scare, Episode 11- Scott Swenson | Attractions Group Podcast

🎙️ Calling all haunt fans and creative minds! 🎙️👻 🎃
Get ready for the thrilling conclusion of our "Behind the Scare" series on the Attractions Group Podcast! This week, host Clete Reinberger sits down with the legendary Scott Swenson of Scott Swenson Creative Development for an incredible interview you won't want to miss. Scott's insights into the world of immersive entertainment and scare design are truly unparalleled. Tune in to hear his stories, wisdom, and creative process that have brought countless nightmares (in the best way!) to life.
Don't miss the grand finale! Listen now!
🎧 Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/@theattractionsgrouppodcast/
🌐 Our Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
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LinkedIn Attractions Network Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Scott Swenson Creative Development:
https://www.ScottSwenson.com
 
#BehindTheScare #ScottSwenson #HauntIndustry #CreativeDevelopment #ThemeParkDesign #HorrorPodcast #AttractionsGroup #PodcastFinale #ImmersiveEntertainment #HauntedAttractions #ScareDesign

Season 5, Episode 014- Matt Eckert Holiday World Park President Returns! | Attractions Group Podcast

🚀 HUGE Attractions Group Podcast Alert! 🚀
He's back! You absolutely need to tune in as hosts Clete Reinberger & David Detling sit down once again with Matt Eckert, President & CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari!
We dive into what makes Holiday World unique, how the park continues to innovate, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the guest journey. Whether you’re an industry professional, a theme park enthusiast, or just curious about how the magic happens, this conversation is packed with fascinating perspectives.  What's new? What's coming next? Get the business perspective on running one of the most beloved family-owned theme parks in the world!
Click the link to watch and get all the exclusive details! 👇
www.theAttractionsGroup.com
www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
https://Attractions.Network
www.HolidayWorld.com
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #HolidayWorld #SplashinSafari #MattEckert #ThemeParkNews #AmusementPark #RollerCoasters #WaterPark #ThemeParkIndustry #2025Season #2026Expectations #Podcast #CleteReinberger #DavidDetling #HWFun
 
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Behind the Scare, Episode 10- Nightfall at Old Tucson | Attractions Group Podcast

Prepare for a terrifyingly good time! 🎃
The Attractions Group Podcast Halloween Series, "Behind the Scare," is back with a new episode! Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger pull back the curtain on one of the Southwest's premier haunted events, Nightfall at Old Tucson.
We sit down with Tony Sanders to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce this massive Halloween event in a historic movie studio and western town. From designing the haunts to managing the scares, Tony shares exclusive insights into the business of fear and the magic of Old Tucson's transformation into a world of fright!
Whether you're a haunt enthusiast, a fan of Old Tucson, or just curious about how large-scale seasonal attractions come to life, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!
What we cover:
The unique challenges of setting up a haunt in an existing, historic location.
Creative process behind Nightfall's theme, mazes, and scare zones.
The business and operations that keep the frights running smoothly.
Tony's background and what makes the Old Tucson experience so special.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insights from the world of theme parks and attractions!
Get More Attractions Group:
www.theAttractionsGroup.com
www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group/
www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
http://attractions.network
Check out Nightfall at Old Tucson:
https://oldtucson.com/nightfall-2025
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #BehindTheScare #OldTucson #Nightfall #TonySanders #Halloween #HauntedAttractions #HauntIndustry #ThemeParkPodcast #AttractionsIndustry #SeasonalEvents #TheBusinessOfFear #HalloweenSeries #ThemeParks #ScareZone #BehindTheScenes