The Attractions Group Podcast
Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.
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7 days ago
7 days ago
Season 5, Episode 037
Join the Attractions Group Podcast for an exclusive deep dive with Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. In this episode, Eugene shares the "secret sauce" behind Dollywood’s world-class guest experience, their industry-leading 93% host retention rate, and the highly anticipated 2026 opening of Nightflight Expedition.
Matt Miller (America’s Theme Park Technologist) joins us as a guest host, pinch-hitting for Clete to bring his unique technical perspective to our conversation with Eugene.
Whether you are an attractions industry professional, a theme park enthusiast, or a business leader looking to scale company culture through "Leading with Love," this interview provides actionable insights from one of the most respected names in the business.
In this episode, we cover:
The philosophy behind Dollywood’s "Host First" culture.
Unique perks like on-property healthcare and "GrowU" tuition programs.
An exclusive construction update on the 44,000 sq. ft. Nightflight Expedition immersive coaster.
The strategic expansion of Dollywood Resorts and future master planning.
Subscribe for more expert interviews from the world of theme parks and attractions!
Video Timeline & Index
[00:12] Welcome & Intro with Matt Miller (America’s Theme Park Technologist)
[04:20] Interview Start: Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood
[06:05] The "Host First" Philosophy: Why Employee Experience = Guest Experience
[09:40] Providing On-Site Healthcare and Childcare for Staff
[12:41] The Impact of Free Meals and Improved Break Spaces on Retention
[15:22] Dollywood’s Massive 93% Employee Retention Rate Explained
[17:42] "Recruit for Loot": Using Staff as the Number One Recruiting Tool
[21:00] Dollywood University & the GrowU Tuition Program
[25:30] Emerging Leaders: Developing the Next Generation of Executives
[29:03] Herschend’s Recent Acquisitions and Maintaining Culture at Scale
[32:44] The Authentic Storytelling of the Smoky Mountains
[37:39] Future Expansion: Master Planning for 5 Total Resorts
[43:59] Attention to Detail: Why You Won’t See Burnt-Out Lightbulbs
[46:42] New Run Series & "Neon Nights" at Splash Country
[49:41] Faith and the Golden Rule: The Role of the On-Property Chaplain
[01:00:26] Post-Interview Recap and Final Thoughts
- "Dollywood President Eugene Naughton interview" - "Theme park leadership and guest experience strategy" - "Nightflight Expedition Dollywood 2026 construction update" - "How to improve employee retention in the hospitality industry" - "Herschend Family Entertainment company culture" - "Immersive storytelling and dark ride coaster technology" - "Dollywood Resort master plan and expansion" - Pinch-hitting for Clete: Expert industry insight from a fresh perspective. - Theme Park Technologist: Bridging the gap between attraction tech and executive leadership. - Guest Co-Host: Matt Miller joins David to dive into the future of the Smoky Mountains.
The Attractions Group Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
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the Attractions Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
Facebook: @TheAttractionsGroup
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Podcast Feed: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.podbean.com/
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#Dollywood #ThemeParkLeadership #NightflightExpedition #AttractionsIndustry #EugeneNaughton #GuestExperience #ThemeParkNews #PigeonForge #OfficialCinnamonBreadTaster #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #Podcast #AmusementPark #BusinessCulture #MattMiller #GuestHost #ThemeParkTech #PinchHitter #CoHost #IndustryInsights #InnovativeStudios
Friday May 08, 2026
Friday May 08, 2026
This episode of "The Attractions Group Podcast" features an interview with Matt Eckert, the President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, who stops by to talk about 2026.
Hosts, David and Clete, begin by discussing recent roller coaster rankings from USA Today, sharing their own strong (and sometimes humorous) opinions on the list. The conversation then shifts to Holiday World's recent accolades, including its high rankings for water coasters and guest service. Matt Eckert shares insights into the park's unique culture—focusing on the "four prongs" of guest interaction—and discusses upcoming events like "Rubber Duck Days" and a major announcement planned for July 1, 2026.
Video Timestamps
[00:34] – Introduction and banter between hosts David and Clete.
[04:43] – Discussion of the USA Today Top 10 Roller Coaster rankings.
[14:14] – The hosts' personal "snubs" and favorite coasters not on the list.
[21:44] – Matt Eckert joins the show.
[23:22] – Holiday World's performance in the USA Today rankings (Water Coasters and Water Park).
[26:50] – The philosophy behind custom-designed water attractions and using the park's topography.
[30:34] – Update on Santa’s Cottages and the park's expansion into lodging.
[33:07] – Managing the longest operating season in the park's history and staffing challenges.
[41:48] – In-depth look at Holiday World’s hospitality training and staff culture.
[44:57] – The "Look at me, Smile at me, Talk to me, Thank me" guest service philosophy.
[53:14] – How Holiday World differentiates itself through value (free parking, soft drinks, and sunscreen).
[01:00:33] – Teasing a major announcement for 2027, coming on July 1.
[01:02:18] – Details on "Rubber Duck Days" and the six-story tall rubber duck visiting the park.
The gates open this Saturday. The coasters will be roaring, as the 2026 Summer Season at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is officially here! In this exclusive season-opener episode of the Attractions Group Podcast, we are joined by park President and CEO Matt Eckert to pull back the curtain on what makes this "little park in a cornfield" a consistent powerhouse in the global attractions industry. Why Holiday World is Dominating the 2026 Rankings Matt discusses the park's recent sweep of the USA Today 10Best Awards, where they ranked in nearly every category they were nominated for—including Wildebeest reclaiming its throne as the #1 water park attraction and Splashin' Safari being named the #2 water park in the entire nation.
The Philosophy of Value: More Than Just Rides In an era of rising costs, Matt explains why Holiday World doubles down on its legendary "Free" model. From free unlimited soft drinks and Gatorade to free parking and free sunscreen, we explore the psychology of guest service and how removing "financial friction" allows families to focus on what matters most: making memories.
What’s New for 2026? This year marks the longest operating calendar in the park's 80-year history! We discuss the expansion of Friday Night Live, the massive 500-drone Summer Sky Spectacle (now featuring over 50 pyrotechnic elements), and the debut of Rubber Duck Days, featuring a staggering six-story tall rubber duck and her son, Timmy, taking over the water park. Looking Toward the Future Beyond the 2026 season, Matt drops a massive "breadcrumb" for coaster enthusiasts.
If you want the scoop on the July 1st announcement for the 2027 season, speculation abounds!
Holiday World 2026, Matt Eckert Interview, Splashin' Safari, Best Water Park in USA, Santa Claus Indiana Attractions, Cheetah Chase Water Coaster, Mammoth Water Coaster, Wildebeest Airtime, Theme Park Marketing, Family Vacation Ideas Midwest, Free Parking Theme Parks, Theme Park Podcast, Attractions Group, 2027 Roller Coaster Rumors, Drone Show 2026, Holiday World Early Entry, Santa's Cottages.
Are you Team #Wildebeest or Team #CheetahChase? Tell us in the comments! Also, what do you think the big July 1st announcement is for the 2027 season? 🎢✨
The Attractions Group Website:
www.theAttractionsGroup.com
LinkedIn: Attractions Group Professional Network: / 12649603
the Attractions Group on LinkedIn: / attractions-group
Facebook: @TheAttractionsGroup
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Podcast Feed: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.po...
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#HolidayWorld #SplashinSafari #ThemePark #CoasterEnthusiast #TravelIndiana #Summer2026 #WaterCoaster #Podcast #AttractionsGroup #FamilyTravel
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
If this were baseball, David would be on the 10-day injured list—meanwhile, Clete is carrying the load like a true "big leaguer!" 🎢⚾️
With David sidelined for this episode, Clete takes the mound solo for a high-stakes, fast-paced "A-Z Coaster Challenge." The rules are simple but the pressure is on: name two roller coasters for every letter of the alphabet, entirely from memory. No internet, no lifelines, just pure coaster knowledge (and a little bit of "on-the-spot" panic).
From obscure defunct rides in Indiana to world-class steel in Europe, join Clete as he battles through the tricky letters like Q, U, and Y.
Play along with us! Can you beat Clete's list? How many coasters can you name for the letter 'Q' without searching? Drop your answers in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this "Play-Along Podcast" format, let us know and we might make it a recurring series.
Podcast Timeline:
[00:00:00] – Welcome to the solo show: Clete steps up to the plate.
[00:00:55] – The Challenge: Explaining the A-Z Coaster rules.
[00:01:39] – Starting strong with A, B, and C.
[00:04:50] – The "H" Hurdle: A brief struggle and a search for Helix.
[00:09:12] – "M" is for Millennium (and Mandoria).
[00:10:20] – The "O" Obstacle: Searching for an ocean-themed save.
[00:12:55] – The Impossible "Q": Clete hits a wall.
[00:18:05] – Clearing the X's: Excalibur and X-Flight.
[00:21:10] – The Final Countdown: Trying to finish the alphabet before time runs out.
[00:23:30] – The Cheat Sheet Reveal: Checking the answers and realizing the biggest misses.
[00:27:30] – Wrap up and call for feedback on the new series.
Roller Coasters, Theme Park Podcast, A-Z Challenge, Roller Coaster Trivia, Attractions Group Podcast, Clete, Coaster Credits, Theme Park Games, Kings Island, Cedar Point, Holiday World, Disney World, Amusement Parks, Coaster Enthusiast.
#AttractionsGroup #RollerCoasters #ThemeParks #CoasterChallenge #Podcast #AmusementParks #CoasterEnthusiast #AZChallenge #PlayAlong
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
How do you resurrect a legend?
Just three days before its world premiere, we sit down with Drew Edward Hunter, Creative Lead for Sally Dark Rides, to discuss the design, development, and debut of Kings Island’s "Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare."
"To the Faithful...": Relive the magic of the original 1992 classic! We dive deep into the return of the Maestro and how this "new" attraction honors the legacy of the original Phantom Theater. Get the inside scoop on what to expect during your first ride this week.
"To Professionals of the Industry": Drew Edward Hunter shares master-class insights into the "dark ride" creative process. We discuss the technical challenges of reimagining IP, the logistics of integrating modern animatronics into existing infrastructure, and the art of storytelling within the regional theme park model. Whether you are in design, operations, or marketing, this is a deep dive into successful attraction revival.
In this episode:
✅ The evolution of Sally Dark Rides’ creative philosophy.
✅ Bridging the gap between 90s nostalgia and modern guest expectations.
✅ Technical breakdown: Character design, lighting, and "The Nightmare" aesthetic.
✅ Industry trends: Why "Classic" IP is the future of regional parks.
⏳ EPISODE CHAPTERS
[00:00] – Introduction: David Detling & Clete Reinberger.
[04:15] – The State of the Industry: Current trends in regional theme parks.
[10:30] – Meet Drew Edward Hunter: A career in Creative Lead & Design.
[18:45] – The Brief: Why Kings Island decided to bring back Phantom Theater.
[27:10] – Concept Art to Reality: The Sally Dark Rides workflow.
[36:20] – Narrative Structure: Crafting the "Opening Nightmare" storyline.
[44:05] – Technical Specs: Animatronics, Audio, and Environmental Effects.
[55:15] – Managing Fan Expectations: Respecting the 1992 original.
[01:03:30] – Advice for Aspiring Themed Entertainment Designers.
🔗 CONNECT WITH THE SHOW & GUESTS
The Attractions Group
Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
LinkedIn: Attractions Group Professional Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
the Attractions Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
Facebook: @TheAttractionsGroup
X: https://x.com/attractions_grp
Podcast Feed: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.podbean.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UfVPf59vHQbZL36UNvM5b?si=e72fea4025ae4d4c
Sally Dark Rides
Website: www.sallydarkrides.com
Twitter/X: @SallyDarkRides
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sallydarkrides
Primary Keywords: Kings Island, Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare, Sally Dark Rides, Drew Edward Hunter, Themed Entertainment Design, Dark Ride Technology, Theme Park Industry, Attraction Design, Kings Island History, Animatronics.
Secondary Keywords: IAAPA, Theme Park Podcast, Creative Lead, Experience Design, Regional Parks, The Maestro, Haunted Attractions, Amusement Park Business.
#KingsIsland #SallyDarkRides #ThemedEntertainment #DarkRide #PhantomTheater #ThemeParkIndustry #ExperienceDesign #AmusementPark #AttractionsGroup #Imagineering #IAAPA #KingsIslandFans
Friday Apr 10, 2026
Friday Apr 10, 2026
With Clete away in Chicago, David is in the studio and is joined by special Guest Host: Matt Miller of Innovated Studios. Known across the industry as "America's Theme Park Technologist,"
Matt joins David to peel back the curtain on how technology is reshaping the guest experience. In
This Episode:
The Origins of a Technologist: We dive into Matt’s unique career path and how he earned the title of America's Theme Park Technologist.
The Big Sale: Now that the deal is officially closed, David and Matt break down the acquisition of six Six Flags properties by Enchanted Parks.
The "Matt Miller" Blueprint: We ask the big question: If Matt were in charge of these six newly acquired parks, what would be his first move?
New Segment Alert! David surprises Matt with a brand-new challenge. The attractions industry is famous for its "alphabet soup," and we’re putting Matt to the test in our inaugural segment: "Know Your IAAPA Acronyms."
"Dumb Games = Dumb Prizes": Guests are at it again.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction: David in the Studio
2:15 - America's Theme Park Technologist: Defining the Role
15:40 - The Enchanted Parks & Six Flags Deal
28:10 - If Matt Miller Ran the Parks...
40:25 - NEW SEGMENT: Know Your IAAPA Acronyms
55:00 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Matt
Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Bell for weekly attractions industry news!
Matt Miller:
Website: https://www.themeparkmiller.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin./ matthew-miller-theme-parks
Innovated Studios: https://innovatedstudios.com/
the Attractions Group:
Website: https://theattractionsgroup.com
Facebook: / theattractionsgroup
Instagram: @theattractionsgroup
X (Twitter): https://x.com/attractions_grp
LinkedIn: / attractions-group
Attractions Network: /12649603
#ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #IAAPA #SixFlags #EnchantedParks #ThemeParkTechnology #Podcast #TheAttractionsGroup #InnovatedStudios
Meta Description: Join David Detling and Matt Miller of Innovated Studios as they discuss the Enchanted Parks acquisition of Six Flags properties, themed entertainment technology, and the new "Know Your IAAPA Acronyms" challenge.
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
ACE's Elizabeth Ringas Returns! | Roller Coasters, Coaster Con 2026, & Industry Insights
Join Clete Reinberger and David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast as they welcome back a very special guest: Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)! In this deep-dive episode, we explore the current state of the coaster community, the massive lineup for Coaster Con 2026, and the bittersweet transition as Elizabeth enters the final months of her impactful presidency.
From the latest news on Project Purple at Six Flags Great Adventure to a heated debate on what truly constitutes a roller coaster (looking at you, Nightflight Expedition), this episode is packed with industry news, nostalgia, and expert insights. Whether you're a "track-head" or just love a good theme park story, this is an episode you can't miss!
Episode Highlights & Keywords
ACE Presidency & Transition: Elizabeth reflects on four years of leading the world’s largest coaster club.
Coaster Con 2026: Full breakdown of the upcoming convention featuring Six Flags New England, Great Escape, and Lake Compounce.
Landmark Awards: Celebrating the history of Flying Turns (Knoebels), Bobsleds (Seabreeze), and the centennial of the Jack Rabbit.
International Coaster Travel: Details on the "Rome with ACE" trip and European coaster culture.
Industry News: Updates on SeaWorld/United Parks ADA lawsuits, Disney Adventure World (Paris), and the closure of Wild Waves.
Chapter Times & Timestamps
[00:00] – Welcome & Industry News: Project Purple, Euromir, and World of Frozen.
[03:35] – SeaWorld Lawsuit: Discussion on wheeled walkers and ADA compliance.
[06:18] – Dumb Things Guests Do: The "Home Edition" & crazy refund requests.
[12:45] – Interview Starts: Welcoming Elizabeth Ringas back to the show.
[14:20] – ACE Merchandise: The "Renaissance" of ACE apparel and generational branding.
[17:10] – Membership Growth: How ACE has expanded to 7,000+ members worldwide.
[19:10] – The Election Process: How the next ACE President will be chosen.
[22:15] – Coaster Con 2026: A full week of coasters in New England.
[26:15] – Spring Con & Texas: Visiting Six Flags Over Texas and the National Roller Coaster Museum.
[28:40] – Preservation Con: A final send-off for Wild Waves.
[30:30] – Rome with ACE: Planning international trips for 120+ enthusiasts.
[35:35] – ACE Landmarks: Recognizing Flying Turns and the world's oldest steel coasters.
[41:40] – Centennial Awards: Celebrating 100 years of the Jack Rabbit.
[43:25] – The Backyard Coaster: Elizabeth’s pick for a personal coaster (The Beast!).
[51:10] – The 4,100 Mile Road Trip: Elizabeth’s epic solo coaster journey.
[58:00] – The Great Debate: Is Nightflight Expedition (Dollywood) a coaster?
[01:03:40] – World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month: June festivities.
Connect With Our Guest & Hosts
Elizabeth Ringas & American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)
Website: https://www.ridewithace.com/home
Merchandise: ACE Web Store
World Roller Coaster Month: WorldRollerCoasterMonth.org
Facebook: @AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts
Instagram: @aceonlineorg
Twitter/X: @aceonlineorg
the Attractions Group
Website: https://theattractionsgroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/attractions_grp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group
Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
Facebook: @TheAttractionsGroup
#RollerCoasters #ThemeParks #ACE #CoasterEnthusiasts #CoasterCon2026 #ElizabethRingas #TheBeast #SixFlags #AmusementParks #CoasterLandmarks #Podcast #AttractionsGroup #ThemeParkNews #TheAttractionsGroupPodcast
Keywords: Roller Coasters, Theme Parks, American Coaster Enthusiasts, Coaster Con 2026, Amusement Park History, Elizabeth Ringas, Themed Entertainment, Park Operations, Roller Coaster Landmarks, ACE.
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
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
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
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
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
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
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
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