The Attractions Group Podcast

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!
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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:
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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

Season 5, Episode 012- Matt Heller of the popular AttractionPros Podcast | Attractions Group Podcast

Join the Attractions Group Podcast hosts, Clete Reinberger and David Detling, for a fascinating conversation with industry veteran Matt Heller!
Matt is the host of the incredibly popular AttractionPros Podcast and the founder of "The Performance Optimist," a resource dedicated to helping leaders create exceptional teams and guest experiences in the attractions industry.
In this episode, Clete and David dive into Matt's background and how he went from frontline attractions associate to a thought leader in the Attractions Industry. In addition, they talk about what it takes to build a positive and high-performing culture. They discuss common challenges, leadership best practices, and the power of mindset in delivering world-class service. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career in themed entertainment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you and your team thrive.
Tune in to hear them discuss: -
The transition from frontline operations to a successful consulting and podcasting career.
Key takeaways from interviewing hundreds of attractions industry leaders.
Practical steps for improving team engagement and performance.
The essential qualities of a Performance Optimist leader.
 
Useful Links & Resources:
AttractionPros Website – your go-to source for insights from top leaders and influencers in the attractions industry (http://attractionpros.com/)
Performance Optimist Consulting (Matt Heller’s consulting & leadership development firm) (https://www.performanceoptimist.com)
Like this video and subscribe if you want more interviews & leadership insights from the attractions industry
Drop a comment: what’s one culture shift you’ve tried (or want to try) in your organization?
Share this episode with colleagues or teams who care about building stronger, healthier workplace culture
 
Subscribe and Connect:
Attractions Group Podcast available on most Podcast downloading sites
Attractions Group Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com
Connect with Clete Reinberger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clete-reinberger-4a9759257/
Connect with David Detling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group/
Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #AttractionPros #MattHeller #ThePerformanceOptimist #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #Leadership #GuestExperience #Hospitality #TeamCulture #ThemedEntertainment #podcastinterview
*Workplace culture*, *attraction industry leadership*, *theme park employee engagement*, *Matt Heller workplace culture*, *Performance Optimist Consulting*, *AttractionPros insights*

BtS #8- Hershey Park, "Dark Nights"- with guests: Chris Brown and Brewer Lister

Join us on a spine-chilling journey "Behind the Scare"! In this episode, the Attractions Group Podcast welcomes Brewer Lister and Chris Brown from Hersheypark for an exclusive deep dive into the creation of their hit Halloween event, Dark Nights.
Learn the secrets of bringing the scares to life at this popular haunt experience. Brewer and Chris pull back the curtain on the design, storytelling, and terrifying details that go into each of Dark Nights' haunted houses and scare zones. From the all-new thrills of Kill 'N Fill Garage and the Path of Shadows: Coven's Curse to the return of fan-favorites, get the inside scoop on what makes Hersheypark a must-visit for haunt fans this fall.
Whether you're a seasoned haunt-goer or planning your first trip to Dark Nights, this conversation is packed with exclusive insights you won't hear anywhere else.
Tune in and discover how the magic—and the madness—of Hersheypark's Dark Nights is made.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes content from the world of attractions!
 
#Hersheypark #DarkNights #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Halloween #HauntedHouse #ScareZone #ThemePark #Haunt #HauntedAttraction #HalloweenEvents #AmusementPark #HauntSeason #Horror #HauntLife #ThemedEntertainment #PA #Podcast #HauntDesign #BehindTheScenes

tAG- "Behind the Scare", Episode #7 - "Universal's Horror Unleashed" featuring Matt Miller, America's Theme Park Technologist

Step into the fog with The Attractions Group Podcast! 🎃 Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger are back with another chilling episode of "Behind the Scare," and this time, they're joined by the ultimate expert in all things theme park technology, Matt Miller (America's Theme Park Technologist).
 
In this spine-tingling conversation, they dive deep into the highly anticipated "Universal's Horror Unleashed" in Las Vegas. From the creative vision to the terrifying technology, Matt pulls back the curtain on what it takes to bring a year-round horror experience to life.
 
Listen in as they discuss:
The innovative tech behind the scares at Universal Horror Unleashed
How the new Vegas attraction compares to Universal's legendary Halloween Horror Nights
The future of permanent, immersive horror experiences in the attractions industry
A behind-the-scenes look at the creative process with a theme park technologist
 
If you're a fan of theme parks, haunted attractions, or just love a good scare, this is an episode you can't miss!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more industry insights and "Behind the Scare" episodes!
#UniversalHorrorUnleashed #LasVegas #ThemeParks #HauntedAttractions #Horror #UniversalStudios #UniversalOrlando #HalloweenHorrorNights #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #MattMiller #ThemeParkTechnologist #ImmersiveEntertainment #Vegas #Podcast

Gourd Behind the Scenes, BtS #6- Wes Ramey, Dollywood | the Attractions Group Podcast

Get ready for some pumpkin-spiced secrets! 🎃 In this episode of the "Behind the Scare" Halloween series, David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive into the world of Dollywood's stunning "Great Pumpkin Luminights."
We're excited to welcome special guest Wes Ramey from Dollywood as he takes us on a journey "gourd" behind the scenes. Discover the magic, the artistry, and the incredible effort that goes into creating this beloved fall festival. From the glowing jack-o'-lantern displays to the unique atmosphere, Wes spills the pumpkin seeds on what makes Luminights a can't-miss experience.
Whether you're a Dollywood fan, a Halloween enthusiast, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is a treat!
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more "Behind the Scare" episodes!
In this episode:
A look at Dollywood's "Great Pumpkin Luminights"
Interview with Wes Ramey of Dollywood
Behind-the-scenes insights into creating a major theme park event
The magic of fall festivals and Halloween attractions
Also available on most podcasting download sites: Apple, Spotify, Podbean, etc.
Attractions Group Social Media:
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www.theAttractionsGroup.com
www.dollywood.com
 
#BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Dollywood #GreatPumpkinLuminights #Halloween #ThemeParkPodcast #Podcast #HalloweenSeries #GourdBehindTheScenes #Pumpkin #FallFestival #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #WesRamey #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger

Behind the Scare #5- Rich Hill, COO & Drew Hunter. Sally Dark Rides

Prepare for a terrifyingly good time! The Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series is back with a spine-chilling new episode... #5.
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with the masters of fright and fun, Chief Creative Officer, Rich Hill and Drew Hunter from Sally Dark Rides. Get ready to go behind the scenes of some of the most iconic dark rides and animatronics in the world!
Rich and Drew pull back the curtain on the creative process, sharing their insights on what it takes to design, build, and bring to life the immersive and often spooky attractions that thrill park-goers everywhere. Whether you're a theme park fanatic, a haunt enthusiast, or just curious about the business of fun, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!
Find out more about Sally Dark Rides and their incredible work:
Website: https://www.sallydarkrides.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SallyDarkRides/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallydarkrides/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sallydarkrides
 
#BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #SallyDarkRides #DarkRides #HauntedAttractions #Halloween #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #Animatronics #AttractionsIndustry #RichHill #DrewHunter #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger #Podcast

Season 5, Episode 006- President of American Coaster Enthusiasts | Attractions Group Podcast

Tune in to a fascinating conversation on the Attractions Group Podcast with special guest Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)!
Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive deep into the world of theme parks, addressing the recent news of two historic attractions closing: the beloved Leap the Dips at Lakemont Park and the iconic Log Flume at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. These closures lead to a pivotal discussion: Are log flumes a dying breed? And what can the industry do to ensure these classic rides not only survive but thrive?
Elizabeth provides an expert perspective on the importance of preserving these historical treasures, the challenges facing parks today, and the innovative ways they can bring new life to older attractions.
Also, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger delve into the recent, somber news of beloved rides closing down. The conversation covers the retirement of the iconic Leap the Dips at Lakemont Park and the closure of the Log Flume at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. These events spark a larger discussion about the fate of classic attractions.
#ThemeParks #RollerCoasters #AmusementParks #Attractions #Podcast #AttractionsGroupPodcast #LeapTheDips #LakemontPark #BuschGardensTampaBay #LogFlume #CoasterEnthusiasts #ACE #ThemeParkHistory #RidePreservation #AmusementIndustry #WaterRides #ThrillRides #ElizabethRingas #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger