The Attractions Group Podcast

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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup
X (formerly Twitter): @attractions_grp
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

Behind the Scare, Episode #3- Cassie Tucker, Discover Universal Podcast Co-Host

Prepare for a terrifyingly good time!
In Episode 3 of the Attractions Group Podcast, "Behind the Scare," we're diving headfirst into the world of Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights.
We're thrilled to be joined by a true expert, Cassie Tucker from the Discover Universal Podcast! She'll be sharing incredible, behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to create the world's premier Halloween event.
Join us as we discuss the incredible detail, storytelling, and artistry that goes into making Halloween Horror Nights a spine-chilling success year after year. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious first-timer, this episode is a can't-miss for anyone who loves theme parks, horror, and a good scare.
#HalloweenHorrorNights #HHN #UniversalStudios #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #DiscoverUniversalPodcast #ThemeParks #Horror #Podcast #UniversalOrlando #UniversalStudiosHollywood #Halloween

Gourd Behind the Scenes- #1 Lauren Crosby, Holiday World

Join Attractions Group Podcast hosts Clete and David for a special episode of "Behind the Gourd," the sub-series of "Behind the Scare" that focuses on family-friendly fall festivities.
In this episode, they sit down with Lauren Crosby, Fourth-Generation Owner and Director of Entertainment and Events at Holiday World, to get an exclusive look at the park's Happy Halloween Weekends. Lauren shares all the details on what's new for this year's event, including the exciting dinosaur theme, the 12-acre Dino Corn Maze Adventure, and the "Dinos Soar in the Sky" drone show.
They'll also discuss returning fan favorites like the Trick-or-Treat Trail and Carnival Chaos walkthrough attraction. Whether you're a theme park professional, a haunt enthusiast, or just looking for a fun, not-so-scary Halloween event for the whole family, this episode is a must-listen! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more industry insights and behind-the-scenes conversations!
What's in this episode:
A chat with Holiday World's Lauren Crosby
The scoop on the new dinosaur theme for Happy Halloween Weekends
Details on the Dino Corn Maze Adventure and "Dinos Soar in the Sky" drone show
Behind-the-scenes look at running a family friendly Halloween event
The difference between "Behind the Gourd" and "Behind the Scare"
 
Special Thanks to our Guest:
Lauren Crosby and Holiday World: www.HolidayWorld.com
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #BehindTheGourd #Halloween #HolidayWorld #ThemePark #HappyHalloweenWeekends #FamilyFun #Podcast #HauntSeason #HalloweenEvents #AmusementPark #FamilyFriendly

BEHIND THE SCARE (an Attractions Group Podcast): Don Helbig, Theme Parks by Don

"Behind the Scare": A Halloween Series by Attractions Group Podcast
 
🎃 Welcome to Behind the Scare, the ultimate Halloween series from the Attractions Group Podcast! This October, we’re pulling back the curtain on the haunted attraction industry to bring you exclusive stories and spine-chilling insights from the people who live and breathe Halloween.
In our very first episode, we sit down with Don Helbig, a true legend in the world of theme parks and the creative mind behind the popular blog, Theme Parks by Don. With decades of experience in the attractions industry, Don shares his incredible behind-the-scenes stories about designing scares, creating immersive worlds, and what it takes to bring a haunted experience to life.
Get ready for an unmissable conversation that delves deep into the business of fear and the art of the haunt. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast, a budding haunt designer, or just love a good ghost story, this series is for you.
Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you don't miss a single episode of Behind the Scare!
 
Haunted attraction industry, Behind the scenes of Halloween, Theme park Halloween events, The business of fear, Designing scares, Immersive experiences, Haunt industry insights
#BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #HalloweenSeries #HauntedAttraction #ThemePark #DonHelbig #ThemeParksByDon #Halloween #HauntDesign #HauntedHouse #ScareZone #AttractionsIndustry #GhostStories #HauntedHalloween #ThemeParkPodcast

Season 5, Episode 002: Whats next for America's Theme Parks Technologist? Matt Miller Returns! | Attractions Group Podcast

Join us on the Attractions Group Podcast for an exclusive interview with Matt Miller, a true visionary in the themed entertainment industry! 🎢 Previously a leader at Orlando Informer, Matt is now the Director of Creative Strategy & Portfolio at Innovated Studios, where he continues to shape the future of theme parks.
In this episode, Matt breaks down the fascinating role of a "Theme Park Technologist," revealing what it takes to be at the intersection of technology and immersive storytelling. We'll explore the near-future direction of technology in the attractions industry, from advanced ride systems to innovative guest experiences.
Plus, hosts Clete and David dive into a compelling discussion about the possibility of night operations at water parks. 🌊 Could extended hours and unique nighttime events enhance guest interest and create unforgettable experiences? Find out as we weigh the pros, cons, and potential for this exciting idea.
Don't miss this deep dive into the business of fun and the technology that makes the magic happen!
 
#ThemeParkTechnologist #ThemeParkNews #InnovatedStudios #OrlandoInformer #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Podcast #ThemeParks #Innovations #Technology #WaterParks #NightOperations #AmusementIndustry #MattMiller #GuestExperience #UniversalStudios #DisneyWorld