The Attractions Group Podcast

Webinar- the Attractions Group- Delivering World Class Experiences with Consistency

Get ready to elevate your guest experience! This is your chance to catch the replay of our dynamic webinar from The Attractions Group, featuring Dan Cockerell. In "Delivering World-Class Experiences with Consistency," Dan, a seasoned former Disney World Vice President, unpacks his proven strategies for consistently creating unforgettable moments and exceptional service.
Whether you're an attractions industry professional, a hospitality leader, or simply passionate about customer satisfaction, this podcast is a must-listen. You'll gain actionable takeaways to transform your service delivery, including how to:
Set the standard for excellence and maintain brand consistency.
Empower your team to deliver guest delight time and time again.
Overcome operational hurdles in maintaining high-quality service.
Cultivate a culture of service excellence that resonates with every visitor.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most respected voices! Tune in and revolutionize your approach to world-class experiences.
#GuestExperience #CustomerService #AttractionsIndustry #Hospitality #Leadership #ServiceExcellence #DanCockerell #DisneyLeadership #WebinarReplay #TheAttractionsGroup
About Dan Cockerell: Dan Cockerell spent 26 years with The Walt Disney Company, culminating in his role as Vice President of Magic Kingdom Park. He is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant, known for his expertise in leadership, operations, and guest experience.
About The Attractions Group: The Attractions Group is a leading resource for professionals in the attractions industry, providing valuable insights, networking opportunities, and educational content.

2025 Summer Replay #1- former SeaWorld CEO, Joel Manby, comes on to discuss his book; "Love Works"

Step back to 2023 for a truly insightful conversation on the Attractions Group Podcast! In this compelling episode, former SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby dives deep into the principles of his powerful book, "Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders."
Join hosts Ryan Suhr, Don Helbig (David Detling in the "third chair") as they unpack Joel Manby's unique leadership philosophy. Discover how applying love-based leadership transformed corporate culture and drove success not only at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment but also at Herschend Family Entertainment.
This interview goes beyond typical business talk, exploring how empathy, humility, and genuine care for employees and customers can lead to remarkable results in any industry, especially the theme park and attractions industry. Whether you're a leader, an aspiring professional, or simply interested in a more human approach to business, Manby's insights are invaluable.
In this episode, you'll learn about:- The core tenets of "Love Works" and how they apply in real-world business scenarios.- Joel Manby's experiences leading major entertainment companies like SeaWorld and Herschend.- Practical strategies for fostering a positive and productive work environment.- The surprising power of "love" as a strategic advantage in competitive markets.- Behind-the-scenes perspectives from a top attractions industry executive.
Don't miss this engaging and inspiring discussion that proves leadership can be both effective and deeply compassionate.
#JoelManby #LoveWorks #SeaWorld #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #ThemeParks #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #CorporateCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #InspirationalLeadership #ManagementTips #AttractionsIndustry #PodcastInterview #BusinessStrategy #EntertainmentIndustry #FormerCEO #LoveBasedLeadership #RyanSuhr #DonHelbig #DavidDetling #ParksAndRec #AmusementParks #BusinessBooks #ExecutiveInsights

Season 4, Episode 024- Legoland's New Attractions, a Big Coaster Trip, and SunRail!

Get ready for a double dose of thrill and theme park insight! In this week's episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling dive deep into the exciting world of roller coasters. First up, they break down Legoland's highly anticipated new indoor roller coaster, discussing all the details revealed about this groundbreaking attraction set to open in 2026. Then, Clete shares his epic plans for an upcoming multi-park rollercoaster road trip, offering a sneak peek into the parks he'll be conquering and the coasters he's most excited to ride!
Whether you're a seasoned coaster enthusiast, a theme park industry professional, or just love staying updated on the latest in attractions, Clete and David bring their expert perspective and passion to every discussion. Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, industry analysis, and a whole lot of roller coaster talk!
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #Legoland #NewCoaster #RollerCoaster #ThemePark #AmusementPark #CoasterEnthusiast #RoadTrip #ThrillRides #LegolandFlorida #AttractionsIndustry #Podcast #YoutubePodcast #ThemeParkNews #CoasterLife

Season 4, Episode 023- Jon Salisbury: Shaping the Future of Attractions with AI. the Attractions Group Podcast

Get ready for a mind-bending conversation with Jon Salisbury, CEO and Chief AI Officer, on the latest episode of the Attractions Group Podcast!
In this exclusive interview, Jon dives deep into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the attractions industry. Discover cutting-edge insights on:
The future of theme parks and attractions with AI integration
How AI is enhancing visitor experience and operational efficiency
The exciting role of Chief AI Officer in modern businesses
Innovations in entertainment technology driven by AI
Jon Salisbury's vision for smart attractions and personalized guest journeys
The impact of AI on customer engagement and marketing strategies
Challenges and opportunities of adopting AI in leisure and entertainment
Next-gen attractions and what to expect in the coming years
Whether you're an industry professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about how AI is transforming our favorite places, this episode is packed with valuable information and thought-provoking discussions.
 
Don't miss out! Like this video, subscribe to the Attractions Group Podcast for more expert interviews, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
 
#JonSalisbury #AttractionsGroupPodcast #AIinAttractions #ThemeParks #ArtificialIntelligence #ChiefAIOfficer #FutureOfEntertainment #VisitorExperience #SmartAttractions #Innovation #TechPodcast #IndustryInsights #AIRevolution
Connect with Us:
www.theAttractionsGroup.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group/https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup/https://x.com/attractions_grphttps://www.youtube.com/@theattractionsgrouppodcast?sttick=0
Connect with Jon Salisbury:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonsalisbury/https://www.Nexigen.com

Season 4, Episode 022- Universal Horror Unleashed! + Netflix House and Merger Mixup

This 4th of July week, buckle up with Clete Reinberger and David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast for an explosive discussion on everything happening in the world of theme parks and attractions!
Get ready for deep dives into breaking attractions industry news and analysis you won't hear anywhere else. We're tearing into the monumental Six Flags & Cedar Fair merger, exploring the impact of this colossal combination on amusement park operations, guest experience, and the future of regional theme parks across North America. What does this mean for park tickets, season passes, and your favorite roller coasters? We'll break it down!
Plus, get an exclusive peek into the highly anticipated Netflix House concept. Is this the next big thing in immersive entertainment? We'll discuss how this move by Netflix could reshape the entertainment industry and what it means for traditional theme park IP and brand experiences.
Whether you're a dedicated coaster enthusiast, a seasoned theme park professional, or just curious about the business of fun, this episode is packed with essential insights and lively debate. Don't miss out on the most relevant theme park podcast this holiday week!
Tune in to The Attractions Group Podcast on Rumble!
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #ThemeParkNews #SixFlagsCedarFairMerger #NetflixHouse #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkLife #IndustryInsights #EntertainmentIndustry #GuestExperience #FourthOfJuly #SummerFun #ParkUpdates #AttractionsIndustry #CoasterEnthusiast

Season 4, Episode 021- Chuck Mingo Returns! + Dynamic Pricing Mania! | Attractions Group Podcast

Get ready for an episode that transcends traditional boundaries! the Attractions Group Podcast is thrilled to welcome back Chuck Mingo, from Crossroads Church in Cincinnati. Crossroads is renowned for its ability to create incredibly immersive environments, and Chuck joins hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger to unpack the key elements of immersive design and storytelling.
Discover how a large church like Crossroads, known for its dynamic services and engaging experiences, spares no effort in crafting environments that captivate and connect. Chuck will share valuable insights on what the attractions industry can learn from their approach to experiential design, from audience engagement strategies to leveraging audio-visual technology for maximum impact.
Then, we shift gears to tackle the hot topic of dynamic pricing — what it means for parks, guests, and employees alike. Is it the future of attendance management, or just another revenue tool? They'll discuss how these flexible pricing strategies are beginning to emerge across theme parks, attractions, and entertainment venues, exploring the pros, cons, and implications for both businesses and consumers. Whether you're an experience designer, a theme park professional, or just fascinated by how spaces can transform and engage, this episode offers a unique perspective on innovation and the future of entertainment.
📌 Subscribe for weekly discussions at the intersection of operations, innovation, and guest experience!
 
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #ChuckMingo #CrossroadsChurch #ImmersiveDesign #ExperientialMarketing #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #DynamicPricing #EntertainmentInnovation #Podcast #ExperienceEconomy #GuestExperience #AVTech #Cincinnati #Innovation #FutureOfEntertainment

Season 4, Episode 20: John Dunlap, CEO- Five Star Parks & Attractions

Thrilled to share our latest podcast episode featuring John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions! 🎧 We dive deep into the exciting world of family entertainment centers, discussing the strategic vision behind Five Star's rapid growth, their commitment to guest experience, and the future of the attractions industry. You won't want to miss John's insights on leadership, innovation, and what it takes to create unforgettable moments for guests. Tune in now!
#FiveStarParks #FamilyEntertainment #FEC #AmusementIndustry #PodcastInterview #JohnDunlap #Leadership #Innovation #GuestExperience #AttractionsIndustry

Webinar- the Attractions Group. "A Walk in the Park"- Dan Cockerell, former VP of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

from 2021.
(fast forward to about 5:30 in the recording. It was very early on in our Webinar days and it didn't get rolling until after the 5 minute mark).
 
Before the Attractions Group did podcasting, as an outgrowth from the challenges of the Pandemic- the Attractions Group conducted a series of Zoom Webinars featuring known industry professionals.
Step into the magic of unparalleled Guest Service! Join as the Attractions Group re-releases a timeless Webinar with Dan Cockerell, former Vice President of Walt Disney World's iconic Magic Kingdom. In this insightful "A Walk in the Park" session, Dan draws upon his 26 years of Disney leadership to reveal the foundational principles of creating extraordinary Guest Experience. Learn how cultivating a strong Company Culture and focusing on Employee Engagement are key to delivering the magic that keeps guests returning again and again. This is an essential listen for anyone in the Attractions Industry seeking to elevate their service standards, build a thriving Workplace Culture, and understand the Disney Difference firsthand.
 
#AttractionsGroup #DanCockerell #GuestExperience #DisneyMagicKingdom #WaltDisneyWorld #ThemeParks #CustomerService #Leadership #Hospitality #ParkOperations #leadershiplessons
 
 

Season 4, Episode 19: Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig (now of the Tower Topics Podcast) Return

Ryan and Don return to the podcast they started! Of course, the Cedar Fair / Six Flags merger came up, and of course their topic of interest, Kings Island.
This is a great crossover episode! Here are the hashtags for the Attractions Group Podcast featuring Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig of the Tower Topics Podcast, discussing Six Flags and Kings Island:
#AttractionsGroupPodcast #TowerTopicsPodcast #RyanSuhr #DonHelbig #SixFlags #KingsIsland #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #AttractionsIndustry #CoasterEnthusiast #OhioThemeParks #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast #TravelPodcast #ThemeParkFans
 
🚨 EPIC Crossover Alert! 🚨 The #AttractionsGroupPodcast welcomes #RyanSuhr and #DonHelbig of the #TowerTopicsPodcast! Join #CleteReinberger and #DavidDetling as they dive deep into the fascinating worlds of #SixFlags and #KingsIsland, sharing incredible #ParkHistory, #ThemeParkNews, and #IndustryInsights from two #CoasterEnthusiast legends. Don’t miss this must-listen #Podcast for all #ThemeParks fans!

Season 4, Episode 18: Clete and David talk immersive experiences and Kathy Isaacs of 22Miles checks in

What are the components of an immersive experience? Cedar Point Shores opens after the third month of March finally passes.  Kathy Isaacs of 22Miles stops by to discuss digital/interactive wayfinding.  And Clete is dealt a hypothetical question to answer.
 
Thanks for checking out the AGP, see you back here next week.
Kathy Isaacs
Kathy.isaacs@mail.22miles.com
Linkin.com/in/kathy.isaacs/
 
22Miles https://www.22miles.com
Visit 22Miles at InfoCom 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, June 11-13, 2025. Booth 4975.