The Attractions Group Podcast

attractionsgrouppodcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.

  1. FEB 19

    S5, E027- The Future of Malls + Six Flags Adapts Regional Gold Passes | Attractions Group Podcast

    The Attractions Group Podcast | Season5, Episode 27 Clete and David officially at the 1-year mark hosting the tAG Podcast! In this episode, we’re moving beyond the "year in review" and diving straight into the heavy hitters shaping the future of themed entertainment. From Disney’s corporate strategy to the "death" of the American mall, we’re breaking down the business of fun. In this episode, we discuss: The D’Amaro Era: A deep dive into Josh D’Amaro’s latest leadership moves at Disney Parks and what they mean for fans and shareholders. Six Flags’ Big Gamble: Analyzing the new regional pass strategy. Is this the fix the chain needs, or a short-term band-aid? The Mall Paradox: Is retail actually dying, or are we witnessing the birth of "Lifestyle Centers"? We look at how physical spaces are evolving into entertainment hubs. Reflections on Year One: Our favorite moments and the biggest lessons learned covering the industry. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: One Year of The Attractions Group 09:35 Josh D’Amaro & The Future of Disney Parks 18:20 Six Flags’ New Pass Strategy: A Deep Dive 27:10 The Evolution of Retail & Malls 44:14 Closing Thoughts & What’s Next for TAG 🔗 Stay Connected: Subscribe for more industry analysis Facebook: www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup Follow us on X/Twitter: @attractions_grp Youtube: www.youtube.com/@theattractionsgrouppodcast Linked In- the Attractions Group: www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group Linked In- the Attractions Network: www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/ Visit our Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com   Disney Parks news, Josh D’Amaro, Six Flags strategy, Six Flags season pass, themed entertainment industry, theme park podcast, retail evolution, future of malls, Disney leadership, attraction business analysis.   #ThemeParks #DisneyNews #SixFlags #ThemedEntertainment #RetailTrends #Podcast #TheAttractionsGroup

    45 min

  2. JAN 29

    S5, E 026- Roller Coaster Episode: What separates a "Good" coaster from a "GREAT" Coaster?

    2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years the attractions industry has seen in decades—and the news isn’t slowing down. In Season 5, Episode 26 of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger break down the biggest theme park, amusement park, and attractions industry news heading into 2026. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: The most anticipated new attractions opening in 2026 Who (or what) is the mysterious “Enchanted Parks” What trademark filings under the Enchanted Parks name could mean for Six Flags properties Is this a rebrand, restructuring, or something bigger? What truly separates a GOOD roller coaster from a GREAT roller coaster Why storytelling, pacing, layout, and guest experience matter more than just height and speed From roller coaster design philosophy to corporate strategy and branding, David and Clete dig into what operators, designers, and enthusiasts should be paying attention to right now. If you work in—or are obsessed with—the theme park, water park, zoo, or attractions industry, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe to the Attractions Group Podcast for weekly conversations on: Theme park industry news Ride design & guest experience Attractions operations & strategy What’s next for the future of entertainment 👇 Drop a comment below: What new attraction are you most excited for in 2026—and what makes a roller coaster “great” in your book?   https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup https://x.com/attractions_grp https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group   #AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParkNews #AmusementParks #RollerCoasters #SixFlags #EnchantedParks #ThemeParkPodcast #AttractionsPodcast #ThemeParkDesign #CoasterEnthusiast #2026Attractions #IndustryNews #DavidDetling #CleteReinberger #AttractionsGroupPodcast   roller coaster podcast, theme park podcast, attractions industry, amusement park industry, roller coaster trends, new roller coasters 2026, theme park trends 2026, attractions group podcast, coaster market analysis, theme park design, amusement park news, IAAPA, roller coaster industry, theme park business, park operations, coaster enthusiasts, theme park development, new theme park rides, amusement industry podcast

    56 min

  3. JAN 13

    S: 5, E: 025- NEW EPISODE: A Legend’s First Look Back

    After decades of shaping the global attractions industry, David Mandt (Former IAAPA Chief Governance Officer & Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation) has officially retired—and he’s joining us for his first exclusive interview since stepping down at the end of 2025! Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with David to reflect on a career that has left an indelible mark on our industry. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your journey in attractions, this is an episode you cannot miss. 🎢 What’s inside the episode: The Origin Story: How David’s path led him to the heart of IAAPA. The Evolution of Fun: Reflections on the biggest industry shifts and technological leaps witnessed throughout his lengthy career. The IAAPA Foundation: A deep dive into the mission of supporting the next generation of global attractions talent. Next Chapters: What life looks like after a career at the pinnacle of the industry. David’s wisdom, leadership, and passion for the community have been a guiding light for many of us. Tune in to hear his unique perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re going.   🎧 Listen Now Find the Attractions Group Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your audio fix!   #AttractionsGroup #IAAPA #IAAPAFoundation #ThemeParks #AttractionsIndustry #Leadership #Podcast #DavidMandt #AmusementParks #CareerMilestones

    57 min

  4. JAN 10

    S:5, E: 024- The Attractions Group Podcast is Back in 2026! | Attractions Group Podcast

    Welcome to another exciting year for the Attractions Group Podcast! Buckle up for an awesome ride, we're excited that you are joining us! We break down what Christmas looks like for theme parks heading into 2025, how seasonal events are evolving, and what recent announcements mean for the future of the attractions industry. Then we zoom out to discuss why Qiddiya City matters, how Six Flags’ global expansion is changing the landscape, and what this project signals for the next generation of theme parks. Whether you’re a theme park fan, coaster enthusiast, or someone who follows the industry closely, this episode connects current news with where the parks are heading next. theme park podcast, amusement park podcast, theme park news, amusement park news, theme parks Christmas 2025, theme park Christmas events, Christmas at theme parks, holiday theme park news, theme park news 2025, amusement park news 2025, Six Flags Qiddiya City, Qiddiya City Six Flags, Six Flags Saudi Arabia, Qiddiya City theme park, Six Flags expansion, Middle East theme parks, new theme parks 2025, new roller coasters 2025, theme park industry, attractions podcast, coaster podcast, theme park discussion

    48 min

  5. JAN 7

    tAG Webinar- Power Factor Correction: The Invisible Green Machine

    Welcome to "Inside the Park," where we explore the hidden mechanics that keep the Attractions Industry running efficiently. Today’s focus is on a technology that is often described as the "Invisible Green Machine": Power Factor Correction (PFC).  This webinar is sponsored by a joint venture between Cincinnati-based Energy Efficiency Group and the Attractions Group.   While many theme parks and zoos gain public recognition for visible sustainability efforts like solar farms or eliminating plastics, PFC offers a direct hit to the bottom line and a faster return on investment—often within 12 to 24 months.   Here is an overview of why this technology is a game-changer for the attractions industry: The "Beer Foam" Analogy:   To understand PFC, our friends at the Attractions Group suggest thinking of a glass of beer. The liquid represents Working Power (kW), which does the actual work of running a roller coaster’s lift hill or a wave pool’s pump. The foam at the top is Reactive Power (kVAR); it is necessary to create magnetic fields for motors but doesn't perform actual work. The total contents of the glass represent the Apparent Power (kVA) that the utility company must supply. Power Factor Correction is essentially the process of "minimizing the foam" so you only pay for the "liquid" you actually need.   Why Attractions are Ideal Candidates Amusement parks, waterparks, and zoos are perfect candidates for PFC because they rely heavily on inductive loads: Amusement Parks: Utilize hundreds of electric motors for ride systems and hydraulic pumps. Waterparks: Run massive, high-horsepower pumps 24/7 for filtration. Zoos & Aquariums: Depend on constant-run life support systems and industrial-scale HVAC for climate control.   The Financial and Operational Benefits Implementing PFC provides several immediate advantages to a park's P&L: Elimination of Penalties: Many utility companies charge "Reactive Power Penalties" for low power factors (usually below 0.90), which can cost major parks tens of thousands of dollars monthly. Increased System Capacity: By "clearing the foam," a park frees up capacity on existing transformers. This allows for the addition of new rides or exhibits without the massive expense of upgrading an electrical substation. Extended Equipment Life: High reactive power causes heat; optimizing electrical flow allows motors and transformers to run cooler and last longer.   Why It Is Often Overlooked Despite these benefits, PFC is frequently ignored because it is invisible—capacitor banks sit in gray metal boxes in back-of-house areas and provide no "eco-theming" for guests to see. Additionally, complex energy bills and siloed departments often mean that sustainability teams focus on guest-facing waste while facilities teams lack the capital budget for these infrastructure improvements. Ultimately, for a large-scale resort, correcting a poor power factor is a measurable sustainability win, equivalent to taking dozens of cars off the road by reducing line losses and making equipment more "digestible" for the electrical grid.   www.theAttractionsGroup.com    info@theAttractionsGroup.com   www.EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com    development@EnergyEfficiencyGrp.com

    15 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    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. 👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Connect with Us: Subscribe for weekly episodes on theme park news, operations, and industry insights! Follow the Attractions Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/attractions-group/ Join the Attractions Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12649603/ Follow Clete Reinberger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clete-reinberger-4a9759257/ Follow David Detling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddetling/ 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.   Cedar Fair new CEO, Cedar Fair CEO 2025, Cedar Point news 2025, Kings Island news 2025, Knott’s Berry Farm news, theme park news, theme park industry, amusement park news, roller coaster news, Attractions Group Podcast, theme park podcast, Cedar Fair Six Flags merger, Six Flags news, IAAPA 2025, roller coaster updates, Disney news 2025, Universal Studios news, theme park analysis, amusement industry trends, coaster enthusiasts, roller coaster construction, park operations, theme park leadership, new attractions 2025, theme park strategy, Clete Reinberger, David Detling   #SixFlags #ThemeParkNews #JohnReilly #IAAPA #ThemeParkPodcast #AmusementParkNews #CleteReinberger #AmusementIndustry #AttractionsGroup #RollerCoaster #DavidDetling #ThemeParkBusiness #SixFlagsCEO #ThemeParkIndustry #CedarFair #ParkOperations #IAAPAExpo #ThemedEntertainment #SeaWorld #Leadership

    55 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    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.   👍 Like, Subscribe & Stay Connected   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

    39 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    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

    14 min
See All (100)

About

Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    attractionsgrouppodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Attractions Group Podcast