The Attractions Group Podcast

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

  1. MAR 26

    S5, E031- Things Park Operators Wish Guests Would Stop Doing! | The Attractions Group Podcast

    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

    1h 5m

  2. MAR 18

    S5, E030- 36 Years of Disney Hospitality: A Masterclass with Jeff Korte

    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

    1 hr

  3. MAR 12

    S5, E029: The Tech Behind Legoland’s Galacticoaster & Dollywood’s Night Flight Expedition

    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

    1h 6m

  4. MAR 6

    S5, E 028- Six Flags SHOCKER: 7 Parks Sold! The Rise of Enchanted Parks & EPR Properties

    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 Year 2:45 – 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 Harhi 18:50 – The EPR Properties Master Lease Explained 25:15 – 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

    44 min

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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

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