<![CDATA[Other Amusement Parks & Industry News Latest Topics]]>https://kicentral.com/forums/forum/38-other-amusement-parks-industry-news/enCedar Point’s Corkscrew is getting a special honorhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50710-cedar-point%E2%80%99s-corkscrew-is-getting-a-special-honor/ It opened during America’s Bicentennial and changed what riders could expect from a roller coaster. Now, 50 years later, Cedar Point’s Corkscrew is being honored for its place in coaster history.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/cedar-point-corkscrew-50th-anniversary-ace-landmark/

]]>50710Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:41:11 +0000Dollywood spent more than $60 million on NightFlight Expedition — was it worth it?https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50716-dollywood-spent-more-than-60-million-on-nightflight-expedition-%E2%80%94-was-it-worth-it/ Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition is the park’s largest single-attraction investment ever at more than $60 million. I rode it twice during the media ride dedication event, and its immersive storytelling and innovative ride system blew me away.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-nightflight-expedition-60-million-ride-review/

]]>50716Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:05:32 +0000Six Flags is unleashing its biggest Halloween season ever — here’s where to find the new scareshttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50717-six-flags-is-unleashing-its-biggest-halloween-season-ever-%E2%80%94-here%E2%80%99s-where-to-find-the-new-scares/ Six Flags is going all-in on Halloween in 2026, bringing Jason Voorhees, Final Destination, Blair Witch, Diablo and other major horror franchises to parks across North America. Here’s where you’ll find the biggest new scares.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-halloween-2026-haunted-mazes-fright-fest/

]]>50717Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:25:25 +0000Holiday World has more than 40 new reasons to visit before summer endshttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50714-holiday-world-has-more-than-40-new-reasons-to-visit-before-summer-ends/ Holiday World is giving visitors another reason to squeeze in a late-summer trip to Santa Claus, Indiana, with more than 40 new festival bites — including a Thanksgiving dinner served inside a bread cone and a “burger and fries” that’s actually dessert.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-summer-wined-down-culinary-festival-2026/

]]>50714Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:56:30 +0000Could Cedar Point’s higher Fast Lane prices impact attendance in 2027?https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50708-could-cedar-point%E2%80%99s-higher-fast-lane-prices-impact-attendance-in-2027/ Cedar Point’s $1,999 season-long Fast Lane price could help reduce premium wait times in 2027. But the higher cost also raises questions about guest spending, repeat visits and attendance.

READ MORE: https://themeparksbydon.com/cedar-point-fast-lane-prices-attendance-2027/

]]>50708Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:32:36 +0000This Disneyland roller coaster changed theme parks forever — and you can still ride it todayhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50712-this-disneyland-roller-coaster-changed-theme-parks-forever-%E2%80%94-and-you-can-still-ride-it-today/ Millions of people visit Disneyland for its newest attractions, but one of the park’s oldest rides helped change the amusement industry forever. Matterhorn Bobsleds debuted in 1959 with groundbreaking tubular steel track technology—and more than 65 years later, you can still ride this piece of roller coaster history.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/disneyland-matterhorn-bobsleds-roller-coaster-history/

]]>50712Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:13:33 +0000Your Six Flags visits could affect what you pay for a season passhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50711-your-six-flags-visits-could-affect-what-you-pay-for-a-season-pass/ Six Flags says it may use passholder visit history, benefit usage and other account activity when determining Home Park requirements, renewal offers, pricing and benefits.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-season-pass-price-home-park-policy/

]]>50711Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:55:39 +0000<![CDATA[Six Flags 2027 Season Passes & Memberships]]>https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50696-six-flags-2027-season-passes-memberships/ Now that Great Adventure has officially released their 2027 Gold Pass and Prestige Pass programs, I'm going to start compiling and posting the information I can find about the 2027 passes and memberships throughout the chain. I'll include some of the speculation and "leaks" as well. Something to note is that while some of these benefits look different from what currently exists, most of it looks to be Six Flags right-sizing their passes and add-ons while still having options that everyone can enjoy.

]]>50696Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:31:37 +0000DIABLO: The Infernal Path, an all-new haunted maze coming to Cedar Point and Kings Dominionhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50707-diablo-the-infernal-path-an-all-new-haunted-maze-coming-to-cedar-point-and-kings-dominion/ The gates to the underworld are opening at Cedar Point and Kings Dominion this Halloween season. DIABLO: The Infernal Path, an all-new haunted maze inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, will bring the world of Sanctuary to life with fiery environments, demonic corruption and some of Diablo’s most infamous villains. Guests will come face-to-face with The Butcher, Duriel, Baal, Mephisto, Lilith and Diablo himself as they attempt to survive a realm overrun by evil. The experience was designed exclusively for Cedar Point and Kings Dominion. Are you brave enough to walk The Infernal Path?

]]>50707Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:41:48 +0000Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition has a real-life connection hiding in the Smoky Mountainshttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50706-dollywood%E2%80%99s-nightflight-expedition-has-a-real-life-connection-hiding-in-the-smoky-mountains/ Dollywood’s newest attraction takes guests into a glowing nighttime world inspired by real natural phenomena found just beyond the park in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood_nightflight_expedition_smoky_mountains_bioluminescence/

]]>50706Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:57:57 +0000Cedar Point Fast Lane pass now costs more than Disney’s top annual passhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50705-cedar-point-fast-lane-pass-now-costs-more-than-disney%E2%80%99s-top-annual-pass/ Six Flags has raised the price of its all-park Fast Lane pass that includes Cedar Point to $1,999 for 2027. The premium skip-the-line option now costs more than Disney’s top-tier Incredi-Pass.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/cedar-point-fast-lane-pass-1999-disney-incredi-pass-comparison-2027/

]]>50705Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:25:46 +0000Six Flags Great America’s Camp Timber Trail brings a new family adventure to 2027https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50703-six-flags-great-america%E2%80%99s-camp-timber-trail-brings-a-new-family-adventure-to-2027/ Just north of Chicago, a new family adventure is taking shape. Six Flags Great America has unveiled Camp Timber Trail, an immersive new land opening in 2027 featuring the Midwest’s longest, tallest and fastest suspended family coaster, reimagined classic attractions, interactive play areas and a fresh woodland atmosphere designed for all ages.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-great-america-camp-timber-trail-family-expansion-2027/

]]>50703Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:59:50 +0000Six Flags Great Adventure’s Record-Breaking BAKUNAWA Will Be Unlike Any Roller Coaster You’ve Ever Riddenhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50697-six-flags-great-adventure%E2%80%99s-record-breaking-bakunawa-will-be-unlike-any-roller-coaster-you%E2%80%99ve-ever-ridden/ A 382-foot-tall coaster. Speeds of 100 mph. Six world records. The world’s first free-spinning floorless coaster trains. Six Flags Great Adventure’s new BAKUNAWA is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated roller coasters of 2027. Here’s why thrill seekers will want to add it to their bucket list.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-great-adventure-bakunawa-2027-spinning-launch-coaster/

]]>50697Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:31:06 +0000Disney Earnings Reporthttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50701-disney-earnings-report/ Revenue and profits surged at The Walt Disney Company’s Experiences segment during the three months ending June 27, 2026, according to the company’s earnings report. Revenue climbed 10% to $9.968 billion, driven by a 4% increase in attendance across Disney’s theme parks worldwide.

]]>50701Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:07:47 +0000Dollywood Named Only Theme Park on Forbes’ Best Employers for Women 2026 Listhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50700-dollywood-named-only-theme-park-on-forbes%E2%80%99-best-employers-for-women-2026-list/ Dollywood Parks & Resorts has been named the only theme park company on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women 2026 list, recognizing its commitment to workplace culture, career development, employee benefits and leadership opportunities while continuing an award-winning year in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-forbes-best-employers-for-women-2026/

]]>50700Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:23:27 +00001927 Dentzel Carousel to be Donatedhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50693-1927-dentzel-carousel-to-be-donated/ Some of you know that I relocated to Seattle Washington last year and I became involved in a restoration group of a 1927 Dentzel Carousel formerly located in Chester, WV. We have more volunteers now than ever before (about 100 people in total involved) however we have hit a major hurdle. The carousel mechanism is currently stored in a warehouse that got condemned. The roof collapsed in one section and we think the carousel needs to be moved before next winter. We don't have the funds to pay for storage space and the local governments that were interested in eventually having the carousel on city park property were hit hard last year with floods and are no longer interested. The carousel is a complete Dentzel mechanism and is missing all the horses as they were sold off when the carousel originally closed back in West Virginia. More information can be found on the website but I'm hoping that someone somewhere on these forums might know of other government entities or non profits that would be interested in carrying this vision forward? I appreciate any and all leads to helping this incredible machine find a new home. 

https://www.snoqualmievalleycarousel.org/

images.jpeg

]]>50693Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:46:02 +0000Celebrate National Carousel Day on One of America’s Most Beautiful Historic Rideshttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50690-celebrate-national-carousel-day-on-one-of-america%E2%80%99s-most-beautiful-historic-rides/ National Carousel Day is July 25, and there’s no better place to celebrate than aboard one of America’s most beautiful historic rides. Discover why Kennywood’s iconic Merry-Go-Round has been creating memories for nearly a century. 

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/celebrate-national-carousel-day-kennywood-merry-go-round/

]]>50690Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:30:42 +0000“The Most Disgusting Waterpark Ever..”https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50692-%E2%80%9Cthe-most-disgusting-waterpark-ever%E2%80%9D/

 

]]>50692Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:45:44 +0000Dollywood Hiring for Fall and Christmas Seasons with On-the-Spot Job Offershttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50691-dollywood-hiring-for-fall-and-christmas-seasons-with-on-the-spot-job-offers/ Looking for a fresh start in the attractions industry? If you’re a current or former amusement / theme park employee wondering whether there’s a better opportunity out there, or looking to work in the industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts is now hiring for its fall and Christmas seasons—with competitive pay, 100% free tuition, free lunch every shift, family admission perks, and opportunities for long-term career growth.

Many applicants will be hired on the spot.

Could it be time to make your next career move?

Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-jobs-fall-christmas-hiring-events-2026/

]]>50691Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:29:10 +0000KONG X GODZILLA: THE RIDE Brings the Monsterverse to Life at Lotte World Adventurehttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50689-kong-x-godzilla-the-ride-brings-the-monsterverse-to-life-at-lotte-world-adventure/ Legendary Entertainment’s first-ever theme park attraction, KONG X GODZILLA: THE RIDE, opens July 24 at Lotte World Adventure with an immersive 11-minute Monsterverse dark ride.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/kong-x-godzilla-the-ride-lotte-world-adventure-july-2026/

]]>50689Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:07:10 +0000Dick Knoebel, Visionary Leader Who Helped Shape Knoebels, Dies at 87https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50688-dick-knoebel-visionary-leader-who-helped-shape-knoebels-dies-at-87/ The amusement industry has lost a legend.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dick-knoebel-knoebels-president-dies-87/

]]>50688Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:02:12 +0000Why Cedar Point’s Boardwalk Nights Deserves a Spot on Your Summer Bucket Listhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50686-why-cedar-point%E2%80%99s-boardwalk-nights-deserves-a-spot-on-your-summer-bucket-list/ Live entertainment, daring performances, unique food, family activities and a lakeside nighttime spectacular make Boardwalk Nights one of the highlights of summer at Cedar Point.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/cedar-point-boardwalk-nights-2026/

]]>50686Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:16:10 +0000Goodbye, Kumbahttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50684-goodbye-kumba/ Kumba is preparing for its final roar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with its last day of operation set for August 2 after an unforgettable 33-year run. When it debuted in 1993, the legendary coaster was Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest, while its towering vertical loop and signature roar helped make it one of the most celebrated roller coasters of its era. While fans will say goodbye to a true icon, the story isn’t ending. Busch Gardens has announced Kumba’s Revenge as part of a $100 million investment in the park, ensuring the spirit of Kumba lives on while ushering in a new generation of thrills. 

]]>50684Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:45:17 +0000Holiday World Extends Summer Hours for Night Rides on Select 2026 Dateshttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50683-holiday-world-extends-summer-hours-for-night-rides-on-select-2026-dates/ Three summer Saturdays just got even better. Holiday World is extending park hours, giving visitors extra time for award-winning roller coasters, live entertainment, great food and spectacular nighttime experiences.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-extends-summer-hours-night-rides-2026/

]]>50683Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:34:54 +0000Why Six Flags Needs to Rebalance Its Food and Beverage Strategyhttps://kicentral.com/forums/topic/50680-why-six-flags-needs-to-rebalance-its-food-and-beverage-strategy/ Has Six Flags trained guests to ask, “Where can I use my meal plan?” instead of, “Where should we eat?” The company already has the building blocks—from smokehouses to food festivals—but there’s an opportunity to rebalance its food and beverage strategy by combining value, signature dining and premium experiences into something guests will remember.

FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-food-and-beverage-strategy/

]]>50680Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:59:10 +0000