DonHelbig

The tentative schedule is out, and it will be an incredible event for those able to secure a ticket!

-100 but that’s OK. A series of Tower Topics and Attractions Group Podcast Meet Ups will offer opportunities for Kings Island discussion.

It’s important when you’re in a communications and storytelling position that you have an understanding of who your audience is, and what they want and need to succeed in the role.

Hopefully the ERT lineup each day, what the tours are, who the industry speakers are, and what’s on the menu for the catered meals is made available before tickets go on sale so ACE members know what they’re paying for.

While eating some pancakes this morning at a restaurant in Pigeon Forge, I wrote a construction update based on the information the Kings Island Team has been willing to share with park fans. “While the Soap Box Racers are gearing up for action, we’re thrilled to share the latest on the makeover happening around the new Camp Snoopy-themed kids’ area. Drumroll, please! This spring, we say hello to Woodstock’s Air Rail, formerly known as Flying Ace Aerial Chase. Picture this: Woodstock’s in charge of delivering all the important Camp Snoopy mail, and the roller coaster is getting a nature-inspired facelift to fit the theme. Imagine a ride through a tree—the track is being painted green to represent leaves and the structure brown for the trunk and branches. It’s going to be a literal thrill for kids and their parents through the heart of nature! But what about the ride itself? Woodstock’s Air Rail, an inverted roller coaster by Vekoma (the same manufacturer for Soap Box Racers), will take you on a wild journey. The adventure kicks off with a 90-degree turn, then it’s off to conquer a double helix to the left. Hold on tight as you zoom under the lift hill and soar over the station like you could touch the sky with your feet. A couple more twists and turns later, and you’re coasting into the brakes and back into the station. Oh, and for those roller coaster enthusiasts who love details: it’s single train, 10 cars, with riders seated 2 across in a single row, making it a total joyride for 20 excited thrill-seekers. Our award-winning kids’ area just got a whole lot more exhilarating — Woodstock style! BTW — For those who like to keep track, Woodstock’s Air Rail is not a new credit.”

Here's a piece I wrote on Theme Parks By Don about Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom.

Maybe they’ll change it from countries to cities so guests can experience Kings Island like never before with signature food items representing Cincinnati (chili), Dayton (Mike-Sells Potato Chips), Columbus (Fries Dipped in a Milkshake), Indianapolis (Reuben), Louisville (Beaten Biscuits), and Toledo (Biscuits & Gravy). You’ll want to try them all which makes a Grand Carnivale Tasting Card a great value.

As radio legend Paul Harvey would say prior to signing off, Now you know…the rest of the story.

I bought 2024 season passes to Dollywood, Kennywood, Holiday World and Six Flags (Diamond Pass) because I knew in the fall when they went on sale what I was paying for. There hasn't been any surprises or lack of clarity on anything.

From the Kings Island website: Franklin's Flyers You can fly! Riders take flight in one of the unique carriages that spin outward like a swing and then rise above the ground. Once in the air, riders can take matters in their own hands by operating the carriage’s paddle in order to control the gliders flight, from mild to wild. Fly the way your heart desires, as all eight gliders have a unique route that only the rider can determine. Go for a fun and thrilling ride 28 feet in the air, weaving in and out of the clouds, maneuvering your way through the Camp Snoopy midway. Whether you choose to explore the high altitudes or cruise at a lower elevation, the choice is up to you. Woodstock Gliders is a ride that appeals to guests of all ages and something everyone in the family can enjoy together. It’s so much fun! You’ll want to ride this attraction more than once. Kings Island Team, you're welcome... again!

The new parking tolls had news placements across the country, including The New York Times. Woodstock Gliders and Snoopy’s Space Buggies made it out of the park’s backyard too, including The New York Times, Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle, Orlando Sentinel, and a couple hundred others. When The Beast turned 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, news placements were garnered in outlets across the country. It was the cover story on magazines for the 30th and 35th anniversary. The 40th? Pretty much just the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus markets with the story placements. It turns 45 this year. You won’t see Google alerts popping up in your email about the anniversary in many places. It’s all about how the story is pitched and selling why it matters to the news outlets’ audience. You can sell snow to an Eskimo if the story is compelling enough.

USA Today released its list of the 2024 most anticipated new roller coasters. Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers is not one of them. STORY: https://shorturl.at/cjpG0

There are more than 400 amusement/theme parks in North America. All but one would have shared the news within an hour of the last piece of track being installed on a new coaster. Some would have streamed it live. The park has had a lot of really good PR people throughout its history. Thomas Olds. Ruth Voss. Bill Mefford. Carolyn Boos. Jeffrey Siebert. David Mandt. Susan Lomax. Dan Cahill. Steve Edwards. Maureen Richmond. Karen Hunt. Susan McDonald. None of them would have waited until the next day to share the news that the final piece of track on a new coaster had been installed.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts is gearing up for another significant year, building on the success of 2023. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-2024-elevating-experiences-thrills-and-entertainment/

Vekoma has revealed exciting details about their groundbreaking track design set to debut in Australia's Dreamworld. https://themeparksbydon.com/vekoma-unveils-innovative-switchback-coaster/

My guess would be early March.

Here's a piece I wrote on Carowinds' 2024 events lineup, noting the Grand Carnivale omission. https://themeparksbydon.com/a-guide-to-thrills-events-and-family-fun-at-carowinds/

Piece I wrote on Kings Dominion’s 2024 events lineup. https://themeparksbydon.com/kings-dominions-2024-special-events-await/

Here's a piece I wrote to commemorate the 45th anniversary of The Beast being named for Theme Parks By Don. https://themeparksbydon.com/the-story-behind-the-iconic-beast-roller-coasters-name/

Kings Island park services associate Katie Milbower, a dedicated K-5th Grade PE teacher at Mt. Healthy South Elementary, is among the Top 10 Finalists for the 5th annual Gold Star Teacher Award. Having witnessed her unwavering commitment the years I worked at Kings Island, I can attest – she's a powerhouse of positivity! Katie goes above and beyond, making school memorable with surprises, empowering activities, and community events. From snacks to Trunk or Treat, she's creating a vibrant, supportive environment. Your daily vote until Feb. 29 can make Katie the 2024 Gold Star Teacher, earning her $1000, plus $500 for her school, a dazzling gift basket, and more! Let's celebrate educators like Katie who light up classrooms. Click the link to cast your vote now! https://goldstarchili.com/goldstarteacher

Cincinnati group requests $20 million of taxpayer money for Coney Island project. https://local12.com/news/local/local-group-request-20-million-taxpayer-money-project-coney-island-ohio-general-assembly-cincinnati-symphony-orchestra-music-venue-entertainment-campus-hamilton-county-prioritization-task-force-duke-energy-convention-center-xavier-osteopathic-medicial

With or without a willingness by the park to work with Tower Topics, the show goes on and the podcast will continue to grow. We appreciate everyone who has taken time out of their day to listen. We’ll have more episodes talking about Camp Snoopy in the weeks and months ahead.

With the removal of the trees, the flume ride will feel like it did in the Coney Island days.

Here’s a piece I wrote on Dollywood’s special events lineup. All are worth making a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN to experience. For those that live in the Greater Cincinnati area, think of it this way: You’re only two Buc-ee’s locations away from Dollywood! https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywoods-festival-lineup-a-symphony-of-experiences/

Used his words instead of someone else's.