DonHelbig

TIME has named Dollywood one of America’s Best Private Companies for 2026, ranking it No. 49 overall—and it’s the only theme park to make the prestigious list. Find out what helped Dollywood earn the distinction and why it continues to set the standard in the theme park industry. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-time-best-private-companies-2026/

What if you could take home an original piece of Dollywood? The one-of-a-kind paintings created live during this year’s Flower & Food Festival are now available through a limited-time online auction. Each captures an iconic scene from the park—and every winning bid supports Dollywood’s Share It Forward employee assistance program. Take a look at the collection and see which masterpiece belongs on your wall. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-flower-food-festival-artwork-auction-2026/

Unless some things get addressed, I will be among the followed through and offset by a new passholder.

Nobody is abusing the dining plan. You’re allowed two meals per visit as long as they’re four hours apart. That’s what you paid for. The park does what it can to make it hard to get that second meal for guests that arrive with five hours to go in the operating day by closing restaurants earlier than they did in the pre-dining plan era. So who’s cheating who?

Obviously, no thought went into putting that next to the Grand Carousel and having to turn off the band organ when there’s a show on stage.

Six Flags has optimized food and beverage for dining plan sales rather than guest experience, and it is time to rebalance the equation. I have ideas on what they can do that would be better for Six Flags, food and beverage associates, and guests. But they wouldn’t want to hear it.

It’s in the 4th of July section so same as it was when guests wanted to go from the water park to ride Raging Rapids.

Cannonball! will be the tallest and fastest water roller coaster in the U.S., but the biggest story is why it perfectly matches Holiday World’s family-first philosophy. Full story: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-cannonball-perfect-fit/

Mark Pauls has been named Chief Operating Officer of Six Flags⁠, effective July 15, bringing nearly five decades of experience in the attractions industry to the role. His leadership background includes senior operational positions with Herschend Family Entertainment, Palace Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and Busch Gardens, where he built a reputation for improving operational performance while maintaining a strong focus on the guest experience. As Six Flags continues integrating its expanded park portfolio, Pauls’ extensive operations expertise will help shape the company’s next phase of growth.

Holiday World is making a big splash in 2027 with Cannonball!, the Midwest’s first water roller coaster. Combining the thrills of a roller coaster with the excitement of a flume ride, the 1,700-foot attraction will climb a 90-foot lift hill before plunging 75 feet—the tallest drop on any water roller coaster in the United States—and reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, making it the nation’s fastest water roller coaster. The family-friendly adventure ends with a dramatic splashdown in the Boulder Canyon Community Pool and will be open to guests at least 42 inches tall when accompanied by an adult. Will Cannonball! be on your must-ride list in 2027?

Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights from November 7 through January 5, marking the first time the popular holiday event will extend into January. This separately ticketed celebration transforms the park with elegant seasonal décor, stylish live entertainment, specialty food and beverages, exclusive experiences, and shorter waits for many favorite attractions. With a more intimate atmosphere and festive glamour around every corner, Jollywood Nights offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World. Would you add Disney Jollywood Nights to your holiday travel plans this year?

The Boulder Canyon Cannonball Competition splashes back on July 1, with fan favorite Mr. Craig looking to capture the championship for an incredible seventh consecutive year. But the competition is only part of the excitement. Beginning at 8:45 a.m. CT, WATR’s Cole Slawinsky and Barbie Q. Turner will provide live coverage leading up to the official reveal of what’s coming to Holiday World in 2027. With the countdown nearly over, all eyes will be on Santa Claus, Indiana, as Holiday World unveils the largest single-attraction investment in the park’s history. Will you be watching?

For 80 years, Hersheypark’s Comet has thrilled riders with classic wooden coaster airtime, glowing night rides, and timeless nostalgia. Here’s why the legendary ride still matters today. Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/hersheypark-comet-80th-anniversary/

I remember that being said, but the question he was asked was about the food prices, not the quality.

Food has become a commodity at Kings Island and other Six Flags parks. They treat food as something guests need rather than something guests should want.