DonHelbig

Holiday World lands the No. 1 water coaster in USA Today’s rankings, with two more water coasters in the top 10 as the park heads into its 80th season. Full story: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-usa-today-awards-80th-season/

Dollywood earns seven Top Workplaces awards in 2026, highlighting its employee-first culture and why it continues to deliver one of America’s best theme park experiences. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-workplace-awards-2026/

A day of rides, animals, water park fun, and a Chris Janson concert? Wild Adventures is turning its 30th anniversary into a full-scale family getaway. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/chris-janson-wild-adventures-concert/

Enchanted Parks has eliminated the former Six Flags dining plan and lowered the price of most food entrées by 20 to 30 percent, bringing many items back into the mid-teens after some had climbed as high as $20 to $23 under the previous pricing structure. Enchanted Parks CEO James Harhi said the decision came after reviewing more than a year’s worth of guest feedback before the acquisition closed. Food cost and food quality, he said, were among the most common complaints. Harhi concluded that menu prices had been pushed too high in part to offset heavy dining plan usage, leaving single-day guests and less-frequent season passholders to absorb much of the cost. “The math just doesn’t work long term,” Harhi said of the dining plan model at a park of this size. “While there were people who really loved it, holistically it was not the right thing for the company.”

Disney Lakeshore Lodge will open next summer near Magic Kingdom with waterfront views, new Lake House villas, and nearly 1,000 rooms at Walt Disney World. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/disney-lakeshore-lodge-walt-disney-world-opening/

Six Flags is shifting power back to the parks. The company has named new park presidents at 10 major properties in a move that could reshape guest experience and operations. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-park-presidents-leadership-change/

My review: https://themeparksbydon.com/kings-island-phantom-theater-opening-nightmare-review/

The good news is no matter where you are in the park, you don’t have to walk far to get chicken tenders.

Discover five reasons to visit Camden Park this summer, from historic rides like the Big Dipper to nostalgic charm at one of America’s last trolley parks. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/camden-park-summer-visit-reasons/

Headed to Kings Island this weekend? Have a good day—if you choose to. Most days, whether it's a good one or not is up to us. Some things during your visit will be beyond the park's control, but how you respond to them will ultimately decide the kind of day you have.

Gone are the days when Kings Island had shows in the Showplace Theatre and Festhaus from the start of the season through Labor Day and the Kings Island Theater from Memorial Day through Labor Days. They provided added value for guests. When the theaters are dark, there’s not much for non-riders to do.

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival returns with 1 million blooms, seasonal dishes, live shows and stunning displays in the Smoky Mountains this spring. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-flower-food-festival-2026/

Award-winning international star illusionist Brad Ross brings his mesmerizing show to Kings Island, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey into fantasy and imagination. Families can expect jaw-dropping grand illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and breathtaking live magic on stage. This action-packed production is sure to thrill and amaze guests of all ages, keeping them on the edge of their seats from May 30 through June 21.

Vekoma is turning 100, and fans can celebrate with exclusive anniversary merch that also gives back. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/vekoma-100th-anniversary-century-collection/

For me, it’s an open to close park. I enjoy the flat rides (love Gobbler Getaway), and the shows. The Raven had extensive track work this winter. It’s not a long ride, but it’s relentless from the time you leave the lift hill to the brake run into the station.