DonHelbig

This closing hits close to home for me. I served as interim public relations manager at California’s Great America in 2012 and was there for the announcement of Gold Striker. It’s sad to see a park with so much history and so many memories preparing to close its gates for good.

I’ve been a Holiday Season Passholder the past three years and have made 30 visits over that span. As a guest, I feel valued there versus processed.

If they sell some parks that remain parks, those $600 all season dining plans may not have the value they once appeared to have for guests who travel.

I’m getting the Disney Incredi-Pass so I can visit often in 2027.

Grandma and Grandpa get in free! Six Flags has introduced a new admission benefit for guests ages 65 and older, offering free unlimited visits to their designated home park for the remainder of the 2026 operating season. Here’s what families need to know about qualifying and registering before the season ends.⬇️ https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-free-senior-admission-2026/

Cedar Point has released its 2027 operating calendar. https://www.sixflags.com/cedarpoint/park-hours?

Didn’t get it from Twitter, Ronny. But keep taking your shots.

Catering toward who the majority of their guests are versus the enthusiast community with the recent additions. That strategy has worked as Kings Island continues to be one of the top attendance parks in the chain.

KI isn’t getting nothing in 2027. New stickers for the trash cans are coming.

ArieForce One has a new home. Full story: ⬇️ https://www.ocregister.com/2026/10/29/arieforce-one-coaster-coming-to-six-flags-magic-mountain/

ArieForce One is headed to Flags Magic Mountain.

The final days of Cedar Point’s 2026 season are approaching, and visitors hoping to squeeze in one last trip to America’s Roller Coast may discover that some of their favorite attractions are already unavailable. Full story: ⬇️ https://sanduskyregister.com/news/1578307/final-cedar-point-weekend-comes-with-a-catch/

Six Flags faces another major financial challenge in January 2027, when approximately $367.2 million comes due to the limited partners of Six Flags Over Georgia. The payment stems from the company’s December 2024 decision to acquire the remaining 68.5% limited partnership interests and assume full economic ownership of the park. Originally estimated at $332.6 million, the obligation has since grown to $367.2 million through inflation adjustments and accrued interest. To put that into perspective, the payment represents roughly 44% of Six Flags’ available liquidity and nearly 2.7 times its reported $134.5 million cash balance as of mid-2026. The challenge for Six Flags isn’t simply finding the money to meet its financial obligations. It’s finding a sustainable path forward while balancing debt, capital investment, operational performance and the guest experience. At some point, financial restructuring and cost-cutting alone won’t be enough. Six Flags needs a strategy that restores investor confidence without sacrificing the very things that bring guests through its gates.

Holiday World’s $22 million Cannonball! water coaster is taking shape, with its 90-foot lift hill reaching a major milestone. Meanwhile, the park is preparing for its final Halloween weekend of 2026. Full story: ⬇️ https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-cannonball-water-coaster-construction-2027/

Check back on Nov. 27.

Three trains. The Beast had a 2,150 rides given hour in 1980.

There was a time The Beast did 1,650 to 1,700 rider per hour.

From a breathtaking living Nativity and dazzling ice skaters to magnificent horses and a visit from Santa Claus, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is bringing the spirit of Christmas to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Full story: ⬇️ https://themeparksbydon.com/dolly-partons-stampede-christmas-pigeon-forge-2026/

You can now buy a share of Six Flags stock for just $6.77 — less than the $6.99 Loaded Jalapeño Whopper at Burger King.

Ohio officials are shedding more light on a recent mishap at Cedar Point that shut down one of its most popular roller coasters. Full Story: ⬇️ https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2026/10/22/cedar-point-coaster-part-falls-into-vip-lounge-area/92363849007/?

Other parks are doing well so excuses for missing the mark will be just that: excuses.

Above average temperatures or raining will be blamed. Had nothing to do with their strategy.

Looks similar to the part that came off Top Thrill Dragster.

From the return of Barbeque & Bluegrass to expanded Halloween celebrations, new Christmas experiences and a full season of NightFlight Expedition, Dollywood is giving travelers plenty of reasons to plan a 2027 getaway to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Full story: ⬇️ https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-2027-calendar-new-events-festivals/

Dollywood has unveiled its 2027 operating calendar, and there are some exciting changes ahead for visitors planning a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The park opens March 11, following a March 10 passholder preview day. Among the biggest highlights are the return of the popular Barbecue & Bluegrass festival over Labor Day weekend and the expansion of Harvey’s Boo Bash from three nights to six. The Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights return September 11 through October 31, followed by Smoky Mountain Christmas beginning November 5. With seasonal celebrations throughout the year, which Dollywood event are you most looking forward to experiencing in 2027?