DonHelbig

It’s less expensive than doing a photo shoot.

Cedar Point needs a wooden coaster like Thunderhead or Mystic Timbers. Something that’s relentless from the time the train leaves the lift hill until the brake run back into the station.

Think he’d permit himself to go on Tower Topics?

Jennifer Hoban is one of the best people I worked with in my years at Kings Island.

They have people that don't know it's National Roller Coaster Day, not National Coaster Day. Accuracy isn't a priority anymore with the parks.

If enthusiasts who are just about coasters stopped going, it would have minimal impact on annual attendance. The majority of guests visiting have been, are now and will always be families.

Spaceship Earth has welcomed EPCOT guests since opening day in 1982. Now Disney is preparing to reimagine the iconic attraction for a new generation while preserving the heart of the classic EPCOT experience. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/disney-spaceship-earth-epcot-reimagining/

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/

I mention this in my story.

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/

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/

Wash, rinse, repeat.

Why isn’t the park posting an advisory on its social media channels?

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/

The full-time staff could leave the air-conditioned offices and work drink stands and restaurants this week to help so places aren’t closed. It wasn’t that long ago when that was how it was handled the last week of daily operation.

Trying to close loopholes.

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/

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/

I don’t have to be there to know exactly what’s going on. People send me photos, what’s open, what’s closed every day. I have no ill will towards the park, either. False narrative on your end. I want the park to do well. I want the guest experience to be top tier.

How’s this narrative for Sunday, Aug. 9?

When it comes to season-pass value, the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best deal. Dollywood, Holiday World and Kennywood continue to stand out to me because of what guests get beyond rides: friendly guest service, clean and well-maintained parks, strong seasonal events and an overall sense that the guest experience matters. There’s also something to be said for integrity—delivering an experience that matches what was promised and making visitors feel valued after they’ve spent their money.

Who remembers when the Kings Island sleuths were convinced they had cracked the code on the park’s website and uncovered what the big announcement on this day in 2013 would be? It was so much fun watching it all unfold from my end.

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/

Never before has there been as much confusion when passes and dining plans go on sale.

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?