DonHelbig

With the right marketing, promotion and relationships, they could win it.

They were just using it for the most part to park sales and promotional content the past couple years instead of using it for its intent to tell stories. If they’re not going to use it for storytelling, it doesn’t serve a purpose.

The Silver Pass will return. Come spring you’ll see “Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare now open. Buy a Silver Pass” posts on the parks social media channels.

The Kings Island website has been updated with a fresh new look. It’s easier to navigate and find exactly what you’re looking for. https://www.sixflags.com/kingsisland

I saw the billboard this morning on my way to Paycor Stadium for the Bengals game. It’s an engaging ad.

From thrills to heartfelt service, Dollywood does it right. Forbes names them a 2026 top company for customer service. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-forbes-best-customer-service-2026/

Dollywood had released its 2026 operating calendar. Highlights include the $50 million NightFlight Expedition, the inaugural Run Dollywood weekend, and the separately ticketed Harvey’s Boo Bash. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-2026-nightflight-expedition-run-dollywood-harveys-boo-bash/

Over 6 million lights, magical shows, and festive fun await the 35th annual Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood starting Nov. 1. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-smoky-mountain-christmas-2025/

Nice addition. I like the theme.

Taking over the Midwest? The podcast has listeners from coast-to-coast and Canada (Ontario area) each and every episode. Ranking the trash cans has potential. The placement of each one, how often the bags get changed, which one overflows the most. We can work with that.

Oh, I’ll never forget where I came from. Hustling up and down every aisle at Riverfront Stadium, selling souvenirs at Reds and Bengals games from 1980 to 1982 for a straight 15% commission, built the foundation for every success that came after.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end and pop-culture favorite Travis Kelce is adding “theme park investor” to his resume. http://sanduskyregister.com/go/682896025f90d

As far as sucking the soul right out of it and throwing it all away, a full-time Six Flags employee told me this morning we keep knocking it out of the park with our episodes. That being said, I appreciate your interest in Tower Topics and your thoughts on the direction of the podcast. We’re a little over two years and 300 episodes into this with Tower Topics, and the podcast is continually evolving with the format. There are more tweaks to come that should continue to make the episodes better.

Former Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet shares candid insights on leadership, boards, and tough lessons from Cedar Fair — plus his thoughts on Six Flags. A must-read for theme park fans and anyone interested in corporate leadership. http://sanduskyregister.com/go/67e5e1d4bbcff

I’ll share my thoughts straight up. If they burst a few Orbit bubbles, that’s just how it goes.

Not happening.

To go over the front entrance means supports in and right outside the full-time employee parking lot and next to the HR and administration buildings. That’s not happening.

Selling off parks is on the table no matter who the next CEO is.

The survey is doing what they wanted it to do: create a diversion to get people talking about something else besides maze up-charges, rides closed (see KD), parks that could be sold, etc.

My family and I loved exploring the new fall Candy Corn Country area at Dollywood. It’s bright, whimsical, and full of Dollywood charm. Check out why it’s the sweetest spot at this year’s Harvest Festival. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-candy-corn-country-harvest-festival-2025/

If Marilyn Spiegel gets named the next CEO, those wouldn’t be the only parks where it might be the last year of Haunt as they know it.

https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/CORRECTING-and-REPLACING-Six-Flags-Announces-Corporate-Governance-Changes/default.aspx

Worth noting: Marilyn Spiegel has experience with REITS and land lease agreements from her casino and hospitality background.

I wouldn’t mind seeing those colors on the Monster cars.

This is how it looks for brands when your social media person isn’t far removed from their last group project being for extra credit.