DonHelbig

They’d have to have people on the marketing side that would know the fountain show would be of more interest to audiences across all communication channels than pushing products like season pass, dining plans, drink plans, and maze access passes. It would inspire more people to plan a visit if the focus of their content was on experiences like the fountain show over products. It’s easier to get people to buy the products when they’re interested in checking out the experiences the park has to offer. They’ll post something soon on the fountain show because they’ll see people are talking about it on KIC and Tower Topics. But the event will be halfway over by then.

Today marks the anniversary of Kings Island’s 2019 announcement that Vortex would be retired, and I’ve published a piece on TPBD reflecting on the ride’s legacy. https://themeparksbydon.com/remember-the-grip-Vortex-kings-island/

When it comes to theme park storytelling, Dollywood is a master. From rides like FireChaser Express and Big Bear Mountain to their latest announcement, NightFlight Expedition, they immerse guests in a narrative long before the ride even starts. Now… imagine if Kings Island embraced that same approach.

Here’s a link to a piece I published on TPBD. https://themeparksbydon.com/spain-in-texas-six-flags-tormenta-rampaging-run/

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is favored by many seasoned, well-traveled park-goers over Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt and other Six Flags’ Halloween events, thanks to its family-friendly, festive autumn atmosphere, focus on live music and artisanal crafts, and its impressive display of enormous, real pumpkins.

Supply and no demand.

Thanks! They’d need to have not only the money to build something of this magnitude, but they’d need to have the people in place on the creative side that can do the storytelling at the level Dollywood does to captivate guests. NightFlight Expedition isn’t just a ride—it tells a story.

Here’s a piece I wrote for Theme Parks By Don on Dollywood’s new 50M attraction opening in 2026. It won’t win a Pulitzer, but I think it captures the spirit of the thing. https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-nightflight-expedition-2026/

And the winner is …

The Crypt building is too small by comparison. I did a construction tour today and what Dollywood is building is massive.

Indiana Beach does not release attendance figures. Six Flags does not release individual park attendance, though by park are found through third-party reports like the Themed Entertainment Association. However, those attendance figures, often reported in news stories, are not accurate. They’re estimates, off by as much as 500,000 ether way.

Indiana Beach is 376 acres. Kings Island 364.

Holiday World's location in Santa Claus, Indiana-just a few hours from cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville, and Columbus-makes it an accessible and worthwhile destination for families and thrill-seekers alike this fall. https://daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/why-holiday-world-in-santa-claus-ind-might-be-worth-the-drive-this-fall-season/KPLLJTM2IRAGTBFNXGOJ5ZMBTM/

I like that they added these dates. If the weather is nice, all of the parks with the added dates should have good crowds.

But took away the entire fall season at Michigan's Adventure and cancelled WinterFest at Kings Dominion.

The Single-Use Fast Lane Pass included with each visit was the deciding factor in my choice to upgrade to the Prestige Pass for 2026. I really appreciated the value it offered—saving time with the Fast Lane Pass means I can fit in an extra ride or two during visits to parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point. And, of course, the unlimited tap water in the VIP lounge didn’t hurt either.

It’s one of the best food items I’ve had at the park since 1972.

Thanks for sharing the photos!

Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over Georgia are in what the company considers its top tier of parks. They like the potential upside each park has.

The majority of the content now being published is messaging. There’s very little storytelling. “RiverRacers now open; buy your Silver Pass!” We’ll see the same messaging next year: “Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare now open; buy your Silver Pass!”

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has announced new perks for 2026 Platinum Season Passholders, including early entry to Splashin’ Safari throughout June and July. Platinum passholders will be able to enter the water park daily from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m., with exclusive access to Mammoth, Cheetah Chase, Kima Bay, Tembo Falls, and Tembo Tides. Guests staying at Santa’s Cottages during those months will also qualify for early entry and receive discounted Holiday World tickets. New for 2026, teachers will be eligible for discounts on season passes and tickets, joining existing offers for military members, first responders, and nurses. The park will continue to use ID.me for online verification to authorize all discounts. The Free Pre-K Pass returns in 2026 for children born between July 1, 2020, and November 1, 2022. Registration must be completed online, and a government-issued document showing the child’s date of birth is required when processing the pass onsite. Children age three and under receive free admission. Season passes for 2026 are on sale now at the lowest available price through September 30. Passes can be purchased in full or with monthly payments through the parks’ Easy Pay program, available until February 4, 2026. Guests who purchase and pay in full for a 2026 Platinum Season Pass now will also receive access to Sundays during Happy Halloween Weekends this year. Holiday World’s Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival continues Fridays through Sundays until September 13. Splashin’ Safari’s final operating day for the season is September 13, and both parks will be closed to the public on Sunday, September 14. Happy Halloween Weekends begin September 20, featuring a new Dino Corn Maze Adventure and an all-new drone show, “Dinos Soar in the Sky.” For more information and to purchase season passes, visit www.HolidayWorld.com.

This movie plays every year with Memorial Day and Labor Day deadlines. There was always going to be an extension. The Sept. 1 deadline was pushed out there to drive urgency. The extension normally is for 3-4 days. Extending by two weeks tells a story.

For fans who fondly remember the original Phantom Theater (1992–2002), this is more than a nostalgic nod — it’s a rebirth. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to a world where music meets mayhem, where ghosts take center stage, and where every twist of the track invites you deeper into the story.

They got my money on some shirts with that logo. Love it!

Nothing is as good as it used to be, and it never was.