DonHelbig

Looking for a fresh start in the attractions industry? If you’re a current or former amusement / theme park employee wondering whether there’s a better opportunity out there, or looking to work in the industry, Dollywood Parks & Resorts is now hiring for its fall and Christmas seasons—with competitive pay, 100% free tuition, free lunch every shift, family admission perks, and opportunities for long-term career growth. Many applicants will be hired on the spot. Could it be time to make your next career move? Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-jobs-fall-christmas-hiring-events-2026/

He’ll best be remembered for giving guests Alfredo sauce with pasta as a new culinary creation at the park.

National Carousel Day is July 25, and there’s no better place to celebrate than aboard one of America’s most beautiful historic rides. Discover why Kennywood’s iconic Merry-Go-Round has been creating memories for nearly a century. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/celebrate-national-carousel-day-kennywood-merry-go-round/

Legendary Entertainment’s first-ever theme park attraction, KONG X GODZILLA: THE RIDE, opens July 24 at Lotte World Adventure with an immersive 11-minute Monsterverse dark ride. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/kong-x-godzilla-the-ride-lotte-world-adventure-july-2026/

Why? There’s no reason to.

The amusement industry has lost a legend. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dick-knoebel-knoebels-president-dies-87/

Live entertainment, daring performances, unique food, family activities and a lakeside nighttime spectacular make Boardwalk Nights one of the highlights of summer at Cedar Point. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/cedar-point-boardwalk-nights-2026/

Kumba is preparing for its final roar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with its last day of operation set for August 2 after an unforgettable 33-year run. When it debuted in 1993, the legendary coaster was Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest, while its towering vertical loop and signature roar helped make it one of the most celebrated roller coasters of its era. While fans will say goodbye to a true icon, the story isn’t ending. Busch Gardens has announced Kumba’s Revenge as part of a $100 million investment in the park, ensuring the spirit of Kumba lives on while ushering in a new generation of thrills.

Three summer Saturdays just got even better. Holiday World is extending park hours, giving visitors extra time for award-winning roller coasters, live entertainment, great food and spectacular nighttime experiences. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-extends-summer-hours-night-rides-2026/

It’s not abusing it as you’re allowed up to two meals within four hours. However, counting how many guests are just coming in, grabbing a meal and carrying it out says the park thinks these guests are. If I were the park, using the person keeping tabs to stock ice would be a better use of the labor.

Whatever happens, happens.

With the Son of Beast station, condemnation does not mean it will be torn down.

Has Six Flags trained guests to ask, “Where can I use my meal plan?” instead of, “Where should we eat?” The company already has the building blocks—from smokehouses to food festivals—but there’s an opportunity to rebalance its food and beverage strategy by combining value, signature dining and premium experiences into something guests will remember. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-food-and-beverage-strategy/

TIME has named Dollywood one of America’s Best Private Companies for 2026, ranking it No. 49 overall—and it’s the only theme park to make the prestigious list. Find out what helped Dollywood earn the distinction and why it continues to set the standard in the theme park industry. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-time-best-private-companies-2026/

What if you could take home an original piece of Dollywood? The one-of-a-kind paintings created live during this year’s Flower & Food Festival are now available through a limited-time online auction. Each captures an iconic scene from the park—and every winning bid supports Dollywood’s Share It Forward employee assistance program. Take a look at the collection and see which masterpiece belongs on your wall. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-flower-food-festival-artwork-auction-2026/

Unless some things get addressed, I will be among the followed through and offset by a new passholder.

Nobody is abusing the dining plan. You’re allowed two meals per visit as long as they’re four hours apart. That’s what you paid for. The park does what it can to make it hard to get that second meal for guests that arrive with five hours to go in the operating day by closing restaurants earlier than they did in the pre-dining plan era. So who’s cheating who?

Obviously, no thought went into putting that next to the Grand Carousel and having to turn off the band organ when there’s a show on stage.

Six Flags has optimized food and beverage for dining plan sales rather than guest experience, and it is time to rebalance the equation. I have ideas on what they can do that would be better for Six Flags, food and beverage associates, and guests. But they wouldn’t want to hear it.

It’s in the 4th of July section so same as it was when guests wanted to go from the water park to ride Raging Rapids.

Cannonball! will be the tallest and fastest water roller coaster in the U.S., but the biggest story is why it perfectly matches Holiday World’s family-first philosophy. Full story: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-cannonball-perfect-fit/

Mark Pauls has been named Chief Operating Officer of Six Flags⁠, effective July 15, bringing nearly five decades of experience in the attractions industry to the role. His leadership background includes senior operational positions with Herschend Family Entertainment, Palace Entertainment, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and Busch Gardens, where he built a reputation for improving operational performance while maintaining a strong focus on the guest experience. As Six Flags continues integrating its expanded park portfolio, Pauls’ extensive operations expertise will help shape the company’s next phase of growth.

Holiday World is making a big splash in 2027 with Cannonball!, the Midwest’s first water roller coaster. Combining the thrills of a roller coaster with the excitement of a flume ride, the 1,700-foot attraction will climb a 90-foot lift hill before plunging 75 feet—the tallest drop on any water roller coaster in the United States—and reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, making it the nation’s fastest water roller coaster. The family-friendly adventure ends with a dramatic splashdown in the Boulder Canyon Community Pool and will be open to guests at least 42 inches tall when accompanied by an adult. Will Cannonball! be on your must-ride list in 2027?

Disney Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights from November 7 through January 5, marking the first time the popular holiday event will extend into January. This separately ticketed celebration transforms the park with elegant seasonal décor, stylish live entertainment, specialty food and beverages, exclusive experiences, and shorter waits for many favorite attractions. With a more intimate atmosphere and festive glamour around every corner, Jollywood Nights offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World. Would you add Disney Jollywood Nights to your holiday travel plans this year?

The Boulder Canyon Cannonball Competition splashes back on July 1, with fan favorite Mr. Craig looking to capture the championship for an incredible seventh consecutive year. But the competition is only part of the excitement. Beginning at 8:45 a.m. CT, WATR’s Cole Slawinsky and Barbie Q. Turner will provide live coverage leading up to the official reveal of what’s coming to Holiday World in 2027. With the countdown nearly over, all eyes will be on Santa Claus, Indiana, as Holiday World unveils the largest single-attraction investment in the park’s history. Will you be watching?