DonHelbig

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.

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!