PODCAST

The Attractions Group Podcast

attractionsgrouppodcast

Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.

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All Episodes

68:50

Designing Phantom Theater! 🎭 Drew Edward Hunter of...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/04/15

How do you resurrect a legend?Just three days before its world premiere, we sit down with Drew Edward Hunter, Creative Lead for Sally Dark Rides, to discuss the design, development, and debut of Kings Island’s "Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare." "To the Faithful...": Relive the magic of the original 1992 classic! We dive deep into the return of the Maestro and how this "new" attraction honors the legacy of the original Phantom Theater. Get the inside scoop on what to expect during your first ride

50:55

s5, e033- Matt Miller fills In. Here comes Enchanted...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/04/10

With Clete away in Chicago, David is in the studio and is joined by special Guest Host: Matt Miller of Innovated Studios. Known across the industry as "America's Theme Park Technologist," Matt joins David to peel back the curtain on how technology is reshaping the guest experience. In This Episode: The Origins of a Technologist: We dive into Matt’s unique career path and how he earned the title of America's Theme Park Technologist. The Big Sale: Now that the deal is officially closed, David and

64:33

S5, E032 | Elizabeth Ringas: The Business of Thrills...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/04/06

ACE's Elizabeth Ringas Returns! | Roller Coasters, Coaster Con 2026, & Industry Insights Join Clete Reinberger and David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast as they welcome back a very special guest: Elizabeth Ringas, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE)! In this deep-dive episode, we explore the current state of the coaster community, the massive lineup for Coaster Con 2026, and the bittersweet transition as Elizabeth enters the final months of her impactful presidency. From the

65:08

S5, E031- Things Park Operators Wish Guests Would...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/03/26

Welcome to Opening Day Eve! 🎢This week on The Attractions Group Podcast, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling are pulling back the curtain on the "unofficial" side of the theme park industry. After putting out a call to industry professionals on LinkedIn and social media, the responses flooded in—covering the weird, the odd, the funny, and the flat-out gross things that park guests do. From the "Blue Puke" cleanup at Kings Island to the shocking frequency of finding prosthetic limbs in

60:19

S5, E030- 36 Years of Disney Hospitality: A...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/03/18

How do you sustain "world-class" hospitality for over three decades at the most famous vacation destination on Earth?In this episode of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling are joined by Jeff Korte, a 36-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company. Jeff has navigated the massive evolution of the Hospitality sector within the attractions industry—from the foundational service models of the 1990s to the high-tech, personalized guest experiences of 2026. While the

65:41

S5, E029: The Tech Behind Legoland’s Galacticoaster &...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/03/12

Theme Park News & Industry Analysis with Special Guest Matt MillerThis week on the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive into a massive week of theme park news, construction updates, and corporate shifts. Joining the show is America’s Theme Park Technologist, Matt Miller of Innovated Studios in Orlando, to provide a technical breakdown of the most anticipated attractions of 2026. In This Episode: Legoland Florida’s Galacticoaster Deep-Dive: Matt shares his

43:54

S5, E 028- Six Flags SHOCKER: 7 Parks Sold! The Rise...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/03/06

The landscape of the theme park industry just shifted forever. In this emergency breakdown, hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling dive deep into the massive March 5th announcement: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is divesting seven of its regional properties in a $331 million deal with EPR Properties and the newly emerging operator, Enchanted Parks, LLC.What does this mean for the future of your favorite park? From the "Midwest Cluster" to the streets of Montreal, we’re breaking down the

45:00

S5, E027- The Future of Malls + Six Flags Adapts...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/02/19

The Attractions Group Podcast | Season5, Episode 27Clete and David officially at the 1-year mark hosting the tAG Podcast! In this episode, we’re moving beyond the "year in review" and diving straight into the heavy hitters shaping the future of themed entertainment. From Disney’s corporate strategy to the "death" of the American mall, we’re breaking down the business of fun. In this episode, we discuss: The D’Amaro Era: A deep dive into Josh D’Amaro’s latest leadership moves at Disney Parks and

55:50

S5, E 026- Roller Coaster Episode: What separates a...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/01/29

2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years the attractions industry has seen in decades—and the news isn’t slowing down.In Season 5, Episode 26 of the Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger break down the biggest theme park, amusement park, and attractions industry news heading into 2026. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: The most anticipated new attractions opening in 2026 Who (or what) is the mysterious “Enchanted Parks” What trademark filings

56:44

S: 5, E: 025- NEW EPISODE: A Legend’s First Look Back

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/01/13

After decades of shaping the global attractions industry, David Mandt (Former IAAPA Chief Governance Officer & Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation) has officially retired—and he’s joining us for his first exclusive interview since stepping down at the end of 2025!Hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with David to reflect on a career that has left an indelible mark on our industry. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your journey in attractions, this is an

48:27

The Attractions Group Podcast is Back in 2026! |...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/01/10

Welcome to another exciting year for the Attractions Group Podcast!Buckle up for an awesome ride, we're excited that you are joining us! We break down what Christmas looks like for theme parks heading into 2025, how seasonal events are evolving, and what recent announcements mean for the future of the attractions industry. Then we zoom out to discuss why Qiddiya City matters, how Six Flags’ global expansion is changing the landscape, and what this project signals for the next generation of theme

14:53

tAG Webinar- Power Factor Correction: The Invisible...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Welcome to "Inside the Park," where we explore the hidden mechanics that keep the Attractions Industry running efficiently. Today’s focus is on a technology that is often described as the "Invisible Green Machine": Power Factor Correction (PFC). This webinar is sponsored by a joint venture between Cincinnati-based Energy Efficiency Group and the Attractions Group. While many theme parks and zoos gain public recognition for visible sustainability efforts like solar farms or eliminating plastics,

54:30

Season 5, Episode 022: Six Flags' New CEO: John...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/12/15

🎢 Six Flags New CEO John Reilly: IAAPA Fallout & What's Next | Attractions Group PodcastThe biggest attractions business news is here! Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a deep-dive analysis into the monumental leadership shift at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Veteran operator John Reilly has been named the new President and CEO, and this episode breaks down exactly what that means for the future of Six Flags and the broader regional park landscape. Reilly is taking the

38:43

Episode 5:021- IAAPA Week 2025 + A Look Into The...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/12/02

Join hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger for a deep-dive breakdown of everything that went down at IAAPA Expo 2025 — the biggest global gathering for rides, tech, attractions, and themed entertainment.Whether you’re in operations, design, guest experience, or leadership, this episode gives you an insider-level look at the products, people, and innovations shaping the future of our industry. 🚀 A full reaction to Nightflight Expedition, one of the most talked-about new attractions at IAAPA 🎠

13:31

tAG Webinar: Theme Park Energy Savings: Power Factor...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/12/02

Join Alex & Isabelle from the Attractions Group and the Energy Efficiency Group (both based in Cincinnati!) for this "high-voltage" webinar on a critical, often overlooked, strategy for massive energy savings at theme parks, zoos, waterparks, and large attractions. These venues are powerhouses of energy consumption, running thousands of horsepower of inductive loads, including: Rides and Attractions: Motors for roller coasters, carousels, and dark ride animatronics. HVAC Systems: Air

57:47

Episode 5:020 | A Smoky Mountain Expedition with...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/11/12

⛰️ Attractions Group Podcast: A Smoky Mountain Expedition with Dollywood President Eugene Naughton 🎢Join hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling for a fascinating deep dive with a true industry visionary, Mr. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company! In this must-listen episode, we go straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains to discuss what it truly takes to operate a world-class resort in the attraction-rich Pigeon Forge area. Eugene Naughton shares exclusive insights on leading

60:15

Episode 5:019 | National Roller Coaster Museum's Kris...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/11/06

Get ready for a deep dive into the thrilling world of coaster history! 🎢 In this episode, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger sit down with two incredible guests from the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in Texas: Kris Rowberry and Mark Rosenzweig.Kris and Mark pull back the curtain on the massive undertaking of preserving amusement park history. They share: 🛠️ What it takes to build a world-class exhibit: From tracking down historic ride vehicles to restoring rare

62:17

Episode 5:018 | Beyond the Park Gates: Interview with...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/11/04

🚀 Beyond the Theme Park Gates: Interview with Former Disney Executive Djuan Rivers 🏔️Join The Attractions Group Podcast hosts Clete Reinberger, David Detling, and America's Theme Park Technologist, Matthew Miller, for an incredible conversation with former Disney Executive and global adventurer, Djuan Rivers! From leading one of the world's most successful theme park divisions (including his time as VP of Disney's Animal Kingdom during the opening of Pandora - The World of Avatar) to now

45:31

Episode 5-016 | David Rosenberg talks Guest...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/10/30

Don't miss our latest episode featuring David Rosenberg, EVP of SSA Group! David dives deep into the future of the Attractions Industry, focusing on the critical intersection of Guest Experience and Sustainability. Learn how attractions are innovating to create seamless, impactful, and environmentally conscious visits.Plus, stick around for a high-thrill segment as your co-host, Clete, unveils his highly debated Top 10 Roller Coasters! 🎢 Do your favorites make the cut? Tune in to find out which

36:17

Behind the Scare, Episode 11- Scott Swenson |...

The Attractions Group Podcast ·

2025/10/14

🎙️ Calling all haunt fans and creative minds! 🎙️👻 🎃Get ready for the thrilling conclusion of our "Behind the Scare" series on the Attractions Group Podcast! This week, host Clete Reinberger sits down with the legendary Scott Swenson of Scott Swenson Creative Development for an incredible interview you won't want to miss. Scott's insights into the world of immersive entertainment and scare design are truly unparalleled. Tune in to hear his stories, wisdom, and creative process that have brought

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