Attractions Group

05/26/2026

Don't look now... but the Maestro and "No Legs" Larry are lurking over the skies this summer at Kings Island!

05/22/2026

Kings Island's legendary roller coaster, "the Beast" from behind the scenes.

05/22/2026

If your ticketing system, waiver forms, and point-of-sale systems don't talk to each other, you aren't running an attraction—you're managing a tech nightmare. 🎢❌

Every "patchwork" fix or "Frankenstein" tech setup in your park isn't just frustrating your team—it's actively killing your guest experience and draining your margins.

In our latest episode, we sat down face-to-face inside the IAAPA Global Headquarters with industry powerhouse Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technologies and host of the LIVE with Sondra podcast.

Sondra went from managing a local laser tag facility at 19 to leading a software revolution for the entire attractions industry. She pulls back the curtain on:

👉 The Integration Trap: Why disconnected software creates major revenue blind spots.
👉 The Dynamic Pricing Debate: Why guests are fighting back against corporate algorithmic pricing, and what smart operators are doing instead to protect value.
👉 AI & Forensic Data: How to leverage predictive analytics (like local weather patterns and review trends) without losing the human touch.
👉 Next-Gen Gamification: A sneak peek at the upcoming G6 platform and how "badges" can gamify both employee onboarding and guest loyalty.

Whether you operate a family entertainment center, a multi-acre water park, a zoo, or a museum, this conversation is a masterclass in operational efficiency.

👇 WATCH NOW

05/22/2026

Season 5, Episode 038 Sondra Shannon on Frankenstein Tech, the Dynamic Pricing Debate, and Gamifying the Guest Journey Are your attraction's systems working together, or are they quietly costing you millions? In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger....

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Great event, IAAPA North America ! Thank you for the opportunity to co-sponsor!

Best industry to be involved in!
Kings Island

05/13/2026

Big things are happening in the Smokies! 🏔️✨

Have you ever wondered what makes Dollywood so special? It’s not just the world-class cinnamon bread (though that helps!)—it’s the heart behind the park.

In a must-watch new interview hosted by David Detling and guest host - - Matthew Miller Dollywood President Eugene Naughton shares some incredible "behind-the-curtain" stories on The Attractions Group Podcast. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a coaster enthusiast, you’ll want to hear this!

Here’s what Eugene shared:

🎢 Nightflight Expedition 2026: It’s official! Dollywood’s 11th coaster is going to be a massive, 44,000 sq. ft. immersive adventure. Eugene says it’s a "40-year attraction" that will surprise everyone! 🌙

❤️ Leading with Love: Did you know Dollywood has an on-site health clinic for employees, a full-time chaplain, and even pays 100% of tuition for their staff? Eugene believes that if you take care of the "Hosts," they’ll take better care of YOU.

📈 The Secret to Success: While other parks struggle with staffing, Dollywood has a 93% retention rate. It turns out treating people like family is a pretty good business plan!

🏨 More to Come: With 1,100 acres of land, Eugene is already dreaming about the future—including a master plan for up to FIVE total resorts! 🏨✨

Watch the full video by clicking in the Comments.

Are you planning a trip to see the new coaster in 2026?
Let us know in the comments! 👇

05/13/2026

Season 5, Episode 037 Join the Attractions Group Podcast for an exclusive deep dive with Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. In this episode, Eugene shares the "secret sauce" behind Dollywood’s world-class guest experience, their industry-leading 93% host retention rate, and the h...

05/08/2026

🎙️ The "Service Factory": A Masterclass with Matt Eckert

How does a family-owned park in Santa Claus, Indiana, consistently outrank the world's biggest theme parks in guest satisfaction?

In our latest episode, we sit down with Matt Eckert, President & CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, for a deep dive into the operations of a 110-acre powerhouse. We discuss:

✨ The "Four Prongs" of Service: The simple human interaction philosophy that every staff member—from ride ops to the front gate—lives by.

🎢 Value as a Strategy: Why "Free" (parking, sunscreen, soft drinks) isn't just a perk, but a core psychological driver of the guest experience.

🏗️ The 2027 Teaser: Matt gives us the dates you need to circle on your calendar for their next massive announcement.

🦆 Rubber Duck Days: Yes, a six-story rubber duck is coming to the water park, and Matt explains exactly why "leaning into the weird" works.

If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain a world-class culture while managing the longest operating season in a park's history, this interview is a must-watch.

David Detling

05/08/2026

This episode of "The Attractions Group Podcast" features an interview with Matt Eckert, the President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, who stops by to talk about 2026. Hosts, David and Clete, begin by discussing recent roller coaster rankings from USA Today, sharing their own strong...