<![CDATA[Other Amusement Parks & Industry News Latest Topics]]>https://kic.datric.io/forums/forum/38-other-amusement-parks-industry-news/enGoodbye, Kumbahttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50684-goodbye-kumba/ 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. 

]]>50684Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:45:17 +0000Holiday World Extends Summer Hours for Night Rides on Select 2026 Dateshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50683-holiday-world-extends-summer-hours-for-night-rides-on-select-2026-dates/ 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/

]]>50683Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:34:54 +0000Why Six Flags Needs to Rebalance Its Food and Beverage Strategyhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50680-why-six-flags-needs-to-rebalance-its-food-and-beverage-strategy/ 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/

]]>50680Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:59:10 +0000Dollywood Named Only Theme Park on TIME’s Best Private Companies 2026 Listhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50677-dollywood-named-only-theme-park-on-time%E2%80%99s-best-private-companies-2026-list/ 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/

]]>50677Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:29:11 +0000<![CDATA[Dollywood auction lets fans buy original Flower & Food Festival artwork for charity]]>https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50676-dollywood-auction-lets-fans-buy-original-flower-food-festival-artwork-for-charity/ 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/

]]>50676Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:11:02 +0000Mark Pauls named COO of Six Flagshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50673-mark-pauls-named-coo-of-six-flags/ 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.

]]>50673Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:29:36 +0000Why Cannonball! is the perfect fit for Holiday Worldhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50674-why-cannonball-is-the-perfect-fit-for-holiday-world/ 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/

]]>50674Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:29:50 +0000Holiday World Making a Big Splash in 2027 with Cannonball!https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50670-holiday-world-making-a-big-splash-in-2027-with-cannonball/ 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?

]]>50670Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:39:39 +0000Wild Waves Closing in 2026https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50485-wild-waves-closing-in-2026/ Looks like Wild Waves is closing for good next year...

https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wild-waves-shut-down-2026

Sad to see any amusement park close (although this was a water park too), but in the Northwest, you don't have very many options. I used to live in Oregon and this park has a little sentimental feeling to me, because Wild Thing was my very first upside down roller coaster. It wasn't THE coaster that got me into roller coasters, but it had a huge impact on me.

I remember after the water park closed, my family went over to the super small amusement park side and I decided I would try Timberhawk, their S&S woodie. I was scared, but had a fun time. So I was feeling pretty confident in myself after that ride, and decided I might try and conquer the Wild Thing (simple Arrow looper). I had never done an upside down roller coaster before, and was super sacred of the idea of going upside down, as I'm sure many of you guys experienced when you were younger. But I got the courage to get in line, and in the ride vehicle. I was super scared on the lift, but it was over before I knew it. I wasn't really sure how I liked it at first. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked roller coasters anymore. When we got back into the station, the ride operator then asked everyone if they wanted to go again, and if they didn't they could raise their hand and get their restraint released. I of course raised my hand but my dad put it back down and said "let's go again". So, as we left the station I held the restraint tight and braced myself for the upcoming loops. By the time I got off the ride, I had completely changed my mind and absolutely loved it! Thus began my love for roller coasters. Anyway, just thought I'd share an experience I remember quite vividly about this park.

]]>50485Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:28:19 +0000Silver Dollar City 2027 Additionhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50667-silver-dollar-city-2027-addition/ Visited  Branson, MO and there is a new attraction going in between Powderkeg and Wildfire at SDC. Lots of land clearing and already vertical with the structure in the center. I thought it was an old structure for it is intentionally weathered to look old, not the footers are new.

Not sure what this is as far as coaster type, but there is also already a transfer shed for what looks like 3 trains. 

Thoughts?

PXL_20260625_224721466.jpg

]]>50667Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:28:43 +0000Holiday World has started teasing "something" for 2027https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50132-holiday-world-has-started-teasing-something-for-2027/ This was spotted on the fence surrounding the former Raging Rapids attraction in the 4th of July section of the park. It's quite odd to see the park tease something that's still two years out, so perhaps it's going to be something major? What do you all think?

(Credit to Hoosier2006 on Reddit for the image)

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]]>50132Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:53:44 +0000Disney Jollywood Nightshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50668-disney-jollywood-nights/ 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?

]]>50668Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:41:17 +0000Hersheypark’s Comet Turns 80: Why Riders Still Love This Wooden Coaster Classichttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50665-hersheypark%E2%80%99s-comet-turns-80-why-riders-still-love-this-wooden-coaster-classic/ For 80 years, Hersheypark’s Comet has thrilled riders with classic wooden coaster airtime, glowing night rides, and timeless nostalgia. Here’s why the legendary ride still matters today.

Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/hersheypark-comet-80th-anniversary/

]]>50665Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:24:12 +0000Boulder Canyon Competitionhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50666-boulder-canyon-competition/ 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?

 

IMG_7726.webp

]]>50666Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:41:30 +0000Fun Spot Atlanta closing for good on August 2nd, 2026.https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50664-fun-spot-atlanta-closing-for-good-on-august-2nd-2026/ This press release was just released by Fun Spot. If you haven't been on Arieforce One yet, I would recommend trying to go down there if possible. This park is located about 30 minutes from Six Flags Over Georgia.

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]]>50664Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:24:59 +0000Cedar Point Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday With Fireworks, Skydivers, Special Food and Patriotic Entertainmenthttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50663-cedar-point-celebrates-america%E2%80%99s-250th-birthday-with-fireworks-skydivers-special-food-and-patriotic-entertainment/ As the United States marks a quarter millennium of history, Cedar Point is blending thrills, tradition and patriotism into a holiday week that promises unforgettable memories for families visiting America’s Roller Coast. 

Details: https://sanduskyregister.com/news/1114083/cedar-point-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/

]]>50663Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:08:56 +0000Holiday World’s 500-Drone Spectacular Returns for Fourth of July Celebrationhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50662-holiday-world%E2%80%99s-500-drone-spectacular-returns-for-fourth-of-july-celebration/ Holiday World’s Holidays in the Sky drone and fireworks spectacular returns through August 3 with 500 drones, pyrotechnics, patriotic animations, and special Fourth of July events.

Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-holidays-in-the-sky-2026/

]]>50662Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:43:33 +00005 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences My Family Loved as Much as the Rideshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50660-5-walt-disney-world-dining-experiences-my-family-loved-as-much-as-the-rides/ We rode the attractions, watched the shows, and made unforgettable memories—but some of the best moments of our Walt Disney World vacation happened around the dinner table. Here are five Disney dining experiences my family loved as much as the rides. 

Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/walt-disney-world-cant-miss-dining-experiences-family-vacation/

]]>50660Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:34:02 +0000Dollywood Named One of America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2026 — Here’s Why It Matters to Visitorshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50658-dollywood-named-one-of-america%E2%80%99s-greatest-workplaces-for-2026-%E2%80%94-here%E2%80%99s-why-it-matters-to-visitors/ Dollywood has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026 list, recognizing the popular Smoky Mountain destination for its employee culture, benefits, and workplace excellence.

Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-americas-greatest-workplaces-2026-newsweek/

]]>50658Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:22:40 +0000Opening of Tormenta Rampaging Run Delayedhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50657-opening-of-tormenta-rampaging-run-delayed/ Thrill seekers will have to wait a little longer to experience Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas. The record-breaking 309-foot dive coaster was expected to welcome its first riders this Friday, but the park announced that commissioning and testing are taking longer than anticipated. No revised opening date has been announced as crews continue preparations for the coaster’s debut.

]]>50657Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:30:23 +0000Holiday World’s Gobbler Getaway Still Delivers Timeless Fun 20 Years Laterhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50651-holiday-world%E2%80%99s-gobbler-getaway-still-delivers-timeless-fun-20-years-later/ Celebrating its 20th anniversary at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Gobbler Getaway remains one of the theme park industry’s most charming and unique family attractions.

Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/gobbler-getaway-holiday-world-20-years/

]]>50651Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:32:50 +0000Universal Kid’s Resort in Texashttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50467-universal-kid%E2%80%99s-resort-in-texas/ Universal released some more details about their kid’s resort under construction in the DFW Metroplex from IAAPA this week. Thoughts on the descriptions and concept art? My initial thought is that this park appears to be a significant step down from the immersive theming done at the “full” parks—which makes sense. I haven’t seen any expectations listed for annual attendance, but I can’t imagine they expect it to come anywhere close to the destination resorts, so it makes sense that the investment would reflect that as well. Still, the concept art feels a little “flat” and more regional-parkish than typical Universal standards. (Although, my complaint with DreamWorks land at USF is that it seems a little “flat” as well…)

https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202511/11173/

]]>50467Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:23:28 +0000Run Dollywood Expands to Three-Day Fall Race Weekend in the Smoky Mountainshttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50655-run-dollywood-expands-to-three-day-fall-race-weekend-in-the-smoky-mountains/ Dollywood is giving runners a new reason to visit the Smoky Mountains this fall. Run Dollywood returns Sept. 25-27 with an expanded three-day race weekend featuring a nighttime 5K through Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a Half Marathon, and all the fun of Harvest Festival.

Full story: https://themeparksbydon.com/run-dollywood-fall-race-weekend-2026/

]]>50655Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:14:04 +0000Tickets Now on Sale for Dollywood’s First-Ever Harvey’s Boo Bash After-Hours Eventhttps://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50653-tickets-now-on-sale-for-dollywood%E2%80%99s-first-ever-harvey%E2%80%99s-boo-bash-after-hours-event/ For the first time in its history, Dollywood is hosting a separately ticketed after-hours event. Harvey’s Boo Bash could become one of the Smoky Mountains’ hottest Halloween tickets this fall.

Full story: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-harveys-boo-bash-halloween-event/

]]>50653Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:32:23 +0000What’s Dollywood up to?https://kic.datric.io/forums/topic/50117-what%E2%80%99s-dollywood-up-to/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLDZn22BC5r/?igsh=emM1aWloYnJ6bHpk

 

people keep saying “flight simulator” but the park keeps saying “not been done before” so it will be interesting to see what actually gets announced. 

]]>50117Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:42:21 +0000