DonHelbig

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.