DonHelbig

Six Flags is shifting power back to the parks. The company has named new park presidents at 10 major properties in a move that could reshape guest experience and operations. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-park-presidents-leadership-change/

My review: https://themeparksbydon.com/kings-island-phantom-theater-opening-nightmare-review/

The good news is no matter where you are in the park, you don’t have to walk far to get chicken tenders.

Discover five reasons to visit Camden Park this summer, from historic rides like the Big Dipper to nostalgic charm at one of America’s last trolley parks. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/camden-park-summer-visit-reasons/

Headed to Kings Island this weekend? Have a good day—if you choose to. Most days, whether it's a good one or not is up to us. Some things during your visit will be beyond the park's control, but how you respond to them will ultimately decide the kind of day you have.

Gone are the days when Kings Island had shows in the Showplace Theatre and Festhaus from the start of the season through Labor Day and the Kings Island Theater from Memorial Day through Labor Days. They provided added value for guests. When the theaters are dark, there’s not much for non-riders to do.

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival returns with 1 million blooms, seasonal dishes, live shows and stunning displays in the Smoky Mountains this spring. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-flower-food-festival-2026/

Award-winning international star illusionist Brad Ross brings his mesmerizing show to Kings Island, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey into fantasy and imagination. Families can expect jaw-dropping grand illusions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and breathtaking live magic on stage. This action-packed production is sure to thrill and amaze guests of all ages, keeping them on the edge of their seats from May 30 through June 21.

Vekoma is turning 100, and fans can celebrate with exclusive anniversary merch that also gives back. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/vekoma-100th-anniversary-century-collection/

For me, it’s an open to close park. I enjoy the flat rides (love Gobbler Getaway), and the shows. The Raven had extensive track work this winter. It’s not a long ride, but it’s relentless from the time you leave the lift hill to the brake run into the station.

When Splashin’ Safari is open, the wait times are manageable on a Saturday, especially the early part of the day. If you arrive at opening, head to The Raven first, followed by the Legend. Then work your way to Thanksgiving for The Voyage, Good Gravy! and Thunderbird. I visited 12 times last year, 11 in 2024, and have always had a fun and enjoyable time.

Peanuts 500, Charlie Brown’s Wind Up, Joe Cool’s Dodgem School, and Snoopy vs Red Baron are the only rides I’ve not ridden in the history of Kings Island. I also rode Grand Carousel, Off Road Rally, Scrambler, Monster, Linus’ Beetle Bugs, and the Log Flume before Kings Island at Cincinnati’s Coney Island. The original Kings Island Dodgem there, too!

Area portals would be good additions. But they won’t spend the $$ to do it.

They had the part they needed last year and chose not to operate it.

He’s right.

But once again. they weren’t in front of it and were reactive instead of proactive.

Once again a Six Flags park didn’t control the narrative with a ride closure and only responded to the media because they had to with a photo in circulation.

The ride posters when posted on the construction fence had the wrong stats because someone didn’t bother to ask someone if they were right.

Mystic Timbers

https://sanduskyregister.com/news/862092/cedar-point-removes-monster/

R.I.P. Monster at Cedar Point. 1970-2025

Opening days, preview days are far from the most crowded days of the year.

There’s something special about a milestone season, and Hersheypark is leaning into it in a big way. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/hersheypark-120th-season-spring-weekends/

A classic rock legend is kicking off a theme park’s biggest season yet. Wild Adventures is celebrating 30 years with a full concert lineup—and it all starts with Kansas. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/wild-adventures-concert-series-kansas-2026/

I feel a change in the wind.