Podcasts about holiday world

The guys are on vacation, but the show must go on! We recorded this listener question episode just before heading out, covering everything from the best back-to-back coaster combinations to which IP should come to the parks next, whether Disney would ever tear down the Matterhorn, and which rides sound way better than they actually are. Plus, EB shares two fun stories from a recent Kentucky Kingdom visit — including a station crew member who had absolutely had enough, and a Flying Fox scavenger hunt with a surprisingly solid prize.

We're back.. and we MIGHT talk about coasters! Missing Marc and Tom, Marcus is joined by Andrew from C101 to talk about Holiday World, all the Disney, Vekomas coming in, Japan, man.. actual coaster stuff! Well also Marcus' bullshit but yes coaster stuff!

What's better than a theme park podcast? A theme park podcast recorded while a tornado is actively threatening to rearrange EB's house. Welcome to another completely unhinged episode of Coaster Radio, where we somehow manage to discuss the future of Disney Imagineering, a legendary wooden coaster's potential comeback, and the glorious grit of America's boardwalk parks while EB monitors live storm tracking from his studio. We kick things off with some big news: Adobe has announced a collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development to bring AI-powered pre-visualization tools to the theme park design pipeline. The idea is to take Imagineering's massive archive of concept art and accelerate the development process — from blue sky sketch to 3D model, faster than ever before. Sounds exciting, right? Well, EB has thoughts. A lot of them. Speaking of attractions, Hershey Park's legendary Tidal Force — one of the most spectacular splash zones in the history of boat rides — is closing after 32 years this September. Alabama Adventure is teasing a big announcement that fans hope means the long-dormant Rampage wooden coaster is finally coming back, possibly with RMC treatment. Universal Epic Universe is debuting a brand new nighttime spectacular called Celestial Goodnight featuring seven million LED lights and 350 fountains. And Dollywood's Night Flight Expedition has been pushed back to August — which opens the door for Holiday World, who appears to be announcing their single biggest investment ever on July 1st at 8:45 AM, and all signs point to a Mack rocking boat ride coming to Boulder Canyon in 2027. Then we pivot to the second half of the show — a full celebration of boardwalk parks and the beautiful, gritty, chaotic joy of beach amusement. Mike's heading to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation, and we take a loving tour of some of America's great seaside spots: the Santa Monica Pier, Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (including a very generous offer of free tokens to Treasure Hunt), the New Jersey piers, Coney Island (which Mike has still never visited and yes, we're calling him out), and the terminally underrated Indiana Beach. We also go deep on mini golf — specifically, how much a well-themed mini golf course with animatronics slaps, and why the card-swipe ticket system is a crime against childhood nostalgia. And yes, there's a million-dollar mini golf course for sale in EB's town if anyone's interested. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the Coaster Radio Insiders Club at patreon.com/coasterradio.#coasterradio

The first ever Coaster Radio panel discussion is here — and it did not disappoint. Joining Mike and EB are three guests who come at the theme park world from completely different angles. Jessica Gardner — the Theme Parkette — is a Los Angeles-based travel content creator, actress with over 50 on-screen credits, USA Today 10Best theme park expert, and host of the ACE official podcast Ride With Us. Josh Reichlin of Made to Thrill spent years frustrated by theme park gift shops and instead of just complaining about it built an entire brand whose retro-style artwork now hangs in Six Flags parks, Holiday World, and an unreasonable number of other places. And Tom from Louisville — Coaster Radio listener since Season 1, game show contestant, Reel Design Contest semifinalist, cartoon lobster, and the man whose voice you hear every week saying "quick hits." Topics covered this week: Is Werewolf Gorge at Six Flags Fiesta Texas the last dive coaster we'll ever get genuinely excited about? Are we happy about Enchanted Parks and what should they call their skip the line program? Knoebels turns 100 this year and the panel has feelings. Michigan's Adventure turns 70 and nobody's sure what happens next. Jessica rode the new Phantom Theater at Kings Island three times in one day — with Meta glasses. Josh got a Voyage trimless night ride at Holiday World and called it life changing. Jessica's Voyage trimless night ride at the all-women's ride made her cry. The case for and against Epic Universe being the best theme park ever built — and why Tom from Louisville says Disneyland and he's not budging. Then the big question — do people like the ones on this panel actually make the theme park experience better? Influencers, podcasters, merchandise creators — do they add wonder or spoil it? The answers are honest, funny, and occasionally surprising. Plus Jessica reveals the most unexpected piece of theme park memorabilia in the history of the show. Tom brings the Trader Sam's mug. Josh explains what the Demon poster at Great America means to him personally. And somewhere in there, EB decides he needs to watch the Defunctland Fast Lane episode immediately.

Nine semis have been victims of the "Can Opener" near U of L's campus!! That plays a part in TBT too, and Eric tries his hand at snatching Kelly's pop culture crown off her head in Can't Beat Kelly for Holiday World and Splashin' Safari tickets!

Its Day 1 of the I-65 Central Corridor project so we give you tips on handling that emotionally! Chad thinks his ex cursed him...because she's a literal witch and bad things are happening. We play Dude Knowledge for Holiday World tickets and Hit The Drop singing Sabrina and NSYNC!

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Sasko se pyšní nejhustší a nejrozmanitější sítí úzkorozchodných železnic v Německu. V současné době tam funguje pět parních tratí, které slouží jako turistické atrakce a regionální doprava.

Group Therapy centered around Erin's boss's flirty hubby who is making her feel uncomfortable when he pops by the office. We spend a crazy amount of time talking about tabs open on your phone, dub a lawn guy our "expert IT guy" and play Dude Knowledge for your choice of Holiday World or Andy Grammer tickets!

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Nejnovější trendy v cestování představil 34. mezinárodní veletrh Holiday World & Region World, který se od 12. do 14. března konal v Praze na výstavišti v Letňanech.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Leading a team can feel like a roller coaster. From big climbs and sudden drops, there are moments where you wonder why you got on the ride in the first place. Matt Heller, Founder of Performance Optimist Consulting helps leaders and teams stay focused and performing at their best. Through engaging keynotes, hands-on workshops, and practical coaching, we turn fear into confidence and discomfort into momentum. This means fewer breakdowns and more breakthroughs. If your organization is ready to start building real forward motion, it's time to take action and make better performance and growth your main attraction. Visit performanceoptimist.com/attractionpros for an exclusive offer! Mark Rosenzweig is the Principal and Chief Business Officer of 3dxScenic. After getting his start in park operations and park services at Michigan's Adventure, Mark moved into sales and marketing roles at Zamperla and Ride Entertainment, including leading the SkyCoaster division. In 2020, he joined 3dxScenic in the Cincinnati area, and in December 2023 he became co-owner alongside longtime team member Matt Waldenmeyer. Today, 3dxScenic designs and fabricates themed environments, signage, facades, parade floats, and iconic photo-op pieces for parks and attractions. In this interview, Mark talks about integrity, transparency, and collaboration, stirring imagination, and being an operations nerd. Integrity, transparency, and collaboration “We have three pillars that we believe 150% in. Those are collaboration, integrity, and transparency.” Mark frames these as more than values on a wall. They shape how 3dxScenic sells, scopes, schedules, and delivers work. He explains that integrity and transparency mean being upfront about what's possible, what will be subcontracted, and what the realistic timeline and bandwidth look like, with a focus on avoiding surprises. Collaboration is the lever that makes the work better, whether it's aligning early on how a piece will live in the environment, or leaning on operators and mid-level leaders who will ultimately execute the day-to-day. He also emphasizes these pillars internally. From how ownership communicates with team members to how departments coordinate workflow, he sees consistency between culture and output as a requirement for sustainable growth and repeat partnerships. Stirring imagination “It's not always easy to sell abstract decor to someone that, say, is in finance.” Mark describes scenic work as an abstract product that often requires helping clients visualize ROI differently. A sculpture may not directly sell tickets, but it can become an iconic, repeatable photo moment that drives sharing, tradition, and brand memory. He points to examples like oversized entry pieces and themed elements that communicate what a park experience feels like before a guest ever rides anything. He also walks through how ideas become reality, using projects like Holiday World's Good Gravy as a case study in creative back-and-forth, story building, and delivering pieces that can even turn into merchandise. For Mark, the win is when theming supports the story, creates emotional connection, and provides both guest delight and practical marketing value. Being an operations nerd “I'm an operations nerd at heart.” Mark's early-career curiosity shows up in how he talks about labor, workflow, and execution. He credits his time in park services, ride ops, and other frontline roles with giving him empathy for how systems actually run, and why it matters to learn by doing. That mindset carries into fabrication, where one late step can cascade into multiple downstream delays. The “ops nerd” lens also shows up in the company's recent move into a new 30,000 square foot facility. Mark shares how they let departments help dictate the shop layout, aiming for smoother phase-to-phase movement, fewer bottlenecks, and better long-term scalability as they take on larger and more complex projects.   To learn more about 3dxScenic, visit 3dxscenic.com and find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can reach Mark directly at markr@3dxscenic.com.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Tech. Sondra and I discuss the art and importance of creating exceptional visitor experiences and how technology can help attractions remove friction for guests, increase revenue, and stand out in a competitive landscape. She also shares why keeping guests informed leads to happier experiences and how, just by walking around their attraction, leaders can turn firsthand insights into an improved guest experience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why removing friction from the guest journey is essential for happier visitors, bigger revenue, and more memorable family moments at attractions Strategies Sondra and her team use to identify and solve friction points at attractions How operational leaders and frontline staff benefit from "management by walking around" and being directly involved in the guest experience Why consistent and early training is critical for attraction teams, and how lack of confidence and poor communication can impact employee retention What creative value adds can set attractions apart and drive guest loyalty How digital transformation and going cashless are shaping visitor expectations An Invisible Engine Powering Seamless Experiences Technology is a part of the experience, and it shouldn't be a friction point. When technology is thoughtfully integrated, it dissolves many of the small frustrations that can sour a family's day at a theme park or museum. From ticket-purchasing workflows that set clear expectations to mobile ordering that eliminates long food lines, the right tech doesn't just improve operational efficiency, it actively enhances the experience. Surveys consistently show that informed guests are happier guests. Providing clear, early information about all options (from all-inclusive passes to extra add-ons) allows families to prepare and enjoy every moment together. Value-Adds That Show You Care Some of the most memorable attractions go the extra mile, sometimes in unexpected ways. Sondra highlights parks like Holiday World and Dollywood, where providing free drinks and sunscreen isn't just a marketing gimmick—it's a proactive way to care for guests' comfort and health. People once thought these "extras" were crazy, but these amenities have built tremendous goodwill and loyalty while distinguishing the park from competitors. Social media culture and shifting guest expectations have raised the bar even higher. Today, digital ticketing, contactless payments, and mobile access aren't just perks, they're de facto standards. Empowering Teams and Elevating Operations Guest satisfaction isn't just about what happens at the turnstile, it's deeply connected to operational excellence behind the scenes. One key theme that emerged from Sondra's experience, well-trained teams are more confident, more helpful, and much less likely to quit. Rapid, seasonal hiring makes this challenging, but ongoing education, especially incorporating communication and even sales training, equips staff to handle guest needs with confidence and empathy. Parks with strong training programs set a standard of excellence that's felt at every touchpoint. Giving staff practical communication tools is really vital, because your frontline people have tremendous insight into what guests really need. Resources: Website: https://gatemaster.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrashannon/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatemastertech/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Reporter, Joe Caulfield attends the Holiday World Show at the RDS in Dublin.

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part two of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lights are up, the sales are relentless, and “Christmas” is everywhere—but is Jesus? In this special holiday episode, Mike Slater asks the question every serious Christian has to face: How do we celebrate the birth of the King when the culture has turned His day into a frenzy of consumerism, sentimentality, and mandatory cheer? From Black Friday to office parties, from “Happy Holidays” to the war-on-Christmas noise, Mike cuts through the tinsel to talk about what it really looks like to keep holy days in a holiday world—without becoming a Grinch, retreating to a bunker, or pretending the tension doesn't exist. Practical, honest, and rooted in Scripture, this is Politics by Faith for the most wonderful—and most challenging—time of the year. This is part one of two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

sign up for Audible, using our affiliate link! When you sign up for Audible between November 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 and get a great savings. Your first three months will be $0.99 before resorting to the regular price of $15. In the process you will be helping out our podcast, and the “Terry goat fund.” Quick recap The siblings Keith, Terry, and Jill shared personal updates and anecdotes, including discussions about an Audible affiliate program, upcoming birthdays, and recent car accidents. The group exchanged humorous stories about winter weather and snow-related incidents before transitioning to sharing unusual news stories and defining various words. The conversation ended with discussions about holiday activities, including baking and decorations, and ended with reminders for listeners to support the podcast through ratings and reviews. Summary Keith announced a new Audible affiliate program running until December 31st, offering a $1 deal for the first three months. Terry shared that he would be celebrating his birthday on December 6th and humorously requested listeners to send him money. Jill mentioned her grandson’s 18th birthday and a recent car accident involving three vehicles. The siblings exchanged lighthearted stories about snow, shoveling, and driving in wintry conditions, with Terry recalling a buried car in Michigan and Keith sharing a humorous encounter with a snowplow. The group discussed recent snowfall, with Terry sharing his method for managing snowplow piles and Keith recounting an incident involving Robin tripping and breaking her glasses. Terry described helping his wife order Amazon items and mentioned ordering flamingo-themed gifts for their grandson. News of the Week just before we start the segment, Terry has some connection trouble, so Keith shared several unusual news stories, including sheep herding in Nuremberg, a deer incident at Holiday World, and a reindeer escape in England. Terry read about a Chinese robot setting a world record for a humanoid robot walk, while Jill shared a story about a California man discovering a black bear living under his house. Terry concluded with an update about a teddy bear that was launched into the stratosphere and went missing. Jill's Weird Words The group discussed and defined eight words, including cadre (a small group of specially trained people), forfend (to avoid or prevent), gregarious (outgoing and sociable), outré (unusual and startling), constellate (to gather together to form a cluster), trichromatic (using three colors), bon vivant (a person who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle), and ossified (to turn into bones or become hardened). Terry's Top 10 List Terry shared a humorous top 10 list of things not to do in the snow, including driving too fast, walking on icy surfaces without proper footwear, and ignoring frostbite or hypothermia warning signs. Keith and Jill joined in with comments and additional tips. Anchor Topic The conversation then shifted to a discussion about manual skills and hobbies, particularly focusing on holiday decorations, as part of their blindness rehabilitation segment. They encouraged listeners to call or email with questions about blindness and manual skills. The group discussed holiday baking activities, with Jill and Keith sharing their experiences making Christmas decorations and cookies. Terry mentioned ordering Christmas cookies and revealed their oven was working again after a year-long break, leading to plans for making cookies this year. The conversation highlighted that blind individuals can participate in baking activities with appropriate adaptations, such as using parchment paper for easy cookie removal and serving as effective timers for hearing-impaired family members. Email and Final Thoughts Keith and Terry discussed a variety of emails and jokes, including Thanksgiving stories and humorous anecdotes about a grumpy Prof. The final word from our AI companion They shared light-hearted conversations about family traditions, personal experiences, and funny observations. The conversation ended with a reminder for listeners to support the podcast by telling friends, leaving ratings and reviews, and sharing their own funny stories. Show notes written by AI, edited as needed by Keith. Sponsored by: Retro Radio Podcast. Bringing you family-friendly entertainment through classic, old-time radio. Episodes are posted daily. Keith and his Retrobots share everything in his collection from the days of vintage radio. Adventure, comedy, detective, westerns, and lots in between. If you don't hear your favorite show, just ask Visit the web page today, https://retro-otr.com

Round 3 with Troy Morris III! This time he is in the same time zone as us, finally! Troy is the driver of the #07x late model and modified currently racing out of Waterloo, Iowa. Originally from Bakersfield, California. Discussed:Lazer Chassis and getting behind the wheel of a late modelChange of plans in Missouri. Making the move to Iowa and its reasons. Race results from 2025His 2024 "Gateway Dirt Nationals" debut at the Dome!! Snagging one of the last invites this year at the Gateway Dirt Nationals. He's looking to capitalize on last years showing. Trying to get a NOS Energy sponsorship.

win tickets to Holiday World from the Smiley Morning Show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

win tickets to Holiday World from the Smiley Morning Show this week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Leah Koch-Blumhardt and Lauren Koch-Crosby, the fourth-generation owners of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari—America's first theme park. From free soft drinks and sunscreen to top-ranked water rides, they talk about what makes the park special, the importance of storytelling, and how they're tackling challenges like seasonal staffing, rising costs, and employee housing. It's a fun look at how tradition and innovation come together in Santa Claus, Indiana.

This week, EB joins the show live from Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana! He'll have a full review of the park in "real-time" including updates on The Voyage, The Legend, The Raven, Thunderbird and Good Gravy! The guys also have updates on the latest news, rumors and trip reports from around the amusement industry. Plus, we have the return of the "SOUNDWAVE" contest!

win Holiday World tickets all this week on the Smiley Morning Show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mezinárodní veletrh cestovního ruchu Holiday World, který se minulý víkend konal v Praze, byl tentokrát zaměřen na cykloturistiku. Na výstavišti v Letňanech probíhal zároveň veletrh For Bike.

Hello All! Welcome to another week of the attractions group podcast! After an intresting Pick-6 news update segment, Mark Rosenzweig (a industry knowledge powerhouse) joins the show to discuss his path through the industry, Holiday World, SkyCoaster and much more!

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Where will the attractions industry go next? Find out at IAAPA North America Summit, March 30 – April 1, 2025, at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Join executives, innovators, and thought leaders to build connections, explore trends through exclusive EDUTours, and gain strategic insights to put into action tomorrow. This Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside the industry's best. Don't miss the chance to shape the future of the attractions industry. Register Today! Mark Moore is the Vice President and General Manager of Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. With nearly 30 years of experience in the water park industry, Mark started his career as a lifeguard and has since played a pivotal role in developing operational efficiencies and guest experience strategies. Gulf Islands Water Park, which opened just weeks before Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has grown into a regional attraction, drawing visitors from across the Gulf Coast. In this interview, Mark talks about cabanas as daytime hotels, balancing demand with dynamic pricing, and free soft drinks. Cabanas as Daytime Hotels “I said to a friend who operates a park with over 100 cabanas, ‘So you're a daytime hotel,' and he kind of cocked his head at me and said, ‘I never thought about it that way.'” Mark shared an insightful perspective on the role cabanas play in the water park experience. He compared them to hotel rooms, emphasizing how guests use them as a home base for relaxation, much like a hotel stay. The average length of a hotel stay, when excluding sleeping hours, is similar to the average duration of a visit to a water park—around four to five hours. With this in mind, Gulf Islands Water Park has considered adding amenities typically found in hotels, such as towels, cushioned seating, and concierge-style service, to elevate the cabana experience. Recognizing cabanas as more than just an upcharge but rather a premium hospitality experience has allowed them to enhance guest satisfaction and increase demand for these spaces. Balancing Demand with Dynamic Pricing “It took about two years to convince ownership, but once we did, we saw our weekday attendance grow by 8 to 10%, while peak weekend crowds eased up by about 2 to 3%.” Mark discussed the journey of implementing dynamic pricing at Gulf Islands Water Park, a process inspired by his experience in hotel management. The idea was initially met with hesitation, but after demonstrating how businesses across various industries use demand-based pricing to influence consumer behavior, ownership came on board. The result has been a more evenly distributed attendance pattern, reducing strain on peak days while incentivizing visits on traditionally slower weekdays. The messaging around dynamic pricing has been carefully framed to highlight guest value—focusing on the savings of visiting during less crowded periods rather than the higher cost of peak days. Over time, guests have embraced the model, with many now purchasing tickets in advance to secure the best possible rate. Free Soft Drinks “We had done everything we could to speed up our food service, but then we realized the biggest bottleneck was people deciding on drinks. Offering free soft drinks eliminated that completely.” Inspired by Holiday World's long-standing free soft drink program, Gulf Islands Water Park introduced complimentary fountain drinks as a way to improve efficiency and enhance guest experience. The results were immediate—food and beverage revenue increased by 20% in the first year, and the overall guest experience improved as wait times at food stands significantly decreased. Instead of bottlenecks forming as guests debated drink choices, they now receive their food quickly and grab a drink at self-serve stations. While there were initial operational challenges, such as managing cup waste, the overall benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. The move has been a major marketing win, with guests frequently citing free drinks as a key perk of visiting the park. Gulf Islands Water Park continues to evolve by embracing innovative operational strategies and guest-centric enhancements. To learn more about the park, visit gulfislandswaterpark.com. Mark Moore can be reached via email at mark@gulfislandswaterpark.com or by phone at 228-297-6972. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Can setting boundaries during the holiday season lead to a more joyful experience for you and your loved ones? In our latest episode, we tackle the often-overlooked importance of establishing healthy boundaries to prioritize self-care amidst the holiday hustle. Inspired by a conversation with the insightful Dr. Sheryl Barnes, we explore the concept of micro joy—discovering happiness in small, everyday moments. By sharing stories of courageous women who have reinvented their lives through self-care, we offer practical tips and inspiration for personal transformation at any stage of life, ensuring you remain present and savor the moments that truly matter.Join us as we discuss the power of intentional communication and setting clear expectations with friends, family, and coworkers during the festive season. We highlight how identifying the feelings you want to carry through and beyond the holidays can guide you to make conscious choices that enhance your celebrations. Through open conversations, we can uncover creative solutions and forge new traditions, reducing stress and amplifying joy. Share this episode with anyone who could benefit from support in nurturing themselves and setting boundaries, because everyone deserves a season filled with peace and happiness. Remember, your unique light is needed in the world, especially during this time of togetherness.Podcast Recommendation: Looking for inspiration about how to thrive as you age? Want well-aging fitness tips? Listen to The Fit Strong Women Over 50 podcast with hosts Chris and Jill.Loving the show? Text us and let us know!

In today's episode, we discuss The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN. Opened in 2004, this ride is widely considered one of the best wooden coasters ever constructed. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of The Voyage's legendary layout, the Timberliner train debacle, and...the heavy metal band Fozzy? Socials: linktr.ee/airtimetraveler

What's up dudes? Bionic, Bionic Six! The theme song is such an banger, and Adam Pope from Wizards! The Podcast Guide to Comics , The Retro Network (Geekster)  Remember That Show? and I talk all about the toy and cartoon episode “Holidaze!”When Meg passes her math test, the family goes to Holiday World as a reward. Each member of the Bennett family visits a specific area of the holiday-inspired theme park. Unbeknownst to them, Dr. Scarab has launched a plot to take control of the biodroids! With some fancy reprogramming, the biodroids turn on the park patrons!Meanwhile, Scarab's minions have overloaded the mainframe and the park is set to explode! Sport-1 subdues Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and a werewolf to save some children. Rock-1 fends off a laser firing rock band. Karate-1 kicks some redcoat tail while IQ tries to survive a native attack. Subsequently, Bionic-1 acts as a conduit and siphons off the excess energy, averting disaster. Consequently, Scarab sends the biodroids after the team , which links up to disable them. Merry Christmas! Santaland? Check. Halloweenland? Got it. Toyland? Ummm…is that a holiday? So grab your data cartridges, transform into bionic mode, and fight along to this episode on Bionic Six “Holidaze!”Wizards! Twitter: @WizardsComicsIG: @wizards_comicsFB: @TRNsocialGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

Dear friend of the pod Shane Snelling is back! This is such a fun episode. Shane, Gray, and Elmer share their recent discoveries, but mainly go on two deep dives: podcasts and Holiday World. THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:⁠ Hidden Brain NPRWork Life with Adam Grant Offline w/ Jon Favreau Pod Save America A Girl from Yamhill by Beverly Cleary Slaughterhouse-Five: Or the Children's Crusade, a Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut Catch-22 by Joseph Heller The Ramona Quimby Audiobook Collection read by Stockard Channing Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana by Joanne Passet Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams All Songs Considered NPR The Two Gomers Podcast What Now with Trevor Noah The Moth podcast Don't forget to call or text us at 502-653-9157. Send us an email at info@bluedothc.com or say hi on Instagram: @bluedotharrisoncounty MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION We are humbled by all of your support and are excited to keep going.

Tap into innovation at IAAPA Expo, the biggest industry event of the year. Join us and other AttractionsPros in Orlando, FL, Nov. 18-22 to engage with the global community. Learn from the experts, leave with new ideas, and turn your passion for the industry into new possibilities. Register now to save up to 30%.   Chris Kearsing is the General Manager of Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire. With a career that spans over two decades, Chris has held various leadership roles in theme parks across the United States, from his early days at The Great Escape in Lake George, New York, to key positions at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, Elitch Gardens, and Six Flags parks. Story Land, where Chris currently oversees operations, is a beloved family destination known for its charming attractions and natural beauty. In this interview, Chris talks about his storied career, saying yes, and celebrating 70 years. A Storied Career "I'd say it's been a very storied career.” Starting as a ride operator right after high school at The Great Escape, Chris never imagined his summer job would lead to a lifelong career in the theme park industry. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, holding various operational roles that provided a deep understanding of park management. Chris's career took him across the country, from the Northeast to the Midwest, and eventually to Texas, where he worked for Six Flags over Texas and Adventureland in Iowa. His journey is marked by adaptability, a willingness to take on new challenges, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Saying Yes "Say yes, or if you have to say no to something, have a really good reason." Throughout his career, Chris has embraced opportunities that came his way, whether it was taking on new responsibilities, moving across the country, or stepping into leadership roles during times of transition. This mindset has allowed him to gather a wealth of experience in different facets of park operations, from ride safety to food and beverage management. Chris believes that by saying yes and being open to new experiences, he has been able to grow both professionally and personally, leading him to his current role at Story Land. Celebrating 70 Years “There's so much charm that has been maintained over the years,” The park, nestled in the White Mountains, is known for its family-friendly attractions and unique blend of natural beauty and whimsical theming. To honor the 70th anniversary, Story Land has introduced new attractions like the Moo Lagoon water play area, while also preserving beloved features like animatronics and classic rides. Chris discusses the importance of balancing innovation with nostalgia, ensuring that the park remains a cherished destination for generations to come.   For more information about Story Land, visit their website. You can also connect with Chris on LinkedIn for further insights into his work and the park's ongoing developments.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas Audio and video editing by Abby Giganan To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

In Group Therapy, Gloria's boyfriend insists that she drive everywhere they go so he can be on his phone the whole way. Then we dive into Annie's issue of her friends thinking her new man is "too nice"...which led to a convo about the sassiest industries! We play Little Kid or Drunk Adult for Holiday World tickets, talk dating idiots LOL and sling #dadjokes at each other!

Cathy from Sellersburg was ready to play Little Kid or Drunk Adult for some tickets to Holiday World and Splashin Safari!