In this episode of Behind the Scare on the Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling interviews Tim Nealon, the Founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours.

From his unexpected beginnings building early-2000s websites as a whitewater rafting guide to building the world’s largest ghost tour company—serving over 700,000 guests annually across nearly 60 markets—Tim shares the fascinating journey behind Ghost City Tours.

He emphasizes Ghost City Tours' core philosophy: anchoring tour scripts in rigorous historical research and local folklore rather than manufactured jump scares or cheap gimmicks.

Throughout the discussion, Tim shares insights into scaling operations across dozens of markets using proprietary software, navigating team/guide quality control, investigating famous haunted locations (like Old South Pittsburgh Hospital and the Lalaurie Mansion), and expanding the business into dynamic media projects including podcasts, television, and Bigfoot/Bayou documentaries.

Discover how Tim Nealon turned a web design background into Ghost City Tours, building a nationwide empire running historically accurate, non-gimmicky ghost tours across 60 cities.

In this in-depth interview, Tim breaks down:

⏱️ Timestamps

Connect with Ghost City Tours:

#GhostCityTours #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroup #Paranormal #GhostTours #TourismIndustry #GhostHunting #HauntedHistory #PodcastInterview #Bigfoot #NewOrleansGhosts #GettysburgGhosts #CharlestonGhosts #CasperSoftware #AttractionsIndustry

Ghost City Tours Tim Nealon interview, Attractions Group Podcast David Detling, Behind the Scare podcast episode 004, ghost tour business scaling and software, Casper ghost tour software platform, historic ghost tours vs haunted attractions, Gettysburg paranormal stories, Savannah Husk restaurant ghost investigation, Old South Pittsburgh Hospital investigation, how to start a ghost tour business, New Orleans vampire folklore and Casket Girls, Charleston haunted powder magazine, Jack Osbourne Ghost City Tours media, tour guide management and training strategies, theories of consciousness and paranormal research

Welcome to the special prequel episode of our seasonal favorite: Behind the Scare and Gourd Behind the Scenes! 👻🍁 Join Clete and David as they kick off the fall season, share what goes into planning theme park haunts and harvest festivals, and give a teaser of all the amazing guests lined up this year!

From world-famous haunted attractions like The Dent Schoolhouse and Brimstone Haunt to ghost tour operators like Ghost City Tours and major theme parks like Holiday World, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, this season is packed with insider stories you won't want to miss.

Plus: Stay tuned as Clete shares a "totally true" (and completely made-up) Orlando ghost story, while David shares a real late-night encounter on a foggy road from 36 years ago.

👇 Drop a comment below with YOUR favorite real-life ghost story! (No made-up ones unless you're Clete!)

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of The Attractions Group Podcast!

Timestamps

Behind the Scare, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Attractions Group Podcast, Theme Park Podcast, Haunted House Interviews, Dent Schoolhouse, Brimstone Haunt, Ghost City Tours, Holiday World, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Halloween Theme Parks, Haunt Industry, Theme Park Operations, Ghost Stories, Theme Park Halloween Events

#ThemeParks #HauntedHouse #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroup #SpookySeason #GhostStories #HauntIndustry

Welcome to the special prequel episode of our seasonal favorite: Behind the Scare and Gourd Behind the Scenes! 👻🍁 Join Clete and David as they kick off the fall season, share what goes into planning theme park haunts and harvest festivals, and give a teaser of all the amazing guests lined up this year!

From world-famous haunted attractions like The Dent Schoolhouse and Brimstone Haunt to ghost tour operators like Ghost City Tours and major theme parks like Holiday World, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, this season is packed with insider stories you won't want to miss.

Plus: Stay tuned as Clete shares a "totally true" (and completely made-up) Orlando ghost story, while David shares a real late-night encounter on a foggy road from 36 years ago.

👇 Drop a comment below with YOUR favorite real-life ghost story! (No made-up ones unless you're Clete!)

🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you never miss an episode of The Attractions Group Podcast!

Timestamps

Behind the Scare, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Attractions Group Podcast, Theme Park Podcast, Haunted House Interviews, Dent Schoolhouse, Brimstone Haunt, Ghost City Tours, Holiday World, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Halloween Theme Parks, Haunt Industry, Theme Park Operations, Ghost Stories, Theme Park Halloween Events

#ThemeParks #HauntedHouse #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroup #SpookySeason #GhostStories #HauntIndustry

In Season 6, Episode 002 of The Attractions Group Podcast, hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger dive deep into a post-mortem breakdown of ArieForce One following the unexpected closure of Fun Spot America Atlanta.

As one of Rocky Mountain Construction’s (RMC) premier hybrid thrill machines, ArieForce One’s sudden shutdown leaves a massive question mark over the amusement park industry: What happens next to elite, world-class coasters when regional parks close? David and Clete dissect the operational mechanics, financial realities of operating extreme roller coasters in competitive metropolitan markets, and potential relocation destinations where ArieForce One could fly next!

Whether you are a hardcore coaster enthusiast, a theme park industry operator, or love in-depth amusement park news, join us for this complete analysis.

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00

🗣️ JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Where do you think ArieForce One should be relocated? Drop your theories, predictions, and favorite RMC coaster memories in the comments below!

🔔 Subscribe to The Attractions Group Podcast for more theme park news, roller coaster breakdowns, and industry insider coverage!

ArieForce One, Fun Spot Atlanta, ArieForce One relocation, Rocky Mountain Construction, RMC roller coaster, Fun Spot America, The Attractions Group Podcast, David Detling, Clete Reinberger, roller coaster post mortem, theme park news, roller coaster breakdown, amusement park news, coaster relocation, RMC hybrid coaster, extreme roller coasters, theme park podcast, coaster enthusiast, roller coaster speculation, Atlanta theme park closure

#ArieForceOne #RMC #FunSpotAtlanta #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkNews #CoasterEnthusiast #TheAttractionsGroupPodcast #AmusementParks #RockyMountainConstruction

The Attractions Group Podcast is BACK!

After an unintentional 6-to-7-week summer hiatus, David Detling and Clete Reinberger catch up on a massive season of theme park travels, coaster marathons, and wild park experiences. David checks in with a whopping 12-park run across the country, including: Kings Island, Cedar Point, Dollywood, Universal's Epic Universe, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Knott’s Berry Farm, Great Wolf Lodge (Anaheim), Disneyland, California's Adventure, and Pacific Park in Santa Monica.... more to come!

Plus, Clete and David break down their favorite roller coaster rides of the year, including Gold Striker at California's Great America, Texas Stingray at SeaWorld San Antonio, and Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando.

The duo also shares wild stories from the road, including a firsthand look at Cedar Point's Breakers Hotel, testing limits on new thrill rides, and an extraordinary moment where a Top Thrill 2 test train got stuck directly at the apex of the top hat (during a test run) — leading to maintenance staff physically poking the train to trigger a descent! Whether you're a seasoned coaster enthusiast, an industry operator, or just love theme park banter, dive into this epic summer catch-up episode!

** Podcast Topic Breakdown & Timestamps

Join the Conversation & Leave Your Thoughts:

Join David Detling and Clete Reinberger on The Attractions Group Podcast as they recap an 11-park summer marathon, review Gold Striker and Ice Breaker, and share crazy Cedar Point Top Thrill 2 stories!

Connect with The Attractions Group:

#ThemeParks #RollerCoasters #TopThrill2 #CedarPoint #GoldStriker #IceBreaker #AttractionsGroupPodcast #CoasterEnthusiast #ThemeParkNews #GCI #EpicUniverse #AmusementPark

Theme park podcast, roller coaster reviews, Cedar Point Top Thrill 2 rollback, Gold Striker GCI, Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town, Ice Breaker SeaWorld Orlando, theme park travel vlog, Attractions Group Podcast.

Is the summer heatwave driving you crazy, or is it just the roller coaster news cycle heating up? In today's episode, David and Clete dive deep into a wild viral coaster marathon, break down a massive new ride announcement from a beloved theme park, and react to the shocking, bittersweet closure of a major regional park.

From 1988 heatwaves and the legend of HVAC savior Willis Carrier to the future of elite RMC roller coasters, this episode covers the highest highs and lowest lows of the amusement park industry.

👇 Check out the breakdown below!

EPISODE BREAKDOWN 

Summer Heatwaves & Climate Preferences. 

David and Clete kick off the chat discussing the intense July heat. David reminisces about his freshman year of high school in 1988—the summer his cousin "accidentally" broke his collarbone—which coincided with a historic Ohio heatwave featuring eight consecutive days over 100°F. The two compare their indoor climate preferences: David enjoys a controlled 70°F basement with 42% humidity, while Clete keeps his space at a brisk 65°F to 66°F alongside a dehumidifier.  

HVAC Trivia: The Legend of Willis Carrier. 

David highlights his ultimate hero, Willis Carrier, who famously invented the modern air conditioner. They note that Carrier also invented the dehumidifier, which they agree is scientifically the more complex and crucial component of true climate control.  Bonus: Mr. Carrier ALSO invented the dehumidifier.  An Exacta of Genius!

Jason Labaran’s Epic Coaster Marathon. 

Clete shares a massive viral post from a roller coaster enthusiast group written by Jason Labaran, who happens to be Clete's current musical theatre castmate. Jason completed a mind-boggling 2.5-month trip hit every single Six Flags and Cedar Fair park, traveled through 49 states, and took an Alaskan cruise. Despite riding the country's biggest coasters, Jason’s primary takeaway was a newfound appreciation for how incredible GCI (Great Coasters International) wooden coasters are—specifically praising Texas Stingray, Mystic Timbers, and Renegade.  

Holiday World's New Coaster Announcement

The hosts dive into Holiday World's pun-heavy, dive-competition-themed announcement video for their brand-new addition. Positioned right across the walkway from Splashin' Safari, this new addition marks Holiday World's 7th roller coaster, solidifying their reputation for unique, highly themed, and well-maintained rides.  

The Sad Closure of Fun Spot Atlanta

On a heavier note, the duo reacts to the official press release confirming the closure of Fun Spot Atlanta. Clete expresses shock and sadness, noting that despite the park's strong history with group sales and local events, competing in a major metropolitan market ultimately proved too daunting. They praise the park's staff and pivot to the big question on every enthusiast's mind: what will happen to their critically acclaimed Rocky Mountain Construction coaster, AerieForce One?  

Other Parks that have gone before.

Clete and David dive into the business environment that brought closures of several parks since.... well, Clete was born.  No Geauga Lake... this park is referenced a lot; maybe a comment or two, but nothing that hasn't already been discussed AT LENGTH by others...  Six Flags New Orleans (Jazzland), Six Flags America, California's Great America (coming soon...), and others that have shared a similar fate.  In a future episode, we'll dive into the post mortem of the Myrtle Beach Hard Rock / Freestyle Park and Nashville's Opryland.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What do you think will happen to AerieForce One? 

Where should this elite RMC hybrid coaster be relocated? 

And are you excited about Holiday World’s brand-new themed addition? 

Drop your thoughts, theories, and your own personal climate control preferences in the comments below!If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of theme parks, rollercoaster history, and industry news, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode!

Roller Coaster News, Theme Park News, Holiday World New Coaster, Holiday World Announcement, Fun Spot Atlanta Closing, AerieForce One Relocation, AerieForce One RMC, Six Flags Cedar Fair Marathon, Jason Labaran Coaster Trip, Great Coasters International, GCI Wooden Coasters, Mystic Timbers, Texas Stingray, Renegade Coaster, Willis Carrier Trivia, HVAC History, Amusement Park Industry, Theme Park Podcast, Coaster Enthusiasts

#RollerCoasters #ThemeParkNews #Holiday World #FunSpotAtlanta #AerieForceOne #RMC #CoasterEnthusiast #AmusementParks #GCI #ThemeParkPodcast

https://youtu.be/YPIyeo-pkEI

In this episode of the podcast, Clete and David are back after a brief recording hiatus to catch up on a packed summer of theme park travel, industry tech, and major coaster news! From a multi-park trip through Northern California to checking out the latest hospitality tech in San Antonio, there is plenty to dive into. Plus, a deep dive into the massive industry news regarding Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) shifting away from their longtime steel fabricator.

What We Cover in This Episode

Join the Attractions Group Podcast as we recap a massive summer of coaster travel and industry-shaking news! We review Gold Striker, Texas Stingray, and the new Barracuda Strike, talk hospitality tech trends from HITEC 2026, and break down what B&M cutting ties with Clermont Steel Fabricators means for the future of roller coaster engineering.

#ThemeParks #RollerCoasters #AmusementParks #ThemeParkIndustry #CoasterCommissions #BandM #BolligerAndMabillard #HITEC2026 #HospitalityTech #GoldStriker #BarracudaStrike #ThemeParkOperations #CoasterGeek #ClermontSteel #theAttractionsGroupPodcast

Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, Amusement Parks, Theme Park Industry, Coaster Reviews, B&M, Bolliger and Mabillard, HITEC 2026, Hospitality Tech, Gold Striker, California's Great America, Texas Stingray, Barracuda Strike, Penguin Trek, Clermont Steel Fabricators, Theme Park Operations, Coaster News, Attractions Group Podcast, Roller Coaster Engineering, Travel Recap

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 sit down face-to-face at the IAAPA Global Headquarters in Orlando with Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Technologies and host of the "LIVE with Sondra" podcast.

Sondra shares her incredible journey from managing a Southern California laser tag facility at 19 years old to becoming the CEO of a premier attractions software company. Together, the trio dives deep into the operational friction points that ruin the guest experience, the real business numbers behind "Frankenstein" tech stacks, and why value-added packaging beats corporate dynamic pricing every single time.

Whether you operate a local family entertainment center, a multi-acre water park, a museum, or a zoo, this episode is a masterclass in scaling your operations, using data ethically, and building long-term guest loyalty.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Integration Trap: How disconnected online and on-site ticketing systems can create massive revenue blind spots.

The Truth About Dynamic Pricing: Why consumers are growing frustrated with fluctuating algorithmic pricing and how to use "value packaging" to protect your brand.

AI & Forensic Data: How modern operators are using machine learning to track weather and review trends in seconds without losing the human touch.

The Power of Gamification: A sneak peek into Gatemaster's upcoming G6 platform, employee onboarding achievements, and rewarding high-frequency visitors.

The Reality of Going Live: Why imperfect, authentic human content connects deeper with an audience than a polished script.

00:00 - In-Room at IAAPA Global Headquarters

03:20 - From Super-User to CEO: The Gatemaster Foundation

05:10 - Software vs. Hardware: Knowing Your Core Competency

07:40 - Tracking the Guest Buying Journey & Fixing Friction

10:05 - Ethics of AI and Leveraging Forensic Data

14:50 - Why Dynamic Pricing is Being Challenged (And What to Do Instead)

20:00 - Pricing vs. Value in the Hospitality Industry

23:15 - Behind the Scenes of the Gatemaster Technology Summit

26:50 - Hosting "LIVE with Sondra" & The Value of Unfiltered Storytelling

31:10 - Future Tech: Gamification, Loyalty Programs, and the G6 Rollout

35:00 - Wrap-Up and Summer Season Outlook

🔗 Connect With Us & Our Guest

Connect with the Attractions Group

#AttractionsIndustry #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #GuestExperience #AttractionsTech #Gatemaster #Podcast #BusinessOfFun #FEC #ThemeParkOperations

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 highly anticipated 2026 opening of Nightflight Expedition.

Matt Miller (America’s Theme Park Technologist) joins us as a guest host, pinch-hitting for Clete to bring his unique technical perspective to our conversation with Eugene.

Whether you are an attractions industry professional, a theme park enthusiast, or a business leader looking to scale company culture through "Leading with Love," this interview provides actionable insights from one of the most respected names in the business.

In this episode, we cover:

Subscribe for more expert interviews from the world of theme parks and attractions!

Video Timeline & Index

- "Dollywood President Eugene Naughton interview" - "Theme park leadership and guest experience strategy" - "Nightflight Expedition Dollywood 2026 construction update" - "How to improve employee retention in the hospitality industry" - "Herschend Family Entertainment company culture" - "Immersive storytelling and dark ride coaster technology" - "Dollywood Resort master plan and expansion" - Pinch-hitting for Clete: Expert industry insight from a fresh perspective. - Theme Park Technologist: Bridging the gap between attraction tech and executive leadership. - Guest Co-Host: Matt Miller joins David to dive into the future of the Smoky Mountains.

#Dollywood #ThemeParkLeadership #NightflightExpedition #AttractionsIndustry #EugeneNaughton #GuestExperience #ThemeParkNews #PigeonForge #OfficialCinnamonBreadTaster #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #Podcast #AmusementPark #BusinessCulture #MattMiller #GuestHost #ThemeParkTech #PinchHitter #CoHost #IndustryInsights #InnovativeStudios

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 (and sometimes humorous) opinions on the list. The conversation then shifts to Holiday World's recent accolades, including its high rankings for water coasters and guest service. Matt Eckert shares insights into the park's unique culture—focusing on the "four prongs" of guest interaction—and discusses upcoming events like "Rubber Duck Days" and a major announcement planned for July 1, 2026.

Video Timestamps

The gates open this Saturday. The coasters will be roaring, as the 2026 Summer Season at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is officially here! In this exclusive season-opener episode of the Attractions Group Podcast, we are joined by park President and CEO Matt Eckert to pull back the curtain on what makes this "little park in a cornfield" a consistent powerhouse in the global attractions industry. Why Holiday World is Dominating the 2026 Rankings Matt discusses the park's recent sweep of the USA Today 10Best Awards, where they ranked in nearly every category they were nominated for—including Wildebeest reclaiming its throne as the #1 water park attraction and Splashin' Safari being named the #2 water park in the entire nation.

The Philosophy of Value: More Than Just Rides In an era of rising costs, Matt explains why Holiday World doubles down on its legendary "Free" model. From free unlimited soft drinks and Gatorade to free parking and free sunscreen, we explore the psychology of guest service and how removing "financial friction" allows families to focus on what matters most: making memories.

What’s New for 2026? This year marks the longest operating calendar in the park's 80-year history! We discuss the expansion of Friday Night Live, the massive 500-drone Summer Sky Spectacle (now featuring over 50 pyrotechnic elements), and the debut of Rubber Duck Days, featuring a staggering six-story tall rubber duck and her son, Timmy, taking over the water park. Looking Toward the Future Beyond the 2026 season, Matt drops a massive "breadcrumb" for coaster enthusiasts.

If you want the scoop on the July 1st announcement for the 2027 season, speculation abounds! 

Holiday World 2026, Matt Eckert Interview, Splashin' Safari, Best Water Park in USA, Santa Claus Indiana Attractions, Cheetah Chase Water Coaster, Mammoth Water Coaster, Wildebeest Airtime, Theme Park Marketing, Family Vacation Ideas Midwest, Free Parking Theme Parks, Theme Park Podcast, Attractions Group, 2027 Roller Coaster Rumors, Drone Show 2026, Holiday World Early Entry, Santa's Cottages.

Are you Team #Wildebeest or Team #CheetahChase? Tell us in the comments! Also, what do you think the big July 1st announcement is for the 2027 season? 🎢✨

The Attractions Group Website:

#HolidayWorld #SplashinSafari #ThemePark #CoasterEnthusiast #TravelIndiana #Summer2026 #WaterCoaster #Podcast #AttractionsGroup #FamilyTravel