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🎃 Holiday World’s Happy Halloween Weekends with Lauren Crosby | Gourd Behind the Scenes In this episode of our 2026 Gourd Behind the Scenes series (recorded September 1st), hosts David Detling and Clete Reinberger welcome Lauren Crosby, 4th Generation Owner and Director of Entertainment and Events for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana! Join us as Lauren shares an insider’s look into what goes into planning, designing, and executing Holiday World’s iconic Happy Halloween Weekends. From seasonal live entertainment and family-friendly event operations to carrying forward a cherished four-generation family park legacy, this is an episode you won't want to miss!   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:30 – Interview: Lauren Crosby (4th Generation Owner & Director of Entertainment) 05:15 – The Legacy of Holiday World & Family Operations 12:40 – Designing & Executing Happy Halloween Weekends 22:10 – Live Entertainment, Shows, & Seasonal Guest Experience 34:00 – What’s Next for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari 42:15 – Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts   🌐 CONNECT WITH HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI Website: holidayworld.com Facebook: facebook.com/HolidayWorld Instagram: @holidayworld X (Twitter): @HolidayWorld YouTube: @HolidayWorldSplashinSafari   🎙️ CONNECT WITH THE ATTRACTIONS GROUP Website: theattractionsgroup.com Attractions Network: attractions.network LinkedIn: The Attractions Group Facebook: facebook.com/theattractionsgroup   🏷️  #HolidayWorld, #HappyHalloweenWeekends, #GourdBehindTheScenes, #TheAttractionsGroup, #DavidDetling, #CleteReinberger, #LaurenCrosby, #ThemeParkOperations, #AmusementPark, #ThemeParkPodcast, #EntertainmentAndEvents, #SplashinSafari, #HalloweenEvents, #ThemedEntertainment   Holiday World, Splashin Safari, Lauren Crosby, Clete Reinberger, David Detling, The Attractions Group, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Happy Halloween Weekends, Holiday World Halloween, Santa Claus Indiana, Theme Park Operations, Theme Park Podcast, Amusement Park History, Family Theme Park, Halloween Event Planning, Live Entertainment Design, Theme Park Industry Insights, 2026 Haunt Season

🎃🎃 Gourd Behind the Scenes at Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights! 🎃 Experience the ultimate fall family getaway at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, this world-renowned autumn celebration combines thrilling theme park adventures, wholesome family entertainment, and breathtaking seasonal beauty without the scary haunts. Experience Autumn Magic at Dollywood When the sun sets over the Smokies, Dollywood transforms into a glowing nighttime wonderland featuring more than 12,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins. Stroll through immersive installations like the towering 40-foot Pumpkin Tree, the whimsical Hoot Owl Hollow, and Dolly’s giant glowing guitar. Explore colorful themed zones like Candy Corn Country and catch energetic family dance parties in Wildwood Grove. By day, immerse yourself in traditional mountain heritage with world-class live entertainment featuring over 700 Southern gospel, country, and bluegrass performances. Watch master artisans in Craftsman's Valley showcase traditional Appalachian crafts, and take on world-class roller coasters—including Big Bear Mountain, Lightning Rod, and the all-new multi-sensory attraction, Nightflight Expedition. Fall Flavors & Family Memories Indulge in seasonal culinary creations with the Harvest Festival Tasting Pass! Satisfy your cravings with fall favorites, including: Whether you’re planning a weekend retreat to a Smoky Mountain cabin or looking for the best kid-friendly Halloween events in East Tennessee, Dollywood offers an unforgettable autumn experience for every generation.   TOPIC TIMESTAMPS: [00:20] Introduction & Welcome [01:04] Nightflight Expedition & Technical Ride Updates Discussion surrounding the opening, guest feedback, wait times, and the technical ride rehearsal phase for Dollywood's $60 million multi-sensory coaster, Nightflight Expedition. [02:10] Honoring Dolly Parton's Legacy & Future Additions Reflecting on Dolly Parton's passing, the emotional impact on the park team, and upcoming tribute projects scheduled for 2027—including a new waterfall near the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Chapel, custom stained-glass windows, a Show Street portal experience, and the "Dream Maker" character in Wildwood Grove. [07:05] Dollywood Culinary Traditions & Cinnamon Bread Highlighting park food favorites, Dolly’s personal culinary requests (such as ribs), her cookbooks, and the enduring popularity of Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread. [08:18] Wes Ramey's Background & Journey to Dollywood Wes shares his early career aspirations in motorsports (including an internship with NASCAR at Bristol Motor Speedway) and how a family visit to Dollywood 14 years ago inspired him to transition into his dream job. [14:35] Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights Overview The arrival of autumn in the Smokies, managing 12,000 real and artificial pumpkins, colossal 1,000-pound pumpkin weigh-offs, donating giant pumpkins to the Knoxville Zoo, and providing a family-friendly, non-scary evening alternative to traditional haunted houses. [18:43] History and Scale of the Fall Festival How the Harvest Festival evolved from a traditional Southern Gospel and crafts event into an internationally recognized fall destination featuring roughly 700 concerts and the launch of Great Pumpkin LumiNights in 2017. [22:53] Regional Tourism & Planning Multi-Day Smoky Mountain Trips Positioning Dollywood within Sevier County, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, and strategizing how guests can experience both the Harvest Festival and the transition into the Christmas season. [26:34] Park Operations & The 5-Day Festival Switchover Behind-the-scenes look at the all-hands-on-deck, Sunday-through-Thursday park closure where teams transition the park from 12,000 pumpkins to 6 million Christmas lights, complete with meticulous architectural lighting details. [34:13] What's New at Great Pumpkin LumiNights New evening dance parties in Wildwood Grove, the apple market near the Dollywood Express Depot, Harvey's Boo Bash, and returning fan favorites like the resident pumpkin carver. [36:01] Fall Food Offerings & Tasting Pass A deep-dive into autumn menus, including fried apple pies, caramel apples, skillet-cooked apples, the Harvest Festival tasting pass, barbecue chicken sweet potato bowls, and specialty drinks. [38:45] Integrating Nightflight Expedition into the Fall Season How Nightflight Expedition’s nighttime storytelling and bioluminescence theme complement the evening atmosphere of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. [42:34] Rapid Fire Questionnaire A lighthearted lightning round covering Wes's favorite season, Lightning Rod vs. Nightflight Expedition, carousels vs. ferris wheels, coffee preferences, pumpkin spice thoughts, favorite Dolly song ("Light of a Clear Blue Morning"), Halloween candy preferences, and summarizing the fall festival in three words ("fall family memories").   #Dollywood #GreatPumpkinLumiNights #DollywoodHarvestFestival #PigeonForge #SmokyMountains #FamilyFriendly #FallInTheSmokies #DollywoodCinnamonBread #VisitPigeonForge #EastTennessee #ThemeParkFun #FallGetaway #SmokyMountainChristmas #TennesseeTravel

Season 6, Episode 14- Gourd Behind the Scenes: Building the Ultimate Fall Tradition with Scott Bengsten How Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm Scales Fall Family Fun | Gourd Behind the Scenes   Welcome to Gourd Behind the Scenes, a special sub-series from The Attractions Group Podcast where we go behind the curtain of top autumn destinations, agri-entertainment venues, and seasonal events! In this episode, we sit down with Scott Bengsten, owner and operator of Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm, one of the premier fall family destinations in the Midwest, based in Homer Glen, IL. Scott shares the secrets behind running a high-capacity seasonal operation, expanding family-friendly attractions year after year, and creating unforgettable traditions for hundreds of thousands of guests each autumn. Whether you're an agri-tourism professional, attraction operator, or fall festival enthusiast, this deep dive offers invaluable insights into guest flow, attraction expansion, and seasonal event management.   🎙️ About The Attractions Group Podcast The Attractions Group Podcast delivers executive interviews, industry news, and operational insights across themed entertainment, amusement parks, haunts, and seasonal attractions.   🔗 Follow & Subscribe: Bengstens Pumpkin Farm Website: https://www.pumpkinfarm.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pumpkinfarm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bengtsonpumpkinfarm/   Join The Attractions Group on Gourd Behind the Scenes as Scott Bengsten reveals how Bengsten’s Pumpkin Farm creates top-tier fall family experiences.   Bengstens Pumpkin Farm, Scott Bengsten, The Attractions Group, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Attractions Group Podcast, Agritourism, Pumpkin Patch Operations, Fall Festival, Agritainment, Theme Park Industry, Seasonal Attractions, Family Entertainment Center, Amusement Industry   #GourdBehindTheScenes #TheAttractionsGroup #BengstensPumpkinFarm #Agritourism #ThemeParkIndustry #FallFestivals #AttractionsPodcast

Season 6, Episode 013- this episode of the Attractions Group Podcast takes us behind the scenes to the insight behind the Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest. We welcome Madison Burnes-Baker, Events & Entertainment Manager.   “Play all day... fright all night!” 👻🎃 In this exclusive episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with Madison Burnes-Baker, Events & Entertainment Manager for Lake Compounce, to give you an insider look at the 2026 Phantom Fall Fest! From family-friendly daytime trick-or-treating at the all-new Candy Corn Country to heart-pounding terror after 6 PM, discover what it takes to bring Connecticut’s premier Halloween event to life! 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: - Behind-the-scenes secrets of designing the haunted houses & scare zones 🧟‍♂️ - What’s NEW for 2026 🎶 - How Lake Compounce balances family fun by day with extreme screams by night 🎃 - Nighttime coaster rides on Boulder Dash, Phobia Phear, and more in the dark! Plus, David takes Madison through another lightning "Rapid-Fire" question round... 🔔 DON'T FORGET TO LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE! Hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode of The Attractions Group Podcast!   🌐 Connect with Us & Learn More: Lake Compounce Tickets & Info: https://www.lakecompounce.com/   Lake Compounce Phantom Fall Fest 2026, Madison Burnes-Baker interview, David Detling Attractions Group, Lake Compounce haunted houses, Connecticut Halloween events, Boulder Dash night ride, Phantom Fall Fest behind the scenes, theme park entertainment manager interview, play all day fright all night, amusement park halloween podcast   #LakeCompounce #PhantomFallFest #TheAttractionsGroup #ThemeParkPodcast #Halloween2026 #HauntedHouse #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkNews #BehindTheScenes #CTAttractions

Welcome to another episode of Behind the Scare, brought to you by the Attractions Group Podcast! In this episode, host Clete Reinberger is joined by guest co-host Matthew Miller ("America's Theme Park Technologist") as they dive deep into the world of haunted attractions, themed entertainment, and seasonal event operations. Our featured guest is Jordan Jones from Brimstone Haunt, recognized as Ohio’s premier scarepark located in Wilmington, Ohio.   In this episode, we discuss: The origin story and evolution of Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington, OH. High-level haunt building, scenic design, and creating immersive environments. Recruiting, training, and managing scare actors to deliver unforgettable screams. How modern technology and creative engineering drive today's haunted attractions. What’s on the horizon for Brimstone Haunt and the haunted house industry.   Technical Note: Certain portions of this interview were subject to minor technology issues on the interviewee's end. This episode was edited as best as was available to preserve the valuable insights shared without re-taping the interview altogether. Thank you for your understanding!   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Clete Reinberger & Matthew Miller 02:15 – Guest Spotlight: Jordan Jones (Brimstone Haunt) 06:40 – Overview of Brimstone Haunt in Wilmington, Ohio 12:30 – Haunt Design, Construction & Theme Building 21:10 – Scare Actor Management & Live Operations 28:45 – Haunt Technology Insights with Matthew Miller 36:20 – Future Outlook for Brimstone Haunt & Wrap-Up   🔗 Links & Resources Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCeVe8SiF80 Explore Brimstone Haunt: Wilmington, Ohio’s Premier Scarepark Host Info: Clete Reinberger & Matthew Miller ("America's Theme Park Technologist")   Category & Keywords Categories: Society & Culture | Leisure | Arts / Design Search Keywords: Brimstone Haunt, Behind the Scare, Attractions Group Podcast, Clete Reinberger, Matthew Miller, Jordan Jones, Wilmington Ohio, Ohio haunted houses, haunted attraction industry, haunt building, scare actors, theme park technologist, Halloween podcast, themed entertainment.   Attractions Group Podcast, Behind the Scare, Clete Reinberger, Matthew Miller, Jordan Jones, Brimstone Haunt, Wilmington Ohio haunted houses, Ohio premier scarepark, haunted attraction industry, haunt building and design, theme park technologist, Halloween attractions, haunted hayride Ohio, themed entertainment podcast, scare actor management.   #BrimstoneHaunt #HauntedAttraction #BehindTheScare #AttractionsGroupPodcast #Halloween2026 #HauntedHouse #ThemedEntertainment #Scarepark #OhioHaunts

Go Behind the Scenes of The Darkness with Haunt Industry Legend Larry Kirchner! 🎃 Why do some haunted houses terrify millions while others fail to make an impact? In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with industry icon Larry Kirchner, creator of the world-famous The Darkness in St. Louis and owner of HauntWorld. Whether you're a haunt operator looking to scale your attraction or a theme park fan who loves high-level creative design, Larry breaks down what it truly takes to build and maintain an industry-dominating haunt year after year.   📌 In This Episode, We Cover: The history, evolution, and immersive design philosophy behind The Darkness St. Louis. How high-budget animatronics, set dressing, and scare-actor placement create maximum throughput. The business and marketing strategies haunt operators need to succeed in today's industry. Behind-the-scenes insights from the founder of HauntWorld.com.   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to the Fall 2026 Haunt Series 02:15 – Meet Larry Kirchner: The Father of Modern Haunted Houses 06:40 – The History & Evolution of The Darkness St. Louis 12:30 – High-Tech Animatronics vs. Actor-Driven Scares 18:10 – Designing High-Throughput Attractions Without Losing Immersion 24:50 – Marketing Your Haunt & Building the HauntWorld Empire 31:15 – Future Trends in the Theme Park & Haunted Attraction Industry 38:00 – Key Takeaways for Haunt Owners & Wrap-Up   🔔 Subscribe & Support the Channel If you enjoyed this deep dive, please LIKE, COMMENT your favorite haunt, and SUBSCRIBE to help us bring you more executive-level industry coverage! 🌐 Website: https://www.theattractionsgroup.com 🎙️ Listen on Apple/Spotify: Search The Attractions Group Podcast 📩 Business & Sponsorship Inquiries: [email protected]   #HauntedHouse #TheDarkness #HauntWorld #ThemeParkIndustry #TheAttractionsGroup #HauntIndustry #Halloween2026 #AmusementParks #AttractionDesign

Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Flying solo again, David interviews Oaks Park Marketing & Events Director Emily MacKay and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (event, film, and audio production company located in the Portland, Oregon area). Season 6, Episode 009 of the Attractions Group Podcast "Behind the Scare" series takes us all the way to Portland, Oregon to the states largest Haunted Attraction: "Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park". Welcome to another episode of the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare Series! 🎃👻 In this episode, host David Detling sits down with Emily MacKay, Marketing & Events Director at Oaks Amusement Park, and Alex Fulmor, Owner of Vendetta Productions (producers of ScareGrounds PDX), to go behind the scenes of Portland’s ultimate Halloween experience! Discover how a historical 1905 amusement park pivoted during pandemic restrictions to create a nationally recognized drive-thru haunted attraction—and how it evolved into the largest walkthrough scare park in Oregon! From creepy clowns and hillbilly cannibals to signature blood bag cocktails and night rides, learn what it takes to blend historic charm with modern frights. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome: Guests from Oaks Amusement Park [02:09] - Emily MacKay’s 31-Year Journey at Oaks Park: From Competitive Skater to Marketing Director [04:25] - Alex Fulmor’s Background in Technical Theater & Film Set Dressing [05:04] - How Emily & Alex Met on Set and Pitched the ScareGrounds Concept [07:04] - Pioneering Oregon’s First Drive-Thru Haunted House During 2020 [10:53] - Oaks Park’s Historic Legacy: Surviving 120+ Years, Floods, & Two Pandemics [12:35] - The "Scooby-Doo" Vibe: Leveraging Pacific Northwest Weather & Historic Backdrop [14:23] - Balancing the Show: Family-Friendly vs. Peak Haunted Nights [16:29] - Planning and Upgrading Attractions Year-Round [18:26] - Navigating Park Construction & Introducing Expanded "Inside Out" Scare Zones [19:28] - Crowd Favorites: CarnEVIL Clowns, Hillbillies, & Midway Characters [21:16] - Classic Guest Reactions: The "Wet Pants Count" & Actor Tactics [25:49] - Psychological Terror meets Physical Thrills: Rides after Dark [28:34] - Behind-the-Scenes Pre-Shift Rituals & Staff Costume Contests [32:40] - Fall Event Eats & Drinks: The Famous Signature "Blood Bag" Cocktails [35:46] - Rapid-Fire Halloween Q&A Session (Favorite Candies, Monsters, & Rides) [41:00] - Episode Wrap-Up & Final Remarks   🌐 Official Oaks Amusement Park Links & Social Media Website: Oakspark.com ScareGrounds PDX / Haunted Attractions: ScareGroundsPDX.com Facebook: facebook.com/oaksparkpdx Instagram: @oaksparkpdx TikTok: @oaksparkpdx Twitter / X: @oaksparkpdx   Join David Detling on the Attractions Group Podcast: Behind the Scare as he chats with Emily MacKay (Oaks Park) and Alex Fulmor (Vendetta Productions / ScareGrounds PDX) about creating Oregon's premier Halloween scare park at historic Oaks Amusement Park in Portland.   #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScare #OaksPark #OaksAmusementPark #ScareGroundsPDX #VendettaProductions #PortlandOregon #HauntedHouse #ScarePark #AmusementPark #HalloweenEvents #PDXEvents #ThemeParkPodcast #HauntIndustry #PortlandHauntedHouse

🎃 Gourd Behind the Scenes at Kentucky Kingdom's Pumpkins Event! 🎃 In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast, host David Detling sits down with Logan Sanderson, Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the annual Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom autumn festival to life!   Discover the incredible logistics, creative vision, and operational magic required to transform Louisville's favorite theme park with thousands of glowing, carved, and giant pumpkin displays each fall season. Plus, get insider details on fall entertainment, family-friendly autumn night glow events, food and beverage treats, and what makes this Herschend Family Entertainment tradition a must-visit fall event in the Midwest! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & EPISODE CHAPTERS [00:00:00] Introduction – Welcome to The Attractions Group Podcast with David Detling [00:01:30] Welcome Logan Sanderson – Marketing Director at Kentucky Kingdom [00:03:15] Behind the Gourd Concept – The evolution of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom [00:06:45] Logistics & Decor – Sourcing and setting up thousands of real and sculpted pumpkins [00:10:20] Nighttime Glow Experience – Lighting up the park, rides, and giant pumpkin structures [00:14:10] Fall Food, Drinks & Merchandise – Seasonal treats and specialty autumn menus [00:18:00] Family Entertainment & Character Encounters – Live shows and kid-friendly fall fun [00:21:45] Working Under Herschend Family Entertainment – Bringing world-class seasonal events to Louisville [00:24:00] Closing Thoughts & Event Dates – Planning your visit to Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom   Kentucky Kingdom, Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, Logan Sanderson, David Detling, The Attractions Group Podcast, Behind the Scenes, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Louisville KY theme parks, Herschend Family Entertainment, Kentucky Kingdom fall event, autumn festival Louisville, family friendly Halloween events, pumpkin display theme park, Kentucky Kingdom night glow, amusement park podcast, theme park industry interviews, roller coasters autumn, Louisville Kentucky attractions, fall festival Midwest   #KentuckyKingdom #PumpkinsAtKentuckyKingdom #AttractionsGroupPodcast #ThemeParkPodcast #DavidDetling #HerschendFamilyEntertainment #LouisvilleKY #FallFestivals #AmusementPark #GourdBehindTheScenes #RollerCoasters #ThemeParkIndustry

Gourd Behind the Scenes: Six Flags Tricks & Treats & Boo Fest with Natalie Conte | The Attractions Group Podcast Welcome back to another episode of Gourd Behind the Scenes on The Attractions Group Podcast! 🎃👻 In this episode, we sit down with Natalie Conte, Regional Director of Entertainment at Six Flags, to explore how the park chain brings its daytime family-friendly Halloween events to life across its national portfolio. From Tricks and Treats to Boo Fest, Natalie breaks down: - Her journey from park lifeguard to regional director overseeing entertainment across multiple parks. - How Six Flags balances bright, kid-friendly daytime festivities with terrifying nighttime scares during Fright Fest. - The operational logistics of handing out over 5 million pieces of candy each season. - Harmonizing IPs like Looney Tunes and Peanuts under one unified event banner post-merger. - Seasonal food, Oktoberfest offerings, rapid-fire fall questions, and much more! 🎟️ Plan your visit: Head to sixflags.com to check event schedules, trick-or-treat trails, and season pass options for your local park. ⏱️ Timestamps & Topic Chapters [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome Back to Natalie Conte [01:00] - Natalie's Career Journey: From Lifeguard to Regional Director [05:00] - Theme Park Industry Culture & Camaraderie [06:45] - Balancing Daytime Family Events vs. Nighttime Haunts [08:40] - How Parks Transition at Dusk: Flipping the Switch [11:30] - Managing Scares, No-Boo Options & Family Zones [12:15] - Fun Daytime Attractions: Phantom Foam Pit & Family Activities [13:53] - Tricks & Treats vs. Boo Fest: Merging Cedar Fair & Six Flags Events [15:00] - The Logistics of 5 Million+ Pieces of Candy [16:32] - Operational Integration Post-Merger [18:38] - Character IPs: Looney Tunes vs. Peanuts across Parks [24:19] - Developing Original In-House Characters (Spectral Sisters & Tinker) [28:18] - Setup Timelines: From Summer Operations to Fall Decor [32:05] - Fall Food & Beverage: Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Treats & Festival Dining [34:54] - Creative Development Timeline for New Events [36:20] - Rapid-Fire Halloween & Fall Q&A with Natalie [43:35] - Closing Thoughts & Six Flags Season Passes Six Flags, Tricks and Treats, Boo Fest, Six Flags Halloween, Kids Boo Fest, Fright Fest, Theme Park Entertainment, Natalie Conte, The Attractions Group Podcast, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Cedar Fair Merger, Looney Tunes Theme Park, Peanuts Theme Park, Theme Park Behind the Scenes, Amusement Park Halloween, Family Halloween Events, Theme Park Operations, Trick or Treat Trail #SixFlags #TricksAndTreats #BooFest #ThemeParks #AmusementParks #Halloween2026 #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScenes #FrightFest #FamilyFun #ThemeParkPodcast

In this episode of The Attractions Group Podcast Fall Series: "Behind the Scare," co-hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling sit down with Bud Stross, co-owner of the world-famous Dent Schoolhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. Discover what it takes to build, operate, and continuously innovate one of America’s top-ranked haunted attractions. Bud shares behind-the-scenes insights into haunted house operations, immersive haunt design, scare actor training, creative set builds, and the business strategies that turn legendary local folklore into an iconic Halloween destination. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00:37 - Introduction: Welcome to Season 2 of Behind the Scare with co-hosts Clete Reinberger and David Detling, featuring guest Bud Stross, co-owner of The Dent Schoolhouse. 00:01:52 - The Origin & History of The Dent Schoolhouse: Bud shares the legend of the murderous janitor Charlie, the schoolhouse's origins (built in 1894), and its evolution over 30 seasons of operation. 00:03:12 - From Boy Scouts to Professional Haunt: How The Dent Schoolhouse transitioned from a 1990s Boy Scout haunted house into a premier, high-tech haunted attraction with aerial scares and projection mapping. 00:04:33 - Iconic Q-Line Characters: Bud breaks down their lineup of signature roaming actors—Charlie the Janitor, Lady in White, The School Marm, Pumpkin, Zobo the Clown, and the new 30th-season character, Mr. Shady. 00:06:27 - Operating Schedule & Seasonal Staffing: Operating dates for the season and managing a seasonal payroll of 150–200 employees across actors, ticketing, parking, concessions, and security. 00:07:31 - Deep Dive: The Legend of Charlie the Janitor: Analyzing Charlie’s backstory, his pipe wrench weapon of choice, and why guests love to fear him in the queue line. 00:10:32 - Bud’s Path into the Haunt Industry: Starting with a childhood latex mask from K-Mart, building a massive neighborhood yard haunt with 15+ actors, and joining forces with business partner Josh. 00:13:56 - Shadowing & Learning the Business: Transitioning from yard haunting to commercial ownership by job shadowing the Boy Scouts during their final operating season. 00:15:21 - Actor Training & Room-Reading Techniques: Training scare actors to stay in character, avoid cliché lines, read different guest groups, and deliver multi-layered scares. 00:18:04 - Can a Haunt Owner Still Get Scared?: Bud reflects on how knowing haunt mechanics changes the walkthrough experience and what it takes to still startle an industry veteran. 00:19:09 - Emergency Exits & Guest Safety: Protocol for handling overwhelmed guests, utilizing backstage exits, and guiding scared guests to the Monster Midway. 00:20:48 - Timed Ticketing & Throughput Logistics: How timed ticketing improves queue management and guest pacing without losing the excitement of waiting in line. 00:22:19 - Walkthrough Duration & The 12-Foot Suds Foam Maze: The average 30-minute attraction runtime and the optional giant foam/bubble maze exit experience. 00:23:18 - National & International Guest Reach: Guests traveling from across all 50 states and international fans flying in from Ireland specifically to visit The Dent Schoolhouse. 00:25:35 - The Classic Haunt Trope: Chainsaws: Trying (and failing) to replace chainsaws at the end of the haunt, and why the sound and smell of a chainsaw remain unmatched for scare factor. 00:29:45 - Optimal Group Sizes & Operational Adjustments: Ideal group sizes (4 to 8 guests) for maximum scare impact and how operations adjust for high-capacity Saturdays in October. 00:31:36 - Favorite Guest Stories & Queue Line Pranks: Hearing the first scream of the season from the office and pulling a parking lot prank on a sleeping guest using an oo-gah horn and clowns. 00:34:45 - What's New for the 30th Season: Audio overhauls, new basement scenes expanding Charlie’s lore, upgraded Monster Midway photo-ops, and the new Pumpkin Smashers game. 00:37:08 - Closing Remarks & Website Info   🔗 Connect & Follow Follow The Dent Schoolhouse: 🌐 Website: https://frightsite.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentschoolhouse 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedentschoolhouse 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dentschoolhouse   Follow The Attractions Group Podcast: 🌐 Website: https://theattractionsgroup.com 🎙️ Listen On Apple Podcasts / Spotify: Search "The Attractions Group Podcast" 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theattractionsgroup 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-attractionsgroup   Haunted House Operations | Immersive Attraction Design | Halloween Industry Business | Theme Park & Haunt Marketing | Scamer Entertainment | Bud Stross Interview | Cincinnati Attractions | The Attractions Group Podcast   #TheAttractionsGroup #DentSchoolhouse #HauntedHouse #BehindTheScare #ThemeParkIndustry #HauntIndustry #Halloween2026 #AttractionDesign #AmusementIndustry

Don Helbig returns to The Attractions Group Podcast! In this special Behind the Scare episode (Season 6, Episode 005), host David Detling sits down with theme park industry veteran and former podcast co-host Don Helbig. Together, they dive deep into what truly makes a Fall event or Halloween Haunt experience successful. From the storytelling and immersive decor of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Busch Gardens, to the introduction of major intellectual properties (IPs) like The Conjuring and Friday the 13th at Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks, Don breaks down the operational, marketing, and culinary strategies that keep guests coming back year after year. Plus, Don shares behind-the-scenes stories from when the TV show Ghost Hunters investigated Kings Island, and tackles 7 rapid-fire questions! Episode Timestamps [00:16] – Welcome Back: Don Helbig returns to the podcast! [03:15] – Don’s industry background & his work with Tower Topics and Theme Parks by Don [05:50] – Tracking 1,000+ Kings Island visits before spreadsheets existed [09:25] – Comparing Fall events: Busch Gardens, Dollywood, Cedar Point & Kings Island [12:55] – Theme park fall food & specialty treats (and the legendary Cinnamon Bread!) [18:23] – Bringing IPs (Friday the 13th, The Conjuring) into regional Halloween Haunts [23:50] – Inside the Ghost Hunters investigation at Kings Island [28:40] – Why theme parks feel naturally eerie during the Fall season [31:30] – Don’s Fall 2026 travel lineup (Holiday World, Cedar Point, Great America) [32:45] – Rapid Fire Questions: Halloween vs. Christmas, Beast vs. Racer, IPs vs. Originals! Connect with Don Helbig: Website: Theme Parks by Don- https://themeparksbydon.com/ Podcast: Tower Topics (co-hosted with Ryan Suhr)- https://towertopics.podbean.com/ Social Media: Follow Don Helbig on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for industry insights and articles. Stay Connected with The Attractions Group Podcast: Website: https://www.theAttractionsGroup.com Subscribe: Hit the Subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Podcast Platforms: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.   Don Helbig returns to The Attractions Group Podcast with David Detling to share expert insights on theme park Halloween Haunts and Fall events., Explore the evolution of theme park Halloween events with industry insider Don Helbig, covering IP haunted mazes, specialty Fall foods, and park marketing strategy., Join David Detling and Don Helbig on The Attractions Group Podcast as they discuss Kings Island Ghost Hunters stories, Dollywood Harvest Festival, and Cedar Fair Halloween Haunts.   #AttractionsGroup #ThemeParks #HalloweenHaunt #DonHelbig #KingsIsland #CedarPoint #Dollywood #ThemeParkMarketing #BehindTheScare #RollerCoasters #podcast Theme park podcast, Don Helbig interview, The Attractions Group Podcast, Halloween Haunt marketing strategy, Cedar Fair vs Six Flags Halloween events, Dollywood Harvest Festival cinnamon bread, Kings Island Ghost Hunters episode background, IP haunted houses Friday the 13th theme parks, Fall theme park events and food, Theme Parks by Don the attractions group podcast, david detling, don helbig, behind the scare, theme park podcast, halloween haunt, theme park marketing, kings island, cedar point, dollywood, dollywood harvest festival, busch gardens, howl-o-scream, haunted houses, friday the 13th haunt, the conjuring maze, ghost hunters kings island, theme parks by don, tower topics, roller coaster podcast, amusement park industry, theme park food, cinnamon bread, holiday world, regional theme parks, cedar fair, six flags, halloween event strategy, theme park ghost stories, haunt marketing

Step inside the magic of Silver Dollar City’s iconic Harvest Festival! In this episode of the Gourd Behind the Scenes series (Fall 2026), host David Detling sits down with Brandei Clifton (Publicity Director) and Maddie from Silver Dollar City to talk all things autumn in the Ozarks. Discover the rich history of Herschend Family Entertainment, how Silver Dollar City transforms from summer to fall, the secret 18-page "Pumpkin Bible," 20,000+ glowing pumpkins, giant 1,000lb gourds, visiting master craftsmen, and family-friendly illuminated nights! 🎃 Plan Your Visit: https://www.silverdollarcity.com 🎙️ Subscribe to The Attractions Group Podcast: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.podbean.com/   Episode Breakdown & Timestamps: [00:10] Introduction — Host David introduces the episode as part of the Gourd Behind the Scenes series [00:45] Guest Introductions & Backgrounds — Meet Brandy and Maddie from Silver Dollar City's publicity team as they share their personal histories and lifelong connection to the par 03:04] History of Silver Dollar City & Herschend Family — A look back at how Marvel Cave inspired the creation of Silver Dollar City and laid the foundation for Herschend Family Entertainment [04:49] Branson & Silver Dollar City's Tourism Impact — Discussing Silver Dollar City's role as a primary tourism driver in Branson, Missouri, drawing visitors nationwide [07:31] Overview of the Harvest Festival & Artisans — Highlights of the festival, featuring over 70 visiting craftsmen alongside resident artisans [07:58] Pumpkins in the Park & Family-Friendly Atmosphere — Details on the 20,000 glowing foam and real pumpkins, giant sculptures, and non-scary, family-focused autumn experiences [09:06] The Garden of Giants & Pumpkin Logistics — How five semi-trucks deliver massive 1,000-pound pumpkins, and the setup routine guided by the park's "Pumpkin Bible" - [10:35] Park Transformation & Seasonal Transitions — A behind-the-scenes look at how Silver Dollar City rapidly transitions between seasons, from Southern Gospel Picnic to Harvest Festival and Christmas [11:41] 50+ Year History of the Fall Festival — How Mother Mary Herschend started the craft festival, featuring legendary artisans like 109-year-old fiddle maker Violet Hensley [12:25] Fall Festival vs. Old Time Christmas — Comparing the atmosphere and scale of the autumn event to the park’s massive Christmas celebration [15:08] Fall Culinary Offerings & Tasting Tickets — Exploring unique autumn food items (pumpkin chili, savory pumpkin corn dogs, sausage skillets) and how tasting tickets work - [16:53] Employee Culture & Unbelievable Retention — Discussion on long-tenured employees (citizens), 50-year service milestones, and iconic figures like Miss Shirley and Terry Wayne Sanders [22:15] The Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train — History of one of the park's original attractions, including the famous train robbery comedy routine and seasonal adaptations [24:55] Coasters, Dark Rides, & Marvel Cave Bats — Nighttime roller coaster rides through the Ozark Mountains and the natural bat populations living around Marvel Cave [31:13] What’s Next: Christmas Debut Preview — A preview of the upcoming Wonderland of Lights / Star Light Christmas Nights parade and seasonal entertainment [34:33] Behind-the-Scenes Traditions & Easter Eggs — Hidden details inside the park, including the 14 hidden mouse-carved pumpkins and post-festival pumpkin composting [36:30] Wrap-up & Closing Remarks — Final thoughts and closing conversation   🌐 Official Links & Socials Website: https://www.theAttractionsGroup.com Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-attractions-group-podcast/id1813010543 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bcW3Vj9DL5avDAz9yyNdm?si=bd10b059b69c44af Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/attractionsgroup   Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival, Harvest Festival Pumpkin Nights, Brandei Clifton Silver Dollar City, Madie Foreman Silver Dollar City, Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri, Herschend Family Entertainment, Theme Park Fall Events, Amusement Park Podcast, Theme Park Behind the Scenes, Attractions Industry Podcast, The Attractions Group Podcast, Gourd Behind the Scenes, Craft Days and Pumpkin Nights, Silver Dollar City Pumpkins.   #SilverDollarCity #HarvestFestival #PumpkinNights #ThemeParks #AmusementPark #AttractionsGroup #BehindTheScenes #BransonMO #Herschend #ThemeParkPodcast

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: How he transitioned from turnkey web design and software engineering to full-time tour operations. The development of Casper, Ghost City’s proprietary internal software platform powering back-office management for 560+ employees and 470+ tour guides. The balance between historical research, local folklore, and psychological storytelling. Personal, unexplained encounters with the paranormal at locations like Savannah’s Husk Restaurant and the Old South Pittsburgh Hospital. Ghost City's expansion into original media, including upcoming television projects with Jack Osbourne, Bigfoot documentaries in Oregon, and Louisiana bayou folklore preservation.   ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Episode Overview [01:10] - Welcome Tim Nealon, Founder & CEO of Ghost City Tours [02:18] - From Whitewater Rafting to Web Design: Tim’s Early Career [03:40] - Founding Ghost City Tours in 2012 & Transitioning Out of Web Development [05:25] - The Business Advice & Exit Strategy That Handed Tim His Freedom [07:20] - Building "Casper": Ghost City's Custom Management & Logistics Software [10:52] - Starting in Savannah: The Unexpected First Month & Explosive Growth [12:40] - Media Expansion: Working with Jack Osbourne & Cliff Barackman (Bigfoot) [14:12] - Scaling Out: Moving Operations to New Orleans & Charleston [15:25] - Managing 60 Cities, 210+ Active Tours, and 12,000 Guests a Night [16:30] - The Research Process: Fact-Checking Folklore vs. Google Myths (Lalaurie Mansion) [18:35] - Balancing Historical Accuracy & Local Legends (The Casket Girls of New Orleans) [20:35] - Quality Control Across 475+ Tour Guides: Hiring Acting Coaches over Guides [23:20] - Uncovering Forgotten History: How Stories Evolve Over Time [25:14] - Favorite Historical Locations: Gettysburg & The Sacred History of Battlefields [27:00] - Emotional Paranormal Encounters: Child EVPs at Savannah's Husk Building [28:20] - Skeptics, Believers, and What Ghost Tours Are Really Trying to Accomplish [29:45] - David Detling's Personal Unexplained Encounter on a Dark Country Road [31:25] - Haunted Attractions vs. Ghost Tours: Jump Scares vs. Psychological Storytelling [35:38] - Charleston's Haunted History: Fort Sumter, The Powder Magazine, & Circular Church [39:07] - Nashville's Dark Past: Civil War History, Mobsters, & Broadway Brothels [40:15] - 14 Days at Old South Pittsburgh Hospital: Physical Paranormal Activity [43:00] - Do Ghosts Remember You? Interactive Entities & Theories of Consciousness [46:30] - Future Endeavors: New Markets, Media Projects, and Bayou Storytellers Documentary [50:20] - Staying Motivated at the Top of the Tour Industry & Closing Remarks Connect with Ghost City Tours: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8mLejNcECG4bQvSFz7jhww Website: https://ghostcitytours.com/   #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 [00:00] Intro & Theme Song Origin Story (Feat. David's Cat) [00:48] Fall Season Hype & Spooky Season Atmosphere in Orlando [02:18] What is Behind the Scare & Gourd Behind the Scenes? [03:41] Who Came Up with "Gourd Behind the Scenes"? [04:28] The Legend of "Be Late for Something Day" & Episode Prep [05:25] Scaling Up: 2026 Season Lineup & Haunt Production Timelines [06:49] Highlighting Local Haunts: Brimstone Haunt & The Dent Schoolhouse [08:48] Theme Park Haunts & Ghost City Tours Across 60 Cities [10:22] Clete's "Orlando Ghost Story" (Bag of Cotton Balls) [14:45] David's Real-Life Encounter: The Mysterious Figure on the Road [19:26] Full Guest Roster Sneak Peek & Closing Thoughts   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 Introduction & Post-Mortem Overview 05:15 The Closure of Fun Spot Atlanta: What Went Wrong? 14:30 Analyzing ArieForce One’s Design & RMC Legacy 23:10 The Financial & Operational Challenges of Regional Parks 35:45 Relocation Speculation: Where Could ArieForce One Fly Next? 48:20 Fan Theories, Industry Impact & Final Thoughts   🗣️ 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