The Attractions Group Podcast
The Attractions Group Podcast
Podcast Description
Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast covers a variety of themes related to the theme park industry, including park openings, closures, new attractions, and industry challenges. Specific topics include a deep dive into Universal's upcoming Epic Universe, discussions on park management amid closures like Six Flags America, and exploration of roller coaster definitions and innovations, such as new coaster designs discussed in episodes like 'What is a Roller Coaster?'

Theme park industry news and analysis as well as interviews with Attractions Industry leaders.
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

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.