This week’s Theme Parks by Don Mailbag takes readers from coast to coast and beyond — from Disney nostalgia and Dollywood’s southern hospitality to speculation about a potential Kings Island resort. We’ll also touch on Cedar Point’s best coaster, an unbelievable ride count in Minnesota, and how brand journalism could change how parks tell their stories.

Let’s dive in and see what TPBD readers had on their minds this week.

Magic Memories at Disney Parks

Melissa — Murfreesboro, TN

Hello, Don! I’m a Disney girl, so my question is of all the Disney Parks in the U.S. (I haven’t been to any abroad), which one do you think has the most memory-making rides? My vote goes to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

We’re on the same page, Melissa! Magic Kingdom is packed with history and nostalgia. Classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, and “it’s a small world” are rides that have given me some of my favorite memories—especially riding them with my daughter as she was growing up.

Could Kings Island Go Full Resort Mode?

Joe — Cleveland, OH

Could you see Kings Island getting an on site resort? Silver Dollar City is set to open theirs next Spring and will be a great addition. Cedar Point has had success for over a century with Hotel Breakers. Could Kings Island benefit from an on site resort similar to Silver Dollar City’s or Hotel Breakers?

I think Kings Island could absolutely benefit from an on-site resort—but it would require careful planning. Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point and Silver Dollar City’s upcoming resort work so well because they create a full destination experience, where guests can extend their visit beyond just a day of rides.

For Kings Island, an on-site resort could strengthen its appeal as a multi-day getaway, especially for families traveling from a distance. It could also give the park more control over the guest experience, from themed accommodations to exclusive perks and early ride access. The challenge would be balancing investment with demand, but if done thoughtfully, it could transform Kings Island from a world-class amusement park into a full resort destination in its own right.

The Dollywood Difference

Kim — Detroit, MI

I always enjoy your stories and social media posts. You seem to focus a lot on Dollywood. What is it about the park that draws your attention and inspires you to highlight it so often?

There’s a genuine warmth in the way team members at Dollywood greet you, help you, and make sure your day feels special. At Dollywood, I always feel valued—not processed.

Phantom Theater Predictions

Neal — Cincinnati, OH

Do you think Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare will open on time when Kings Island begins the 2026 season, or could it be delayed until June like some of the park’s recent attractions? And do you think you’ll be invited to media day?

I believe Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare will be ready to go when Kings Island opens for the 2026 season in the spring. Construction got underway right after Labor Day, and much of the building and ride system is already in place. As for media day—no, I don’t expect to be invited.

Cedar Point’s Crown Jewel

Roger — Sidney, OH

In your opinion, what’s the best roller coaster at Cedar Point?

Cedar Point has an incredible lineup of roller coasters, so it’s tough for me to choose the best. That said, I usually lean toward Millennium Force. There’s so much to love about it—the speed, the airtime, the length of the ride, and the breathtaking views of the lake make it a standout experience.

Renegade Mike and The Racer Rides

Jeff — York, PA

Hey Don, I’m sure you’ve heard of this guy named “Renegade Mike” up in Minnesota. He claims to have 30,000 rides on the Renegade roller coaster at Valleyfair. Do you believe that number? And if Fast Lane had been around back in your day riding The Racer at Kings Island, how many rides do you think you would’ve mustered?

I believe his numbers are legit, Jeff. He’s at Valleyfair almost every day, and the ride ops all know him. If he were inflating his count—say, by including POV videos at home—it would’ve been called out by now. As for The Racer, if Fast Lane had been available during my prime riding years from 1981 to 1990, I definitely would’ve had the opportunity to rack up more rides. But I’m not sure I would have. I averaged 15.27 rides per day over those ten years, and with Fast Lane, I might have just spread that time across more attractions. Hard to say how it would’ve played out.

Brand Journalism Explained

Derek — Ft. Wayne, IN

Don, I have aspirations of a PR career. I’ve heard you mention the term brand journalism a few times on Tower Topics and that parks could benefit from this approach in their PR and social media. But what does it really mean?

Brand journalism is all about telling your own story the right way. It’s the idea that your amusement or theme park is in the best position to share news, highlight expertise, and offer insights to both guests and team members.

Unlike traditional PR, which relies on news outlets to deliver your message, brand journalism puts your park in control—using the same techniques reporters and editors use: reporting, interviewing, and storytelling. The focus shifts from what the park wants to say to what the audience wants to know, helping build credibility, connection, and trust.

In short, brand journalism would help parks share their story in a way that’s engaging, authentic, and meaningful for fans.

Have a Question for Next Week’s TPBD Mailbag?

Got something you’ve been wondering about in regard to theme parks, travel, or roadside attractions? Send your question to donhelbig@themeparksbydon.com with your first name, city, and state. You might just see it featured in next week’s Mailbag!

Until next week — keep your hands and arms inside the ride vehicle at all times, and your questions coming!

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