Untold Stories of the Theme Park Industry
"Untold Stories of the Theme Park Industry," is a captivating new column that dives into the hidden narratives and lesser-known tales from the industry's pioneers. Each installment uncovers intriguing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped the theme park world but are often left out of the spotlight. Join us as we reveal these fascinating stories from industry leaders of the past, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of the magical places we know and love.
Edition 1: The Untold Story: The Park that Closed Before it was Officially Opened
The 1970s saw Taft Broadcasting's Kings Dominion open to unprecedented crowds, leading to an unexpected and unforgettable moment in theme park history.
Edition 2: The First Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop Test Ride
After a grueling budget meeting during the 1979 recession, a small group of Kings Island executives, with drinks in hand, decided to take an impromptu ride on the new Beast coaster. What followed was the fastest, scariest ride ever experienced on the legendary coaster—so intense it forced a last-minute redesign before opening to the public.
Edition 3: The Ride on the BEAST Never Repeated!
On a cool, misty April evening in 1979, after a grueling board meeting at Kings Island, a group of park executives, including Dennis Speigel, decided to take a spontaneous ride on the soon-to-open BEAST roller coaster. With the park closed and the mist creating an eerie atmosphere, the group climbed aboard for what would become a legendary experience. Unbeknownst to them, they were about to embark on the fastest and most terrifying ride the BEAST would ever offer—so intense, it led to immediate design changes before the coaster’s official opening. Enjoy this week’s Untold Story: The Ride on the BEAST Never Repeated”, shared by Dennis. Click below to read the entire story!
Edition 4: Mickey and Minnie’s First Amusement Park Appearance……… Wasn’t Disneyland!!!
Before Walt Disney brought his dream of Disneyland to life in 1955, he drew inspiration from several amusement parks across the U.S.—and one of the most influential was Coney Island in Cincinnati. His visit to Coney Island, renowned for its beautiful design and vibrant atmosphere, helped shape key aspects of Disneyland’s concept. Interestingly, Mickey and Minnie Mouse made their amusement park debut at an Amusement Park long before Disneyland opened. Be sure to read this week’s fascinating Untold Stories of the Theme Park Industry by Dennis Speigel, entitled, “Mickey and Minnie’s First Appearance at an Amusement Park……and it wasn’t Disney!”
Edition 5: How the IAAPA Leadership Breakfast Came Into Being
In “How the IAAPA Leadership Breakfast Came into Being”, Dennis takes you back in time, explaining how a few Theme Park pioneers’ extemporaneous get togethers grew into an IAAPA lasting legacy of camaraderie, information, and continued growth, that sells out annually.
Edition 6: How Kings Island was almost Daniel Boone World!
In the late1960s, actor Fess Parker, known for his movie and TV roles as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, set his sights on creating a pioneer-themed amusement park in Boone County, Kentucky. However, as Parker was gathering momentum, another visionary in nearby Cincinnati had similar plans. Gary Wachs of Coney Island Amusement Park wanted to relocate and expand, transforming it into a top regional attraction. Who would win this battle?
Edition 7: The Near Acquisition of Cedar Point by Taft Broadcasting (Owner of Kings Island) in the Mid-1970s!
In the 1970s, Ohio’s amusement park giants, Cedar Point and Kings Island, nearly merged under Taft Broadcasting. This deal was derailed by the severe economic downturn of 1973-75. Decades later, Cedar Point emerged as a buyer, acquiring the original Taft Broadcasting parks. The early story of this near acquisition serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between vision, timing, and economic forces in the world of business.
Edtion 8:The Kings Island Eiffel Tower Necessary Adjustment!
The grand opening week of Kings Island in May 1972 was filled with excitement as guests marveled at the park’s attractions, including its iconic Eiffel Tower. But amidst the joy, a heart-stopping moment unfolded atop the tower. A father had perched his young son dangerously on the edge of a low railing, oblivious to the life-threatening risk. What followed was a tense encounter that not only averted tragedy but sparked critical changes in theme park safety standards. Be sure to click to read Edition #7 of “Untold Stories of the Theme Park Industry” entitled, The Kings Island Eiffel Tower Necessary Adjustment, submitted by Dennis Speigel.
Edition 9: Five Decades with Buzz
For nearly five decades, Nick Winslow had the privilege of knowing Harrison “Buzz” Price—a visionary whose intelligence, wit, and boundless energy left an indelible mark on everyone he met. From the early days as family acquaintances to colleagues and lifelong friends, Buzz’s influence shaped Nick’s life in profound ways. Buzz’s unmatched leadership, sharp humor, and trailblazing work in the theme park industry defined a remarkable career, leaving a legacy that will forever inspire. In this next edition of Untold Stories of the Theme Park Industry entitled “Five Decades with Buzz”, guest contributor Nick Winslow provides unique insights and stories of what his relationship with Buzz Price meant to his life and to his own mark on the industry.
Edition 10: The Almost Heist: Kings Dominion’s Labor Day Nightmare!
Imagine running a bustling theme park, only to learn it’s the target of a dangerous heist. That was the reality for Kings Dominion’s VP and GM, Dennis Speigel, one Labor Day weekend. With a chilling tip from law enforcement, an undercover operation began—guns stashed, families evacuated, and nerves frayed. Then, the unthinkable: the suspects infiltrated the park. What unfolded was a harrowing tale of near-disaster, quick thinking, and an epic takedown that could have been ripped from a blockbuster movie script.
Edition 11: The Busch Gardens – Kings Dominion Battle…..If The Other Had Only Known!
It is hard to believe that 2025 is the 50th anniversary of Kings Dominion and Williamsburg Busch Gardens. With this anniversary upon us, I thought it would be interesting to look back around the time of the planning and opening of both parks in the mid-1970s. These two iconic parks were shrouded in secrecy, fueling a fierce competition that would forever change the leisure industry. This is the story of rivalry and surprises!
Edition 12: Part 2 - The Busch Gardens – Kings Dominion Battle…..If The Other Had Only Known!
Battling for dominance in the competitive theme park market in Virginia in the late 1970s, Busch Gardens introduced the Loch Ness Monster to compete with King Dominion’s strong ride program. The balance of power shifted dramatically. This is the ongoing saga, Part Two, of the Busch Gardens - Kings Dominion Battle……If the Other Had Only Known.”
Edition 13: Farewell to Coney Island Cincinnati: A Day to Fondly Remember - Labor Day, September 6, 1971
On Labor Day 1971, Coney Island Cincinnati, bid farewell to 85 years of joy, laughter, and cherished memories. A record-breaking crowd gathered for a bittersweet finale—a day of nostalgia, celebration, and poignant goodbyes to “America’s Finest Amusement Park.” This is the story of that unforgettable final chapter.
Contact ITPS
International Theme Park Services, Inc.
2200 Victory Parkway, Suite 500A
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
United States of America
Phone: 513-381-6131
http://www.interthemepark.com
itps@interthemepark.com