Don Helbig Interview

Kings Island’s Public Relations Area Manager, Don Helbig, recently took some time to talk records, The Bat and Banshee with us!

What sparked your interest in amusement parks and roller coasters?

It was a way of life as a child. Going to Cincinnati’s Coney Island and then Kings Island as the one big thing we (family) did and looked forward to every summer.

Was being Kings Island’s Public Relations Area Manager a dream of yours?

I thought it would be a dream opportunity. And it is.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people that I’ve met, the people I work with at Kings Island and other Cedar Fair parks, and what the industry is all about.

You’re the record holder for the most rides on The Racer. How does it feel to have such an honor?

A lot of people would have accrued the number of rides that I did on the Racer on their favorite roller coaster if they had the time. And that was the key – I had the time. Some people play golf or tennis with their free time. I went to Kings Island. I lived close enough to the park that I could spend a few hours five or more days a week at the park riding the Racer and other rides. So for me, it wasn’t an honor as much as I was in the right situation to be able to visit the park enough to establish that record.

How did you make the decision to set the record on The Racer and not a different coaster?

It wasn’t something I planned to do. It evolved into what it became with the Racer. The ride was – and still is – so much fun that when the train came back into the station I wanted to get right back in line and ride it again. It never became boring which was the most important part of having that record. It was all about having fun. That’s the only way you can justify doing something like that with all the time that goes into it.

Has there been a certain ride on The Racer that was most memorable to you?

The first ride I had on the Racer in 1972 is the most memorable. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

How did the decision to rename Flight Deck to The Bat come about?

There was a lot of interest and passion for that name by our guests and the name fits the characteristics of the ride. The timing was right to change the name.

Is making big or small nods to former Kings Island attractions something you’d like to see continue?

A name from a past attraction would have to fit the characteristics of the ride to work. It does with The Bat.

Would you say any other Cedar Fair parks would follow this trend with their rides?

Any name you come up with has to fit the ride.

Why 7, not 8 inversions on Banshee? 8 would’ve set the record for most in North America.

With Banshee, it was about building a ride that is going to deliver a great experience for our guests over setting records. All the elements are in place for Banshee to be the best inverted roller coaster in the world. It didn’t need an eighth inversion to be a ride that’s going to be fun, thrilling and memorable for our guests.

What’s it like working with a world-class coaster design company, like B&M?

They’re outstanding to work with. Quality and reliability are two words that come to mind when you’re talking about B&M.

How much and what kind of theming is being planned for around Banshee?

The entrance plaza with the ID sign will be the most noticeable. There will be some Celtic Tombstones placed along the ride’s 4,124-foot long course. But the reality is, nobody’s going to notice any type of theming when they’re screaming their way through seven inversions at speeds up to 68 mph! The thrill of the chase on Banshee – that’s what our guests are going to remember.

For the GateKeeper media day, coaster clubs were invited to take part. Are you considering this arrangement for the Banshee media day?

Card-carrying members from a select number of roller coaster clubs will be invited to attend media day for Banshee. Those details will be made available in January or early February.

Kings Island recently hired an executive chef. Are there any new dishes emerging yet? Have you got to taste test anything?

We’re excited about the addition of Nathan Gushulak as our executive chef. He’ll bring a more defined culinary presence to the park. I haven’t had an opportunity to taste test anything yet.

Where would you like to see Kings Island in 5 years? 10 years?

Continuing to do what we do in creating a best day of the year experience for our guests.

What do you consider to be Kings Island’s best-kept secret or hidden gem?

The Grand Carousel. The ride opened in 1926 at Coney Island. With thrill-inducing rides like Diamondback, the Beast, Banshee, rides like the Grand Carousel become forgotten or underappreciated. A spin on the Carousel is always a priority whenever I am visiting an amusement or theme park.

If you could build a copy of a Kings Island attraction in your backyard, which would it be?

The Grand Carousel because it would fit in my backyard.