That said, I still want to wish you a very happy retirement, Arthur. More to the point, I want to thank you for all of the fun & informative conversations that we've had over the years at various media events. Those of us who continue to cover the themed entertainment industry will obviously miss your informed & insightful coverage.
So please do " ... merge from (your) retirement stupor" on a regular basis and then share your thoughts about the latest ride, show & attraction, okay?
Thanks for the kind words Jim. I’ve enjoyed our get-togethers as well. As a fellow, crotchety New Englander, I’m glad you will be carrying on with your wonderful podcasts and reporting. All the best.
Congratulations on a great run. You have been a wonderful role model for so many people covering this industry over the years. Thank you for everything you've done and best wishes for all the future holds.
It's always bittersweet to hear a content creator you enjoy is moving on to other things, but it's awesome that you can now hit the parks without worrying about a deadline. :)
As someone who doesn't get out to the parks nearly as often as I'd like, it's been wonderful to experience new attractions through your writing and appearances on CoasterRadio. Your enthusiasm and excitement for the industry always came through in your articles, and always with an air of positivity and optimism. I think that's wonderful in the age of social media, where negativity and cynicism often speak the loudest.
Enjoy the heck out of that retirement, it is well deserved. Still hope to see you one day at the parks! Wishing you all the best!
Wonderful article, Arthur. I know you’re going to miss it, but I also know that you’ll wrap your arms tight around all the things you do for the next phase. You are a special guy, Arthur! I know you’ll keep on enjoying the ride.
Arthur, congratulations on your retirement! What a career! Three decades of riding, reviewing, and explaining the parks we all love, and doing it with more heart and insight than anyone I know.
I also want to say thank you for over 20-plus years and 40 appearances on Coaster Radio. You've been one of the most valued voices our show has ever had. Our annual preview episodes are always the most downloaded shows of the year. Listeners always knew they'd come away better informed, and we always had a great time along the way. You made every episode you were on better, and you made our job a lot more fun.
I hope retirement brings plenty of rides just for the joy of it - no deadlines, no notes, just the fun part.
Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for everything!
Mike, that’s so nice of you to say. It has been an honor and a joy sharing the mic with you and Eric all these years. Thank you for letting me part of the fun.
I was so thrilled when you debuted 20+ years ago. As you know, I’m a huge fan of the show. You cover the industry with obvious love and provide great insight. And you do it in such an entertaining way. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Arthur! I was both shocked & saddened to hear the news of your retirement. I love always reading Arthur's About Theme Parks & I always looked forward to doing so gladly. I wish that it would continue for many more years to come. But all good things must come to an end sometimes. Thanks again for your incredible work & best prayers for all that you do in the future! God bless & again, thank you!
A beautifully written send off, with lots to reflect on. The theme park world will be a little less wise and joyful without your weekly insights, but I look forward to whatever you feel like creating in the years to come. And finally, it would be a dream come true to, as you suggest, see you at the parks. Hopefully one day we can catch a ride together and celebrate this crazy hobby of ours!
Thanks Tom. You have long been one of the most engaged subscribers here at About Theme Parks. I’m very appreciative. And yes, it would be great to meet in person. Who knows? Maybe I’ll tag along on a CoastetRadio trip.
Well, I agree with you and honestly, I believe there are millions of those who you are referring to who actually agree with you as well, but are so addicted to their phones that they cannot tear themselves from them. It's really not different from any other addition that causes a change in body chemistry when you take it. I do hope we as a society can overcome it.
My daughter is a really talented Imagineer and just signed a 5-year contract at Disney World. So far she is absolutely loving it and will make great contributions.
Arthur, congratulations on your retirement! I’ve been reading your columns since the About.com days, and IIRC I got to meet you once in the all too brief time I was part of the “Mouse media”.
Some people are lucky enough to get a beat that many people aspire to. Others are lucky enough to cover and write about something they are passionate about, and that passion comes through in what they write. I’m happy to say that you fall into both those categories, and the rest of us will be that much poorer from now on because we won’t have you around to read your columns on a regular basis.
Have fun sitting on a beach chair at Revere Beach, and happy trails!
Thanks Paulie. I do consider myself very lucky. And grateful for readers like you. I appreciate you for being along for the ride all these years. All the best.
What great wrap up and look back at a wonderful run. As your former neighbor and sometimes collaborator in our day jobs, it's been inspiring to see how you grew your lifelong fascination for theme parks into such an impressive career. How many of us intended to follow own youthful passions and dreams, only to watch them slowly dimming under the everyday tasks of this adulting business. You've been an inspiration. And let's face it -- when it comes to theme parks and attractions, you are the King of All Media. (Sorry, Howard.)
in fact, theme parks aren't the only passion for which Arthur has kept the fires burning. He's been playing in various bands his entire adult life. Coming full circle, over the past few years he's reunited with the musicians from his high school rock band. At first it was just to jam a bit and reminisce, he claims, but that, too, evolved. This summer, I had the good fortune to catch "Express" in a Music at the Beach show in Rockport , MA, and they rocked! If you ever see them, that's Arthur front and center, killing it on bass and vocals. So kudos to you and to the lovely Martha, as well.
Arthur, what can I say that hasn't been said better by all of these wonderful people. I enjoyed your longform, normal written articles as opposed to the flashy, influencer videos everywhere. I wrote you about 10 years ago when my daughter and I went to Six Flags New England, but my wife and other daughter wanted some ideas on what else to do in the area, and you politely replied with suggestions. Also, the Coaster Radio discord is hoping you will continue to come on the show. I'll miss your regular articles. My wife is retiring next year, but I still have some years to go. Enjoy time for yourself!
Brilliant, wonderful, heart (and stomach, if you went on some of those rides) felt, and I and a gaggle of others have enjoyed the long ride. When I used to go to Kelly's on Revere Beach, I admired the post cards of the rides, displayed within sight of the food lines. Your description of how you were affected as a child reminded me that I would have liked to have been there in my youth. Bless your work!
Say it isn't so!! This is a very bittersweet moment. While I'm very happy for you and your upcoming retirement, I know that I am going miss your weekly emails that pop into my Inbox. I always stop whatever I'm doing and read your articles. I feel fortunate too, that I've known you "outside" your articles. In fact, we were friends and associates before I even knew you wrote your, "Arthur's About Theme Parks". As I've mentioned to you before, I'm not really a roller coaster enthusiast, but I never failed to read and enjoy your articles. That shows what a gifted and entertaining writer you are. Best wishes to both you and Martha, in your well-deserved retirement, and I do hope you'll continue to pop in my mailbox in the future.
It's so. And it is bittersweet for me as well. Thanks for your kind words Gordon. And yes, it has been great knowing you for so many years and then reconnecting here at About Theme Parks. As for popping back into your mailbox, well, you never know!
Arthur, thank you for your insights and decades of dedication.
I haven't been along for the ride as long as many others, but since finding or searching for my voice in the theme park world, I've enjoyed your pieces.
I hope you get to enjoy retirement to the fullest and experience the parks from a guest's point of view without having to notice and write down every detail you come across.
If you ever have a quick tip for someone newer in the field, I'd truly appreciate it.
I hope retirement is as rewarding as your career in amusement park traveling and reporting. I will agree with you that the amusement park experience has become so much more expensive and restrictive because of the costly extras. For those who can't afford these, it colors the experience more negatively. As a result, I am less inclined to spend my time and money at these parks. Phones and social media have also detracted from the fun of sharing an amusement park adventure in such a pure and memorable way. I have learned in my years of travels to numerous parks, it's the traditional parks that offer the pure joy I get and love when sharing my time with friends and the park. Thank you for sharing your love of amusement parks with us all and congratulations on your new adventures!
Well, crud. This is depressing news.
That said, I still want to wish you a very happy retirement, Arthur. More to the point, I want to thank you for all of the fun & informative conversations that we've had over the years at various media events. Those of us who continue to cover the themed entertainment industry will obviously miss your informed & insightful coverage.
So please do " ... merge from (your) retirement stupor" on a regular basis and then share your thoughts about the latest ride, show & attraction, okay?
You will definitely be missed in this space.
Thanks for the kind words Jim. I’ve enjoyed our get-togethers as well. As a fellow, crotchety New Englander, I’m glad you will be carrying on with your wonderful podcasts and reporting. All the best.
Congratulations on a great run. You have been a wonderful role model for so many people covering this industry over the years. Thank you for everything you've done and best wishes for all the future holds.
That’s very kind of you to say Robert. And right back at you. You are among the very best covering the industry. All the best to you.
It's always bittersweet to hear a content creator you enjoy is moving on to other things, but it's awesome that you can now hit the parks without worrying about a deadline. :)
As someone who doesn't get out to the parks nearly as often as I'd like, it's been wonderful to experience new attractions through your writing and appearances on CoasterRadio. Your enthusiasm and excitement for the industry always came through in your articles, and always with an air of positivity and optimism. I think that's wonderful in the age of social media, where negativity and cynicism often speak the loudest.
Enjoy the heck out of that retirement, it is well deserved. Still hope to see you one day at the parks! Wishing you all the best!
Thanks Tim. You’ve also been an ardent and vocal supporter of About Theme Parks. It’s meant a lot. Your kind words are appreciated.
Wonderful article, Arthur. I know you’re going to miss it, but I also know that you’ll wrap your arms tight around all the things you do for the next phase. You are a special guy, Arthur! I know you’ll keep on enjoying the ride.
Thanks Mark. It’s great to have friends like you along for the ride.
Arthur, congratulations on your retirement! What a career! Three decades of riding, reviewing, and explaining the parks we all love, and doing it with more heart and insight than anyone I know.
I also want to say thank you for over 20-plus years and 40 appearances on Coaster Radio. You've been one of the most valued voices our show has ever had. Our annual preview episodes are always the most downloaded shows of the year. Listeners always knew they'd come away better informed, and we always had a great time along the way. You made every episode you were on better, and you made our job a lot more fun.
I hope retirement brings plenty of rides just for the joy of it - no deadlines, no notes, just the fun part.
Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for everything!
Mike, that’s so nice of you to say. It has been an honor and a joy sharing the mic with you and Eric all these years. Thank you for letting me part of the fun.
I was so thrilled when you debuted 20+ years ago. As you know, I’m a huge fan of the show. You cover the industry with obvious love and provide great insight. And you do it in such an entertaining way. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Arthur! I was both shocked & saddened to hear the news of your retirement. I love always reading Arthur's About Theme Parks & I always looked forward to doing so gladly. I wish that it would continue for many more years to come. But all good things must come to an end sometimes. Thanks again for your incredible work & best prayers for all that you do in the future! God bless & again, thank you!
That’s very kind and sweet Dashawn. Thanks so much.
You're welcome. 👍
A beautifully written send off, with lots to reflect on. The theme park world will be a little less wise and joyful without your weekly insights, but I look forward to whatever you feel like creating in the years to come. And finally, it would be a dream come true to, as you suggest, see you at the parks. Hopefully one day we can catch a ride together and celebrate this crazy hobby of ours!
Thanks Tom. You have long been one of the most engaged subscribers here at About Theme Parks. I’m very appreciative. And yes, it would be great to meet in person. Who knows? Maybe I’ll tag along on a CoastetRadio trip.
Well, I agree with you and honestly, I believe there are millions of those who you are referring to who actually agree with you as well, but are so addicted to their phones that they cannot tear themselves from them. It's really not different from any other addition that causes a change in body chemistry when you take it. I do hope we as a society can overcome it.
My daughter is a really talented Imagineer and just signed a 5-year contract at Disney World. So far she is absolutely loving it and will make great contributions.
How wonderful about your daughter!
Arthur, congratulations on your retirement! I’ve been reading your columns since the About.com days, and IIRC I got to meet you once in the all too brief time I was part of the “Mouse media”.
Some people are lucky enough to get a beat that many people aspire to. Others are lucky enough to cover and write about something they are passionate about, and that passion comes through in what they write. I’m happy to say that you fall into both those categories, and the rest of us will be that much poorer from now on because we won’t have you around to read your columns on a regular basis.
Have fun sitting on a beach chair at Revere Beach, and happy trails!
Thanks Paulie. I do consider myself very lucky. And grateful for readers like you. I appreciate you for being along for the ride all these years. All the best.
Congratulations, Arthur!
What great wrap up and look back at a wonderful run. As your former neighbor and sometimes collaborator in our day jobs, it's been inspiring to see how you grew your lifelong fascination for theme parks into such an impressive career. How many of us intended to follow own youthful passions and dreams, only to watch them slowly dimming under the everyday tasks of this adulting business. You've been an inspiration. And let's face it -- when it comes to theme parks and attractions, you are the King of All Media. (Sorry, Howard.)
in fact, theme parks aren't the only passion for which Arthur has kept the fires burning. He's been playing in various bands his entire adult life. Coming full circle, over the past few years he's reunited with the musicians from his high school rock band. At first it was just to jam a bit and reminisce, he claims, but that, too, evolved. This summer, I had the good fortune to catch "Express" in a Music at the Beach show in Rockport , MA, and they rocked! If you ever see them, that's Arthur front and center, killing it on bass and vocals. So kudos to you and to the lovely Martha, as well.
That’s quite kind of you Ben. Yes, I am pursuing another youthful passion. It seems I may have Peter Pan syndrome.
Arthur, what can I say that hasn't been said better by all of these wonderful people. I enjoyed your longform, normal written articles as opposed to the flashy, influencer videos everywhere. I wrote you about 10 years ago when my daughter and I went to Six Flags New England, but my wife and other daughter wanted some ideas on what else to do in the area, and you politely replied with suggestions. Also, the Coaster Radio discord is hoping you will continue to come on the show. I'll miss your regular articles. My wife is retiring next year, but I still have some years to go. Enjoy time for yourself!
Thanks for being such an engaged subscriber Greg.
Brilliant, wonderful, heart (and stomach, if you went on some of those rides) felt, and I and a gaggle of others have enjoyed the long ride. When I used to go to Kelly's on Revere Beach, I admired the post cards of the rides, displayed within sight of the food lines. Your description of how you were affected as a child reminded me that I would have liked to have been there in my youth. Bless your work!
Thanks Julian. Revere Beach was quite the happening place.
Say it isn't so!! This is a very bittersweet moment. While I'm very happy for you and your upcoming retirement, I know that I am going miss your weekly emails that pop into my Inbox. I always stop whatever I'm doing and read your articles. I feel fortunate too, that I've known you "outside" your articles. In fact, we were friends and associates before I even knew you wrote your, "Arthur's About Theme Parks". As I've mentioned to you before, I'm not really a roller coaster enthusiast, but I never failed to read and enjoy your articles. That shows what a gifted and entertaining writer you are. Best wishes to both you and Martha, in your well-deserved retirement, and I do hope you'll continue to pop in my mailbox in the future.
It's so. And it is bittersweet for me as well. Thanks for your kind words Gordon. And yes, it has been great knowing you for so many years and then reconnecting here at About Theme Parks. As for popping back into your mailbox, well, you never know!
Arthur, thank you for your insights and decades of dedication.
I haven't been along for the ride as long as many others, but since finding or searching for my voice in the theme park world, I've enjoyed your pieces.
I hope you get to enjoy retirement to the fullest and experience the parks from a guest's point of view without having to notice and write down every detail you come across.
If you ever have a quick tip for someone newer in the field, I'd truly appreciate it.
Thank you for the stories. Babsi
Thanks Babsi. And all the best to you. I hope you have great adventures covering this wonderful industry.
I hope retirement is as rewarding as your career in amusement park traveling and reporting. I will agree with you that the amusement park experience has become so much more expensive and restrictive because of the costly extras. For those who can't afford these, it colors the experience more negatively. As a result, I am less inclined to spend my time and money at these parks. Phones and social media have also detracted from the fun of sharing an amusement park adventure in such a pure and memorable way. I have learned in my years of travels to numerous parks, it's the traditional parks that offer the pure joy I get and love when sharing my time with friends and the park. Thank you for sharing your love of amusement parks with us all and congratulations on your new adventures!
Thanks Dm. I also have a soft spot for traditional parks. Especially the family-owned ones. The joy is palpable there.