People from the Playground: Don Helbig
Here in Ohio's Largest Playground, it's truly the people who make our place.
Through our People From the Playground blog series we shine a spotlight on just a handful of the wonderful personalities who make our fun-filled corner of the Buckeye State so special.
In this edition (our very first) we had the pleasure of chatting with Don Helbig, a Southwest Ohio native who turned his youthful love of roller coasters (and Kings Island specifically) into a lifelong passion, meaningful career and even a world record.
Born in nearby Cincinnati, Helbig first rode Kings Island's classic wooden coaster "The Racer" in 1972. Immediately hooked, he proceeded to ride it more than 12,000 times over the years, earning himself the Guinness World Record for most nonconsecutive rides on a roller coaster, as well as feature stories on Good Morning America and in the USA Today.
Having also served as Kings Island's Publication Relations Manager from 2007 to 2023, Helbig knows the world-renowned theme park better than anyone, so it was only right we picked his brain on all things KI and Warren County.
Read our conversation with Helbig below, then follow his continued love for coasters on his own blog, Theme Parks by Don!
You’ve ridden The Racer more than 12,000 times in your life! What’s kept you so passionate about the ride (and coasters in general) after all these years?
The Racer at Kings Island holds a special place in my heart because it was my very first roller coaster, all the way back in 1972 when the park opened. That first ride sparked a passion for the thrill, the history, and the shared joy that riding roller coasters bring. The Racer, in particular, has always been about more than just the fun and thrills it delivers. It's about nostalgia. Every time I ride, it feels like stepping back in time to that first experience as a wide-eyed nine-year-old, marveling at the scale and excitement of it all.
You’ve spent a significant amount of time both working and playing at Kings Island. How have you seen the park evolve over the years, and what’s been your favorite new addition or change to the park?
I've had the privilege of watching Kings Island evolve from its earliest days in 1972 into the world-class destination it is today. Over the years, I've seen the park grow and adapt to the ever-changing theme park industry, from the introduction of groundbreaking and record-setting roller coasters like The Beast and Vortex to family favorites like White Water Canyon and Cargo Loco. What's stood out most is how Kings Island has balanced innovation with newer rides while preserving its history. The Racer and The Beast have been carefully maintained, keeping those rides in position to be around for future generations to enjoy. The addition of events like Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest shows that Kings Island has embraced the idea of being more than just a summer destination. It's become a year-round source of memories. Watching it all unfold over the decades has been remarkable. My favorite new addition has been Diamondback. Just a terrific ride, and having suggested the name makes it extra special.
You, I’m sure, have visited numerous theme parks over the years. What makes Kings Island stand out above the rest?
Kings Island stands out because it's a perfect blend of history, innovation, and atmosphere. Over the years, I've visited a lot of parks, but Kings Island has always felt like home. From the moment I walk into the park on International Street and see the Eiffel Tower and Royal Fountain, there's a sense of magic and charm that not a lot of parks can replicate.
What does a perfect day at Kings Island look like for you these days?
A typical day at Kings Island for me now is all about reliving favorite traditions and soaking in the park's atmosphere. It always starts with rides on longtime favorites like The Racer, The Beast, the Grand Carousel, and the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad, with each one offering its own unique sense of nostalgia and thrill. I'll usually catch a show or two. When it's time to eat, I love grabbing a meal at the Miami River Brewhouse or Coney Bar B Que. Both offer options that never disappoint. But the real magic of the day comes from simply walking through the park, taking in the energy, the sights, and the memories it brings back every time.
What’s your favorite festival or event at Kings Island?
WinterFest is my favorite event at Kings Island because it transforms the park into something truly magical. The atmosphere is unmatched, with millions of twinkling lights, holiday music, and decorations that make every corner of the park feel like a winter wonderland. It's also about the memories it creates. Whether I'm with family, friends, or just there on my own, it's a reminder of why Kings Island is so special year-round. It captures the magic of the season in a way that's both heartwarming and unforgettable.
Every year Kings Island’s dining scene gets bigger and better. If you could recommend just one KI menu item to a first-time visitor what would that be?
The culinary experience at Kings Island has really been elevated in recent years. It doesn't take a back seat to anybody in the industry. If I had to recommend one menu item, I'd recommend the Pub Burger at the Miami River Brewhouse. I find it to easily be the best meal you can get at Kings Island. The burger is perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. You can't go wrong with it. It's a must-try.
What are some of your favorite non-theme park activities or attractions in Warren County? What, in your local opinion, makes “Ohio’s Largest Playground” such a wonderful place to live and visit?
There's so much to see, so much to do in Warren County. It offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, which I love, and big-time attractions. I enjoy the scenic views at Caesar Creek State Park, and the dining experiences in historic Lebanon with the Golden Lamb my favorite. I enjoy the tennis tournament every summer. The festivals are also a good time. There's never a shortage of things to do. I do miss the College Football Hall of Fame, though.