Tower Topics

Kings Island Halloween Haunt food prices are delivering some of the biggest scares this season. We break down rising food prices, scaled-back menus, the 2027 Dining Plan changes, and what the new executive chef could mean for Kings Island’s dining experience. Plus, we discuss early Halloween Haunt 2026 feedback, including jump scares, maze theming, and guest reactions.

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Kings Island Bonus Days are coming back in 2026! We discuss the potential November 7–8 bonus weekend, what it could mean for final rides before Winterfest, and why extending the operating calendar could provide more value for Kings Island passholders. Plus, we recap Ryan’s recent trip to Orlando, including Halloween Horror Nights, SeaWorld, Expedition Odyssey, Penguin Trek, and the Disney parks.

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Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Is Kings Island dialing back Halloween Haunt? This week on Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig discuss the reduced Haunt decorations, staffing challenges, scare zones, mazes, and what it could mean for WinterFest 2026. They also debate Haunt vs. WinterFest, Kings Island’s holiday atmosphere, International Street, and whether the park can maintain the quality guests expect. Plus, the conversation turns to Kings Island food, fair food favorites, and the role of the executive chef in improving the dining experience.

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Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Are new 24/7 food options right down the road from Kings Island making park guests re-evaluate the season meal plan? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan break down the arrival of Wawa and the upcoming Sheetz on Kings Mills Road in Mason, Ohio.

Located less than a mile from the park, these made-to-order, app-friendly spots offer massive variety, quick customization, full-sized drinks (with ice!), and significant savings—especially for families without a dining plan or passholders looking for late-night food during Haunt.

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Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Could Congo Falls or White Water Canyon be the next attractions retired at Kings Island? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don take a closer look at the history, popularity, maintenance costs, aging infrastructure, and real estate value of two longtime Kings Island water rides. With both attractions approaching 40 years old, could their days be numbered—or could their importance to Rivertown and the park keep them around? We break down the possibilities for the 2027 season and discuss what could eventually replace them. What do you think: could Kings Island remove Congo Falls, White Water Canyon, or both?

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Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Could ArieForce One really be headed to Kings Island? While many enthusiasts have put Kings Island at the top of their list for the relocated RMC coaster, Tower Topics explores five reasons why that may not happen. From Kings Island’s potential future coaster plans and Six Flags’ capital priorities to financial considerations, Cedar Point, Carowinds, and even the possibility of another destination, we break down the biggest factors surrounding ArieForce One’s future. Plus, what do Kings Island passholders actually want: ArieForce One or a brand-new coaster designed specifically for the park?

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Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Could Kings Island have made Tricks and Treats even better by celebrating the 60th anniversary of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? Ryan and Don Helbig discuss how Kings Island could have brought the Peanuts classic to life with a Great Pumpkin patch, themed food, exclusive merchandise, character meet-and-greets, Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace, photo opportunities, and screenings of the iconic Halloween special. Plus, the conversation turns to what it takes for Kings Island to attract new visitors and whether a major new attraction like Air Force One could actually move the needle. It’s another episode of Tower Topics packed with Kings Island, Peanuts, Tricks and Treats, Halloween, and theme park discussion.

Online Store: http://store.towertopics.com 

Become a Tower Topics Youtube member for great benefits and to support the show: https://www.youtube.com/@TowerTopics/join

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Kings Island’s Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare takes home the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Family Attraction of 2026! 

In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig discuss Phantom Theater’s return, the new Sally Dark Rides attraction, its characters and interactive elements, and why the beloved Kings Island classic was brought back. They also break down the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, including The Beast and Mystic Timbers’ wooden coaster rankings, Planet Snoopy’s performance, Hollywood Hits, and Kings Island’s guest service ranking.

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Become a Tower Topics Youtube member for great benefits and to support the show: https://www.youtube.com/@TowerTopics/join

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Can Kings Island’s new Executive Chef Rob Gibson transform the park’s food and dining experience? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig discuss Chef Gibson’s move from Cedar Point, his culinary vision, and the biggest challenges facing Kings Island food in 2026. From food quality and consistency to portion sizes, staffing, beverage availability, dining plans, food festivals, and guest value, we break down what needs to change—and what Chef Gibson could accomplish heading into 2027.

Online Store: http://store.towertopics.com 

Become a Tower Topics Youtube member for great benefits and to support the show: https://www.youtube.com/@TowerTopics/join

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064

Is it time for Kings Island to introduce a value menu? Ryan and Don Helbig discuss rising Kings Island food prices, expensive meals, dining plans, parking-lot picnics, portion sizes, kids’ meals, and whether a lower-cost menu could keep families eating inside the park. Could a $49 family meal or affordable individual options actually increase guest spending and satisfaction? Plus, the guys dive into the latest YouTube debate surrounding Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare and Boo Blasters on Boo Hill.

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Become a Tower Topics Youtube member for great benefits and to support the show: https://www.youtube.com/@TowerTopics/join

Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAs58dzCc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics

Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538

Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics

Check out Don's blog: http://www.themeparksbydon.com

Follow our Field Reporter, Noah: https://www.youtube.com/@NoahTheFieldReporter

Want to make podcasts like ours? Check out our referral link through Streamyard to find out how! https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5805020313944064