Tower Topics

By Tower TopicsLeisure

Tower Topics episodes

October 25 Kings Island Expands WinterFest Hours — But Why Now?
Why is Kings Island shaking things up for Winterfest? Join Don Helbig and Ryan on Tower Topics as they break down the major strategy behind Kings Island’s newly announced expanded weekend hours (opening at noon!). From revenue growth and crowd control to guest feedback and holiday competition, we explore the 8 reasons driving this operational shift. Plus, we cover the latest food and beverage news, employee social media controversy, and highlight viewer comments.
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
36 min
October 23 BEHIND THE SCARE-Theme Park Halloween Events Unmasked! Don Helbig talks Haunt at Kings Island
Join Ryan and Don for a special crossover episode featuring Don Helbig's interview on the Attractions Group podcast with David Detling. In this episode, they dive deep into the fall haunt season, theme park food trends, intellectual property (IP) integration in haunted attractions, and Don't historical ghost hunter investigations at Kings Island.
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
37 min
October 21 Kings Island: Don't Blame the Front Lines for Decisions Made at the Top
Are guest complaints and park operations at Kings Island getting out of hand? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan discuss the reality behind the guest experience, the immense pressure on frontline seasonal associates, and where the true accountability lies for recent changes under corporate leadership. Plus, we celebrate Don't upcoming birthday, thank our amazing Prestige Members, and dive into our YouTube Comment of the Day discussing future coaster rumors and park investments!
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

38 min
October 19 Replacing the 12 Days of Christmas: Our WinterFest Railroad Storytelling Showdown
How would you improve the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad at WinterFest? Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig share their ideas for transforming the train ride with immersive storytelling, magical North Pole scenes, and a reimagined Christmas experience. Plus, we discuss Kings Island entertainment budgets, the WinterFest fountain show, Halloween Haunt attractions like Order of the Dragon and Jason Universe, and whether Air Force One could come to Kings Island if Invertigo, Congo Falls, or Timberwolf were removed.
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

33 min
October 16 Six Flags vs. Dollywood: Two Season Passes, Two Very Different Guest Experiences
How do the 2027 season passes at Six Flags Kings Island compare to Dollywood? Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down season pass prices, benefits, park access, Prestige perks, and what guests should expect when renewing. Plus, we discuss the differences in guest experience, customer service, food, entertainment, and overall value between Kings Island and Dollywood, why 2027 could be a pivotal year for Six Flags passholders, and the possibility of Congo Falls taking its final rides.
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

33 min
October 14 Son of Beast Isn’t Coming Back — So Why Can’t Fans Let It Go?
Son of Beast remains one of the most talked-about defunct roller coasters in Kings Island history, but does it deserve the nostalgia? Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig revisit the legendary wooden hypercoaster, exploring its record-breaking height, original vertical loop, rough ride experience, operational problems, and eventual closure. We also discuss why younger coaster enthusiasts want Son of Beast to return, whether RMC could have saved it, and if Kings Island should ever bring back the iconic name. Is Son of Beast a forgotten masterpiece or a coaster best left in the past?
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
35 min
October 12 If Kings Island Gets ArieForce One — Here’s Where It Goes
Could Six Flags Air Force One be coming to Kings Island? On this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig discuss the future of RMC’s popular Air Force One roller coaster following Six Flags’ acquisition of Fun Spot Atlanta. We break down potential locations at Kings Island, including the former Vortex plot, the area near Banshee and The Bat, and Action Zone. Could Invertigo, Congo Falls, and Timberwolf be removed to make room for this thrilling coaster? We explore the possibilities, the challenges, and what an Air Force One addition could mean for Kings Island’s future.
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
32 min
October 09 Ryan Went to Haunt So Don Didn’t Have To
Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2026 is here, and Ryan gives his honest review of this year’s event. From the polarizing Jason: Blood Rain and Metal Massacre to Order of the Dragon, scare zones, reduced scare actor presence, haunt theming, and the overall guest experience, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and what Kings Island could improve. Plus, we discuss the future of Phantom Theater at Halloween Haunt and whether Kings Island should bring its iconic characters into the event.
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

42 min
October 07 Save The Mistletones!
Join Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr on Tower Topics as they discuss upcoming changes to Kings Island's Winterfest! From rumored cuts to popular entertainment—like The Mistletones, the Polar Bear Dance Party, and the Ice Carvers—to reduced park lighting, is the event getting "watered down" to save pennies?
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

35 min
October 05 The Biggest Jump Scares at Haunt Aren’t in the Mazes
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.
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

39 min

About Tower Topics

From the publisher's feed

Tower Topics is a podcast where Kings Island passion meets insider perspective. Hosted by Kings Island experts Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr. Not affiliated with Kings Island.