Tower Topics

By Tower TopicsLeisure

Tower Topics episodes

July 24 We Designed Kings Island Popcorn Buckets. Which One Would You Buy?
From Disney World's wildly popular collectible popcorn buckets to movie theater exclusives and the untapped potential at Kings Island, we're diving into why themed popcorn buckets have become must-have souvenirs for theme park and coaster fans alike! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss Disney's collectible craze, their favorite specialty popcorn buckets, how Kings Island could create ride-themed buckets for attractions like The Beast, Orion, Mystic Timbers, and The Racer, and why limited-edition collectibles could boost guest engagement, support charitable causes, and become the next big trend in regional amusement parks. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Disney Parks, Cedar Point, amusement park merchandise, coaster collectibles, or themed entertainment, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation by sharing which Kings Island ride deserves its own collectible popcorn bucket!
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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

29 min
July 22 Will You Celebrate National Carousel Day at Kings Island? You Could Win a Tower Topics Prize!
Celebrate National Carousel Day with Tower Topics as we honor the 100th anniversary of Kings Island's iconic Grand Carousel! In this episode, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir discuss the rich history of one of the park's most beloved attractions, why July 25 is such a special day for carousel enthusiasts, and how you can join the celebration with a chance to win two tickets to Kings Dominion. Learn how to enter the giveaway, hear comparisons between the historic carousels at Kings Island and Kings Dominion, and discover why these timeless attractions continue to capture the hearts of theme park fans. If you love Kings Island, Kings Dominion, amusement park history, roller coasters, classic carousels, and theme park events, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the Tower Topics community!
Get your No Coasterstock shirt: https://tower-topics.myspreadshop.com/no+coasterstock-A6a5aa9bc4d82e57bc3e0dd28?productType=812&sellable=x5d35NqyVzuy2k9yYxYz-812-7&appearance=1275
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
31 min
July 20 Meet the Rider Who Has Conquered Orion 11,000+ Times
What drives someone to ride Orion more than 11,000 times? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir sit down with Kings Island superfan Vince Overfield, the man behind one of the most incredible coaster riding achievements ever. Discover how a simple bet turned into an unbelievable obsession, what keeps Vince coming back to Orion year after year, how he tracks every ride, and the passion that fuels one of the most dedicated roller coaster enthusiasts in the world. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Orion, roller coasters, theme parks, Cedar Fair, or incredible coaster stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation by sharing how many times you've ridden your favorite coaster!

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
46 min
July 17 What Will Replace Grand Carnivale in 2027?
With Grand Carnivale seemingly coming to an end at Kings Island after the 2026 season, what could take its place? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr explore the future of Kings Island's summer entertainment, discussing why Grand Carnivale may be ending, what led to its decline, and several exciting possibilities that could replace it. From food and beverage festivals inspired by Cedar Point's Barrels & Bites to expanded live entertainment, immersive seasonal events, and fresh experiences under the new Six Flags leadership, they break down what could keep guests coming back all summer long. If you're a Kings Island fan, theme park enthusiast, or love staying up to date on the latest amusement park news, future attractions, and Six Flags developments, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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

28 min
July 15 Can Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare Win a Golden Ticket?
Could Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare at Kings Island actually win Best New Ride of 2026? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the attraction's surprising chances against major new rides across the amusement park industry, discuss how delays and mixed openings at competing parks could impact the voting, and share why Kings Island's newest dark ride has become one of the year's biggest success stories. They also dive into what makes a ride award-worthy, the fan reaction to Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, and how the theme park community influences industry buzz. If you're a fan of Kings Island, roller coasters, dark rides, amusement park news, theme park history, and the latest Six Flags updates, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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

23 min
July 13 Grand Carnivale Returns This Weekend: Are You Excited?
Is Grand Carnival at Kings Island still a must-see event, or has it lost the magic that made it one of the park's biggest summer celebrations? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr take an honest look at the evolution of Grand Carnival, discussing how the event has changed over the years, why many longtime fans feel it has been scaled back, the disappearance of the popular tasting cards, the reduced entertainment lineup, and whether 2026 could be the festival's final season. They also compare Kings Island's approach to other major theme parks and explore what the future could hold if Grand Carnival disappears. If you're planning a visit to Kings Island or you're passionate about theme park events, food festivals, amusement park history, and Six Flags' direction, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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
July 10 Buyer Beware: Terms & Conditions Subject to Change
Are Kings Island's season pass benefits quietly changing—and what does "terms are subject to change" really mean for passholders? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the latest changes impacting Kings Island memberships, Prestige Pass perks, and the growing frustration surrounding shifting benefits and guest expectations. They also dive into how past decisions continue to affect the park today, discuss the marketing and legacy of Orion compared to iconic coasters like Diamondback, Banshee, Mystic Timbers, and The Beast, and explore whether Six Flags has missed opportunities to maximize one of the industry's biggest investments. If you're passionate about Kings Island, roller coaster history, theme park operations, or the future of Six Flags parks, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments with your thoughts on the latest Kings Island changes!
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

48 min
July 08 Could ArieForce One Be Headed to Kings Island?
The closure of Fun Spot Atlanta has coaster fans asking one huge question: what happens to ArieForce One? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir separate fact from fiction as they break down the viral rumors, media speculation, and real possibilities surrounding one of the world's most acclaimed roller coasters. Could ArieForce One actually be relocated to Kings Island, or is the internet getting ahead of itself? Join the discussion as they examine the logistics, industry trends, and what this news could mean for Kings Island, Six Flags, and thrill ride enthusiasts everywhere. If you love roller coasters, amusement park news, Kings Island updates, coaster rumors, and in-depth theme park analysis, be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the 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

49 min
July 06 Behind the Magic: Inside Holiday World’s Holidays in the Sky Drone Show
What really goes into creating a spectacular theme park drone show? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr take you behind the scenes at Holiday World's Holidays in the Sky to reveal how hundreds of synchronized drones work together to create breathtaking nighttime entertainment. From the technology and safety measures to the planning, programming, and fascinating myths surrounding drone shows, you'll discover what makes these incredible productions possible—and how they compare to the nighttime spectacular at Kings Island. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Holiday World, theme park entertainment, drone technology, fireworks, amusement park history, and behind-the-scenes exclusives, this episode is packed with insights you won't find anywhere else. Be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: would you rather see a drone-only spectacular or a traditional fireworks show with drones?
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
23 min
July 03 Cannonball! Water Coaster - Coming to a park near you!
Holiday World is making waves in 2027 with Cannonball, an innovative new hybrid water coaster that combines the thrills of a roller coaster with the excitement of a water ride! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down everything revealed during Holiday World's official announcement, including exclusive insights from the construction tour, the ride's immersive Boulder Canyon backstory, impressive theming, and interviews with the park's creative team. Is Cannonball poised to become one of the best new attractions of 2027? Join us as we explore what makes this groundbreaking addition to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari so unique and why coaster enthusiasts and water park fans alike should have it at the top of their must-ride list. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow Tower Topics for the latest theme park news, roller coaster updates, Holiday World coverage, Kings Island discussions, and amusement industry insights!
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

22 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.