Tower Topics

By Tower TopicsLeisure

Tower Topics episodes

June 05 One Day at Epic Universe or a Six Flags Prestige Pass?
Step into the ultimate theme park debate as Tower Topics compares a one-day ticket to Epic Universe versus a Six Flags Prestige Pass that includes unlimited visits to parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point. Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the value, quality, and overall experience of Universal’s groundbreaking new park, exploring immersive lands like Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. From world-class attractions, storytelling, and dining to season pass perks, coaster rides, and the future of regional amusement parks, this episode dives deep into whether unforgettable experiences or unlimited visits provide the better value for theme park fans. Plus, the hosts react to the latest Kings Island pass perks and discuss what parks can learn from Epic Universe’s game-changing approach to guest experience and entertainment.
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
45 min
June 03 What’s Coming to Kings Island in 2027?
What’s coming to Kings Island in 2027? As the 2026 season gets underway and Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare takes center stage, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down their predictions for the park’s future, from potential entertainment expansions and restaurant upgrades to the long-discussed Vortex plot and the possibility of new rides, special events, and park improvements. Will Kings Island invest in Broadway-style shows, bring back fan-favorite entertainment, add new dining experiences, or surprise guests with something completely unexpected? Join the conversation as Tower Topics explores the most likely scenarios for Kings Island’s 2027 season, discusses the future of Action Zone, Soak City, concerts at Timberwolf, and what season passholders should expect in the years ahead. If you're a Kings Island fan, coaster enthusiast, or theme park insider, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to leave your predictions 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
34 min
June 01 The Backpedal Heard Around the Park Revisited
Ryan Suhr once swore he'd never buy a Kings Island Prestige Pass again after the frustrations of the 2023 season—but a dramatically lower price for 2026 changed everything. In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down their real-world experiences with the Kings Island Prestige Pass, including the single-use Fast Lane benefit, preferred parking, the VIP Lounge, merchandise discounts, guest tickets, and whether the pass is finally worth the upgrade. They also discuss potential future benefits for Prestige Pass holders, season pass pricing strategies, ADA accessibility concerns, Adventure Express's role as a family coaster, and what Kings Island may do with its 2027 season pass lineup. If you're considering a Kings Island Gold Pass, Prestige Pass, or planning your 2026 visits, this episode is packed with valuable insights from two of the park's most passionate fans.
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
May 29 The Golden Age of Kings Island
Relive the golden age of Kings Island in this nostalgic episode of Tower Topics as Don Helbig, Ryan Suhr, and longtime season passholder Todd Robinson debate the park’s best era ever. From the unforgettable years of 1986–1990 featuring legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, Flight Commander, The Beast, and Amazon Falls, to iconic entertainment such as Celebration, Phantom Theater Encore, Fascinating Rhythm, and the Festhaus ice shows, this deep dive explores what made Kings Island a world-class destination during its peak. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Timberwolf concerts, WaterWorks, the Salt Water Circus dolphins, classic flat rides, historic shows, celebrity employees, and how today’s park compares to its past. Plus, the crew discusses Phantom Theater: The Opening Nightmares, dark rides, live entertainment, ADA access, and why Kings Island remains one of the most beloved amusement parks in America.

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
May 27 What We’d Tell Six Flags CEO John Reilly If We Were Invited
What would happen if new Six Flags CEO John Riley sat down with lifelong Kings Island fans for a real focus group discussion? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive deep into the future of, discussing everything from park cleanliness, live entertainment, ride operations, guest service culture, staffing, and season pass value to the growing concerns about complacency within the chain. The conversation explores why Kings Island remains one of the most beloved amusement parks in the country, what longtime fans believe needs to change, and how leadership decisions could impact the park’s future. Plus, the episode tackles the Millennium Force seatbelt controversy at, Flight of Fear restraint issues, and the importance of transparency with park guests. If you’re passionate about roller coasters, theme parks, Kings Island history, Cedar Fair, Six Flags, amusement industry news, and the future of regional parks, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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
1 hr
May 25 The Memorial Day Weekend Publicity Stunt that Lasted 26 Seasons
Relive one of the most innovative moments in Kings Island history as Tower Topics dives deep into the legendary Backward Racer, the groundbreaking roller coaster experience that debuted Memorial Day Weekend 1982 and changed theme park thrills forever. Don Helbig and Ryan Sir explore how the iconic Racer became the world’s first full-length wooden roller coaster to run backward, the behind-the-scenes story of how the idea came together, why park management eventually turned it forward again in 2008, and the myths surrounding insurance, safety, and Cedar Fair’s decision. From nostalgic memories and airtime-filled rides to fascinating Kings Island history, Beast queue mysteries, and fan questions about the future of backward coasters, this episode is packed with roller coaster nostalgia, amusement park history, and insider stories every coaster enthusiast will love.
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

30 min
May 22 Alfredo Sauce with Pasta? This and More Bold New Culinary Ideas at Kings Island
King’s Island is rolling out brand-new food options for 2026, and some of the menu changes are turning heads across the theme park community! In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the park’s latest culinary additions including Alfredo pasta at Grain & Grill, smoked chicken and baby back ribs at Coney Bar-B-Que, the new pimento cheese BLT at Brewhouse, and the debut of breakfast at French Corner. They also discuss the viral rollout video mishap, food quality consistency, overflowing trash cans, staffing concerns, season dining plan impacts, and what these issues mean for the overall guest experience at Kings Island. Plus, congratulations to Orion superfan Vince Oberfield on 10,000 rides, and a conversation about missed opportunities surrounding Adventure Express’s 35th anniversary and the Grand Carousel’s 100th anniversary. If you’re a Kings Island fan, coaster enthusiast, or theme park foodie, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com
Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join
Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics
Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538
Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com
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
May 20 Green Sheets: Abused or Misunderstood?
Is Kings Island’s “green sheet” disability access system being abused — or misunderstood? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the heated debate surrounding accessibility accommodations at Kings Island, including allegations of guests exploiting the system for shorter wait times, concerns from disabled riders and families, and whether parks should move to systems like the IBCCES accessibility card used by Disney and Universal. The discussion also covers Phantom Theater: The Opening Nightmare crowd issues, ride safety concerns, autism accommodations, Guest Services challenges, and how Kings Island balances accessibility with fairness for all guests. Plus, the guys discuss rising gas prices, how they could impact Cedar Point and Kings Island attendance in 2026, and why regional theme parks may benefit from staycation travel trends this summer. If you’re passionate about roller coasters, theme parks, accessibility, Kings Island news, or amusement park operations, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com
Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join
Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics
Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538
Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com
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
30 min
May 18 One of Kings Island’s Most Overlooked Rides Quietly Turned 35
Adventure Express is celebrating 35 years at Adventure Express, and in this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down why this underrated mine train coaster remains one of the most important rides in Kings Island history. From its legendary night rides and Adventure Port theming upgrades to its role as the perfect “first big coaster,” the duo explores the ride’s legacy, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and why fans still love it 35 years later. Plus, they discuss the lack of anniversary recognition for Adventure Express, the Grand Carousel turning 100, theme park entertainment at parks like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Dollywood, and highlight one of the best night ride experiences at Kings Island.

Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com
Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join
Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538
Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com
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
25 min
May 15 Cedar Point’s Morning Rush Debacle: What Does It Mean for Coasterstock?
In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into the massive controversy surrounding Cedar Point’s decision to replace the legendary CoasterMania with a new, upcharged event called Morning Rush. The hosts break down the immediate fan backlash that forced the park into a swift "backpedal," pulling the event from social media within 24 hours of its announcement. Beyond the event drama, they tackle the "Have a Six Flags Day" operational struggles at the park, specifically the frustrating shortening of Millennium Force seatbelts and staffing cuts that have doubled wait times for the iconic Giga coaster. From social media management "fails" to the potential saving of Kings Island’s Coasterstock, this episode provides a candid look at the friction between corporate strategy and the coaster enthusiast community in 2026.
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

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.