Tower Topics

Latest Episodes:

Did Congo Falls and White Water Canyon Give Their Last Rides? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

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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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

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5 Reasons Kings Island May NOT Get ArieForce One Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

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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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

Maybe the Great Pumpkin Comes to Kings Island Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

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

And the Winner Is… Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

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 New Executive Chef Talks a Good Game — Now Let’s See It on the Plate Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Kings Island Is Expensive — Is a Value Menu the Answer? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

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.

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

Cedar Point Is Giving Away Free Admission — But There’s a Catch Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Cedar Point is bringing back Fresh-Cut Fries Fest September 10–13, and this year’s promotion comes with a deliciously unusual twist: guests with qualifying “Fry” last names can get free admission. In this episode of Tower Topics, we discuss Cedar Point’s creative promotion, why it could generate major buzz, and what makes Fresh-Cut Fries Fest such a popular 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

Kings Island 2027: Nothing New — Are You Still Renewing? Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Does Kings Island need a new ride to convince you to buy or renew a 2027 season pass? With no major new attraction announced for 2027, we debate what really drives season pass value at Kings Island. From The Beast, Diamondback, Orion, Mystic Timbers and Phantom Theater to food, cleanliness, entertainment, festivals and overall park improvements, is the current lineup enough?

Join Don Helbig and Ryan on Tower Topics as we discuss Kings Island 2027, season passes, new attractions, park investment and what guests really want to see next.

Subscribe for more Kings Island and amusement park news, opinions and discussions.

Kings Island Is Closed — So Where Are We Going? Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Kings Island is closed for two weekends in September—but that doesn’t mean your amusement park season has to stop! Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss the best regional parks to visit while Kings Island is closed, including Cedar Point and its 2026 HalloWeekends event.

From Steel Vengeance and world-class roller coasters to haunted mazes, scare zones, live entertainment, and the new Diablo: Inferno experience, find out why Cedar Point could be the perfect September road trip for Kings Island 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

What Do Guests Really Think of Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare? Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Five months after its opening, what are guests REALLY saying about Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare at Kings Island? In this episode of Tower Topics, we dive into guest sentiment surrounding Kings Island’s newest dark ride, from nostalgia for the original Phantom Theater to the animatronics, physical sets, music, details, and overall ride experience. Is Opening Nightmare a worthy successor? We break down what guests love, what they don’t, and whether the attraction lives up to the hype.

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