Tower Topics

Latest Episodes:

$400 for a Boo Blasters Blaster? Kings Island Fans, Would You Buy One? Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

Get ready for Kings Island's 2026 Bonus Weekend on November 7th and 8th, packed with exclusive ride pieces, behind-the-scenes tours, and special park events! Join Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr on Tower Topics as they break down everything you need to know about the final weekend of the season.

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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

Kings Island Halloween Haunt: The 5 Greatest Shows of All Time Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

Join hosts Don Helbig and Ryan on Tower Topics as they count down the top five greatest live entertainment shows in Kings Island Halloween Haunt history. From daring early-season productions and nostalgic fan favorites to outrageous comedy, magic, and rock and music revues, look back at the most memorable shows that defined the park's ultimate fall 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

Last Call for Haunt: The Good, the Bad and the Scary Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2026 is wrapping up, and Don Helbig and Ryan are breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the season on episode 500 of Tower Topics. From the incredible success of the Jason: Blood Rain maze and The Conjuring to midway changes and industry safety discussions, we cover it all.

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 Expands WinterFest Hours — But Why Now? Oct 25, 2026

Show notes

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

BEHIND THE SCARE-Theme Park Halloween Events Unmasked! Don Helbig talks Haunt at Kings Island Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

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

Kings Island: Don't Blame the Front Lines for Decisions Made at the Top Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

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

Replacing the 12 Days of Christmas: Our WinterFest Railroad Storytelling Showdown Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Six Flags vs. Dollywood: Two Season Passes, Two Very Different Guest Experiences Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

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

Son of Beast Isn’t Coming Back — So Why Can’t Fans Let It Go? Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

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

If Kings Island Gets ArieForce One — Here’s Where It Goes Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

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