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Tower Topics

Tower Topics

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. 

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  • 25 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 35 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • #473
    August 28 · 36 min

    Kings Island Halloween Haunt: From Best in America to Left Off the List

    Did Kings Island just get snubbed from the annual USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Theme Park Halloween Event? Despite adding two brand-new mazes—Metal Massacre and Jason: Blood Rain—and bringing back fan-favorite shows like Ghouls Gone Wild and Nightwalkers, Kings Island was completely left off this year's top 20 ballot. On this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive deep into the panel's nomination process, evaluate how paid maze upcharges might have impacted voter support, and debate whether the overall 2026 product quality is elevated despite local community backlash. They also look at whether winning these national awards actually impacts ticket sales. Finally, the hosts unpack major industry news as Six Flags prepares to move its corporate headquarters from Charlotte, NC back to Arlington, Texas in 2027, analyzing what this major relocation means for park operations and the company's future. Subscribe for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and consider joining as a Prestige Member for exclusive perks! 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

  • #472
    August 26 · 27 min

    Hersheypark Is Saving a Classic Coaster. Should Kings Island Have Saved Vortex?

    What if Kings Island had saved Vortex instead of tearing it down? On this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig look back at the legendary 1987 coaster, its six inversions, iconic presence in Coney Mall, and the legacy it left behind. With Hersheypark investing in SuperDooperLooper for its 50th anniversary, we ask whether Kings Island should have pursued a major Vortex refurbishment—and what saving this historic coaster could have meant for the park. 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

  • #471
    August 24 · 28 min

    Planning a Six Flags Halloween Trip? Here’s What’s New for 2026

    Six Flags is taking Halloween Haunt to the next level with 11 new IP-driven haunted mazes, including Friday the 13th, Final Destination, The Blair Witch Project, and Diablo. We break down the new attractions, returning mazes, and the ongoing debate over paid haunted attractions—including what it means for Kings Island Haunt. Plus, we discuss Haunt night rides, scare zones, and whether charging for mazes is ultimately making the Halloween experience better. 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

  • #470
    August 21 · 39 min

    We Rode Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition — Here’s What We Thought

    Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition is unlike anything we’ve experienced before! Join us on Tower Topics as we break down this groundbreaking $60+ million attraction—a hybrid of a dark ride, roller coaster, and motion simulator featuring immersive storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and an unforgettable adventure. We discuss our first ride experience, the story of Cora and Jasper Oakley, the Secret Lake, the Bioluminator, and Dollywood’s controversial no-recording policy. Is NightFlight Expedition the best new attraction of 2026? Find out what we think! 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

  • #469
    August 19 · 34 min

    Frustrated With Kings Island? Skip the 2027 Pass — For Now

    Should you buy a 2027 Kings Island season pass now—or wait? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down whether Kings Island has earned your renewal after a frustrating 2026 season. From staffing and limited events to declining food quality, park investment, and season pass pressure, we discuss why waiting could be the smarter move for some guests. Find out why giving Kings Island time to prove that 2027 will be better may be worth considering before you spend your money 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

Showing 21–25 of 25 episodes