Tower Topics

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 g...

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...

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...

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,...

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 Un...

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 fo...

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...

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,...

Kings Island Halloween Haunt 2026 is here, and Ryan gives his honest review of this year’s event. From the polarizing Jason: Blood Rain and Metal Massacre to Order of the Dragon, scare zones, reduced scare actor presence, haunt theming, and the overall guest experience, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and what Kings Island could improve. Plus, we discuss the future of Phantom Theater at Ha...

Join Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr on Tower Topics as they discuss upcoming changes to Kings Island's Winterfest! From rumored cuts to popular entertainment—like The Mistletones, the Polar Bear Dance Party, and the Ice Carvers—to reduced park lighting, is the event getting "watered down" to save pennies? Online Store: http://store.towertopics.com  Become a Tower Topics Youtube member for great benefits...

Kings Island Halloween Haunt food prices are delivering some of the biggest scares this season. We break down rising food prices, scaled-back menus, the 2027 Dining Plan changes, and what the new executive chef could mean for Kings Island’s dining experience. Plus, we discuss early Halloween Haunt 2026 feedback, including jump scares, maze theming, and guest reactions. Online Store: http://store.t...

Kings Island Bonus Days are coming back in 2026! We discuss the potential November 7–8 bonus weekend, what it could mean for final rides before Winterfest, and why extending the operating calendar could provide more value for Kings Island passholders. Plus, we recap Ryan’s recent trip to Orlando, including Halloween Horror Nights, SeaWorld, Expedition Odyssey, Penguin Trek, and the Disney parks. O...

Is Kings Island dialing back Halloween Haunt? This week on Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig discuss the reduced Haunt decorations, staffing challenges, scare zones, mazes, and what it could mean for WinterFest 2026. They also debate Haunt vs. WinterFest, Kings Island’s holiday atmosphere, International Street, and whether the park can maintain the quality guests expect. Plus, the conversatio...

Are new 24/7 food options right down the road from Kings Island making park guests re-evaluate the season meal plan? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan break down the arrival of Wawa and the upcoming Sheetz on Kings Mills Road in Mason, Ohio.   Located less than a mile from the park, these made-to-order, app-friendly spots offer massive variety, quick customization, full-sized dr...

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 Riverto...

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...

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...

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...

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, an...

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 in...

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.towert...

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 Ry...

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 e...

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 b...

How did Kings Island’s 2026 summer season really go? Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the biggest wins, disappointments, surprises, food & beverage changes, dining plan controversy, entertainment, Grand Carnivale, and the massive success of Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare. Was 2026 a good season for Kings Island—or a mixed bag? Find out in this episode of Tower Topics! Online Store: http...