Tower Topics

Rising gas prices could have a major impact on the 2026 amusement park season, but could they actually BENEFIT Kings Island? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don break down why regional parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point may be better positioned than destination resorts like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort during times of high fuel costs and economic uncertainty...

Is Kings Island losing its identity as an entertainment destination while Kings Dominion doubles down on live shows, roaming performers, fireworks, and immersive guest experiences? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the massive new 2026 entertainment lineup at Kings Dominion, why Six Flags appears to be investing heavily there, and why Kings Island continues scali...

Kings Island’s Food & Wine Festival returns weekends May 29 through June 21, bringing chef-inspired cuisine, global wines, and live entertainment to the park—but is it actually worth planning your visit around? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down whether this seasonal event delivers a true festival experience or falls short compared to industry leaders like Epcot an...

Dive into this episode of Tower Topics as we break down the biggest issues with the drink plan at Kings Island and why long lines, closed refill stations, and inefficiencies are hurting the guest experience. Ryan and Don compare how parks like Dollywood and Kennywood are using QR code and self-serve technology to speed up drink refills, reduce wait times, and improve value for season passholders....

In this episode of Tower Topics, hosts discuss the highly anticipated return of Kings Island fan-favorite roller coaster Invertigo, which is undergoing testing after being down for much of the previous season, addressing rumors of its retirement and highlighting its importance to the park’s ride lineup; they also break down the coaster’s intense face-to-face experience, its rarity as one of the la...

Is AI ruining Kings Island merchandise? In this episode of Tower Topics, hosts discuss how artificial intelligence is being used to design theme park apparel—and why it may be stripping away the emotional connection, authenticity, and storytelling that fans expect from one of America’s most beloved amusement parks. From generic coaster designs that miss key details (like Orion) to the broader impa...

Get the real breakdown of the Kings Island all-season dining plan before you buy! In this episode of Tower Topics, we dive into whether the dining plan is actually worth it in 2026, covering everything from inconsistent portion sizes and food quality concerns to long wait times, early restaurant closures, and how your visit frequency impacts the overall value. They share real experiences from open...

Explore the future of theme park content creation in this episode of Tower Topics as we break down the game-changing new policy at Kings Island allowing guests to record on rides using Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. From hands-free POV roller coaster footage on rides like Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, and Orion to real guest reactions, immersive storytelling, and the impact on Six Flags parks, this po...

Kins Island opened for the 2026 season this past weekend and this is what we noticed. Our review of Phantom Theater: https://youtu.be/PN8dCnKfsM0 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 C...

Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare has finally opened and we discuss what we loved and didn't love about this new attraction. 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...

Families were excited to be invited to an early Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare photo shoot only to have it canceled at the last minute.. or was it?   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=...

With the opening of Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, excitement is building for the 2026 season of 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:...

Discussing everything Kings Island gets right and wrong in each area. 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 voicemai...

Five Reasons Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare Might Disappoint 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...

People only have so much time, money and attention. How does a successful Reds team affect 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://lin...

If people will show up regardless of what Kings island does, why would they invest? 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: 513-399-753...

What's going on in the Sunshine State? 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...

Something BIG is coming to Ohio this April! 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...

Part of Kings Island's 2026 events calendar has been released and you'll feel like you've seen this movie before. 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: ht...

When guests visit Kings Island in 2026, they'll notice that there is one less coaster in the lineup. 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....

One of the most anticipated new attractions of 2026 is still very much shrouded in mystery. 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/towert...

Jana Partners, a major investor in Six Flags, recently released a letter outlining their grievances with how the company has been run. 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 th...

After a 20 year absence, Jellystone Park is coming back to Mason! 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...

Cedar Point is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, but how does it stack up against Kings Island as a family 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 versi...

You can own your very own prop from Blasters on Boo Hill! **Since this recording, Dayton Daily News has removed the language about charity from their article. 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/?mibe...