Tower Topics

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!
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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.
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Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538
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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.
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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
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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!
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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
 

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
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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 CEO John Riley says the company is leaning more heavily into special events and entertainment over major capital investments like new roller coasters. What could that mean for Kings Island and the next big coaster? In this episode of Tower Topics, we break down Six Flags’ latest comments, the future of events, coaster investment, WinterFest, and what Kings Island fans should expect next. Plus, we discuss the Kings Island dining plan and whether it’s really hurting the company’s bottom line.
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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 is changing the game for season passholders with new language that could impact your home park, renewal eligibility, pricing, and benefits. In this episode of Tower Topics, we break down the latest Six Flags season pass terms, regional pass loopholes, home park rules, Prestige Pass pricing, and whether the company is trying to outsmart its guests—or simply protect its business. What does this mean for Kings Island, Cedar Point, and other Six Flags parks? Find out what passholders need to know before buying or renewing. #SixFlags #SeasonPass #KingsIsland #PrestigePass #AmusementParks
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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
 

Celebrate National Roller Coaster Day with a look at how Kings Island could become a major destination for coaster enthusiasts!  On this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss ideas for a special National Roller Coaster Day event at Kings Island, including behind-the-scenes tours of The Beast and The Racer, exclusive ride time, coaster history, special guests, and unique experiences for roller coaster fans. Could Kings Island create one of the ultimate National Roller Coaster Day celebrations?
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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

Could Kings Island create a premium, separately ticketed family Halloween event to complement Tricks and Treats and Halloween Haunt?  In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan debate whether an exclusive after-hours event with kid-friendly rides, trick-or-treat trails, characters, entertainment, special food, and limited capacity could fill a major gap for families at Kings Island. Could an idea inspired by events at Dollywood, Disney, and beyond generate more revenue while giving families a reason to stay after dark? Let us know what you think!
 
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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

Get the latest on Six Flags Halloween Haunt 2026 as we break down the official announcement of Jason Bloodline, the all-new Friday the 13th haunted maze replacing Hotel Saint Michelle. We discuss what this major addition means for Halloween Haunt, how licensed IP attractions could shape the future of Six Flags' Halloween events, and whether this is the start of a bigger investment in immersive haunted mazes. If you're a fan of Kings Island Halloween Haunt, Six Flags Fright Fest, Jason Voorhees, horror attractions, and theme park news, this episode of Tower Topics is packed with everything you need to know.
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