Tower Topics

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.
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Will Kings Island's 2026 Halloween Haunt attraction pass change the future of Haunt? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don discuss what other Six Flags parks have revealed about Haunt passes, why the current upcharge model may improve the guest experience, and what Halloween Haunt could look like in 2027, 2028, and beyond. Join the conversation about Kings Island, Halloween Haunt, haunted mazes, Six Flags, scare zones, and the future of seasonal events—and let us know if you think the Haunt pass is worth it!
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Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538
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Get an early look at what Kings Island’s 2027 Season Passes could look like as Ryan and Don break down the newly announced Six Flags pass and membership program, including potential pricing, Prestige Pass perks, Gold Pass value, memberships vs. season passes, drink plan changes, parking updates, renewal incentives, and what these changes could mean for Kings Island guests. They also discuss why fans may want to wait before renewing, the lack of transparency surrounding 2027 entertainment, events, ride additions, and passholder benefits, plus whether the new membership model is ultimately good or bad for park enthusiasts. If you're planning your next Kings Island season, this in-depth analysis covers everything you need to know before you buy.
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Leave a voicemail or text message: 513-399-7538
Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@towertopics
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Big changes could be coming to the Kings Island Season Dining Plan! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the rumored 2026 meal plan changes, including limited meal tiers, new pricing, unlimited dining options, and what these updates could mean for season passholders. Will the new Six Flags dining strategy improve the guest experience, or make visiting Kings Island more expensive?
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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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In this episode of Tower Topics, hosts Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss three big ideas to replace Kings Island's vacant Timberwolf Amphitheater. Watch as they pitch and debate whether the park should add an on-site hotel resort, a large indoor sit-down restaurant like Cedar Point’s Grand Pavilion, or a new B&M dive roller coaster to drive park attendance and elevate the guest experience. Leave a comment below letting us know which of these three concepts you would love to see built in the Timberwolf spot, share your answer to our listener poll on the best chicken tenders at Kings Island, and subscribe for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!
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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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What are the Top 5 thrill rides Ryan wants to see at Kings Island? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan counts down his dream additions to the park, from a record-breaking S&S Screamin' Swing and an adrenaline-pumping S&S Air Launch Coaster to other high-intensity attractions that could transform Kings Island's future lineup. Join Ryan and Don Helbig as they debate ride placement, thrill levels, and whether these ambitious concepts belong at the park. If you're a fan of Kings Island, roller coasters, theme parks, Six Flags, and coaster speculation, this episode is packed with exciting discussion and must-see ideas for every thrill-seeker!
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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

 
 
From Disney World's wildly popular collectible popcorn buckets to movie theater exclusives and the untapped potential at Kings Island, we're diving into why themed popcorn buckets have become must-have souvenirs for theme park and coaster fans alike! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss Disney's collectible craze, their favorite specialty popcorn buckets, how Kings Island could create ride-themed buckets for attractions like The Beast, Orion, Mystic Timbers, and The Racer, and why limited-edition collectibles could boost guest engagement, support charitable causes, and become the next big trend in regional amusement parks. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Disney Parks, Cedar Point, amusement park merchandise, coaster collectibles, or themed entertainment, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation by sharing which Kings Island ride deserves its own collectible popcorn bucket!
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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
 

Celebrate National Carousel Day with Tower Topics as we honor the 100th anniversary of Kings Island's iconic Grand Carousel! In this episode, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir discuss the rich history of one of the park's most beloved attractions, why July 25 is such a special day for carousel enthusiasts, and how you can join the celebration with a chance to win two tickets to Kings Dominion. Learn how to enter the giveaway, hear comparisons between the historic carousels at Kings Island and Kings Dominion, and discover why these timeless attractions continue to capture the hearts of theme park fans. If you love Kings Island, Kings Dominion, amusement park history, roller coasters, classic carousels, and theme park events, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the Tower Topics community!
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Online Store: http://store.towertopics.com 
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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

What drives someone to ride Orion more than 11,000 times?  In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir sit down with Kings Island superfan Vince Overfield, the man behind one of the most incredible coaster riding achievements ever. Discover how a simple bet turned into an unbelievable obsession, what keeps Vince coming back to Orion year after year, how he tracks every ride, and the passion that fuels one of the most dedicated roller coaster enthusiasts in the world. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Orion, roller coasters, theme parks, Cedar Fair, or incredible coaster stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation by sharing how many times you've ridden your favorite coaster!
 
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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

With Grand Carnivale seemingly coming to an end at Kings Island after the 2026 season, what could take its place? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr explore the future of Kings Island's summer entertainment, discussing why Grand Carnivale may be ending, what led to its decline, and several exciting possibilities that could replace it. From food and beverage festivals inspired by Cedar Point's Barrels & Bites to expanded live entertainment, immersive seasonal events, and fresh experiences under the new Six Flags leadership, they break down what could keep guests coming back all summer long. If you're a Kings Island fan, theme park enthusiast, or love staying up to date on the latest amusement park news, future attractions, and Six Flags developments, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
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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