Tower Topics

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.

Online Store: http://sto...

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 conversation turns to Kings Island food,...

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...

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 Rivertown and the park keep them aro...

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, we break down the big...

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 iconic Halloween special. Pl...

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...

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, and guest value, we...

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 into the latest YouTube debate ...

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.towertopics...

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 Do...

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...

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 break down what guests love, w...

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://store.towertopics.co...

Kings Island is celebrating Season Passholders and Members during Passholder Appreciation Weekend, September 4–7, 2026—but are the perks enough? We break down the $19.99 Bring-A-Friend ticket, $10 WinterFest loyalty reward, special offers, bonus ride time, and the big question every drink plan holder is asking: Will Kings Island finally have ICE? We also discuss guest experience, park cleanliness, customer loyalty, and ...

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'...

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 c...

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...

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 Bio...