Tower Topics

Tower Topics

Tower Topics is a podcast where Kings Island passion meets insider perspective. Hosted by Kings Island experts Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr. Not affiliated with Kings Island. 

  1. 1 g fa

    Cannonball! Water Coaster - Coming to a park near you!

    Holiday World is making waves in 2027 with Cannonball, an innovative new hybrid water coaster that combines the thrills of a roller coaster with the excitement of a water ride! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down everything revealed during Holiday World's official announcement, including exclusive insights from the construction tour, the ride's immersive Boulder Canyon backstory, impressive theming, and interviews with the park's creative team. Is Cannonball poised to become one of the best new attractions of 2027? Join us as we explore what makes this groundbreaking addition to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari so unique and why coaster enthusiasts and water park fans alike should have it at the top of their must-ride list. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow Tower Topics for the latest theme park news, roller coaster updates, Holiday World coverage, Kings Island discussions, and amusement industry insights! 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

    21 min

  2. 3 gg fa

    Remembering Maxi Taxi

    Did you know that Kings Island once offered elephant rides? In this nostalgic episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr take a fascinating look back at the forgotten Maxi Taxi attraction, where guests could ride real elephants through the park during the early 1980s. Discover the surprising history of this unique upcharge experience, how it connected to Kings Island's original safari era, why it disappeared to make way for King Cobra, and how changing attitudes toward animal attractions have transformed the amusement park industry. If you're a fan of Kings Island history, vintage theme parks, roller coasters, amusement park nostalgia, and forgotten attractions, this episode is packed with stories and insights you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: do you remember the Maxi Taxi, or is this the first time you've heard about one of Kings Island's most unusual attractions? 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

    29 min

  3. 5 gg fa

    The Time Is Now: Why You Should See Kings Island’s Nighttime Show

    Could Kings Island's iconic nightly fireworks spectacular be coming to an end? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into the future of one of the park's most beloved traditions, exploring how changing guest behavior, shorter evening stays, dining plan trends, and ongoing budget cuts across Six Flags could put the legendary nighttime show at risk. Is the fireworks display still a must-see experience, or could it become another casualty of cost-cutting? Join the discussion as they examine attendance patterns, park operations, and what fans can do to help preserve this unforgettable part of the Kings Island experience. If you love Kings Island, theme park news, amusement park history, Six Flags updates, and insider analysis, be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments: should nightly fireworks remain a staple for future generations? 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

    38 min

  4. 26 giu

    Checking Out: The End of Hotel St. Michelle

    Kings Island's Halloween Haunt is undergoing another major transformation as Hotel St. Michel officially checks out for good. In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss why one of Haunt's most immersive mazes is being retired, what could replace it, and the growing rumors surrounding a possible new Friday the 13th-themed haunted attraction. They also break down the evolution of Kings Island's premium haunted maze strategy following the success of The Conjuring, debate whether additional upcharge experiences improve or hurt Halloween Haunt, and share their thoughts on what this means for the future of the event. If you're a fan of Kings Island, Halloween Haunt, haunted mazes, theme park news, Six Flags, or the latest amusement park rumors, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to like, subscribe, and join the conversation by sharing what you hope replaces Hotel St. Michel this Halloween season! 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

    51 min

  5. 24 giu

    Remembering Kenton’s Cove Keelboat Canal

    Take a nostalgic trip back to Rivertown as Tower Topics explores the forgotten legacy of Kenton Cove’s Keelboat Canal, one of the most beloved family attractions in Kings Island history. While legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, The Bat, and Son of Beast often steal the spotlight, this innovative log flume entertained more than 40 million riders during its 27-season run. Join Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr as they dive into the ride’s unique turntable loading system, dual-drop chutes, surprising airtime, rich Rivertown theming, and the memories that made it a fan favorite before its removal in 2000 to make way for Tomb Raider: The Ride. If you love Kings Island history, vintage attractions, theme park nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes stories about lost rides, this episode is a must-watch for every amusement park enthusiast. 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

    31 min

  6. 22 giu

    What Could Vekoma Build at Kings Island?

    Could a modern Vekoma coaster be exactly what Kings Island needs next? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into how Vekoma has transformed from its rough-and-tumble reputation into one of the most innovative coaster manufacturers in the amusement industry. From family launch coasters like Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood to cutting-edge tilt coasters and other next-generation attractions, they explore which Vekoma concepts could fit perfectly in Kings Island’s lineup and whether a family-focused thrill ride or groundbreaking new coaster belongs on the former Vortex site. They also compare Vekoma to manufacturers like Intamin, B&M, and RMC, discuss coaster industry trends, and debate what would truly move the needle for Kings Island’s next major investment. If you're a coaster enthusiast, Kings Island fan, or theme park industry follower, this is a must-watch discussion packed with coaster rumors, ride analysis, and predictions for the future of one of America’s most beloved amusement parks.  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

    26 min

  7. 19 giu

    Popcorn, Get Your Popcorn!

    Is Kings Island losing the attention to detail that once made it one of the premier amusement parks in the industry? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss a seemingly small incident—a bucket of spilled popcorn left outside the park’s security checkpoint for more than a day—and why it may point to larger concerns about cleanliness, staffing, guest experience, park operations, and overall standards at Kings Island. From overflowing trash cans and inconsistent food service to maintenance, presentation, and management priorities, the conversation explores how the smallest details can shape a guest’s perception of quality and whether Kings Island is drifting away from the high standards that built its reputation. If you're a Kings Island fan, season passholder, amusement park enthusiast, or theme park industry follower, this deep dive into park operations, guest satisfaction, and Six Flags management is a must-watch.  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

    40 min

  8. 17 giu

    Should Kings Island Introduce Pin Trading Like Disney Parks?

    Could Kings Island launch its own pin trading program inspired by Disney? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr explore how Disney’s wildly popular pin trading culture became a guest favorite and discuss whether a similar collectible pin program could thrive at Kings Island. From limited-edition ride pins, event-exclusive releases, and anniversary collectibles to guest interaction, merchandise sales, and creating a stronger collector community, they break down the potential benefits and challenges of bringing pin trading to the park. Could exclusive pins for Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, WinterFest, Haunt, Food & Wine Festival, and major attraction anniversaries become the next must-have collectibles for Kings Island fans? Join the conversation as they examine how a pin trading program could enhance the guest experience, boost merchandise revenue, and add a whole new level of engagement for coaster enthusiasts and park visitors alike. Check Out Theme Park Art By Allen: www.etsy.com/shop/ThemeParkArtByAllen 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

    31 min
Elenco completo (100)

Descrizione

Tower Topics is a podcast where Kings Island passion meets insider perspective. Hosted by Kings Island experts Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr. Not affiliated with Kings Island. 

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Tower Topics
  • Anni di attività
    2023 - 2026
  • Puntate
    100
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Sito web del podcast
    Tower Topics
  • Fornitore

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