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 DAY AGO

    Kings Island Food & Wine Festival Returns: Worth Planning Around?

    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 and Busch Gardens. From limited food quality and lack of park-wide immersion to standout live music and the scenic Tower Gardens atmosphere, they explore the pros, cons, and missed opportunities heading into year three. Plus, hear their thoughts on how Kings Island could improve the festival, whether it appeals to the park’s core audience, and if it’s a must-do event or an easy skip for 2026 visitors.    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

    28 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Is It Time for Kings Island to Rethink Its Season Drink Plan?

    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. Plus, we tackle listener questions about Six Flags pass policies, food quality changes, Fast Lane kiosks, and park operations—offering honest insights, hot takes, and real solutions for improving your next park visit. If you’re a theme park fan or frequent visitor, this is a must-listen discussion on how small operational changes can make a huge impact. Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538 Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com 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

    48 min

  3. 6 DAYS AGO

    Invertigo Is Back: What It Means for Kings Island

    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 last of its kind in the U.S., and why its comeback enhances the park’s overall appeal, while also diving into broader topics like maintenance efforts, future coaster speculation, and how emerging tech like Meta glasses could create new content opportunities; additionally, the episode explores controversy around AI-generated Kings Island merchandise after a misprinted Phantom Theater pin slipped through quality control, sparking debate about corporate oversight, Six Flags’ influence, and declining attention to detail, alongside commentary on fan reactions, social media drama, and the evolving identity of the park’s branding—making this a must-listen for theme park enthusiasts and coaster fans alike.  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

    44 min

  4. 29 APR

    The Problem with Letting AI Design Kings Island Merchandise

    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 impact on brand identity, this conversation dives into whether AI-generated merch is a smart business move or a costly mistake. If you care about theme park nostalgia, unique park merchandise, and the future of creative design, this is a must-watch discussion.   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

    28 min

  5. 27 APR

    Why You Might Want To Hold Off On Buying A 2026 Kings Island Dining Plan

    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 opening weekend, discuss popular spots like Chicken Shack, Panda Express, and the Brewhouse, and explain why frequent visitors may benefit while occasional guests might want to wait before committing. If you’re planning a trip to Kings Island or thinking about maximizing your theme park budget, this honest review will help you decide if the dining plan is a smart purchase or a pass for now. Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538 Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com 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

    27 min

  6. 24 APR

    Meta Glasses on Kings Island Rides: Game Changer?

    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 podcast dives into how wearable tech is transforming the amusement park experience. We also discuss video quality, stabilization, safety rules (including required straps), battery life, and how creators can capture unforgettable moments while staying fully present with no phones required. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast, theme park vlogger, or tech fan, this episode reveals why Meta smart glasses could redefine ride POV videos and boost engagement across YouTube, TikTok, and beyond.   Official merch store: http://store.towertopics.com Become a Tower Topics member for some great perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRnyxCuy1KOrAp_t6mMjRw/join Check out the podcast version: https://linktr.ee/towertopics Voicemail or Text: 513-399-7538 Listener Questions: Hosts[at]TowerTopics.com 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

    28 min

  7. 22 APR

    Kings Island Now Open — What We Noticed

    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 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

    46 min

  8. 20 APR

    Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare Now Open — Our Thoughts

    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 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

    34 min
See All (100)

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tower Topics
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Tower Topics

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