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. 13h ago

    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

  2. 2d ago

    Does Kings Island Need a Major New Water Ride?

    Could Kings Island benefit more from a groundbreaking water attraction than another roller coaster? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into Carowinds' newly announced record-breaking water ride and explore whether a similar investment could be the next big addition for Kings Island. From the future of Congo Falls and White Water Canyon to the park's current coaster lineup, they discuss how a major water attraction could appeal to families, casual visitors, and thrill-seekers alike while filling a gap in the park's attraction portfolio. Is another coaster really what Kings Island needs, or would a signature water ride create more excitement and value for guests? Join the conversation as they examine the possibilities, compare industry trends, and debate what could be next for 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

    38 min

  3. 5d ago

    Why Six Flags Is Betting on Memberships Instead of Traditional Season Passes

    Could Six Flags memberships eventually replace traditional season passes? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the expansion of the Six Flags membership program to parks like Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. They compare membership pricing versus season passes, analyze monthly payment options, discuss the long-term financial implications for guests, and explore why Six Flags may be pushing memberships as a key revenue strategy. From Gold and Prestige memberships to dining plans and the surprising cost of All-Season Fast Lane, this deep dive examines what the future of park access could look like and whether memberships are truly a better value for theme park fans. If you're considering a Six Flags season pass, membership, dining plan, or Fast Lane upgrade, this episode provides the insights you need before making your decision.  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

    41 min

  4. Jun 8

    From Stage Magic to Sky Magic: Brad Ross and Kings Island After Dark

    Join Ryan and Don on this episode of Tower Topics as they review Kings Island’s 2026 live entertainment lineup, including the highly anticipated Brad Ross Magic Show and the park’s nightly fireworks, drone, and fountain spectacular. Ryan shares his honest impressions after seeing Brad Ross perform twice, breaking down the illusions, audience reactions, standout moments, and whether the show lives up to the hype after years of anticipation. The discussion also dives into Kings Island’s updated nighttime spectacular, featuring drones, fireworks, fan-favorite characters like Maestro and No Legs Larry, and whether reusing last year’s soundtrack impacts the overall experience. If you're planning a visit to Kings Island in 2026 and want to know which shows are worth your time, this in-depth entertainment review covers 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

    28 min

  5. Jun 5

    One Day at Epic Universe or a Six Flags Prestige Pass?

    Step into the ultimate theme park debate as Tower Topics compares a one-day ticket to Epic Universe versus a Six Flags Prestige Pass that includes unlimited visits to parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point. Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the value, quality, and overall experience of Universal’s groundbreaking new park, exploring immersive lands like Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. From world-class attractions, storytelling, and dining to season pass perks, coaster rides, and the future of regional amusement parks, this episode dives deep into whether unforgettable experiences or unlimited visits provide the better value for theme park fans. Plus, the hosts react to the latest Kings Island pass perks and discuss what parks can learn from Epic Universe’s game-changing approach to guest experience and entertainment. 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

    45 min

  6. Jun 3

    What’s Coming to Kings Island in 2027?

    What’s coming to Kings Island in 2027? As the 2026 season gets underway and Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare takes center stage, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down their predictions for the park’s future, from potential entertainment expansions and restaurant upgrades to the long-discussed Vortex plot and the possibility of new rides, special events, and park improvements. Will Kings Island invest in Broadway-style shows, bring back fan-favorite entertainment, add new dining experiences, or surprise guests with something completely unexpected? Join the conversation as Tower Topics explores the most likely scenarios for Kings Island’s 2027 season, discusses the future of Action Zone, Soak City, concerts at Timberwolf, and what season passholders should expect in the years ahead. If you're a Kings Island fan, coaster enthusiast, or theme park insider, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Be sure to leave your predictions in the comments!    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

  7. Jun 1

    The Backpedal Heard Around the Park Revisited

    Ryan Suhr once swore he'd never buy a Kings Island Prestige Pass again after the frustrations of the 2023 season—but a dramatically lower price for 2026 changed everything. In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down their real-world experiences with the Kings Island Prestige Pass, including the single-use Fast Lane benefit, preferred parking, the VIP Lounge, merchandise discounts, guest tickets, and whether the pass is finally worth the upgrade. They also discuss potential future benefits for Prestige Pass holders, season pass pricing strategies, ADA accessibility concerns, Adventure Express's role as a family coaster, and what Kings Island may do with its 2027 season pass lineup. If you're considering a Kings Island Gold Pass, Prestige Pass, or planning your 2026 visits, this episode is packed with valuable insights from two of the park's most passionate fans. 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

  8. May 29

    The Golden Age of Kings Island

    Relive the golden age of Kings Island in this nostalgic episode of Tower Topics as Don Helbig, Ryan Suhr, and longtime season passholder Todd Robinson debate the park’s best era ever. From the unforgettable years of 1986–1990 featuring legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, Flight Commander, The Beast, and Amazon Falls, to iconic entertainment such as Celebration, Phantom Theater Encore, Fascinating Rhythm, and the Festhaus ice shows, this deep dive explores what made Kings Island a world-class destination during its peak. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Timberwolf concerts, WaterWorks, the Salt Water Circus dolphins, classic flat rides, historic shows, celebrity employees, and how today’s park compares to its past. Plus, the crew discusses Phantom Theater: The Opening Nightmares, dark rides, live entertainment, ADA access, and why Kings Island remains one of the most beloved amusement parks in America.   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

    48 min
See All (100)

4.1
out of 5
37 Ratings

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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