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. 1d ago

    What We’d Tell Six Flags CEO John Reilly If We Were Invited

    What would happen if new Six Flags CEO John Riley sat down with lifelong Kings Island fans for a real focus group discussion? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive deep into the future of, discussing everything from park cleanliness, live entertainment, ride operations, guest service culture, staffing, and season pass value to the growing concerns about complacency within the chain. The conversation explores why Kings Island remains one of the most beloved amusement parks in the country, what longtime fans believe needs to change, and how leadership decisions could impact the park’s future. Plus, the episode tackles the Millennium Force seatbelt controversy at, Flight of Fear restraint issues, and the importance of transparency with park guests. If you’re passionate about roller coasters, theme parks, Kings Island history, Cedar Fair, Six Flags, amusement industry news, and the future of regional parks, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 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

    1 hr

  2. 3d ago

    The Memorial Day Weekend Publicity Stunt that Lasted 26 Seasons

    Relive one of the most innovative moments in Kings Island history as Tower Topics dives deep into the legendary Backward Racer, the groundbreaking roller coaster experience that debuted Memorial Day Weekend 1982 and changed theme park thrills forever. Don Helbig and Ryan Sir explore how the iconic Racer became the world’s first full-length wooden roller coaster to run backward, the behind-the-scenes story of how the idea came together, why park management eventually turned it forward again in 2008, and the myths surrounding insurance, safety, and Cedar Fair’s decision. From nostalgic memories and airtime-filled rides to fascinating Kings Island history, Beast queue mysteries, and fan questions about the future of backward coasters, this episode is packed with roller coaster nostalgia, amusement park history, and insider stories every coaster enthusiast will love. 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. 6d ago

    Alfredo Sauce with Pasta? This and More Bold New Culinary Ideas at Kings Island

    King’s Island is rolling out brand-new food options for 2026, and some of the menu changes are turning heads across the theme park community! In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the park’s latest culinary additions including Alfredo pasta at Grain & Grill, smoked chicken and baby back ribs at Coney Bar-B-Que, the new pimento cheese BLT at Brewhouse, and the debut of breakfast at French Corner. They also discuss the viral rollout video mishap, food quality consistency, overflowing trash cans, staffing concerns, season dining plan impacts, and what these issues mean for the overall guest experience at Kings Island. Plus, congratulations to Orion superfan Vince Oberfield on 10,000 rides, and a conversation about missed opportunities surrounding Adventure Express’s 35th anniversary and the Grand Carousel’s 100th anniversary. If you’re a Kings Island fan, coaster enthusiast, or theme park foodie, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!  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

    35 min

  4. May 20

    Green Sheets: Abused or Misunderstood?

    Is Kings Island’s “green sheet” disability access system being abused — or misunderstood? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the heated debate surrounding accessibility accommodations at Kings Island, including allegations of guests exploiting the system for shorter wait times, concerns from disabled riders and families, and whether parks should move to systems like the IBCCES accessibility card used by Disney and Universal. The discussion also covers Phantom Theater: The Opening Nightmare crowd issues, ride safety concerns, autism accommodations, Guest Services challenges, and how Kings Island balances accessibility with fairness for all guests. Plus, the guys discuss rising gas prices, how they could impact Cedar Point and Kings Island attendance in 2026, and why regional theme parks may benefit from staycation travel trends this summer. If you’re passionate about roller coasters, theme parks, accessibility, Kings Island news, or amusement park operations, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 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

    30 min

  5. May 18

    One of Kings Island’s Most Overlooked Rides Quietly Turned 35

    Adventure Express is celebrating 35 years at Adventure Express, and in this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down why this underrated mine train coaster remains one of the most important rides in Kings Island history. From its legendary night rides and Adventure Port theming upgrades to its role as the perfect “first big coaster,” the duo explores the ride’s legacy, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and why fans still love it 35 years later. Plus, they discuss the lack of anniversary recognition for Adventure Express, the Grand Carousel turning 100, theme park entertainment at parks like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Dollywood, and highlight one of the best night ride experiences at Kings Island.   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

    25 min

  6. May 15

    Cedar Point’s Morning Rush Debacle: What Does It Mean for Coasterstock?

    In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into the massive controversy surrounding Cedar Point’s decision to replace the legendary CoasterMania with a new, upcharged event called Morning Rush. The hosts break down the immediate fan backlash that forced the park into a swift "backpedal," pulling the event from social media within 24 hours of its announcement. Beyond the event drama, they tackle the "Have a Six Flags Day" operational struggles at the park, specifically the frustrating shortening of Millennium Force seatbelts and staffing cuts that have doubled wait times for the iconic Giga coaster. From social media management "fails" to the potential saving of Kings Island’s Coasterstock, this episode provides a candid look at the friction between corporate strategy and the coaster enthusiast community in 2026. 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

    32 min

  7. May 13

    Why Are Kings Island’s Theaters Dark—and What Does It Mean for Guests?

    As the 2026 season begins at Kings Island, more fans are asking the same question: why are so many theaters sitting dark? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down the decline of live entertainment at Kings Island, the impact of shuttered theaters on guest experience, and whether the park is losing the “full day” value that once made it special. From comparisons to Dollywood and other regional parks to discussions about season pass strategy, guest satisfaction, and the future of amusement park entertainment, this episode dives deep into what many longtime fans believe is missing from today’s Kings Island experience. Plus, listener questions about KI Central, SEO, ride trademarks, and the evolution of the park’s online presence.   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

  8. May 11

    High Gas Prices: A Threat or Opportunity for Kings Island?

    Rising gas prices could have a major impact on the 2026 amusement park season, but could they actually BENEFIT Kings Island? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don break down why regional parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point may be better positioned than destination resorts like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort during times of high fuel costs and economic uncertainty. The discussion dives into the idea of the “staycation effect,” where families may skip expensive Florida vacations and instead choose closer regional parks for shorter, more affordable trips. Don and Ryan also debate how season pass sales, dining plans, and reduced in-park spending could shape attendance trends this summer, while questioning whether parks are too quick to blame weather and gas prices instead of improving the guest experience itself. They also explore concerns about declining food quality, operational issues, and whether Kings Island is slipping from its long-standing reputation as a top-tier amusement park destination. The episode also covers fan ideas for improving the Six Flags app with digital rewards, virtual stickers, scavenger hunts, and event engagement features that could make seasonal festivals more interactive for passholders. Plus, the hosts react to listener feedback about the park’s Food & Wine Festival, discussing why many fans believe events focused on craft beer, burgers, pizza, and local food vendors would fit Kings Island’s audience better than upscale wine-focused offerings. From Skyline Chili and LaRosa’s pizza debates to the future of park festivals, this episode is packed with analysis on the evolving theme park industry, regional tourism trends, and what Kings Island must do to maintain its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier 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

    29 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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