Tower Topics

Kings Island Halloween Haunt food prices are delivering some of the biggest scares this season. We break down rising food prices, scaled-back menus, the 2027 Dining Plan changes, and what the new executive chef could mean for Kings Island’s dining experience. Plus, we discuss early Halloween Haunt 2026 feedback, including jump scares, maze theming, and guest reactions. 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  

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://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  

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, fair food favorites, and the role of the executive chef in improving the dining experience. 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

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, quick customization, full-sized drinks (with ice!), and significant savings—especially for families without a dining plan or passholders looking for late-night food during Haunt. 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

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 around? We break down the possibilities for the 2027 season and discuss what could eventually replace them. What do you think: could Kings Island remove Congo Falls, White Water Canyon, or both? 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