Tower Topics

Could Kings Island have made Tricks and Treats even better by celebrating the 60th anniversary of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown? Ryan and Don Helbig discuss how Kings Island could have brought the Peanuts classic to life with a Great Pumpkin patch, themed food, exclusive merchandise, character meet-and-greets, Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace, photo opportunities, and screenings of the iconic Halloween special. Plus, the conversation turns to what it takes for Kings Island to attract new visitors and whether a major new attraction like Air Force One could actually move the needle. It’s another episode of Tower Topics packed with Kings Island, Peanuts, Tricks and Treats, Halloween, and theme park 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

Kings Island’s Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare takes home the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Family Attraction of 2026!  In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig discuss Phantom Theater’s return, the new Sally Dark Rides attraction, its characters and interactive elements, and why the beloved Kings Island classic was brought back. They also break down the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, including The Beast and Mystic Timbers’ wooden coaster rankings, Planet Snoopy’s performance, Hollywood Hits, and Kings Island’s guest service ranking. 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

Can Kings Island’s new Executive Chef Rob Gibson transform the park’s food and dining experience? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig discuss Chef Gibson’s move from Cedar Point, his culinary vision, and the biggest challenges facing Kings Island food in 2026. From food quality and consistency to portion sizes, staffing, beverage availability, dining plans, food festivals, and guest value, we break down what needs to change—and what Chef Gibson could accomplish heading into 2027. 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 it time for Kings Island to introduce a value menu? Ryan and Don Helbig discuss rising Kings Island food prices, expensive meals, dining plans, parking-lot picnics, portion sizes, kids’ meals, and whether a lower-cost menu could keep families eating inside the park. Could a $49 family meal or affordable individual options actually increase guest spending and satisfaction? Plus, the guys dive into the latest YouTube debate surrounding Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare and Boo Blasters on Boo Hill. 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

Cedar Point is bringing back Fresh-Cut Fries Fest September 10–13, and this year’s promotion comes with a deliciously unusual twist: guests with qualifying “Fry” last names can get free admission. In this episode of Tower Topics, we discuss Cedar Point’s creative promotion, why it could generate major buzz, and what makes Fresh-Cut Fries Fest such a popular event. 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