Tower Topics

Take a nostalgic trip back to Rivertown as Tower Topics explores the forgotten legacy of Kenton Cove’s Keelboat Canal, one of the most beloved family attractions in Kings Island history. While legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, The Bat, and Son of Beast often steal the spotlight, this innovative log flume entertained more than 40 million riders during its 27-season run. Join Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr as they dive into the ride’s unique turntable loading system, dual-drop chutes, surprising airtime, rich Rivertown theming, and the memories that made it a fan favorite before its removal in 2000 to make way for Tomb Raider: The Ride. If you love Kings Island history, vintage attractions, theme park nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes stories about lost rides, this episode is a must-watch for every amusement park enthusiast. 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 losing the attention to detail that once made it one of the premier amusement parks in the industry? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss a seemingly small incident—a bucket of spilled popcorn left outside the park’s security checkpoint for more than a day—and why it may point to larger concerns about cleanliness, staffing, guest experience, park operations, and overall standards at Kings Island. From overflowing trash cans and inconsistent food service to maintenance, presentation, and management priorities, the conversation explores how the smallest details can shape a guest’s perception of quality and whether Kings Island is drifting away from the high standards that built its reputation. If you're a Kings Island fan, season passholder, amusement park enthusiast, or theme park industry follower, this deep dive into park operations, guest satisfaction, and Six Flags management is a must-watch. 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 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