BoddaH1994

For those who are mad about the bumpers... and I'll never get used to people being mad about that.. there's a t-shirt for you: http://store.towertopics.com

How would you rate the culinary experience at Kings Island? Chef James Major, the pivotal person behind the park's Food & Beverage Department as we know it, is set to leave Six Flags soon. On the latest #TowerTopics, we discuss his impact on the park and what his departure may mean to the future of your dining experience at Kings Island.

Let me remind everyone that the extent of AI that’s been used is for an intro voiceover, which is almost under 30 seconds. This only really used so it’s someone else’s voice besides mine and Don’s. All of the video, music and script are done by us or our partners. Sometimes I’ll use AI to make Don and I make funny expression in the thumbnail. I’d hardly say that crosses the line into AI slop, especially when it’s typically not even used for generation (although I wouldn’t rule out using it that way if warranted).

The only AI thing in the intros is the voiceover. All of that video is real and edited by me, and we even wrote the script. It is not even AI generated. Everything else is business as usual on the show. Even if it was all AI, that’s what? The first 10 seconds of the 30-60 minute video? If you don’t like the bumpers and can’t just skip the first few seconds of the video… I don’t know what to tell you… But I truly do appreciate the feedback. I mean that honestly.

PE = Private Equity. Think Blackstone, Apollo Global Management, etc

Hopping into the party late - As many have alluded, the REIT spinoff is not something you'd want to root for as a park fan. I know many have mentioned Frisch's, and that's valid, but a leaseback deal is more common than you'd think. Many big box retailers buy land for a location, build the property, then sell it to a REIT to free up cash flows. This could affect parks in particular because as time goes on and there is more of a separation of ownership between the Company and the REIT, there will be more pressure to sell parks for their land value. Also, we talked about some rumored CEOs on Tower Topics; however, I want you to pay close attention to who they actually chose. If it's an industry person then that means the Board and the future CEO think they can weather the storm. If they pick someone from PE or a name with a pedigree that doesn't appear to make sense they may mean something else.

I second your seat choice.

Not gonna lie… I’d pay it.

Ouch! Point taken. However, it still remains to be seen if people will actually buy the passes. As it stands now, it seems questionable. Also, the backlash seems to very much be there. It also should be noted that I was talking about charging for Haunt (as in, admission), not just the mazes.

I’m shocked, but I can’t say I’m sad to hear this!

I don't think KI's "Family friendly" approach to Haunt was by design. I think they put a lot less resources into it and it got less intense and they retroactively said that they were trying to make it family-friendly. This is much like how they'll cheap out on new attractions and send the shills out to cover for them saying that they're a "family park." If they the Phantom Theater Opening Nightmare ends up being a disappointment they'll send them out to make this excuse for them (although millions rode the OG PT and no one saw it as not family-friendly). Of course, being able to park in VIP parking doesn't just magically appear for the shills. They gotta earn it.

I'm pretty sure you're right. I've use Single Use Fast Lane for the Prestige for several rides, including ones that do not have the option to purchase them for those rides.

I’ll be down there this weekend for the debut of this year’s HHN. I’ll report back about it. No Epic this time. I’m only gone for the weekend and I’ve already done it twice. I think I’m going to wait until it’s available as an AP add on for my next visit.

That’s exactly what they did. They pulled the passes off sale just long enough for KIC, Facebook, TT, etc., to start blasting out “sold out!” posts. Then, magically, the very next morning, they’re back on sale—only at a higher price. It’s not that they sold a certain number of passes. They sold however many they happened to until a set date, then jacked up the price. Same old “Price goes up September 1!” Gold Pass gimmick—just slimier. And look, for those who don’t listen to Tower Topics and for whatever reason care what I think: I’m totally fine with this IF it actually means a better product. I’ll pay for an improved experience. But if 2026 rolls around (assuming we even get Haunt—never underestimate Six’s ability to screw things up) and we’re stuck with a bunch of half-staffed, low-effort mazes besides the new ones then this whole thing’s going to blow up in their faces. That said, I get why people are mad. Folks bought passes expecting the mazes to be included—like they had been for almost 25 years. Yeah yeah, I know someone will run in waving the T&Cs saying, “Technically they can do this!” (have fun at media day, by the way). But come on—this rollout was about as shady and non-transparent as we’ve all come to expect. My take: 30% chance: They actually deliver something elevated, it catches on, and people come to see the upcharge as worth it. 70% chance: The new stuff is solid, but the rest is the same tired filler. People may feel like maybe Conjuring is worth it, but everything else is a ripoff. By 2026, sales dip, by 2027 the mazes are a Prestige perk, by 2028 they’re back in Gold, and by 2030, everything’s reverted to how it’s always been. At the end of the day, Kings Island’s Haunt worked because the mazes were included, and that’s why the lines were huge. If you wanted haunted houses specifically, there’s already plenty of competition around here. So is this going to stand alongside Dent Schoolhouse, Land of Illusion, and the rest? Or is it going to be, in my brother’s words, “a crap sandwich, hold the bread”? Your move, Kings Island.

I just hope that when they cancel Winterfest at the 11th hour in 2026 to "focus on the core Spring and Summer seasons," people flood the park with questions about how cancelling Winterfest will add value to their Spring and Summer seasons to offset the loss of Winterfest. Not just words. Examples. Of course, I'm sure there will be certain shills that will defend the park to the bitter end for pulling the event after selling you your 2027 pass. Spoiler alert: it's the same ones who keep quoting the "gotcha" language in the fine print when people express (what I think is valid) frustration for charging extra for the Haunt stuff when they never did in the past... in exchange for VIP parking and access to media days. Someone correctly alluded above— if you can pack tens of thousands of people into a single place during the Christmas season and can't find a way to make money off them, then you shouldn't be working in a serious role in the theme park industry. You should be bagging groceries.