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.

Don and I explored the Conjuring maze rumor in June on Tower Topics.

I think a lot of the questions are pretty legit, for example:

On sale that date...?

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16ozMSpAna/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If I recall, right after the acquisition there were some weird things with the Maxx Pass (as they called it). I think there were some questions as to who got the parking, or it was only your home park, or you had to pay for some sort of upgrade? Anyone remember what the situation was?

REALLY appreciate this post and info! It’s sad to see Coney go, but to me, the silver lining is that the site will still be used for entertainment. It could have ended up a factory like the Gardens did.

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-kings-island-viral-video-pet-cicada-brood-tiktok/65099941?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK_oltleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhj3kxqrU_VXTkOhmUTMiRwOriD5r4k44ViFcGASN4L2LIPUeqx5y3sTVVtV_aem_hVSBFL6H3HD5Pkv_G5gnzQ To be fair, Tower Topics field reporter Noah adopted a “pet” cicada and took it on The Beast before this girl thought of it!

We make it clear that we aren't throwing stones saying that it's trashing, or even that it's already second-rate; however, the stuff that we've observed, and this is on a regular basis, is scary. Once the park starts getting noticeably dirty, "rougher," and/or gives the impression of being less safe, it'll take a long time for them to recover from this. We have a lot of people who have said that they disagree and they haven't had any problems. Trust me, I'm happy for them. I can't tell you how many times we've done episodes and discuss things we "fear" or things that would be disappointing for us, and we cheer when we are wrong. This isn't about being right, it's about observations. What's worse is an employee on the SP group replied to my post promoting this video saying that the problems we listed were problems all along, so they weren't the current management's fault. They also added that we should have issued a complaint with the park instead of "dragging the park through the mud." They also added that they liked the merger because now they can get discounts for their family on Gold passes. 1. If it's been a problem all along, then what would complaining do? Clearly the leadership can't or won't fix the problem, so the only way we can affect change is to put a light on it. 2. It's great that the employees got a new perk but how is that helping the people that actually pay to be there? 3. They also mentioned that it's "still the best value for family entertainment" (paraphrased). Sure sounds like they're taking the guests for granted with that comment. Of course, Kings Island is the most "penetrated" park so I guess even this employee's attitude is "good enough is good enough." 4. Things like these pave the path to self-destruction. If you care about the park, you shouldn't defend it, you should be appalled by this. It's kid of like when your kid comes come with a report card full of F's. Do you high five them because you love them, or do you correct them because they were going down the wrong path?

I checked it out briefly on Sunday. It looks like the food options have been expanded widely. I did not indulge in the food but members of my group did. They seemed to enjoy it. The area looks nice and the new shelter by the carousel turned out well. The critiques would include: 1. Still only Fri, Sat, Sun 2. Only in a small area of the park so it's not immersive 3. I still feel like people who would come to the park anyway may see it and only know they're doing it because they happened to be there With that being said, there were actually people in the Tower Gardens eating and drinking so it seems far more successful than last year, which was a disaster.

Jason McClure is the General Manager of about five parks. Tony will be park manager. Think of him as the manager on duty, while all decisions run through Jason. The park manager is well-below the rank and pay grade of what the General Manager/VP was. The park manager will be a point man, while still maintaining their duties - in this case, Tony will also be VP of Operations along with Park Manager.