DonHelbig

KIC members were guests for a Tower Topics Roundtable show about this year’s WinterFest hits, misses, and must-dos.

Fox 19 did a fantastic story on Gary Wachs, who was recently inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. https://www.fox19.com/2025/12/03/how-kings-island-was-born-founder-receives-hall-fame-honor/

I’d like to see a Big Bear Mountain type coaster in the spot once occupied by The Vortex. While some wouldn’t be excited about it, the majority of Kings Island visitors would be since it would have broader appeal.

Holiday Lights at Kennywood has better lights than Kings Island or Carowinds. Synchronized to the music throughout the park. If you enjoy lights and holiday music, you’d love Kennywood’s event.

I’m cautiously optimistic with John Reilly coming in as the new CEO, but there are a lot of challenges ahead he and the company are going to face before anyone can break out the party streamers.

Mark your calendars: HoliWood Nights returns to Holiday World on May 29-30, 2026. This is an event you don’t want to miss. https://holidayworld.com/2025/11/24/holiwood-nights-2026/

The operations have always been among the best in the industry since Kings Island opened its gates in 1972, but it’s not as good as the Taft days.

John Reilly brings the kind of experience and mindset Six Flags desperately needs. But as every park veteran knows, intent only matters if execution follows. https://themeparksbydon.com/what-im-watching-john-reilly-six-flags-ceo/

Some things I expect to see happen with John Reilly as CEO are ticket and season pass prices being raised, a stronger focus on customer service, and less regionalization with departments. It will eventually get back to the way it was and should be with more boots on the ground at the park level.

I don’t know John Reilly, so before sharing my thoughts and opinions on Tower Topics I’ll need to talk to some people who do. I will have a piece published tomorrow on TPBD on what I’m looking for on the new CEO.

John Reilly has been named the new CEO for Six Flags. https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-names-john-reilly-ceo/

You can get a 1-day Walt Disney World ticket for less than $130.

It would make more sense to run these polls while events are happening.

I can see a seat on the board.

Land of Illusion Adventure Park in Middletown, Ohio, is lighting up the holiday season once again with its Christmas Glow celebration. https://themeparksbydon.com/land-of-illusion-christmas-glow-midwest-holiday/