Christmas Town
- Thread starter Eric
- Start date
^I'm going to make this part brief for tonight, but I hope some people here experienced Santa's Workshop. It was essentially Bitten mixed with DarKastle along with a few Christmas decorations. Those decorations didn't have the kids fooled though. All throughout, children were crying like it was Howl-O-Scream, and at times it felt like it was.
That being said: if you didn't like Curse of Darkaslte and/or wanted more of a "Krampus's Scary Christmas" walkthrough experience, then this might be for you, but not for small children. Also, they need to do more to make people aware that this is not a ride. That would have cut the wait in half. Most people had no clue as to what they were waiting for.
Gift of Harmony was ok, but it had some problems that were too big to ignore. I would think that sound would be number one in an acapella show. The accoustics were off by a lot. The cast seemed great though. They had some people that really stood out as good soloists.
Altogether, it was not a bad first night by any means. The new attractions can use some work, but they were mostly well-prepared elsewhere in the park.
That being said: if you didn't like Curse of Darkaslte and/or wanted more of a "Krampus's Scary Christmas" walkthrough experience, then this might be for you, but not for small children. Also, they need to do more to make people aware that this is not a ride. That would have cut the wait in half. Most people had no clue as to what they were waiting for.
Gift of Harmony was ok, but it had some problems that were too big to ignore. I would think that sound would be number one in an acapella show. The accoustics were off by a lot. The cast seemed great though. They had some people that really stood out as good soloists.
Altogether, it was not a bad first night by any means. The new attractions can use some work, but they were mostly well-prepared elsewhere in the park.
CastleOSullivan said:
Is Santa's workshop the waot to meet Santa thing that they have always had or did the add something new? I was under the impression that that they had moved that to Dark Castle but your description sounds like something different could you clarify for me.please?
The new Santa's Workshop is in DarKastle. You walk through the same layout as FrostBite (even past the spooky trees) up until the knights room. At that point, they take you through a room roulette type of thing where you go through one of the hidden doors to meet one of their Santas. After seeing Santa, you walk through the ice scene from FrostBite and they drop you off at a kiosk where you can buy your photos. Then you take a shortcut to the ramp at the unloading platform and exit through the normal exit.
This is very disappointing to hear. The old workshop line was as slow as molasses, but it was cute and charming inside. Now it sounds like it's a photo opp mill with no concern for the quality of the whole experience. Kids being scared while waiting on line for Santa is the worst theme park review I ever read, or could even imagine.
If it really is that bad we might skip it this year. Not worth upsetting my little one.
If it really is that bad we might skip it this year. Not worth upsetting my little one.
Here is Gift of Harmony on my YouTube channel. Honestly, from an acoustic standpoint the video sounds better than it did live. I saw it twice: once in the front row, and once in the back. It sounded better from farther away. My favorite part of the show is the set design. Otherwise, I'm not quite convinced yet.
Edit: Here is a song list.
That's Christmas to Me- Pentatonix
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- NSYNC
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Tell Me- Ariana Grande
Hey Santa- Carnie & Wendy Wilson
Beatboxing
Full of Cheer- Home Free
Underneath The Tree- Kelly Clarkson
I’ll Be Home for Christmas & Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Bing Crosby
Winter Wonderland
Let it Snow
December Song- Peter Hollens
Holly Jolly Christmas, Jingle Bells- Burl Ives
Curtain Call: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Edit: Here is a song list.
That's Christmas to Me- Pentatonix
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays- NSYNC
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Tell Me- Ariana Grande
Hey Santa- Carnie & Wendy Wilson
Beatboxing
Full of Cheer- Home Free
Underneath The Tree- Kelly Clarkson
I’ll Be Home for Christmas & Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Bing Crosby
Winter Wonderland
Let it Snow
December Song- Peter Hollens
Holly Jolly Christmas, Jingle Bells- Burl Ives
Curtain Call: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
Question. Can anyone get me into ChristmasTown for free? On a related note I am in excellent health and am indeed very limber. I am able to contort myself into very small spaces comparable to that of common luggage or even an overlarge backpack (on a good day). I will of course allow any interested parties to devise their own methods of conveyance and will be accommodating.
I am also willing to compensate anyone with choice selections of leftovers from my aunt's homemade authentic American Denny's-inspired dinner*. Depending on how long you take to respond. Those cranberries won't hold forever. We can negotiate, no problem. Also I have these really awesome power rangers toys from, god, like 1997? They're pretty cool. The green one has a nifty gold necklace thing. I think it's a necklace, at least. It's more of a shoulder pads situation to be honest and reads a bit 80s. But that's just me.
* Or brunch items. Possibly. I mean, we'll see, you know?
I am also willing to compensate anyone with choice selections of leftovers from my aunt's homemade authentic American Denny's-inspired dinner*. Depending on how long you take to respond. Those cranberries won't hold forever. We can negotiate, no problem. Also I have these really awesome power rangers toys from, god, like 1997? They're pretty cool. The green one has a nifty gold necklace thing. I think it's a necklace, at least. It's more of a shoulder pads situation to be honest and reads a bit 80s. But that's just me.
* Or brunch items. Possibly. I mean, we'll see, you know?
I was suppose to go on friday with my folks. However, that's up in the air due to health issues with my dad. He's going to the doctor on Tuesday. I'm hoping he and mom can still go. We were planning to go to the Grand Illumination on Sunday too.
Here are some of my thoughts from opening weekend. I had a really great time and can’t wait to go back. The park, for all its flaws, really knows how to put on a kickass Christmas event.
Shows
Gift of Harmony – An unexpectedly fantastic show. I’m not even a fan of a capella music, and was initially skeptical about the trendy hipster style the show takes (it is stylistically reminiscent of a Cedar Fair show), but Gift of Harmony blew me away with stunningly strong vocals by every single singer. I fully believe Gift of Harmony has the most talented cast of any Christmas Town show ever, perhaps of any show at Busch Gardens. Song choices demonstrated a variety of abilities, from solos to harmonization to beatboxing, and most were upbeat but less-common titles; a welcome change from hearing the same old traditional Christmas songs for the millionth time. Parts of the show were genuinely funny. Sound quality really needs to improve, but overall this is an excellent addition to Christmas Town’s already spectacular show lineup and it absolutely obliterates its predecessor.
Rudolph’s Movie Experience – Three Point Challenge is now a projection screen, and the basketball court is home to three rows of benches and a handful of plushy beanbag chairs. I thought the video was a somewhat awkward compilation of “iconic” scenes from Rudolph, but I suppose it would be unrealistic for the park to expect guests to sit for the entire movie shown at once. Personally I thought the white, Hallmark-like style clashed with the rest of Holiday Hills, but kids really seemed to enjoy Rudolph’s Movie Experience, so I guess it was a worthwhile addition. It is definitely an improvement over the crappy Countdown To Christmas display that used to be there.
’Twas That Night – Virtually unchanged, except the cast seemed more willing to attempt more daring tricks and let loose doing their own thing. The cast’s added flare contributed some fresh spontaneity to a show that still gets me giddy with its colorful choreography and powerful (and catchy!) soundtrack. Stoijko really seems to enjoy himself, and it shows with his increasingly unbelievable spins, flips, and other unexpected feats. ‘Twas That Night seems to be getting even better every year.
Gloria – Gloria, one of my favorite shows, was not performing well this weekend. Unfortunately, I believe some performers may have been miscast. It is not that I don’t think the performers are talented in their own right, but they do not always mesh well with one another, and some voice styles just don’t seem to “fit” Gloria. Show-wise, the biggest change was a new duet segment in during “Away In A Manger,” but otherwise the show itself is the same as ever. I really hope it can improve.
Deck The Halls – Decent vocals, but the choreography was absolute garbage. I usually don’t even pay attention to choreography, but whatever was going on this this show was not just “not good,” but glaringly bad. Plus, when compared to the increasingly spectacular lineup of high-brow shows, this vanilla revue of clichéd holiday songs feels subpar. I think it is time for Deck The Halls to dash away, dash away once and for all.
Scrooge No More – Aside from some minor changes in choreography (mainly in the Christmas Past scene) and a slightly edited projection (when Scrooge climbs the stairs during “Just Leave Me Alone”), the show is the same as ever, thankfully. I believe Scrooge is the same as the one in 2015, but he seems to have improved. He especially had me sold on his “transformation” at the end, with his jolliness feeling more genuine than the often over-the-top performances of the past. The emotion is impressively palpable in Scrooge No More; the Ghost of Christmas Future scene still manages to give me chills, and I can’t help but smile along with the happy ending.
Other Changes
North Pole – The physical North Pole “pole” has been moved to the center of DarKastle’s circular courtyard (where the two wolves once stood), so the Naked Lady statue is still standing in the middle of Rhinefeld. Unfortunately, without the “pole’s” disco ball shining dancing lights all over the plaza surrounding the Wilkomennhaus, this once beautiful and lively area now feels dead. I hope the park adds something to inject some kinetic energy into the space.
Polar Pathway – I think there was a new iceberg centerpiece in the Pompeii turnaround area, which was a vast improvement, but otherwise this breathtaking attraction is the same as it always has been. The blue lights on Pompeii’s drop were not functioning properly (huge chunks were randomly turning off), but otherwise Polar Pathway is as glorious as always.
Battle for Eire – There is a “preview center” for the ride outside the simulator’s entrance, consisting of a wooden hallway with signs explaining the ride concept and story. At night, the teaser videos on the park’s YouTube page are projected brightly onto where the big Europe in the Air billboard used to be, which I found tacky. I get that Marketing likes to (and should) flex its muscles, but the projection really detracted from Killarney’s quaint charm.
Aquitaine – All of the Christmas trees except the main one in the central planter outside Belle Maison were replaced. The new trees have the same white/silver look, but have only generic ornaments and bear no reference to the area’s once-prominent “12 Days of Christmas” theme. As someone who really enjoyed how each tree used to represent a different number from the 12 Days of Christmas, I am disappointed that Aquitaine seems to have abandoned the “12 Days of Christmas” theme this year.
Despite some minor criticisms, I really enjoyed Christmas Town. The already great show lineup has gotten even better, and even with some less-than-ideal changes, the park is still breathtaking all lit up in its dazzling Christmas lights and music. Can’t wait to go back.
Shows
Gift of Harmony – An unexpectedly fantastic show. I’m not even a fan of a capella music, and was initially skeptical about the trendy hipster style the show takes (it is stylistically reminiscent of a Cedar Fair show), but Gift of Harmony blew me away with stunningly strong vocals by every single singer. I fully believe Gift of Harmony has the most talented cast of any Christmas Town show ever, perhaps of any show at Busch Gardens. Song choices demonstrated a variety of abilities, from solos to harmonization to beatboxing, and most were upbeat but less-common titles; a welcome change from hearing the same old traditional Christmas songs for the millionth time. Parts of the show were genuinely funny. Sound quality really needs to improve, but overall this is an excellent addition to Christmas Town’s already spectacular show lineup and it absolutely obliterates its predecessor.
Rudolph’s Movie Experience – Three Point Challenge is now a projection screen, and the basketball court is home to three rows of benches and a handful of plushy beanbag chairs. I thought the video was a somewhat awkward compilation of “iconic” scenes from Rudolph, but I suppose it would be unrealistic for the park to expect guests to sit for the entire movie shown at once. Personally I thought the white, Hallmark-like style clashed with the rest of Holiday Hills, but kids really seemed to enjoy Rudolph’s Movie Experience, so I guess it was a worthwhile addition. It is definitely an improvement over the crappy Countdown To Christmas display that used to be there.
’Twas That Night – Virtually unchanged, except the cast seemed more willing to attempt more daring tricks and let loose doing their own thing. The cast’s added flare contributed some fresh spontaneity to a show that still gets me giddy with its colorful choreography and powerful (and catchy!) soundtrack. Stoijko really seems to enjoy himself, and it shows with his increasingly unbelievable spins, flips, and other unexpected feats. ‘Twas That Night seems to be getting even better every year.
Gloria – Gloria, one of my favorite shows, was not performing well this weekend. Unfortunately, I believe some performers may have been miscast. It is not that I don’t think the performers are talented in their own right, but they do not always mesh well with one another, and some voice styles just don’t seem to “fit” Gloria. Show-wise, the biggest change was a new duet segment in during “Away In A Manger,” but otherwise the show itself is the same as ever. I really hope it can improve.
Deck The Halls – Decent vocals, but the choreography was absolute garbage. I usually don’t even pay attention to choreography, but whatever was going on this this show was not just “not good,” but glaringly bad. Plus, when compared to the increasingly spectacular lineup of high-brow shows, this vanilla revue of clichéd holiday songs feels subpar. I think it is time for Deck The Halls to dash away, dash away once and for all.
Scrooge No More – Aside from some minor changes in choreography (mainly in the Christmas Past scene) and a slightly edited projection (when Scrooge climbs the stairs during “Just Leave Me Alone”), the show is the same as ever, thankfully. I believe Scrooge is the same as the one in 2015, but he seems to have improved. He especially had me sold on his “transformation” at the end, with his jolliness feeling more genuine than the often over-the-top performances of the past. The emotion is impressively palpable in Scrooge No More; the Ghost of Christmas Future scene still manages to give me chills, and I can’t help but smile along with the happy ending.
Other Changes
North Pole – The physical North Pole “pole” has been moved to the center of DarKastle’s circular courtyard (where the two wolves once stood), so the Naked Lady statue is still standing in the middle of Rhinefeld. Unfortunately, without the “pole’s” disco ball shining dancing lights all over the plaza surrounding the Wilkomennhaus, this once beautiful and lively area now feels dead. I hope the park adds something to inject some kinetic energy into the space.
Polar Pathway – I think there was a new iceberg centerpiece in the Pompeii turnaround area, which was a vast improvement, but otherwise this breathtaking attraction is the same as it always has been. The blue lights on Pompeii’s drop were not functioning properly (huge chunks were randomly turning off), but otherwise Polar Pathway is as glorious as always.
Battle for Eire – There is a “preview center” for the ride outside the simulator’s entrance, consisting of a wooden hallway with signs explaining the ride concept and story. At night, the teaser videos on the park’s YouTube page are projected brightly onto where the big Europe in the Air billboard used to be, which I found tacky. I get that Marketing likes to (and should) flex its muscles, but the projection really detracted from Killarney’s quaint charm.
Aquitaine – All of the Christmas trees except the main one in the central planter outside Belle Maison were replaced. The new trees have the same white/silver look, but have only generic ornaments and bear no reference to the area’s once-prominent “12 Days of Christmas” theme. As someone who really enjoyed how each tree used to represent a different number from the 12 Days of Christmas, I am disappointed that Aquitaine seems to have abandoned the “12 Days of Christmas” theme this year.
Despite some minor criticisms, I really enjoyed Christmas Town. The already great show lineup has gotten even better, and even with some less-than-ideal changes, the park is still breathtaking all lit up in its dazzling Christmas lights and music. Can’t wait to go back.
It sounds like the entertainment has really went downhill this year. Even with the best vocalist in the world there is no way that a acapella show can fill the void that Miracles left with all of its wonderful choreography and vocals and music. Changing from Miracles to the gift of Harmony was nothing more than a cost-cutting measure while raising their prices once again.
I hate to disagree with you, but I think Miracles needed to be replaced after the show kept getting more uninspired and dull as dishwasher soap as the years went by. After looking at COS video of Gift of Harmony, I think they found a really good replacement; sure the sound needs attention but other than that I think it's a very good show.
Having seen the show twice, and having my video as reference, I agree with super7 completely. The show feels cheep and cheesy to me. While I think the cast is well above anything I have heard vocally, they are not enough to carry a show that replaced Miracles. Sure, Miracles may have been sub-par in its final years, but it was anything but cheap and at least it tried to be classy. Now it's literally themed to a Christmas pajama party.
I just had very different expectations for Gift of Harmony. I was hoping that if anything, it better not be a Christmas-y "Soundsational" at BGT. Sadly, it had all of the same cheesy dialogue and annoying character side-plots, but at least Soundsational had sound.
If they get the sound fixed, I might give the show another chance. However, the speakers in the back of the theater can't handle the beat-boxing frequencies, and the large speakers in the front were off entirely, creating an uneven acoustic field. I am really concerned for the park at this point, because I can't see them overhauling the sound system during the event. That's about all that can save them, though.
I just had very different expectations for Gift of Harmony. I was hoping that if anything, it better not be a Christmas-y "Soundsational" at BGT. Sadly, it had all of the same cheesy dialogue and annoying character side-plots, but at least Soundsational had sound.
If they get the sound fixed, I might give the show another chance. However, the speakers in the back of the theater can't handle the beat-boxing frequencies, and the large speakers in the front were off entirely, creating an uneven acoustic field. I am really concerned for the park at this point, because I can't see them overhauling the sound system during the event. That's about all that can save them, though.
Replacing Miracles with another singing based show was, I think, a mistake. They already had Gloria and Deck the Halls as singing based.
Miracles was unique in it being dance based, and we always enjoyed it. I feel Miracles departure has left a hole in the entertainment line up.
You can debate the pros/cons of the changes they made over the years, but the concept of Miracles was great, it fit wonderfully in the venue, and will be missed.
Miracles was unique in it being dance based, and we always enjoyed it. I feel Miracles departure has left a hole in the entertainment line up.
You can debate the pros/cons of the changes they made over the years, but the concept of Miracles was great, it fit wonderfully in the venue, and will be missed.
I haven't seen either, but my $0.02:
Seems like a capitalization on what's hot in pop culture. A few years ago it was dance groups, dance shows, and the like. Now it's a capella music and vocal talent.
So I think it's more keeping up with what's hot and popular rather than actual good v bad.
Seems like a capitalization on what's hot in pop culture. A few years ago it was dance groups, dance shows, and the like. Now it's a capella music and vocal talent.
So I think it's more keeping up with what's hot and popular rather than actual good v bad.
Skipping is not dance.
More importantly, it is not safe for dancers to perform outside in very cold temperatures. The injuries can be career-ending. They never should have had dancers on that stage.
More importantly, it is not safe for dancers to perform outside in very cold temperatures. The injuries can be career-ending. They never should have had dancers on that stage.
One thing not mentioned is how Land of the Dragons is completely dark. There are no lights in the area, which make the sky ride uninspiring from France to Rhinefield.
Nicole said:
Or play a tuba outside in the winter! Talk about pain.
I kid. Kinda. Those were bad Christmas parades to be in.
Anyways...I was just kinda guessing based off what was written in the post in front of me. I still think there's some part to the capturing the flavor of the moment with a capella music though. I mean....I get it, because it's all about getting people in the seats and prolonging their stay.
Plus I like a capella music, so unless they are terrible vocalists, I'm bound to like it.