Update: A new, improved concept for a Kings Dominion Christmas can be found here. The new concept is more thorough, cohesive, and easy to follow than the one below.
As we near the heart of Christmas Town and continue to welcome more and more details pertaining to Kings Dominion's wonderful-looking 40th Celebration next year, I remembered this thread. There are quite a few comments sprawled across KD's Facebook page suggesting a Christmas event similar to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. When Ben/Dwight Schrute first posted this concept barely more than a year ago, Kings Dominion was still more or less thought of as a rides park. However, these changes and efforts Kings Dominion is making certainly confirm its intent on regaining the charm, theming, and family togetherness that made it a world class theme park in the pre-Paramount days.
I'm not going to restate everything that's already said in the above discussion pertaining to whether or not KD could pull off a Christmas event because you can see it yourself, and a lot of what is said there still applies. Kings Dominion would most certainly have to find an approach that either totally parallels or compliments Busch Gardens' event in some way in order for a KD Christmas event to be successful. They may never ever ever ever choose to do a Christmas event, which is understandable. However, with the new theming and character brought on by the park in the coming seasons, perhaps such event would be possible.
If the family fan base that cares for more than just thrill rides continues to grow at Kings Dominion, then this would certainly be a welcome new event. If they were to do a Christmas event, it would--as HAJiME said--need to hold more of just a "Happy Holidays" appeal and less of a deep, emotional, mildly religious event like Christmas Town (not that there's anything wrong with what it does). And as Pretzel Kaiser put it, a good amount of Peanuts theming would certainly come in to play. Of course, because of Kings Dominion's layout and the character of the park, this event would probably not need to be on as grand of a scale as Christmas Town, meaning most of the park would definitely not have to be open. I would say about a half to two-thirds of the park being open would be enough space to keep guests happy without being overkill for the park to decorate and take care of.
What follows is my more-or-less detailed concept on how exactly such a Christmas event at Kings Dominion would be run. I include a name and general theme, but this is perhaps the greatest variable between my concept here and what the park may or may not actually decide to do someday, which, if it were ever to happen, I would not be surprised to see take off within the next few seasons.
Update: A new, improved concept for a Kings Dominion Christmas can be found here. The new concept is more thorough, cohesive, and easy to follow than the one below.
Basic Information
Name: Winterfest
Theme: Winter cheer, lights, Christmas celebration
Current areas of park open: International Street, Planet Snoopy, Old Virgina, Candy Apple Grove
Areas of the park closed: Safari Village, former Wayne's World section of (Candy Apple) Grove, WaterWorks
Park Areas
Area: International Street
Status: Open
What: Grand entrance area
Reasons for inclusion: Necessary for access to the rest of the park; arguably the most beautiful area of the park; old-world, international architecture; many gift shops/eateries
Description: Lights line the buildings of International Street, as do other more majestic decorations. The fountains are off (duh) and the pool is drained. Strings of lights line the pool bottom much like Pompeii's pool at Christmas Town's Polar Pathway, and large Christmas trees composed of light strings like this stand where the fountains typically blast. Uplifting, instrumental brass Christmas music plays in the entrance area.
Special Features: Lights show on Center Street, like a holiday version of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular. 'Epic' Christmas music plays here, like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's version of Carol of the Bells; gift shops filled with Christmas/event merchandise; restaurants selling cider, hot chocolate, etc.
Attractions: Eiffel Tower [may or may not operate due to cold]; Dominator [may or may not be open]
Shows: A Charlie Brown Christmas [playing of the classic cartoon, assuming permission to play it is granted] - [Action Theater]
Eateries: Panda Express, Peppermint Pattie's Candy Shoppe, Border Cafe (renamed "Christmas Cafe")
Notes: Pathway to the Boo Blasters side of Planet Snoopy is closed off past Dominator entrance [if open]
Area: Old Virgina
Status: Open
What: Country/Old-fashioned Christmas; "Cracker Barrel"-style Christmas
Reasons for inclusion: One of the park's best-themed areas; perfect for charming "old-fashioned" Christmas feel; includes park's only indoor performance venue
Description: Candles light the windows of buildings such as the Country Kitchen; simple red and white lights cover trees and outline buildings; Christmas trees in flower beds; old wooden sleds and props lie beside walkways; old-fashioned country Christmas music plays, setting a calm mood for the area
Special Features: Photo-op/meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in "Santa's Workshop" [decorated/rethemed "Dino Store" from main season]
Attractions: None [Flying Eagles may or may not be a possibility to run]; [Blue Ridge Tollway most likely is not able to run; if it is, a ride through small nativity scenes could be executed]
Shows: Winter Wonders - The singing and dancing of everyone's favorite Christmas/holiday songs at this wild Christmas party will get everybody in the Christmas spirit at this rockin' show! - [Kings Dominion Theater] - [About 25 minutes, full indoor Christmas party-themed holiday revue]
Eateries: Country Kitchen, one of the park's main eateries, same as in normal operating season
Notes: This area varies from the rest as it is the only area with the true "old-fashioned" Christmas theme like at Busch Gardens; the space behind the Liberty Bell (leading to White Water Canyon and Shenandoah Lumber Co.) is mostly closed off, with only the bathrooms still open;
Area: Candy Apple Grove
Status: Mostly open
What: City streets around Christmas
Reasons for inclusion: Largest area of park; contains most operable rides; eateries; classic holiday theme possible
Description: Blue, red, white, and green lights line and/or completely cover buildings; some games are open; classic Christmas hits plays as the area's music, setting the theme; large "lawn decoration" props in the form of giant wrapped presents stand in flower beds, as do festively-lit Christmas trees; "lawn decoration" deer also stand off the pathways
Special Features: Christmas-themed games, Singing Mushrooms in Santa hats singing Christmas songs; Flower Clock overlayed with decorations
Attractions: Triple Spin; Dodgem; Waveswinger; Drop Tower [may or may not operate]
Shows: Possible singing/caroling revue at the Grove Stage
Eateries: Johnny's, same as normal season; Subway; Victoria's Pizza, same as normal season
Notes: Former Wayne's World section (approximately from Windseeker to Ricochet/Juke Box/Hurler) is closed off. Pathway leading up to Shockwave closed. Pathway behind Drop Tower leading to WaterWorks closed
Area: WaterWorks
Status: Closed to public
Reasons for exclusion: No need for waterpark area; extra area that would not need to be utilized for the event
Area: Safari Village
Status: [Mostly?] Closed to public
Reasons for exclusion: Mostly rides that cannot operate in this area, unnecessary space
Notes: Flight of Fear--an indoor coaster--is unfortunately tucked in the back of this area. I wonder if a path could be determined so only this ride could operate in this area; Safari Village could open in later years of the event if it proves popular, opening up more rides
Area: Planet Snoopy
Status: Open
What: Beloved, happy, charming Peanuts-style Christmas
Reason for inclusion: Flagship area/theme of park; best, most unique and lovable theme; perfect area for families; beautiful area with many options
Description: Tacky, colored lights light buildings and Snoopy's doghouse; classic Peanuts Christmas music plays, inflatable and colorful decorations abound; fountain in entrance plaza is covered with bricks and decorations
Special Features: Roving Peanuts characters in the area, dressed for Christmas
Attractions: Boo Blasters on Boo Hill (no theme change); Flying Ace Balloon Race; Lucy's Tugboat; Lucy's Crabby Cabbies; Snoopy's Rocket Express; Flying ACE; Charlie Brown's Windup; Woodstock Whirlybirds; Snoopy's Junction (with small decorations in the grass field within the train tracks)
Shows: It's Christmas, Charlie Brown! - Some sort of family musical involving the beloved Peanuts characters celebrating Christmas would delight the young and the young at heart - [Peanuts Playhouse]
Eateries: Chik-Fil-A
Notes: "Flagship" theme/area of the event; Snoopy Showplace closed due to being a large outdoor venue and currently containing the All Wheel Sports sets
Whew! I am tired now. If Kings Dominion really is heading in a new, family-friendly direction, then nothing says 'family' more than a wonderful, festive event. Of course, it would have to parallel Busch Gardens quite a bit to be successful. If this were to happen, this is how I think it should be done. What do you think?
Update: A new, improved concept for a Kings Dominion Christmas can be found here. The new concept is more thorough, cohesive, and easy to follow than the one above.
As we near the heart of Christmas Town and continue to welcome more and more details pertaining to Kings Dominion's wonderful-looking 40th Celebration next year, I remembered this thread. There are quite a few comments sprawled across KD's Facebook page suggesting a Christmas event similar to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. When Ben/Dwight Schrute first posted this concept barely more than a year ago, Kings Dominion was still more or less thought of as a rides park. However, these changes and efforts Kings Dominion is making certainly confirm its intent on regaining the charm, theming, and family togetherness that made it a world class theme park in the pre-Paramount days.
I'm not going to restate everything that's already said in the above discussion pertaining to whether or not KD could pull off a Christmas event because you can see it yourself, and a lot of what is said there still applies. Kings Dominion would most certainly have to find an approach that either totally parallels or compliments Busch Gardens' event in some way in order for a KD Christmas event to be successful. They may never ever ever ever choose to do a Christmas event, which is understandable. However, with the new theming and character brought on by the park in the coming seasons, perhaps such event would be possible.
If the family fan base that cares for more than just thrill rides continues to grow at Kings Dominion, then this would certainly be a welcome new event. If they were to do a Christmas event, it would--as HAJiME said--need to hold more of just a "Happy Holidays" appeal and less of a deep, emotional, mildly religious event like Christmas Town (not that there's anything wrong with what it does). And as Pretzel Kaiser put it, a good amount of Peanuts theming would certainly come in to play. Of course, because of Kings Dominion's layout and the character of the park, this event would probably not need to be on as grand of a scale as Christmas Town, meaning most of the park would definitely not have to be open. I would say about a half to two-thirds of the park being open would be enough space to keep guests happy without being overkill for the park to decorate and take care of.
What follows is my more-or-less detailed concept on how exactly such a Christmas event at Kings Dominion would be run. I include a name and general theme, but this is perhaps the greatest variable between my concept here and what the park may or may not actually decide to do someday, which, if it were ever to happen, I would not be surprised to see take off within the next few seasons.
Update: A new, improved concept for a Kings Dominion Christmas can be found here. The new concept is more thorough, cohesive, and easy to follow than the one below.
Basic Information
Name: Winterfest
Theme: Winter cheer, lights, Christmas celebration
Current areas of park open: International Street, Planet Snoopy, Old Virgina, Candy Apple Grove
Areas of the park closed: Safari Village, former Wayne's World section of (Candy Apple) Grove, WaterWorks
Park Areas
Area: International Street
Status: Open
What: Grand entrance area
Reasons for inclusion: Necessary for access to the rest of the park; arguably the most beautiful area of the park; old-world, international architecture; many gift shops/eateries
Description: Lights line the buildings of International Street, as do other more majestic decorations. The fountains are off (duh) and the pool is drained. Strings of lights line the pool bottom much like Pompeii's pool at Christmas Town's Polar Pathway, and large Christmas trees composed of light strings like this stand where the fountains typically blast. Uplifting, instrumental brass Christmas music plays in the entrance area.
Special Features: Lights show on Center Street, like a holiday version of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular. 'Epic' Christmas music plays here, like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's version of Carol of the Bells; gift shops filled with Christmas/event merchandise; restaurants selling cider, hot chocolate, etc.
Attractions: Eiffel Tower [may or may not operate due to cold]; Dominator [may or may not be open]
Shows: A Charlie Brown Christmas [playing of the classic cartoon, assuming permission to play it is granted] - [Action Theater]
Eateries: Panda Express, Peppermint Pattie's Candy Shoppe, Border Cafe (renamed "Christmas Cafe")
Notes: Pathway to the Boo Blasters side of Planet Snoopy is closed off past Dominator entrance [if open]
Area: Old Virgina
Status: Open
What: Country/Old-fashioned Christmas; "Cracker Barrel"-style Christmas
Reasons for inclusion: One of the park's best-themed areas; perfect for charming "old-fashioned" Christmas feel; includes park's only indoor performance venue
Description: Candles light the windows of buildings such as the Country Kitchen; simple red and white lights cover trees and outline buildings; Christmas trees in flower beds; old wooden sleds and props lie beside walkways; old-fashioned country Christmas music plays, setting a calm mood for the area
Special Features: Photo-op/meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in "Santa's Workshop" [decorated/rethemed "Dino Store" from main season]
Attractions: None [Flying Eagles may or may not be a possibility to run]; [Blue Ridge Tollway most likely is not able to run; if it is, a ride through small nativity scenes could be executed]
Shows: Winter Wonders - The singing and dancing of everyone's favorite Christmas/holiday songs at this wild Christmas party will get everybody in the Christmas spirit at this rockin' show! - [Kings Dominion Theater] - [About 25 minutes, full indoor Christmas party-themed holiday revue]
Eateries: Country Kitchen, one of the park's main eateries, same as in normal operating season
Notes: This area varies from the rest as it is the only area with the true "old-fashioned" Christmas theme like at Busch Gardens; the space behind the Liberty Bell (leading to White Water Canyon and Shenandoah Lumber Co.) is mostly closed off, with only the bathrooms still open;
Area: Candy Apple Grove
Status: Mostly open
What: City streets around Christmas
Reasons for inclusion: Largest area of park; contains most operable rides; eateries; classic holiday theme possible
Description: Blue, red, white, and green lights line and/or completely cover buildings; some games are open; classic Christmas hits plays as the area's music, setting the theme; large "lawn decoration" props in the form of giant wrapped presents stand in flower beds, as do festively-lit Christmas trees; "lawn decoration" deer also stand off the pathways
Special Features: Christmas-themed games, Singing Mushrooms in Santa hats singing Christmas songs; Flower Clock overlayed with decorations
Attractions: Triple Spin; Dodgem; Waveswinger; Drop Tower [may or may not operate]
Shows: Possible singing/caroling revue at the Grove Stage
Eateries: Johnny's, same as normal season; Subway; Victoria's Pizza, same as normal season
Notes: Former Wayne's World section (approximately from Windseeker to Ricochet/Juke Box/Hurler) is closed off. Pathway leading up to Shockwave closed. Pathway behind Drop Tower leading to WaterWorks closed
Area: WaterWorks
Status: Closed to public
Reasons for exclusion: No need for waterpark area; extra area that would not need to be utilized for the event
Area: Safari Village
Status: [Mostly?] Closed to public
Reasons for exclusion: Mostly rides that cannot operate in this area, unnecessary space
Notes: Flight of Fear--an indoor coaster--is unfortunately tucked in the back of this area. I wonder if a path could be determined so only this ride could operate in this area; Safari Village could open in later years of the event if it proves popular, opening up more rides
Area: Planet Snoopy
Status: Open
What: Beloved, happy, charming Peanuts-style Christmas
Reason for inclusion: Flagship area/theme of park; best, most unique and lovable theme; perfect area for families; beautiful area with many options
Description: Tacky, colored lights light buildings and Snoopy's doghouse; classic Peanuts Christmas music plays, inflatable and colorful decorations abound; fountain in entrance plaza is covered with bricks and decorations
Special Features: Roving Peanuts characters in the area, dressed for Christmas
Attractions: Boo Blasters on Boo Hill (no theme change); Flying Ace Balloon Race; Lucy's Tugboat; Lucy's Crabby Cabbies; Snoopy's Rocket Express; Flying ACE; Charlie Brown's Windup; Woodstock Whirlybirds; Snoopy's Junction (with small decorations in the grass field within the train tracks)
Shows: It's Christmas, Charlie Brown! - Some sort of family musical involving the beloved Peanuts characters celebrating Christmas would delight the young and the young at heart - [Peanuts Playhouse]
Eateries: Chik-Fil-A
Notes: "Flagship" theme/area of the event; Snoopy Showplace closed due to being a large outdoor venue and currently containing the All Wheel Sports sets
Whew! I am tired now. If Kings Dominion really is heading in a new, family-friendly direction, then nothing says 'family' more than a wonderful, festive event. Of course, it would have to parallel Busch Gardens quite a bit to be successful. If this were to happen, this is how I think it should be done. What do you think?
Update: A new, improved concept for a Kings Dominion Christmas can be found here. The new concept is more thorough, cohesive, and easy to follow than the one above.
