I also went to the park last night. The park was busy; but not slammed packed like toward the last 2-3 weeks of Haunt. I can only imagine what the crowds closer to Christmas will be.
I overheard that the park was trying to rush to get everything up and working in a short period of time. I also noted that the ice rink lighting was not 100%. But, there was a tech person who was working at the top of one of the light towers when I first entered the park. I take this weekend as a shakedown time. Staff can review what is not working and work on that during the week. To be honest, I think the park has not finished all lighting and decorating that they want to do. My guess is that they will be working next week to finish up and correct what is not working or incomplete.
Rides:
The flat rides were running, that included Berserker on I-Street. Don't remember that ride being open during the previous years Winterfest events. The antique cars were open with the 12 Days of Christmas light show back in place. I am not sure if Dominator opened last night. Twisted Timbers had a delayed opening; but it was running the rest of the evening with one train.
Food:
I ate at the Christmas Cafe and had the turkey dinner. It came with stuffing, cranberry sauce and a corn bread muffin. You could choose your one side of sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes. I think there might have been another side, I don't remember what it was. I received a hearty portion of turkey; it filled me up. The park chef was in the building talking to folks.
Later in the evening, I got my refillable Hot Chocolate cup. So I am good to go go for the rest of the event. The hot chocolate I had was good (not weak/watered down).
Entertainment:
I saw The Mistletones, Holly Jolly Trolley, Tinker's Toy Factory, and Cool Yule. I think this year's show casts are the best to date! Even the easily jaded me, was wowed by the talent for this season!
Usually, show cast talent can be hit or miss each year and from show to show. Not this year! There was actual cheering heard at the end of a couple of the shows I attended. Cheering at a KD show!?!?! I know the park faithful at BGW do that for the popular long running shows there; but at KD? The KD entertainment department is doing something right this season!
Also, the Merriment atmosphere characters were all over the park and they were very interactive with the crowds! Photos ops galore with these folks.
Activities:
The ice skating rink had a steady stream of folks on the ice. It was not packed. I get the feeling it will be, later on in the event.
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen? The couple times I passed by it, later in the evening, the place was slammed! I have never seen that many folks, this early in the event, decorating cookies! I went to Cinnabon around 9 pm on my out and Mrs. C's kitchen was full, with 6-8 people in line waiting to buy cookies!
I only walked by St. Nick's Pics once, early in the evening, so I don't know what the wait/line was like to see Santa.
Sally's Christmas Crafts was packed with famlies.
Odds & Ends:
The trolley vehicle is not being used for the Holly Jolly Trolley cast. They just walked over and used the stage and plaza area in front of it.
I noticed the shops on I-Street were full of people when I arrived. I went in the one next to guest services and they had some very unique ornaments and home holiday decor. They had those stuffed marshmellow reindeer. I walked back through on my way out and over half were gone! The other shop on the exit side had a line of 10-12 people waiting at the cash register to pay! I think the park made some bucks last night.
I did see some of the food trucks open in the park. The bowl truck was in the Wind Seeker plaza. The bar truck was being used near the water park entrance in CAG. The Captain's seafood truck was supposed to be in Planet Snoopy somewhere near Sally's Sea Plane ride. I did not get over to that area of PS to verify. At least for the Bowl truck, they were serving their summer menu.
Over all I enjoyed the shows, food, and lights/decorations/ holiday atmosphere. I plan to head back sometime Thanksgiving weekend to catch the remaining shows and view the parade.