The trolley pulls up to do show right by where the flower clock usually is. It's not a bad show but it's a horrible location. I also didn't make it up towards Dominator and will addslso be going back tonight.
Winterfest
- Thread starter jornor
- Start date
Just as a thought for the future, and I do recognize that this would be a large expense, there is still a path around most for what used to be the Safari. It seems to me if they decorated around this path (or a modified version,) many options could open up. It would largely remove the horses from the main park and thus reduce the safety issues. Further it would present an area that would be unseen unless taking the ride. Finely it would truly remove people from the paths. If not this path, than maybe the old train path, or something similar. KD has a ridiculous amount of unused territory, much with pathways, it seems a shame not to use them.
Now I recognize that this would be a major expense, however it seems like it might be a second or third year add on, the kind of thing to attract more people. I also recognize that some infrastructure would be need particularly power, but up front gennies could be used. Further still it might open up the possibility of additional attractions along these paths, that would be only accessed via the horses. I can think of other uses at other times too, Haunt could benefit from an isolated area, heck it might even open up more areas for ride development.
I woldnt be suprised if they left things out purposely for the coming years, maybe next year they open up Konga and decorate all of volcano. Busch has Escape From Pompeii fully lit. It would be beautiful. Then they can have the Eiffel Tower lit all the way around.
On a side note, Is there Ice skating in the fountain like Kings Island?
On a side note, Is there Ice skating in the fountain like Kings Island?
Just have to say the lights are stunning when viewed from Dominator.
Just waited over 30 minutes for food including almost 20 after ordering what should have been a simple quick order only to get lukewarm food and burnt fries. The food was so bad that had it not been free on the dining plan I would have raised hell demanding a refund. Attendance is low I work in the food industry and will usually be more then happy to give them the benefit of the doubt but from what I have witnessed in my two visits culinary appears totally unprepared and incapable of handling even small to moderate crowds efficiently or correctly. This doesn't bode well for the busier nights.
Went for a short while last night and was really impressed. The central large entry area of the park really works for this event. I did very little specifically Christmas and yet liked it. Busch seems random compared to this.
That's an understatement the lights from Dominator are stunning. The giant Eiffel tree is doing something different every time you ride. For once you feel like you're riding a coaster IN a Xmas event, not just at one. I guess they could add some lighted trees out under the corkscrews and turn the giant scary snowman a bit more towards the ride and it would be perfect... Rebel 75 on the other hand heads out into the dark and gives you something to look at coming back, which is also effective and complementary. So while I'd love to have more to ride, it is a great combo.
I ate Panda and it was good as usual.
That's an understatement the lights from Dominator are stunning. The giant Eiffel tree is doing something different every time you ride. For once you feel like you're riding a coaster IN a Xmas event, not just at one. I guess they could add some lighted trees out under the corkscrews and turn the giant scary snowman a bit more towards the ride and it would be perfect... Rebel 75 on the other hand heads out into the dark and gives you something to look at coming back, which is also effective and complementary. So while I'd love to have more to ride, it is a great combo.
I ate Panda and it was good as usual.
We got to check out Winterfest last night. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.
Undoubtedly helping the experience was the fact that the park wasn't crowded at all last night. We really only went to get the flavor of the event, so didn't do any shows or activities besides having dinner, so I can't really speak to any of that, but it looked like there wasn't much of a wait for anything while we were there. We rode Dominator just for the view, and only waited one ride cycle. The view, by the way, was great. It's a shame other rides with good elevation to them can't be utilized.
Three of us had the turkey dinner and one of us had the pot roast at Country Kitchen. Service wasn't fast, but it was friendly. The turkey was pretty decent. The stuffing was ok, and the mashed potatoes were the same as they ever are. None of us particularly cared for the turkey gravy. The pot roast was excellent, as always.
The decorations were lovely, I thought. Yes, we saw some things that were obviously supposed to light up but didn't, and both of the BIG digital LED trees (the one outside the gates, and the one in front of Drop Zone both had sections that were out of sequence, but overall, I really enjoyed the decorations and atmosphere. I hope the park can and will allow the even to spread into the unused parts o the park. It seems like they have plenty of activities and attractions to spread around, and I have no doubt that the popularity of the even will only grow. I think they could do something truly spectacular with the volcano and lights. I feel like the event is missing a "centerpiece" like Pompeii covered in lights. The Eiffel Tower is pretty and all, but to me, it lacks the "wow" of coming around that corner and seeing the entire ride building draped in light.
The petting zoo was a nice touch, and the animals seemed happy and well cared for. The guests, at least while we were there, were well behaved, and the whole experience was rather charming.
The carriages are definitely going to be a problem. There were minimal crowds, and we saw a number of people who just couldn't be bothered to get out of the way, even with two employees trying to make space for them to pass. I can't fathom why, after teasing rides through Safari Village, they are sending them down Candy Apple Grove. It's just asking for trouble, and I can guarantee the trouble won't come from the horses or drivers, but from the other guests on foot. This honestly seems like a terrible, terrible idea.
The employees I interacted with last night were all, honestly, amazing. I noticed they seemed to primarily be what appeared to be retirees, but even the younger staff were great. The staff at KD are usually one of my major gripes. I understand they whys of what is more often than not plain awful customer service during the regular season, so it was truly a great surprise. Everyone was cheerful and friendly, and even random staff passing us on the paths made sure to greet us or wish us happy holidays, or at least smile at us. A stark change from the usual pack of pissed off honey badgers in uniforms I'm used to.
Overall, I thought it was a very strong start for opening weekend of a brand new event. This time of year I can charitably be described as "grinch-like", but left Winterfest happy and looking forward to the holidays. I'm sure my wife would gladly tell you this is its own little Christmas miracle ?
Oh!, also, we ventured into Planet Snoopy for what may be the first time ever to check out he decorations there, which allowed me to get this picture of my youngest. If I had know it were possible, I would have dragged him in there years ago
Undoubtedly helping the experience was the fact that the park wasn't crowded at all last night. We really only went to get the flavor of the event, so didn't do any shows or activities besides having dinner, so I can't really speak to any of that, but it looked like there wasn't much of a wait for anything while we were there. We rode Dominator just for the view, and only waited one ride cycle. The view, by the way, was great. It's a shame other rides with good elevation to them can't be utilized.
Three of us had the turkey dinner and one of us had the pot roast at Country Kitchen. Service wasn't fast, but it was friendly. The turkey was pretty decent. The stuffing was ok, and the mashed potatoes were the same as they ever are. None of us particularly cared for the turkey gravy. The pot roast was excellent, as always.
The decorations were lovely, I thought. Yes, we saw some things that were obviously supposed to light up but didn't, and both of the BIG digital LED trees (the one outside the gates, and the one in front of Drop Zone both had sections that were out of sequence, but overall, I really enjoyed the decorations and atmosphere. I hope the park can and will allow the even to spread into the unused parts o the park. It seems like they have plenty of activities and attractions to spread around, and I have no doubt that the popularity of the even will only grow. I think they could do something truly spectacular with the volcano and lights. I feel like the event is missing a "centerpiece" like Pompeii covered in lights. The Eiffel Tower is pretty and all, but to me, it lacks the "wow" of coming around that corner and seeing the entire ride building draped in light.
The petting zoo was a nice touch, and the animals seemed happy and well cared for. The guests, at least while we were there, were well behaved, and the whole experience was rather charming.
The carriages are definitely going to be a problem. There were minimal crowds, and we saw a number of people who just couldn't be bothered to get out of the way, even with two employees trying to make space for them to pass. I can't fathom why, after teasing rides through Safari Village, they are sending them down Candy Apple Grove. It's just asking for trouble, and I can guarantee the trouble won't come from the horses or drivers, but from the other guests on foot. This honestly seems like a terrible, terrible idea.
The employees I interacted with last night were all, honestly, amazing. I noticed they seemed to primarily be what appeared to be retirees, but even the younger staff were great. The staff at KD are usually one of my major gripes. I understand they whys of what is more often than not plain awful customer service during the regular season, so it was truly a great surprise. Everyone was cheerful and friendly, and even random staff passing us on the paths made sure to greet us or wish us happy holidays, or at least smile at us. A stark change from the usual pack of pissed off honey badgers in uniforms I'm used to.
Overall, I thought it was a very strong start for opening weekend of a brand new event. This time of year I can charitably be described as "grinch-like", but left Winterfest happy and looking forward to the holidays. I'm sure my wife would gladly tell you this is its own little Christmas miracle ?
Oh!, also, we ventured into Planet Snoopy for what may be the first time ever to check out he decorations there, which allowed me to get this picture of my youngest. If I had know it were possible, I would have dragged him in there years ago
Apologies if this was already mentioned, but the Singing Mushrooms did have a Christmas set! Here’s a sneak peek:
The park has finished lighting all the way around the Eiffel Tower, and the trees and decorations that were strung with lights but not illuminated last weekend are up and running now. They still have malfunctioning sections of the two big LED trees, but the completed tower/tree looks great.
So, I was right, when I said it wasn’t finished the first weekend...
Yes and I was wrong. When I asked about it I was told that the origional plan was to do the whole thing but that got changed. Not sure who it was that I was talking too but he was in the bushes fiddling with the rgb connection at the bottom of one of the strands closest to the Ritas side of the tower.
Funny, I didn't know they let the Dippin' Dots guy work on the lights...
How busy have the Saturdays been? I might go with family tomorrow and wanted to see if anybody else has gone can give me an idea what the crowds "could" be like.
We went last Saturday night and it wasn't crowded at all, but it was 40 degrees and on-and-off rain so that probably kept many away. Tomorrow night shouldn't have rain but is going to be a bit chilly.
Today was definitely the most crowded I’ve seen the event, so I assume Saturday will be similar. Still nothing crazy as far as crowds.
That said, the event was performing brilliantly. All of the lights in Winterfest Way are now synced to the music in a perpetual light show for the first time. It’s breathtaking.
That said, the event was performing brilliantly. All of the lights in Winterfest Way are now synced to the music in a perpetual light show for the first time. It’s breathtaking.
^^-- I thought Winterfest Way (the Grove) lights were different but wasn't sure. Yes impressive, I liked when they all went orange.
I got one ride on Dominator about 5:30 before they closed it. It was running great and there was no reason to close it but I guess they're sticking with B&M's 40 degree limit (while on Bizarro they would have been asking people to stay on for weight at 42 degrees, they kicked us off and the last train was 4 people). It might run until 5:05 on Sunday but that could be it for this weekend (why I went for quick trip straight from work). Rebel 75 was running but when I asked it was "for now" and I wouldn't be surprised if it closed by the time the most people were there. I talked to some people while eating that brought up who was going to ride with who when they got to Intimidator, unfortunately I had to tell them that wasn't going to be and I don't think it got through to them they better hurry.
There were big lines to get in by the time I left about 7:00.
I agree CTown is it's own experience and probably has more good things to do, but it was interesting you used the term "centerpiece". While the "highlight" is considered a synonym, other definitions emphasize a middle or center placement. Google's example of the word in use is "the tower is the centerpiece of the park" haha. Actually, I think Int'l St. and the tower is at least as impressive as Pompeii, but no where near as much "art for art's sake" as it is a very multi use and festive, while Pompeii is more unexpected. Pompeii was not decorated as it is now the first couple of years of CT, though. I think if KD does something in Safari Village, it will be when they can do it right.
I got one ride on Dominator about 5:30 before they closed it. It was running great and there was no reason to close it but I guess they're sticking with B&M's 40 degree limit (while on Bizarro they would have been asking people to stay on for weight at 42 degrees, they kicked us off and the last train was 4 people). It might run until 5:05 on Sunday but that could be it for this weekend (why I went for quick trip straight from work). Rebel 75 was running but when I asked it was "for now" and I wouldn't be surprised if it closed by the time the most people were there. I talked to some people while eating that brought up who was going to ride with who when they got to Intimidator, unfortunately I had to tell them that wasn't going to be and I don't think it got through to them they better hurry.
There were big lines to get in by the time I left about 7:00.
I agree CTown is it's own experience and probably has more good things to do, but it was interesting you used the term "centerpiece". While the "highlight" is considered a synonym, other definitions emphasize a middle or center placement. Google's example of the word in use is "the tower is the centerpiece of the park" haha. Actually, I think Int'l St. and the tower is at least as impressive as Pompeii, but no where near as much "art for art's sake" as it is a very multi use and festive, while Pompeii is more unexpected. Pompeii was not decorated as it is now the first couple of years of CT, though. I think if KD does something in Safari Village, it will be when they can do it right.
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Complete disorder and confusion right now. Ine guard saying move left for the line one guard saying move right. No actually lines or control of the crowd. People shoving and pushing trying to get in. Major fail tonight.
Over an hour wait to enter the park.
Over an hour wait to enter the park.
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There's the Kings Dominion I know! I knew opening night was too good to be true! ?