WinterFest

[Mushroom]

Has anyone heard anything about carriage rides this year? Someone in a Facebook comment said they were told carriage rides aren't happening this year, and sure enough, they're not listed on the "Experiences & Activities" page anymore. Then again, the park did mention them in this recent blog post, so something seems weird here.

 

[mwhinva]

Has anyone heard anything about carriage rides this year? Someone in a Facebook comment said they were told carriage rides aren't happening this year, and sure enough, they're not listed on the "Experiences & Activities" page anymore. Then again, the park did mention them in this recent blog post, so something seems weird here.

I thought someone mentioned on a KD Facebook group (KD Season Pass Holders?) that the contract for the 2019 carriage rides was not finalized. Not sure what the snag is concerning the contract. I assume if the park and vendor can iron out any issues, the carriage rides will be back; else, they won't happen for 2019

 

[WDWRLD]

Is the passholder preview on Friday? I looked on the site but couldnt find anything on it.

 

[mwhinva]

Is the passholder preview on Friday? I looked on the site but couldnt find anything on it.

There is a preview event on Friday, Check the KD Facebook site. BUT, it is a PRIVATE Event and is NOT open to Season Pass Holders or the GP. Maybe it is a Media open house and for families/friends of the Winterfest workers/entertainers.

 

[Mushroom]

The 2019 map still hasn't been released yet, but I noticed some things on a late-night browse through the Winterfest website.

One thing I noticed is that Blitzen's Burgers (aka Juke Box Diner) is located in the Coca Cola Polar Plaza section. Last year, the Polar Plaza was located in the Dominator pavilion, and although it was well done with lots of decorations, music, and games, the area was always a ghost town, especially when Dominator was closed for low temperatures. With Twisted Timbers open, moving the Polar Plaza to the event space in that area that was renovated in 2018 seems like a perfect fit, and I'm sure it will see a lot more visitors. I remember one of the behind-the-scenes videos KD put out mentioning that the Snowman Alley area, which was along the Dominator walkway, is being expanded, so it makes sense that Snowman Alley is expanding into the Dominator entry pavilion.

That said, I wonder if they'll relocate Sounds of Nativity. The petting zoo was expansive and had a really tranquil atmosphere, so I can't see it meshing well with the Polar Plaza in the same area.

The giant inflatable Winterfest Snow Globe photo op is said to be in Old Virginia this year, but I don't know where. Maybe it will be near where the path leading up to Shenandoah Lumber Co. and White Water Canyon. I wonder why they decided its location near the ladder climb in Planet Snoopy last year wasn't good enough.

Parched Pig will be called "Parched Pig Piping Pint" and will spiked chocolate and salted pork rinds in addition to its craft beer selections. This makes me wonder where North Pole Post Office will go (the website still says it's in Old Virginia), but I still think Twist & Shop would be the most logical choice.

Either way, we'll find out what happens in 2 days when Winterfest opens. Can't wait!

 

[mwhinva]

The 2019 map still hasn't been released yet, but I noticed some things on a late-night browse through the Winterfest website.

One thing I noticed is that Blitzen's Burgers (aka Juke Box Diner) is located in the Coca Cola Polar Plaza section. Last year, the Polar Plaza was located in the Dominator pavilion, and although it was well done with lots of decorations, music, and games, the area was always a ghost town, especially when Dominator was closed for low temperatures. With Twisted Timbers open, moving the Polar Plaza to the event space in that area that was renovated in 2018 seems like a perfect fit, and I'm sure it will see a lot more visitors. I remember one of the behind-the-scenes videos KD put out mentioning that the Snowman Alley area, which was along the Dominator walkway, is being expanded, so it makes sense that Snowman Alley is expanding into the Dominator entry pavilion.

That said, I wonder if they'll relocate Sounds of Nativity. The petting zoo was expansive and had a really tranquil atmosphere, so I can't see it meshing well with the Polar Plaza in the same area.

The giant inflatable Winterfest Snow Globe photo op is said to be in Old Virginia this year, but I don't know where. Maybe it will be near where the path leading up to Shenandoah Lumber Co. and White Water Canyon. I wonder why they decided its location near the ladder climb in Planet Snoopy last year wasn't good enough.

Parched Pig will be called "Parched Pig Piping Pint" and will spiked chocolate and salted pork rinds in addition to its craft beer selections. This makes me wonder where North Pole Post Office will go (the website still says it's in Old Virginia), but I still think Twist & Shop would be the most logical choice.

Either way, we'll find out what happens in 2 days when Winterfest opens. Can't wait!

Thanks for the new info on the Coca Cola Polar Plaza and the Snow Globe re-location.

Did the park last year have the short connector path between the Dominator and Planet Snoopy open or was it a dead-end and you had to back-track to Intl Street? Seems you might get more foot traffic by having a continuing pathway between the two areas. Plus, it appears the park is really expanding the Snowman area this year; so, it would make sense for them to improve the traffic flow so more people could take advantage of the area.

The Wind Seeker/Twisted Timbers plaza/pathway is a very large area. I don't think either the Wind Seeker or the up-charge Sky Flyer were open during the event last year. So the park could simply relocate the Nativity Stage and petting zoo along that north side of the plaza. The Coke Polar Zone could focus on the south side of the plaza and the short pathway to Apple Zapple and the entrance/exit for Twisted Timbers. Matter of fact, the park could place the music DJ at the far end of the path between AZ and TT (right in front of the back area service gate). There is plenty of room for folks to congregate back there.

I also heard that Santa's Post Office was going in the "Twist & Shout" gift shop for 2019.

With having the WS/TT plaza and pathway open for the GP this year, it will certainly feel like a major expansion happened for Winter Fest (Even without Safari Village open).

 

[bill s]

Although I never sat and watched Sounds of the Nativity, it was clearly audible throughout the whole area and very nice when what I assume was a church group was singing, away from the bustle of the front of the park. Wherever it goes, it can't be near a dance party. Shouldn't, anyway.

 

[mwhinva]

Although I never sat and watched Sounds of the Nativity, it was clearly audible throughout the whole area and very nice when what I assume was a church group was singing, away from the bustle of the front of the park. Wherever it goes, it can't be near a dance party. Shouldn't, anyway.

I believe the Nativity Show is a quartet (2 ladies & 2 gents). Moonmaxx Productions handles the casting of that show. I can't speak for the DJ booth as I don't know how loud the music was back when it was over in the Dominator plaza.

 

[Mushroom]

The DJ was loud; you could easily hear it from Berserker even though the DJ was all the way down by the Dominator gift shop. Unless KD does something to temper the sound, I’ll be very disappointed if Polar Plaza and Sounds of Nativity are too close together.

 

[mwhinva]

I think you guys are going to be a little surprised with the new show locations for 2019. I saw the rehearsal videos on MoonMaxx Productions Facebook site.

"Mistletones" are performing on the Grove stage this year. (Right next to Santa's Post Office - "Twist & Shout" gift shop)
"Sounds of the Nativity" stage is now located in front of the Safari Village main entrance (I have no idea where the petting zoo is located this year. Makes sense to have it near the Nativity . . . shrug).

Where was the "Four Drummers Drumming" performed last year?

 

[mtpelepele]

Four Drummers Drumming was beside the Safari Village entrance last year. That's a nice, quiet area, it will be a good location for Sounds of the Nativity.

 

[bill s]

I believe the Nativity Show is a quartet (2 ladies & 2 gents). Moonmaxx Productions handles the casting of that show. I can't speak for the DJ booth as I don't know how loud the music was back when it was over in the Dominator plaza.

There seemed to be 2 groups, one I thought of as "nativity Karaoke" with backing music, and one a church style group. Could just be really versatile.

 

[Gavin]

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Well that’s sucks.

 

[WDWRLD]

Smart move....with the heavy rain and chance for strong winds when the front passes they made the right call.

 

[Mushroom]

Poor Kings Dominion can’t catch a break when it comes to weather.

 

[warfelg]

Poor Kings Dominion can’t catch a break when it comes to weather.

I feel bad that people on social media slam them for things like this.

 

[Nicole]

I just called to move my igloo reservation, which was for tonight. They were very friendly and helpful. Apparently, they are trying to reach out to people proactively, but hadn’t gotten to me yet.

Based on my experiences last year and today, Winterfest customer service is excellent.

 

[WDWRLD]

I feel bad that people on social media slam them for things like this.

I will say I have slammed both them and BGW...espically BGW for closing early some nights in the spring/summer because of weather when the weather wasnt that bad at all. If this was a summer event it would be one thing but the cold rain is another and 100% of their event is outside with very few rides running normally and even less during moderate rain. They made the right call.

 

[mwhinva]

I took a look at KD's facebook site and the majority of folks seem to be supportive of the park's decision to be closed. Given 90% of the shows are outdoors, you would not get your money's worth if you went on a night like this.

We all know that KD has only one indoor theater. I've always thought the park needed another indoor theater. It does not have to be the size of the KD Theater (roughly 1100 capacity). It could just seat 600-700 folks. They could do what Dorney park did 7-8 years ago and build a pre-fab, modular indoor theater in one off-season. It could replace the Peanuts Showplace amphitheater for example. Heck, they could also bring back a small outdoor amphitheater (200-250 cap) One with a weatherproof canopy of some type, covering the stage and seating area. It would work for most weather events. Oh well, another fantasy. ?

 

[KDkid2]

Have to say I thought Winterfest was a step down this year. The only real big changes where the locations of some of the acts and the animals as talked about above... Personaly I liked where they where located more last year ... I'll give them credit for doing a few new food items & opening up a few more places. All the acts where pretty much the same acts as last year... Also it seemed like there where even less characters (again I believe all the same from last year) if your going hoping to see something different thn you probably will be disappointed.. Was good to see both Dominator & Twisted Timbers ,Americana where all walk on rides pretty much with the small crowd.

I also thought it was funny KD using many of the haunt structures... The new light overhang walk next to the 3d theater was nice .. But nothing really ells stood out for me except the smell of popcorn & Turkey legs in the park ha