brent

Im not sure the candy canes ever got really "finished" as intended. They were obviously not done in time for opening since opening night there was led tape light adhered to the inside edge of all of them with no connectors plugged in and extra wire and tape light just laying at the base. They must've abandoned that idea since eventually they got an led Spotlight at the base with white garland wrapped around them (but the tape light was still there, like it never got finished so they did a "plan b" these are the same used at California great adventure last year, but I agree there was so much going on in that area that they seemed superfluous. I think they would have had more impact lining the path from candy cane lane to Coca-Cola plaza where they could have strung red and white lights across the walkway from them. There were a few things that were direct lifts from CGA that could have been used better. It's like they "had" to use the same elements so they just stuck them someplace. Great job all around but that whole area was one of the areas that could have been stronger

Have to agree to the “on par or better” than Dollywood. So much of the entertainment is “in the street” at ki that I think it adds to the energy. A few more flat rides open would push the energy level higher, but I understand why things even like Viking fury aren’t open from an ops standpoint as the line for skate check in would make getting to it crazy. There seems to be a more”high energy” vibe here whereas Dollywood is a bit more “laid back country”

It actually would be nice to open a little earlier on weekends as the trim is so lush and full of details that you really miss it all once the lights go down. Maybe more “highlighting” like focused pinspots on those would be nice. If you get there early enough to take in the details in the festhaus decor alone is pretty amazing. Dollywood that’s open much earlier on weekends has no where near the level of detail in the decor. Bloomers added to Charlie Brown spectacular BTW. That was a note from last weekends run. Looks like a few things got tweaked, but if it didn’t get lit or plugged in looks like they just left it. Some elements in candy cane (giant canes not finished with the edge lights) and some light balls in the trees by first aid were just hanging with the cords dangling. Maybe still finishing. Wonder when you just say “whatever, we’re done” and move on?

My only “observation” was that the “cluster f##% of Christmas lights decor that was Winterfest Way could have gone more in coney mall to bring more energy and lights to that area that felt a little “off” considering the theme of the area. It would have also fit the “time period” of that area more. It felt a little “off” coming out of Rivertown , that actually felt true to theme again going into “disco Christmas” on the way to “artisan village” under the tower. Not bad, just thought that could have made both areas stronger.

Overall a fantastic first year out of the gate. There were a few things (not) obviously undone, but it looked like those are still being completed. I was talking to the sister of the project manager of WF and she agreed that at 4:30 yesterday things “had to stop” like throw it under the nearest bush we’ll deal with it tomorrow stop. Said the team worked all day Thursday -park fed the team for thanksgiving! The amount of “pocket entertainment” was awesome. The little acts scattered and roaming throughout the park made me feel like I was at Disneyworld during its heyday. This will make it hard to go back to regular season levels of entertainment! I was pleasantly surprised as a little bit of me didn’t believe KI really had it in them anymore to turn out this level of event.

Hearing it's closed again today. Was lucky to snag a ride July 6. It's been mostly (or completely) closed since then. Can't wait for their 2017 new ride...LIGHTNING ROD!!!!!!

Hearing it's closed again today. Was lucky to snag a ride July 6. It's been mostly (or completely) closed since then. Can't wait for their 2017 new ride...LIGHTNING ROD!!!!!!

Heard from someone at park today closed and no activity. It's been this way mostly since first of July with very limited running for a few days then almost nothing from about July 5-6 on. Hmmmmm?

edited

Hearing that it's closed again. The official word is its back to technical rehearsal. It's been a rough "season" for the marque attraction for '16. If you add up all the actual run time for lightning rod since it "opened" it might add up to a week total. Oh. And don't call out Robb Alvey on TPR for not practicing what he preaches about being rude. He'll kick you off his little "chat site" quick as he can. Do as I say don't do as I do says Robb. I've never been rude or disrespectful. I guess he didn't like me pointing out that his essentially calling me stupid for highlighting the miscommunication from Dollywood about all the delays was uncalled for and exactly the type of behavior HE kicks others off for - Its a JOKE of a site anyway.