Orion-XL200

That’s the first I’ve seen this. I dig it. Of course it’s quite reminiscent to SDC. I would be happy with this change for sure, despite not getting to KK often.

I always thought the location of the Drop Tower was odd. Hopefully it gets a better location.

Speaking of International Restaurant.... Friday night....not available for the Winterfest Buffet....one would assume that there was a private event because of https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet: It was pitch black all night from what I noticed. I would have rather done the buffet, but guess I kept my $.

To be fair, it had been struggling for a while.

Killmart. You just go up to Racer and back.

Went this evening. Racer and Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers were not open due to temps. It was freezing but had a good visit overall. The new Winterfest Way was cute, the steamed up car at the drive in cracked me up. Another cute Easter egg was found at the entrance to the drive in, which I loved. First ride of the night was on Kings Mills Antique Autos. I don’t remember for sure, but looked to have less decorations throughout the course. Just outside of it in “Tinsel Town” there were less decorations and no silver trees to block the path to WindSeeker like in years past. We took a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley and surprisingly it did well in the cold. I still think people are confused that it is a “ride.” Ate one meal at Coney BBQ and it was yummy! I got the turkey with gravy and Sweet Potato Fries, tried the Cranberry BBQ sauce but it wasn’t a good mix with the gravy so didn’t have a ton, though tasty. After dinner, we hit up Mystic Timbers. It seemed to be running quite slow, but was fun. Ended up doing Snow works. Hopefully this video works: IMG_7731.mov Let me just tell you, if I didn’t have Fast Lane, I would have been ticked waiting in line to go an inch off of the drop. Cargo Loco was next and then I enjoyed the sights. We decided to hit up Tinker’s Toy Factory. I hate to say it, but it put me to sleep. Being a theater person, I love live E, but it felt like the same tired show with no energy. Bonus points, it warmed me up! I then was shown the Nutcracker Wand by a friend and picked one up myself. They are definitely fun, but didn’t really get more than a QR code to show me where activation points were. Wasn’t shown how to play tag or what to do to interact with the parade or shows. Disappointed in that, but still had fun with it. The map shows some locations not really where they are, for example in Coney Mall. The points are shown more toward the outside of the walkway (Racer side) but they were actually in the middle of the mall. Watched the parade. It as well was the same as it has been in past years. Wish they would at least update the interactive songs. Everyone around me kinda just stared. I then met up with friends at Boo Blasters. It was a nice inside ride, but the gun didn’t work/score. Really hope it gets updated in the near future to something better. We then hit up the KIMVRR. Wow. What a disappointment. The interactive wand activation point was the highlight. The crew loaded maybe 1/3 of the train that went ahead of us. When we finally boarded, we sat on the train waiting to be dispatched which took forever, probably a good 10 minutes. Could have been due to building steam pressure, but it was odd and they kept letting people get on. When we finally got moving, there was no music, though there was audio when instructions were given. 12 days of Christmas was not played. The train took off and was moving extremely quick through about the first half of the course. There were a good number of lights that were either out completely or partially worked. It was just disappointing and someone recently said here they think they should update the displays around the train and I’d agree. But only if they can maintain them, because as of right now, it doesn’t look like they’ve been maintained. What should have been a quick/nice ride on the train became at least a 1/2hr experience. The premium drink plan came in handy with the hot chocolate. It was tasty and had no issues trying to find it. The shopping experience has stayed kinda subpar. Nothing really new, aside from generic coaster gear and overpriced hoodies. I found one hoodie I liked, that featured I-Street during Winterfest. I quickly found myself putting it back after seeing that it was $52. Despite the “issues” I had, I still had a good time. Hoping to make it back at least one more time.

Looking forward to visiting tomorrow! According to the Weatherbug app, Mason won't hit above 33° for the day. I'm not anticipating much being open as far as rides go.

Holly Jolly Trolley without a trolley...that's so odd. Tree Lighting Ceremony.... Why not use the Oil Derrick for the tree? Is it me or is it weird that they use "Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog," as a Christmas song because they tie "Joy To The World" into it? (KI does this as well) Compared to KI and Carowinds (the two events I've been to) this seems to be the most unenthusiastic event that I've seen. Also, I still hate that Carowinds does this: Such an odd look...what Christmas tree has a flared top vs a flared bottom?

The quick turn on Orion before the brakes.

Based on that. It were to come from Ride Entertainment I’m guessing a dark ride. Or maybe a similar ride to Catwoman’s Whip at SFSL. Zamperla….who knows.

I'm not the most religious person.....but I do believe that this show deserves the respect of a seated/captive audience. I loved it at the first location...hated where it was last year and hope this year is better...but not sure I'll make an effort to go see it in this location.

If anything happens, I doubt it'll be announced.

Adventure Port as a whole is meh to me. You can tell it was not a typical planned addition. The theming is probably the best part. The loss of a good chunk of the themed Oktoberfest area is sad (though Slingshot didn't really add to the themed land). If I were to give it a grade, I'd give it a 74%. Here's my breakdown: Area: 5/10: In a way is too pushed together, it would have made more sense to me if they would have placed it down behind the Eiffel Tower in the empty lot near Diamondbacks turn around to the station, retrofitted the Island Coolers (or whatever it's called) to a quick serve burritos place to keep the Enrique's name. Location is not bad...but not great either. Rides: 22/30: Adventure Express everything that has happened with it being "rethemed" ish....works. I love it. I love the tie in to former/current rides. I love that there is still a stain in a spot within the Fast Lane queue of uhm....human defecation that arrived during Acestock......yeah you read that right. 10/10 Sol Spin....still wish they would have went with the larger capacity model...even with Fast Lane, I feel like this is such a slow loader due to the lack of capacity. Fun ride, seats aren't comfortable, while waiting for loading to be completed/seats to be checked and ride dispatch. I'm torn between loving the ride experience with Sol Spin or the Huss versions ala Witches Wheel. 6/10 Cargo Loco.....they tried. Lack of shade structure on the barrels stinks. The barrels ability to spin or lack there of while the platform rotates kills the enjoyment of the ride for me. I love teacup rides, I love to spin until I am so dizzy I can't see straight. Cargo Loco leaves a lot to be desired in that aspect. 6/10 Restaurant: 6/10 Enriques to me is okay. I'm not a huge fan of Chipotle....Enrique's is a step up in flavor for me. I wish they had more options for toppings. I do not eat beans and most salsas. So basically I get a chicken burrito with brown rice and cheese. Would love to see more options.....bonus point for being converted into the Mac n Cheese bar for Winterfest....if it was year round, it'd be a 10/10. Bar: 9/10 Mercado is not bad. I've only swung by this bar and partook a couple of times. The service at this location no matter the theme has been stellar. Drinks are made well and I get a good value out of the cost. 10/10 Theming: 10/10 The theming of the area top notch. I love the little details, The conversion of the ride plaza looks phenomenal at the entrance/exit of Adventure Express. The posters, theming on Adventure Express and the ride signs excel.

That’s cool. Congrats to her.

This is an exciting addition!