brenthodge

Generally things like this aren’t thrown together in a year. I have a feeling early plans were being formed even then. I seem to remember Koontz saying something new in that building and TRTR were 2 of his goals “before he retired” since his retirement was forced a bit early, I think we can have him to thank a bit for keeping this idea alive these past few years. For the quick turn on this (less than 8 months) a lot of development has already happened and probably some set pieces will be ready to go in as soon as the space is cleared. Pivot can be changed with these ride vehicles (it was for Scooby) so I think it can still feel different.

Agree to aLL of this and to say the 50th got no major investment - thats not true TONS of money was invested into historical decor, 4 original shows, a daily "mini parade" and closing show infrastructure thats in use nightly though the summer. In additiona to ride and facilities refreshes. I'd say it was a lot of invesment and more than most got for their 50ths.

good one!

There was a "horde" that I seemed to be just in front of all night. Same expereice - I'd ride with little wait, get off and see double the line. Help in my favor till I somehow got out of order and they got in front of me and the short line for ORION shot up to 40 min.

Interesting Carrowinds is still holding at 69. I haven’t checked to see if other parks are playing price roulette.

I’m getting closer to not renewing. I’m glad I didn’t join the sheep in the line to the slaughter a few weeks ago when it all went live. 12 days to make my final decision and get my dumpster fire sale pass at SixOverGA.

GRAVITY.

This also shows their strategy. Limit the “all season limited access” to push more traffic to the pr visit product, thereby potentially getting more yield through quantity sales when people have to buy it multiple times. It’s similar to the pushback Dollywood got a few years ago during Covid reservations when they limited passholder slots, yet had lots of “daily ticket purchase” availability. Unlimited access passholders don’t make you as much money.

Yes to both. I admit I take advantage of both of those, but would willingly give them up if it meant keeping a quality event.

Thank you. People really aren’t grasping basic business and how bad the bleeding is right now.

I have a feeling a lot of this WAS planned. Had the park actually meant it when they said “the resources from Winterfest were being put into the summerbration” there should’ve been at least a close to lateral show for show comparison. It wasn’t even close. They had all the hardware needed for the parade and cut it to “rolling out set pieces”. Had all the recipes and legwork done for special food from us, and did none of it. They had the completed set design and even some of the key set pieces until last year for club KI stored behind racer. The fact that only recently have they finished breaking them down leads me to believe they were being kept until needed at KD. When they weren’t they finished destroying them. We saw a drop off in quality from KI to Carrowinds 50, but this time it fell off the cliff.

I’d venture that “golden age” actually culminated in 22 with the anniversary celebration. We thought it was the beginning of a “new era” at KI with more entertainment, a focus on park history, better food, and a quality experience. Sadly instead of it being a new chapter, it seems like now it was the end of the book.

Hey now.. Action theatre gets a few weeks of use as a (now) upcharge haunted maze at HAUNT!

I think it could work if done right, so you know that means given the way things are now, it would look like crap! LOL

Thats why I never understood the major investment in the BandStand over Showplace in the initial build out. Its just not a nice place to watch a show... any season excpept maybe fall, then there still no seating. I've suggested several times to take the two front quarters in front of the tower and pave them. Add seating and some really nice planters, maybe even a few trees toward the back to make a raised seating area for when there are shows there.

Ive always felt with WF3.0 Tinkers was a second tier show. It was bad in Feshaus (too loud for a show with a plot) and "too important" in KITheatre. It would be ideal for Showplace if there were skateboard ramps all over the stage. That venue needs a revamp with a better roof, heaters and possible more "tiered" seating instead of the steep rake. Even a smaller version of the Peanuts thing would work there since it leads right in to Planet Buggs... I mean SNOOPY.

Do you mean use the stage? Like “fill the stage” I think you could by supplementing the ground units with some draping. Really they could bring over the big center tree as well and possibly add a few minor set pieces for each of the “acts”. Even reusing the large step unit from PTE if it still exists would anchor the space. Totally agree with the “outdoor smaller” idea, but any show outdoor -even small- should really provide seating/heat.

My vote is Follies. That show was WASTED on the bandstand. Feel like they almost need to bring CoolYule back for a different vibe since follies, amSwingin’ and Mitletobes all have that same 40-50s vibe.

She’s teasing, but not saying much. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNTmE5ms_iQ/?igsh=MW4zNTF3Z2JoM3RnMA==

Starting there, but if it was a “survival strategy” I think it COULD work with a lot of very public, very big changes. Tons of honestly - like saying outright “ both of our companies have a lot of of obligations (to our vendors and financial partners) but our main obligation is to YOU, our loyal guests. We invite you to join us on a transformative journey as we redefine the regional theme park industry. We’ll be honest, there will be some changes that, for the short term we all might not love, but together we can build a company that gives you places to create a lifetime of memories from coast to coast.

“C6 entertainment properties” was my vote.

I’ve been banging that drum from day 1. They kept the 6 name for brand recognition, oblivious to the fact that it was NOT a good impression.

Well, that ship sailed a few years ago…

It was more like that year one (you know, the Covid year that somehow sucked less than this one LOL. There were tasting passes, every food location had a “trick” savory and “treat” sweet (or less spicy or odd) option. There were multiple shows including a pirate themed “game show”.

I couldn't believe how sleazy those emails were - Literally one a day. Telling me to hurry... get HAUNT and Winterfest and the last few weeks of the almost over season before our dumpster fire sale passes go on sale next week for MORE benefits and LESS price.