brenthodge

They announced the closure BEFORE they opened the gates, so it seems YOU are the one that cannot read, as their post went public at 3:30. Well in advance of a 5 pm open. Were you privy to any conversation that might have occurred between shift supervisors and staff in advance of that public announcement to assess who could safely or not safely come in and stay until the posted closing time? You clearly want to be so right on this, but you aren’t. Yes-costs to remain open past 8 were I’m sure weighed against anticipated revenue. But there were I’m sure many factors that were considered as well such as safety concerns AND public perception of staying open as many other businesses closed early. As for the name calling, I’m simply basing my opinion on your on going rant that is incorrect, and seems fully motivated by your own need to be right and get what you want-a park that never closes once it is open- circumstances be darned.

Due to water line damage in multiple locations through the park because of the extreme temperatures. I'm sure its only a matter of time before some entitled folks jump on here and somehow blame it on attendance and fault the park for being horribly managed LOL. This is probably the restrooms as most of those facilities were never designed for year-round use. Remember the first go-round of WinterFest didn't use that much of the park. Now with pretty much the entire park open, lots of facilities that may have even had the water mains turned off on are now open and in use on some very cold nights.

Maybe you SHOULD think twice about traveling to the park on questionable weather days. The more you rant the more silly you sound. They “didn’t close for rain”. They communicated 2hours in advance of opening that they would be closing early for the safety and comfort of staff and guests. If you chose to come AFTER that was publicly stated, that was on you. You might want to drop it soon, you really aren’t strengthening your case LOL!

The thing to keep in mind is there are some selfish, juvenile folks like “super7” that dont get that there is ANYONE ELSE other themselves that factors into deciding anything. I’d hate to see how self centered they were about anything REALLY important instead of something as fairly trivial as when a theme park closes. I’m thankful the team was able to provide what they could Thursday. I’m impressed the park clearly communicated expectations well in advance of closing, and I’m impressed they seemed genuinely concerned about their staff. The park management seems to get the big picture WAY more than sone folks around here.

They pulled no trick. They posted at 3:30 on a day they were opening at 5 that they were closing at 8. The forecast shifted from shifting to snow at 10-11 to earlier. Sorry their actions don’t fit your made-up narrative.

Pretty much none of that is what happened. They announced Fridays closure on Tuesday when it became clear it would be unsafe to open. They adjusted Thursday’s close and published it BEFORE open at about 3-3:30 when it became clear that the rain would be hitting about that time and rapidly changing to snow, then dropping temps. Did anticipated attendance after 8pm factor in? I’m sure, but to say it was done “on a whim” doesn’t seem to have been the case. I’m sure the opportunity to make $$$ the last two nights before Christmas was seriously weighed against the cost of doing business, potential staffing challenges, and possible liability to guests and staff being open in unsafe conditions. Your “if you open you stay open” policy takes none of that into account as any well run business looking out for their bottom line should.

Contracts are probably written for performers. Sone of the shows are produced by outside companies, and I doubt you could easily explain to the GP the isduecc C with the rides not running. I’m sure they build a day or two of “losses” into the budget knowing each season there may be a cancellation or two. I think there was at least 1-2 late closed and a full cancellation last year due more to rain and storms during the week of nightly ops.

They’ve actually had a good run this year. First cancellation to date. And a good reason.

I feel like there have been quite a few subtle “omissions” the last year or so. The entertainment at the BrewHouse, the snow globe, the carriage rides, was 4 drummers reduced? Last Sunday night I got over there at 7:35 for a 7:30 show and they finished the song they were doing and were gone. It was maybe 7:40. I remember light up drum sticks and way more interactive things. I LOVE Winterfest, but certainly there were aspects that seemed a bit light this year. And I still wish they would move Scrooge back to a covered outdoor area instead of sharing space where it make no sense thematically. It belongs on I street or Rivertown with the midway characters close by.

Agree. Only could find the price by looking at the (sold out) page on line. Miss all around on that. Seems like it was an afterthought. Parade stoped on coney last night. Must’ve been a one time thing. Maybe they saw rain coming and decided to just run it straight through. Wonder if it stopped at other 3 spots.

anyone know if you get a pass discount?

Still feel “Sounds of the Nativity” is the most underrated, under appreciated live entertainment option at Winterfest. Awesome vocals, well produced lighting and just a “classy” experience (with sone tweaks). They’ve done a few things in past year to this to draw attention, but think the “light up tombstone “ sign should go further down on the main path. Then line the path back with all the other “tombstone lanterns“ with stained glass designs leading to the big stained glass nativity. Even lining the path with snow drift trees and luminarias. The assorted lanterns they used over the old “Pumpkin Eater” path this year would be beautiful to hang over the path to really draw attention. Then PLEASE put some benches or cafe tables back there in front of the stage. Put the animal food vendor right by the entrance or someplace NOT right by the stage so you could actually focus on the entertainment if you didn’t want to pet the critters. Actually they NEED sone seating at all of these temporary show venues to make more enjoyable to actually watch the show.

The whole food thing I feel has been real “hit or miss” this year for Winterfest. No real published “features” menu or signage in front of places like Tricks and treats. It’s more “wander up to a place and there might be a sign highlighting Winterfest features”

Nothing says “horror area” like a big play area in the middle LOL (come to think of it… squealing kids kinda IS a horror)

If you are expecting Swinging into Christmas to be an even swap for Charlie Brown you will be disappointed. It’s great to have a live band and it’s good, but it’s a typical FestHaus review show with a fairly “cheap” set that is a waste of the stage and capability of that space. That’s an odd space anyway in that it’s a full theater in a food hall. You “could” do a show with legit sets and lighting, but why in a space people barely pay attention as they eat. KI really needs to either upgrade International Showplace or invest in another legit indoor theatre. The show in Festhaus is exactly the type of show that should be in there, but it’s a shame we lost a show with more “production “ for it. I still wish they would bring back an ice skating show that extends the stage out into the dining space more

If you are at the final stop on IStreet it is always like this - which is a fail if you ask me. I wish they ride the floats all the way back to the start area - or al least stoped again just to let the performers "peel off" at the tower. Its just bad show for anyone past the final show stop. The show ends and elves and drummers just go running and jumping off of floats. The only ones that stay on are the ones "strapped on". They do this with every parade and its just a really unprofessional look to me

My thoughts- loose chick fil a, add a park unique Chinese concept there with revamped seating - more pavilion style open side-hard roof with heaters and fans, revamped landscaping to make it feel like Chinese garden to tie into international street. Loose skyline and add park specific indoor dining concept with breakfast, lunch, dinner sandwiches- with a few loose “international” influences for the lunch and dinner options. replace Panda in Festhaus with a dedicated German option, then make the other, larger side an international “food hall” with family friendly options lije pizza, burgers and chicks fingers one aside and rotating CARNIVALE-style food choices on the other line.

HotRod Highway sounds great, but you now have 2 “hot rod” rides with DemonRod or whatever that band was. Area 72 has a UFO “mindtrip ” indoor roller coaster and a “space exploration training module” loosely themed Giga Coaster. Seems like they are more different than just 2 space themed rides. I’d say still keep the new coaster music themed. Even if it was surf or dive it could play into 50s surf music.

No.

Like the idea, but maybe a different theme for the new coaster? Seems like a lot of car themed rides. Keep backlot and antiques the car themes. Maybe it’s just a great coaster with a loose “rock and roll” theme like RocketRocker -launched like you proposed. On board audio of 4-5 great classic rock soundtracks tgg HD at change each ride. Maybe 1-2 themed tunnels with simple lighting effects. DoWahDitty City SockHop City be a perfect tie in with TinselTown during WinterFest

totally agree- there are other ways to enhance the experience

Wow. This went in a different direction. I was thinking less costly, simpler lighting and projection overlays to existing ride experiences. Yes-there is a whole other depth this could be taken to, but I wasn’t thinking quite as involved. Interesting turn though!

With new theatre and effect tech making it easier to have different experiences using mapping, screens, and other lighting based effects instead of so many practical effects- what misses do you see where the park could really cater to its base that visits the park a lot throughout the season. There are so many things they could do to increase theming while at the same time enhance the re-ride experience by changing things up. Mystic was a dip in the water with this. What else could they come up with? First thing to my mind is mapped projection on base props in the tunnels on Adventure so that each tunnel has 2-3 versions that all vary giving almost infinite variations-with to the final hill being the one real practical effect.

With new theatre and effect tech making it easier to have different experiences using mapping, screens, and other lighting based effects instead of so many practical effects- what misses do you see where the park could really cater to its base that visits the park a lot throughout the season. There are so many things they could do to increase theming while at the same time enhance the re-ride experience by changing things up. Mystic was a dip in the water with this. What else could they come up with? First thing to my mind is mapped projection on base props in the tunnels on Adventure so that each tunnel has 2-3 versions that all vary giving almost infinite variations-with to the final hill being the one real practical effect.