brenthodge

Sure! Glad you got that (I work hard to be subtle yet effective)

Please, no… just stop with the gate coaster. It’s not needed at KI.

Agree with what they said about removal probably stopped when pandemic shut down hit. These have been there since close of winterfest 2019 I’m pretty sure. There’s tons of stuff left up (too much if you ask me, it’s sloppy leaving all lighting of Charlie Brown trees lot up and unlit all the time.

Most of the parade “cast” is out and about in character from 5 on. They are roaming their respective areas until parade time, then all assemble. The support staff (traffic control, safety etc) do have other jobs I believe (Manning info/craft booth, guest assistance, etc) but also join the parade at “go time”. They learned the choreography for the dance break, so it’s not like they just randomly grab associates and give them carnivale shirts. Not sure if people “signed up” to work the parade from other roles and are just trained in 1-2 practices and scheduled accordingly, but that’s my guess that only the “featured costumed performers” are actually cast by entertainment.

That whole side of the park could flow beautifully with the right theming. River town into camp snoopy into a returned and renovated “KingsMills WaterWorks” water park with tall pines and lusher landscape (and ditch the fake tropical -beach theme)

The booths (overall) seem to be staffed, there’s just so much you can do with some of the more “labor intensive” preps they are doing in “pop up” kitchens. Short of doubling up entire prep areas, I’m not sure what they could do to expedite. I could see maybe in future years splitting the sweet/ beverage and savory into two tents in some of the more popular areas.

I think they could definitely tie many of the daytime trick or treat stations thematicly into night time scare zones and even try to better theme (location-wise) the mazes. Like the pirate treat station located by the set for the pirate scare zone with maybe even an indoor haunt in the area that ties in as well. Make the indoor the most intense, the outdoor still “slightly kid friendly” fir kids that want to stay after dark.

This was discussed on NEXTDOOR where the parent posted the events that happened. They said the kids (attacked) were with the parents the whole day and had no issues. When they let the kids go off on their own, the daughter called within an hour saying they were being attacked for NO REASON. I’m certainly not saying violence should ever be the solution, but interesting that the attack was “totally unprovoked” yet the parents weren’t around to really know if words weren’t shared both ways. There’s often nuances to a story, especially when you are relying on kuds account, that get lost in the shuffle.

Oddly, the elephant float was the only float complete in the parade tent right up until they started loading in all the other ones. Maybe technical issues? But the costumes weren't in the parade, so it seems like a planned decision.

Countries grouped into 2 "area sizes" A - New Orleans, Germany, France, China,Italy - have food, entertainment and craft or game B - Mexico, Spain, India - have food and entertainment only Smaller acts in each area with larger acts on mainstage New Orleans - (along path in front of KI Theatre) Jazz Band - Crown craft Germany - accordion player Mexico (along path by Tower Gardens) - leads into Hanks Burritos - Mariaci Band China - Tower Gardens - drummers - lantern craft. Maybe even use some of the red lights from Winterfest India (path by International Showplace) Sitar player - dance Spain (nook between French corner and Spanish building - strolling guitar player Italy - Opera Singer All areas have overhead string lights in county flag colors along with flags International Showplace is used for area international groups (music, dance) to perform on a voluntary basis for free park admission - drives attendance as family members get discounted tickets to watch performers.

Some observations (and yes I will be kind AND critical - I LOVE these types of events and want them to succeed, but I also will always share my thoughts on how I feel they can the the strongest they can be. I am NOT employed by the park and do not have line of signs into costs or feasibility - just ideas!) Was there on Monday night, so nice crowd but not a weekend crazy Food was great (all 5 tastes - like that the pass holders can do a "run of event" pass. Really like the seating areas - makes the overall event feel more upscale. People were using them - makes you realize when you provide really nice seating and great food, people take advantage of it and spend money Parade was nice. I like the later start time (8:30 vs 8) lets the lights show up more. Seems like the show stop is shorter this year - maybe to still wrap up by 9. Miss the elephant drum float and a few of the other costumes, but I like that they are freshening it up this year. LOTS of ripped fishnets and we are only 3 days in. Some of the girls look a little "women of the night" when combined with all the feathers and such - hope they regularly replace as the run continues otherwise its gonna look REAL trashy by Aug 1 LOL. Miss parking a few of the floats by the stage for the dance party. These added some drama and light last time - maybe these blocked up the area too much. I like the opening show - like others have said, it seems to drag on a bit - just sing... dance... shoot confetti and get it going Miss the entertainment throughout. Maybe next time they can find a blend - smaller, single performer acts in each area and a few larger "carnivale" type acts on the main stage. The areas just feel a little quiet with no entertainment or craft activity (those have been consolidated as well) I do like there was an accordion guy in Germany, so maybe they are playing with a few "pop up acts" Added decor looked nice, but if you buy garlands with lights in them... plug them in - especially when they are on buildings covered in lights and electrical plugs. Seems like this was hit or miss - actually lot of the areas seemed dark. No lights in the Chinese lanterns and the lights on those pergolas weren't plugged in, lots of garlands not lit (some even with cord run to them - like they just ran out of time). Wish there was more overhead string lights in the country colors or something to light the countries up more. I think loosing the stages made these areas even darker than last time. The areas still seem a little unbalanced. Few ideas for "next time" in next post.

Yes, I shared that “training tip” with the supervisor. Signage helps as well. These “specials” are great but they’ve got to be supported with marketing and communication

I think they are trying to unload the cash they have on hand! Last week at Brewriver, I asked “what’s the dip o the month?” The answer “some jalapeño… thing… I think… yeah (looks at imaginary “piece of paper”) a jalapeño, kinda creamy dip..???” I said “well since you sold it so well, I think I will pass on that” few minutes later here it come to my table.check bill, yep, it’s on there. Confusion… “you sure you don’t want it??”… more confusion… supervisor… “Oh, you didn’t want it? Can I just give you cash instead of putting it back on your card?” LOL.

Looks like they are upping the game a bit. Love it!

That’s why original, non lyric, on theme music would solve these issues. I don’t understand why as a chain, CF can’t 1) move away from pop crap in the park. I want an “escape” from my car radio, not an extension of my car radio. 2) commission 3-4 extended playlists of theme appropriate music that could plug into similarly themed areas across all properties and extend the cost across all those parks. I don’t think people would notice repeat as much of pure instrumental. Maybe still do some “classic rock” for comment-style midways and attractions. And why I’m complaining. PLEASE PLEASE ditch the stupid live spieling on rides. REPLACE with theme appropriate safety announcements (loved hearing the full recorded spiel on FOF last fir a first time in a while. Haven’t ridden in a couple of years. Good to hear it back.

That theatre looks ROUGH. I know it’s not being used right now, but man, it needs a major overhaul. Maybe even a better roof and more “tiered” seating so it could be used for winter fest.

I think being buried in the back of the gardens vs on the park to chick fil a didn’t help

Looks like the also consolidated t hey e entertainment to one stage instead of throughout the park like last time. Hope not! That added to the atmosphere

Maybe they can continue to grow this, or… crazy idea… elevate the food offerings on a regular basis. Things are definitely better, but I’d pay more to have food along these lines daily, and the quick sell out demonstrates there’s a demand for it. Would I think be a better read on the market for it if it WASNT on the dining plan. If people had to pay for it would be interesting to see if it sell drew such a crowd.

Did. All done. Cleaned up. Looked like it never happened. Why I said went fast. Was done and put to bed in the span of an hour.

Went fast! I got there about 5:45 and passed chef leaving. Figured I missed it.

So random where they post. Never same place 2x.

Anyone know if there’s going to be an attempt at the chefs plate this evening? Not seen anything about it yet.

Sounds like it’s time for you to shop around. That’s the great thing about a free market. You can take your purchasing any where you choose.

Walk ons every thing I’ve seen today. A few “not running” rides. I know weather factors in, but days like today I almost think they could’ve closed Tuesday and Wednesday, then kept the longer Friday and Saturdays and been better operationally. Tough call to know for sure.