brenthodge

Yes. Go to entrance of area 72. We got there yesterday at 1 and got tickets for return 3-4. Come back during that time to ride. We came at the end of our slot and pretty much walked right On (I even MADE the kids walk through the preshow as the line wasn’t even routed through there.) when we got off right before 4 the next grouped was backed up all the way to the area 72 entrance, so they hold the line until the next time opens.

That echoes what we heard yesterday from a security guy saying the weekdays were very lightly booked. Maybe they hope opening it up more will increase the numbers.

That echoes what we heard yesterday from a security guy saying the weekdays were very lightly booked. Maybe they hope opening it up more will increase the numbers.

Leaving yesterday my wife was talking to a security guard who said it was light yesterday, but the rest of the week was even lighter. Sort of a ‘shaking your head wondering if it’s even worth being open’ attitude. Did say may be different once it opens up to GP, but that they were hearing a lot of pushback on the mask requirement.

Hmmmm if I can follow guidelines. Why can’t others?

I reported a guy today sneaking off in the bushes in plant snoopy with a cig and lighter. Watched him, giving him the benefit of the doubt he was going to front to smoke. As soon as he hopped the wall to go between the helicopters and the shop I went to the nearest game where there was an area supervisor and told them he was back there. Not sure the outcome, but I saw them head that way and grab a security guy on the way. Good. If you knew you had to hide in the bushes you knew you were wrong (I could give you “didn’t know” if you just lit up out in the open. I have no problem helping the park enforce this. I would have stopped the security guy and pointed her out. He might not have even noticed her.

Just got back. Had to ask a few obnoxious kids 12-15 year olds “ where are your masks” as they tried to cut in front of us doing a “reride” cut through too early on whitewater canyon. My kids have had them on all day, you can as well. Also reported a guy sneaking off into the bushes To smoke at Planet Snoopy to supervisor. Yeah, I’ve become THAT guy!

I swear there were the right words when I typed that.

Same for us. I think if you return toward the end of your slot it’s better. We had 3-4. Rode at 3:45 with no wait, just walk strait to load. . When we got off the 4-5 crowd had showed up and the line was to the entrance of Area 72 waiting to enter the queue.

I can’t either. Nothing actually plays.

Thanks for keeping it real. I’ve often gotten the “do you even like this place” criticism for providing constructive, critical feedback and well informed observations. Some people thing you cant be an enthusiast unless you are falling over yourself to thank the park for everything the do. There can be realistic, tough love lol!

“Exactly....so does a passholder feel so entitled they would rather have an experience that they "didn't agree to when they purchased a pass" just to get into KI this season, all at the expense of a greatly devalued experience in the upcoming years? “ Yes, based on a lot of the complaining I see, yes. Many pass holders do feel that entitled. My God, the complaints when they first pushed back into May opening was astounding. The amount of people complaining about “all of those days” they were loosing -many of them buyouts that they couldn’t have gone anyway- was amazingly arrogant and selfish. I think the ONLY reason they are getting glowing reviews on FaceBook right now from all of them is because they are getting something free and they are still planning on being there “mid may”

I don’t think they are thinking just about your schedule. I am saying “different” times could call for different approaches. I would assume by 2021 all would return to normal. Again. Not saying it’s even on the table, just saying those “eager to get back in the park” need to realize there may have to be ways to limit numbers if they want the park open sooner than later.

I could definitely see a “limiting” of pass holder days (maybe only weekdays) once (if) the park opens this season since they are giving you a whole year free to use it next year, and save weekends for gate admission customers (maybe give pass holders a discount) yes it’s not what you signed up for when you bought the pass, but none of this is.

Was an opinion. Facts not necessary.

I think this is a “loose confirmation” that they don't expect a summer season. I would definitely not look for water park opening this year. Maybe they can justify staffing the park even with a late open because some of that operational staff can extend into Haunt and Winterfest. (Actually I could almost see an early start to Haunt - like late September- being the way they start the “season”) I may be wring, but I think this blanket statement is as much about future decision making as it is about “good will”. I just don’t think they see another way to “add benefit” or extra days to this season.

I think a theme that’s relevant to the area is best. Like “King’s Mill Water Works” or something like that. When parks not in tropical areas try to pull off tropical it cones off as cheesey. Lean into the natural look of the area. Streams, rocks, pine trees and timber. Not pirate ships and sea animals. I’d also be ok with this being a second gate admission if the increased revenue allowed for more investment. I think you could do like Dollywood and have an “upgraded” season pass that includes it, but I feel including it as just an area of the park will always limit the investment they put in it.

Not the point of Winterfest. Different crowd.

I have never seen the whining and entitlement like the some of the season pass holders on FaceBook posts from the park. Good lord, I’d feel like giving them NOTHING at this point.

So, one shot with sun on the supports looks brighter than one WITHOUT sunlight on the supports. Proving what? Sunlight makes things brighter?

I agree. The colored floods, while better now as LED than a few years ago with old cracked gels and almost no color, do little to create an experience. Even though it didn’t relate to the old story, a complete star field with moving sparks of light in the darkness would be more disorienting and could tie into the new theme.

I Throw them out as soon as the season is over. Why the heck do I need to hold on to more crap?

Right, and Dollywood (which closes much earlier) is known to add an hour or two if attendance warrants it. I could even see them doing this. It’s all about numbers, profitability, making nice with the community leadership in a balancing act.

Not at all. The drop off in numbers and spending probably made it easy to justify closing an hour earlier. orion and Carnivale will more than compensate for the few people who stayed and spent that last hour people complaining “I’m not renewing my pass because of getting less hours for my money” will still renew because they just like to complain. my thoughts.

Wow. Impressed. I don’t remember the “in park” launches last New Years. Definitely brings a new level.