brenthodge

That’s why I think it could’ve been retrofitted to play to that “linear” nature by having the topping choices against the windows. I’ve also wondered if a Mac-cheese idea could go in Rivertown funnel cake location. Fits theme-wise and that line is also set up to accommodate the “build it as you go” idea.

seems like a little bit of a waste of a food prep/service location unless they could retrofit it to really use the space to do real "craft cocktails" but with Mercado pretty close by, I'd say this is going to be pretty much a "pre-made" twist off the top kind of place. Still don't understand why they don't use th.s for a Mac?Cheese place - seems ready made with two order windows in the middle, a "prep" line behind 3/4 length glass and then a "pick up" at the two ends.

we used to alternate between KI and DW each year, but then COVID end of 2019, all 2020 and the 2021 all for one price, and we just got off our cycle. We are hoping to be back to DW next year for their 40th. Pretty much "done" with KI at this point, and they arent really doing anything other than "being cheap" to make getting passes worth it.

Because it’s cheaper to keep it than replace it. Sad but simple.

Hark… it’s the sound of impending mergers and shifting priorities . I believe the bell tolls six times before all theming dies!!!!!!!!

Agree. I think the ship is sadly sailing off into that harbor of lost possibilities. Honestly I think they blew it by not either 1-having it budgeted and announced last year at the close of the show or 2- give PTE another run with a few tweaks to the live portions (dialogue) to “announce” it during this years run. I think not having the show or any real presence of it is pretty much an indication that it’s done.

You can tell from the original concept art that all looked like the KINGS parks, that it was originally “concepted” for there.

so agree - thats a HORRIBLE venue. Ive for years though the two planters in front of Eiffel Tower could be retrofitted as terraces with easting - some benches that transitioned into tables toward the back. A few classic light poles with flower baskets would bring color, or even 2-3 trees in tree wells on each side would allow for better seating for these shows. Thats are also needs a major upgrade set-wise with some risers with actual detail or color instead of a concrete "porch" would go a long way. ALSO agree that the show with live bad and great vocals worked much better at International Showplace. The bandstand show could be more like retrospect with a track, 1-2 singers and 3-4 dancers is enough.

I’m not saying it was close to Disney in quality. Just copied Disney on effects. There were other dark rides of that caliber or better at seasonal parks around that time. Monster plantation at SFoG would be one. Again, it was a cute ride in its early years, but “groundbreaking”? No. It tread ground already cleared by Disney with the haunted mansion. They even copied the basic shape of the ride vehicles.

My opinion - it was a fun ride that was great for its time, and I wish it would make a comeback in some form, but to act like this was a groundbreaking dark ride that needs to be memorialized with old animatronics in the queue is a bit too much credit. Even when you look at the concept art, a lot of the original ideas were toned down or budget cut. It was a cute story that was in many ways a lower budget copy of Disney's haunted mansion at least in effects and illusions used. With the "museum" in the lobby of the show it made sense and gave a historical reference to the inspiration, but I think at this point it would actually be odd to have a I think with the brewing merger we aren't going to see this come to fruition soon (if ever) and I feel like if it wasn't announced this year after riding on the nostalgia and popularity of the show from the 50th and last year, it ain't happening.

KI better watch their back with all the budget cuts. If there’s one thing Herschend does pretty much better than anyone, it’s Christmas in their parks. Suddenly the white astroturf sledding hill doesn’t looks so great does it? LOL!

Actually, while FUN FIREWORKS 50 was awesome and gave us some wonderful infrastructure, I think it was actually just a tad TOO long. The tag at the end, while great felt a bit tacked on. Maybe it was the nature of the 4th of July segment that SEEMED like a finale, or the fact that I think each season segment was a few seconds too long. I actually really liked At the End of the Day (I refuse to call it Adventure Awaits, as they totally blew that concept) but what they did was nice. I’m actually a bit bummed if they are moving to a different song this year. As to the effects, I think there are plenty-almost too much going on at times. Id settle for less if someone could ACTUALLY program the fountain to really choreograph to the music. As it is, it just “bounces and squirts@ soneohigher, sometimes in synch, but it never really feels FULLY integrated. It would be cool instead of adding more to INT STREET, they actually added a few more “effect zones” like in Area 72 and 1-2 other areas so you could still get “the story” with lighting, projection or lasers in other areas. But since the fireworks are always at closing now with no 11 pm closes, they probably don’t want crowds gathering in other areas on the park.

Probably not

the whole thing seemed cool, but WAY too dependent on live actors, Pretty much knew this had a limited lifespan the day it opened based on the high overhead.

So true. Or it will be reported by every OTHER site then they can just copy and paste.

When you see that overhead shot you realize what a mess that whole area is. The awful transition along a service fence, the inferior restrooms that are essentially two undersized buildings that should’ve been razed and rebuilt as a really nice family friendly facility, the service area that used to be a relaxing transition vine tunnel “ bypass” of the kids area. If they want to compete with Dollywood and Wildwood grove, they needed to go all in on this refresh and actually improve amenities that enhance the overall family experience

It does need lights and a more controlled (wind) environment. Unfortunately the KI Theatre and Festhaus are the only two venues, and there are a few “bubbles from above” moments that wouldn’t work in a food environment. Wish there was 1 more indoor venue (or finally “semi enclose” Showplace). Would provide more options in summer gear AND Winterfest chill.

Actually Dollywood has (sadly) had it quite a few years now as part of their Summer Celebration.

It really does need to be indoors due to wi d and the need for darkness for lighting/lasers. It’s too big for the Peanuts Showplace and as others have pointed out the bubbles and food wouldn’t mix, so I guess that only gives us what we’ve got. Sucks though. Maybe something great will go in Festhaus and Showplace to make up for it (but why do I doubt that as I type it?)

That could only help that floppy cardboard crap.

Great idea. That’s actually using corporate synergy in a smart way, so it will never happen. This bubble show feels like something at a really impressive trade show. I’ve seen at Dollywood and thought “what a waste of a great theatre” and here we are again. It’s pretty cool, but it just doesn’t need to be in the “main” theatre.

Agree. And maybe by concentrating efforts, we could see a more robust offering than the skimpy event we got last year.

What a waste of a fully capable theatre. I feel the same way about the one at Dollywood as well. It could go in Festhaus and be better in that you can’t really focus on anything in there anyway. I’m feeling like this might be the last year for KI passes for a while. Really not liking the way things are heading.

Love them personally, but re-rideability is bad for story based attractions. At a regional park with a huge regularly revisiting customer base, I think you would see dwindling numbers fast. I don’t think you could make a compelling enough argument (unfortunately) for these types of attractions. Just look at the maintenance on the story-based elements they have for rides. After the first season or two, when most of their core market has “heard the story” they let all of those elements slide into disuse and just focus on the ride.