FOFreak Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I was looking at some videos on YouTube of the 06' Winterfest and got to thinking: Were the rides running that day? And what are the chances of it returning anytime soon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TH13TEEN Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 You mean 05' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOFreak Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 Yeah. I thought it said '06, but oh well. One of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 I doubt it will ever return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOFreak Posted October 11, 2008 Author Share Posted October 11, 2008 Why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Actually, I believe that the video in question states that it is Winferfest 06, but as was pointed out, Winterfest actually happened in 2005. (And of course it ran from 1982-1992 as well). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Theater Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 Well,that was when paramounnt owned it,so you never know.I would love to see it come back because I didnt get to go in '05 due to my baby brother being born.It would be awesomme to skate on the Fountains! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilbubba Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 To answer your question, the only ride that I can remember running when I was working there was the train. (which of course, was because they themed it as a soldier returning home for the holidays) I believe that was it, most areas were closed and those that weren't were pretty much just available for food. The park invested a fortune in it and expected to bring it back for the 06 season, even selling tickets in June for it! Unfortunately, that was also the year we were bought out. I wasn't responsible for budgeting (thankfully!) but I know just the installation of the two counter areas inside the door of Festhaus and wiring for the needed electricity and registers cost over $50,000. The one still remains today as the beer cart, the other was demolished (I'm not sure when). With all the additional costs of the new equipment etc I'm sure the figure was astronomical. As far as bring it back, Cedar Fair made a rather conscious choice not to bring it back. The 05 season was a flop, much bigger than Paramount could have originally expected. They had budgeted for 20,000 on most nights! And sadly, I think our biggest day was 2,700 people. However, many of my friends were amazed by the experience because it truly was an experience. Unlike many things the park did, it really did create a good Christmas atmosphere that personally beat the others in our area. I've never had a more enjoyable time working than to see all the little kids with smiles on their faces. Given time it could have established itself as it once had, but Cedar Fair didn't give it the chance that Paramount did. With competition from new comers like the Beach the first year would be hard because part of the success I believe in the original Winterfest was that families did it as a tradition. After 10+ years this tradition was gone. I'd love to see it again but think its safe to chalk up as another distant memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 And part of the problem with Winterfest in `05 was the pricing structure that the park had in place. They simply priced themselves out of the market. Hard to compete with The Beach`s holiday event, when they let in their pass holders for free and general admission was half of what the gate price was for Winterfest. However, having personally experienced both The Beach`s event and Winterfest `05, the difference between the two events was like night and day. The live entertainment KI had for Winterfest was top notch. Santa`s Toy Factory was a superb production. The other thing that I wish were introduced again in the peak season at KI is street performers. At Winterfest, they had roaming musicians and magicians, which provided for spontaneous entertainment, right in the middle of the street. KI`s entertainment lineup has been wonderful the last few years, we just need to get some of the live energy back in the park that groups like the Kings Island Clown Band provided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Another big reason why CF chose to end the Winterfest program was that it shifted efforts away from a very successful Halloween Haunt (then Fearfest). Winterfest isn't coming back in '09. It's not even being discussed for a future return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I have an alternative theory. One MUST remember the parks were for sale. Paramount Parks wanted to provide a magical experience that Christmas. They purposely overpriced the event, knowing that a relative few guests would come, and they could be provided a Disney quality experience...and they were. They wanted to show what a company could do at Paramount Parks, if they wanted to. Put another way, they wanted to show the Buschs of the world that they could attract their kind of demographic, and they did. But Busch didn't buy the parks...Cedar Fair paid CBS a King's ransom for the parks...and the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company is much closer to being in the fair/carnival/thrillway business than the magical experience business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsktgrvy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 The Carousel ride usually ran at Winterfest and I'm pretty sure it was running for the last one. If I am not mistaken in the early years of Winterfest I can remember the Enchanted Voyage/Smurf ride running too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I was one that Winterfest was a tradition for my family and when it came back in 05 it was truly amazing. I was so excited that I went to the announcement at the Paramount Theater. The entertainment was top notch and the atmosphere was excelent. Very exspensive which was the downfall. I still have a glimer of hope that one day they will bring it back, but being a realist I dont see it happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 The Carousel ride usually ran at Winterfest and I'm pretty sure it was running for the last one. If I am not mistaken in the early years of Winterfest I can remember the Enchanted Voyage/Smurf ride running too. The carousel was running in '05 as well as several rides in NU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I was there opening night, it was cold, it was a great Christmas experience, mystical, magical, like disney the Parade rocked. Lot different than the first winterfests: Yep I guess paramount teased us, but really, they were hoping disney or the bush's of the world would buy the park for mega Buck$ But in the end over bush I'm for one glad Cedar Fair bought it: With Bush all up in the air right now: Also Winterfest Will never return for now Even thought I feel the beach packs them in for there christmas stuff , and the Zoo of Cincinnati, They will dominate christmas spirit forever, if Ki had never xcl there's maybe??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.