Preview of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular

[BoddaH1994]

So I was toying around in the park all day and around 8:00 I got a call from a friend telling me to come by the International Showplace. I came by to see that some of the lights for Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular were being tested, and boy was it a sight!

Two things to remember: primarily these photos really do no justice to what I was seeing. These are just cell phone photos. Secondly, I heard from a park official that only about 1/3 of the lights were operating tonight. Regardless, it was something to see!

This first image is some of the base lights on the tower. It was incredibly bright, and just them testing showed that the lights had a lot more ability than the ones we're used to. I saw the light strobe (which I'm not sure if that was intentional or not) and I saw it project multiple colors at the same time. I've been hearing buzz from the entertainment folks about how they've wanted LED lighting for the tower because of its abilities and now I can see why.

I had worried that the spiraled lights going up the trees wouldn't be that great, but I think they are looking really nicely.

This is just an overview of the area.

The floral clock area looks really nice too. As you can see, there are some bushes and trees that weren't yet lit.

Again, this video doesn't do it any justice, so take it for what it's worth.

They were testing this awesome strobe effect on the tower as well. It was really impressive in person.

So that's my story. Remember that the show starts May 29th, which is the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. It's also the first day of the ASA world tour. What a great day to visit Kings Island!

Oh yeah, word from under the Black Hat is that this will be more of a show than a Festival of Lights.... but that's a different story.

Cheers,

Ryan

[coaster_junky]

i love that the lights, when lit, don't look as if they are just thrown up on the trees.

great job Cedar Fair/Kings Island.

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

Yep I saw this tonight too it is going to be phenomenal

[Beast1979]

Looks like this has the potential to show up Starlight Experience at Cedar Point. Awesome Job Kings Island, love it!

[CoastersRZ]

It looks good so far. It will be interesting to see how this compares to Cedar Point`s Starlight Experience.

But calling Kings Island`s Starlight Spectacular more of a show than Festival of Lights may be a tad misleading. The Zoo does have a light show on Swan Lake synchronized to music. However, based on the video you posted, Kings Island`s will be a little more dynamic than that. But, the zoo in general has a lot more lights than Kings Island`s 2 million. The overall experience at the zoo`s event likely will be more breath taking than Kings Islands.

That being said, I am eagerly waiting to see the finished product at Kings Island. I think this is a splendid addition to Kings Island and will help bring in families to the park, and keep them around until the park closes. Speaking from experience though, I hope that this attraction is kept up well in the following years.

[hamoperator]

Does anyone know if the Floral clocks (calander) and the Bell are going to be returned this season?

[Beast1979]

The calendar is already in. The Clock behind the tower isn't filled in until later in the season.

[Diamondback96]

The Zoo does have a light show on Swan Lake synchronized to music.

Why does the zoo come to Diamondback's splashdown for their light show?

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Anyway, Starlight Spectacular is looking nice so far!

[CoastersRZ]

The zoo also has a Swan Lake. Although there Swan Lake still appears as a lake and not a shallow pool used for a ride`s water effect.

[chaddie]

i can't wait to see this!

[Pillsberry123]

Looks amazing! I can't wait to see it finished and in person.

[Diamondback96]

The zoo also has a Swan Lake. Although there Swan Lake still appears as a lake and not a shallow pool used for a ride`s water effect.

It was a joke.

[The Interpreter]

The zoo also has a Swan Lake. Although there Swan Lake still appears as a lake and not a shallow pool used for a ride`s water effect.

Even Camden Park has a Swan Lake...and pedal boats...shaped like Swans!

[CedarPointer]

I saw some being tested today. They look nice.

[coaster_junky]

The zoo also has a Swan Lake. Although there Swan Lake still appears as a lake and not a shallow pool used for a ride`s water effect.

Even Camden Park has a Swan Lake...and pedal boats...shaped like Swans!

lol, when i read that an image of people in swan shaped pedal boats, pedaling around Diamondback's splashdown popped into my head.

[BoddaH1994]

I guess I made a reference to Festival of Lights without doing enough research.

What I meant was, there will be more to it than "hey look at the pretty lights - ok, I'm done now"

I'm excited about it.

[The Interpreter]

With all due respect, Festival of Lights has much, much more than "hey look at the pretty lights - ok, I'm done now."

Why do you feel it necessary to bash such a fine attraction?

It is quite possible to boost Kings Island without detracting from the zoo.

It is not a zero sum game.

[BoddaH1994]

With all due respect, Festival of Lights has much, much more than "hey look at the pretty lights - ok, I'm done now."

Why do you feel it necessary to bash such a fine attraction?

It is quite possible to boost Kings Island without detracting from the zoo.

It is not a zero sum game.

The Festival of Lights and "ok, I'm done now" comments were not in reference to each other. Again, I didn't realize that there were more than lights to Festival of Lights. I was merely rephrasing myself.

[The Interpreter]

Well, you certainly stepped on some toes here. Festival of Lights is one of my favorite Cinci area attractions. Some of the best memories I have of the Cinci area have been formed during that fantastic event. One year I went, it was literally 15 degrees below zero! And the zoo...opened for the event and the few hundred of us brave enough to attend. A winter event...that is open even in very adverse conditions. We had a blast! Quite literally...I don't think I have ever been so cold...or had hot chocolate so warm and inviting!

[PREMiERdrum]

Well, you certainly stepped on some toes here. Festival of Lights is one of my favorite Cinci area attractions. Some of the best memories I have of the Cinci area have been formed during that fantastic event. One year I went, it was literally 15 degrees below zero! And the zoo...opened for the event and the few hundred of us brave enough to attend. A winter event...that is open even in very adverse conditions. We had a blast! Quite literally...I don't think I have ever been so cold...or had hot chocolate so warm and inviting!

Not to veer too far off topic - but have you ever been to Columbus Zoo's Wildlights? Simply breathtaking, especially since they've upgraded to 2 million LED lights.

[The Interpreter]

Not yet...but I shall put it on my list of things to do!

Thanks!

[BoddaH1994]

Well, you certainly stepped on some toes here. Festival of Lights is one of my favorite Cinci area attractions. Some of the best memories I have of the Cinci area have been formed during that fantastic event. One year I went, it was literally 15 degrees below zero! And the zoo...opened for the event and the few hundred of us brave enough to attend. A winter event...that is open even in very adverse conditions. We had a blast! Quite literally...I don't think I have ever been so cold...or had hot chocolate so warm and inviting!

I still don't see how you misunderstanding my posted stepped on some toes, unless they were yours. If that's the case, then I'm sorry. Well, not really sorry, but Tiger Woods "I need to save face" sorry.

[The Interpreter]

I see I need to take someone to see Festival of Lights this coming winter.

Just like you were never quite the same after seeing the Florida parks, you will understand why some of us are so protective of Festival of Lights...which, unlike a certain other winter fest....which should have survived, does survive...and rightly so...

[LongliveKingsCobra]

Well I for one, love FoL at The Zoo, its lots of fun, and can really keep you entertained for a night arrive at 5 and leave at 9. It is really fun, and this star light experiance seems more like a Oh pretty lights and we're done. In my own opinion.

[BoddaH1994]

I see I need to take someone to see Festival of Lights this coming winter.

Just like you were never quite the same after seeing the Florida parks, you will understand why some of us are so protective of Festival of Lights...which, unlike a certain other winter fest....which should have survived, does survive...and rightly so...

lol... Am I going to have to lay this out?

When I said "Festival of Lights" I didn't even have the zoo in mind. I can think of 2 or 3 other lighting displays that claim to be a "Festival of Lights". In fact, I just Googled it and it looks like every major city has one.

My point is, it will be more than just a lighting display.

But then again, we have this unfortunate cycle that never fails:

1) Announcement - KIC gets excited

2) Event Nears - KIC decides it's disappointed in something before seeing it

3) Day of event - KIC was impressed with the event

This will be no exception.

In our (our being KIC) defense, we did live through an era where we were promised that we would be racing down stairs, dodging helicopters, and riding in swaying Mini Coopers. But that's over now.

[The Interpreter]

And the day will come when this era is also over. When? A very good Q, and one I am sure they spend a lot of time wondering about up Sandusky way.

For all you younguns out there, and that includes you, Mr. Media Director, these may well be the good old days. Experience what you can. Try not to be overly critical. Take life to its fullest. The time may come when you no longer have that option. Trust me on these things. I've been there, and back, several times. I am not the only one.

Kings Island is a place that is a constant spectacle...in more ways than one.

Enjoy.

Especially this coming light show. It may be the start of something big, lasting many years.

Or this may be the only season.

NO ONE knows.

Least of all those planning it, FOR YOU, right now.

They may be at the park for many more years. Or this could be their last season. For many reasons.

Both good and ill.

[PREMiERdrum]

Not yet...but I shall put it on my list of things to do!

Thanks!

It truly is something to behold... and then once you add in that most animals have guest-accessible indoor exhibits and several special holiday programs, it makes for a great way to spend a chilly winter night.

They even run their animal show, Animals on Safari: Live! during the winter (the zoo is open 365 days a year). The show is similar to the "Pets" shows at the SeaWorld parks (produced by the same man), but the Zoo's show adds Llamas, horses, lynx, otters, and other "exotics" into the show along with the usual cast of dogs, cats, and birds. After seeing the show this past December (on a night that Jack Hanna was there doing presentations), he promised that for 2010's winter season the covered theater would add skirt walls and heaters to make watching the show a bit more "Bear"-able (sorry for the pun!).

And the day will come when this era is also over. When? A very good Q, and one I am sure they spend a lot of time wondering about up Sandusky way.

For all you younguns out there, and that includes you, Mr. Media Director, these may well be the good old days. Experience what you can. Try not to be overly critical. Take life to its fullest. The time may come when you no longer have that option. Trust me on these things. I've been there, and back, several times. I am not the only one.

Kings Island is a place that is a constant spectacle...in more ways than one.

Enjoy.

Especially this coming light show. It may be the start of something big, lasting many years.

Or this may be the only season.

NO ONE knows.

Least of all those planning it, FOR YOU, right now.

They may be at the park for many more years. Or this could be their last season. For many reasons.

Both good and ill.

Amen.

Each ownership and management team has brought changes to the park, and each has had their fair share of positives and negatives. I consider myself lucky to be so close to so many world-class parks (Cedar Point, Kings Island, Kennywood, Holiday World, and of course, the Columbus Zoo [now rated #1 in the United States]).

[Dbfan]

I still don't get why they are calling it "snoopy".

Snoopy’s Starlight Spectacular Knott's Berry Farm

Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights Worlds of Fun

Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular Kings Island

what creative names.

And whats the point of naming the light show after snoopy, yes, there will be some snoopy charecters lit up, but the rest isnt going to be snoopy, and the name sounds like its just a kids show.

[kjkjkj]

Hmm, why is it called that? Because the park wanted to incorporate the characters they just added to the park, and capatalize on them in all ways possible, and the show will feature character displays. .....not rocket science.

[Beast1979]

I would bet that if the lights returned for a second year, they might go by the name "Starlight spectacular", dropping the Snoopy name because it'd be a year old by then.

Or, it could very well retain the Snoopy name, depending on how much they incorperate the characters into the show.