Winterfest 24

[brenthodge]

4 hours ago, Tr0y said:

Its current location isn’t bad, it just lacks seating. They really should reuse the straw bales from haunt as seating:

Those would get too wet, but 2 places that would be MUCH better. BEAST plaza -quiet and more set back (maybe too set back) or Stunt Coaster plaza. Could be off the main path, keep the lanterns from haunt. Add the stained glass nativity pieces along the path and be quite beautiful. Add some benches along with the planters for seating. 

[super7]

Carowinds has 6 coasters operating this year for Winterfest.   Fury, Copperhead, Ricochet, Cyclone, Woodstock and Kiddy Hawk.  
 

They have a longer schedule with 10 more operating days than KI.   And the best lights of any Winterfest. 
 

KI could definitely do more given how much more attendance is there than Carowinds. 

[BoddaH1994]

5 hours ago, johnjniehaus said:

The Racer being open during the event because I personally like it better than Mystic Timbers. 

Love love love tinker's toy factory 

Thought I might try the buffet this year as I've never been in the International Street restaurant 

I also have the meal plan this time around so I am looking forward to getting food and hopefully some of the holiday offerings will be included on the meal plan 

You haven't lived until you have eaten a buffet in the IR during Winterfest.

[disco2000]

16 minutes ago, BoddaH1994 said:

You haven't lived until you have eaten a buffet in the IR during Winterfest.

Pre or post desert add-on charge 

[BeeastFarmer]

22 minutes ago, BoddaH1994 said:

You haven't lived until you have eaten a buffet in the IR during Winterfest.

I can attest to this.  The experience was well worth it.

 

6 minutes ago, disco2000 said:

Pre or post desert add-on charge 

Either.  

[Orion-XL200]

7 hours ago, Timchat2 said:

While I appreciate the show having a more prominent location, all the light and sound from Joe Cool's Dodgem School operating nearby can be a distraction, especially during the quieter songs.

I agree,and I definitely think it needs more of an intimate setting. When it was in the former location, though a bigger location, the animal stalls, the patio heaters and off the path made it much better. 

1 hour ago, BoddaH1994 said:

You haven't lived until you have eaten a buffet in the IR during Winterfest.

As long as the menu features items with names that guests can determine what exactly they would be eating. I know a few years ago, I had to look up what exactly the menu items were. And as long as you can visit on the handful of dates that it is open: 
 

Quote

International Restaurant Winter Buffet

Dec 18-23 & 26-29, 2024

Location: International Restaurant

Warm up with a unique buffet of international holiday cuisine while overlooking the chilly bustle of International Street, Snow Flake Lake and our 314-foot tall magical Christmas tree. We will offer a rotating menu including a carving station, a pasta station and unlimited Coca-Cola beverages. Chicken tenders and fries will be available upon request for kids.

Additional fee experience. Dining Plans are not accepted at this location. Open Seating, with limited availability. Dates are subject to close for Private Events.

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet

[kingsislandfan1972]

Racer at WinterFest? That's awesome! I NEVER thought Kings Island would have that as a ride option! 

[BoddaH1994]

12 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said:

I agree,and I definitely think it needs more of an intimate setting. When it was in the former location, though a bigger location, the animal stalls, the patio heaters and off the path made it much better. 

As long as the menu features items with names that guests can determine what exactly they would be eating. I know a few years ago, I had to look up what exactly the menu items were. And as long as you can visit on the handful of dates that it is open: 
 

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet

I understand that they use the IR for corporate events, and it’s a bit disappointing that the dates are limited so much, but as long as they stick to those dates then it’s fine. One year they had a dozen or so dates listed and my group all arranged to do it one evening, only to show and find out that the date had been removed. 
 

I’m guessing NYE details will be released later. 

[BeeastFarmer]

2 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

I understand that they use the IR for corporate events, and it’s a bit disappointing that the dates are limited so much, but as long as they stick to those dates then it’s fine. One year they had a dozen or so dates listed and my group all arranged to do it one evening, only to show and find out that the date had been removed. 
 

I’m guessing NYE details will be released later. 

It's a shame that was not communicated to you and your group ahead of time.

[Timchat2]

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2023/november/winterfest-2023-preview

More details about this year's WinterFest (even though the URL says 2023) including renderings of Yuletide Follies and the new look for WinterFest Way along with a preview of the WinterFest food items and the new interactive wand and ornament.

[Orion-XL200]

Quote

A New Look for WinterFest Way

If you've been to WinterFest before, you'll notice that the path leading from the Eiffel Tower to Rivertown, WinterFest Way, has been updated for 2024 to a drive-in movie theme.

Step into this nostalgic haven of the past where vintage cars sit idling while families share laughter and make memories. Enjoy holiday scenes as they dance across the screen while sounds from crackly speakers fill the evening air.

I have been campaigning for something similar to this path since they removed those decorations to another area after the 2nd year....glad to see there will be something more than just random lights and deer.

[Timchat2]

The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Carowinds has new songs this year and the honorary family lights the tree by hanging a large ornament instead of the traditional big light switch. Will Kings Island see the same changes?

[jdf21972]

The menu has been announced for Winterfest. Check out the full menu below with lots of new items for 2024 and returning favorites at Blitzen's Brewhouse for the Holiday Meatloaf Burger, and Enrique's Christmas Cafe to build your own Mac & Cheese!


https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2024/november/winterfest-food-guide-2024


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DonHelbig]

24 minutes ago, jdf21972 said:

The menu has been announced for Winterfest. Check out the full menu below with lots of new items for 2024 and returning favorites at Blitzen's Brewhouse for the Holiday Meatloaf Burger, and Enrique's Christmas Cafe to build your own Mac & Cheese!


https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2024/november/winterfest-food-guide-2024


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Come for the lights, stay for the food! 

[Timchat2]

The WinterFest guide has been posted on the official site:

https://qr1.be/SX1M

The map of locations for the interactive Nutcracker Bubble Wand and Ornament activation points has been posted as well:

https://qr1.be/Q6T7

There are specific times for the Tower Gardens and Snow Moments near the front entrance. Will there be special light shows in those areas that interact with the ornament?

Also, Songs of the Nativity has shifted its location closer to the entrance of Woodstock Express. The stage can be seen on the webcam:

[brenthodge]

15 hours ago, Timchat2 said:

The WinterFest guide has been posted on the official site:

https://qr1.be/SX1M

The map of locations for the interactive Nutcracker Bubble Wand and Ornament activation points has been posted as well:

https://qr1.be/Q6T7

There are specific times for the Tower Gardens and Snow Moments near the front entrance. Will there be special light shows in those areas that interact with the ornament?

Also, Songs of the Nativity has shifted its location closer to the entrance of Woodstock Express. The stage can be seen on the webcam:

Why do they keep sticking that (what I would argue is best show) in the kids area where it gets drowned out. I wish they’d move it to the plaza in front of back lot, there’s seating on planters, add a few benches, leave all the lanterns above the walk from HAUNT, and put the stained glass nativity along the pathway with soft carol music. That way the show would have a defined area, and an entire “world” built around it. Maybe even do a “country church” front entrance set. 

[super7]

On 11/19/2024 at 7:14 AM, brenthodge said:

Why do they keep sticking that (what I would argue is best show) in the kids area where it gets drowned out. I wish they’d move it to the plaza in front of back lot, there’s seating on planters, add a few benches, leave all the lanterns above the walk from HAUNT, and put the stained glass nativity along the pathway with soft carol music. That way the show would have a defined area, and an entire “world” built around it. Maybe even do a “country church” front entrance set. 

This show has the songs that allow the vocalists to showcase their abilities, but the screaming kids do take away from the experience.    When they had animals they also had to sing above the braying donkeys.  
 

Last years location wasn’t good at all on a busy pathway and too close to the Boulder Bumpers.   People were walking through the entire time.  

[BeeastFarmer]

I thought it was an awkward placement, but it did allow the performers to showcase their talent in one of the busier areas of the park. It was annoying with people talking, but I don't think this is designed to be a stop and stay show, rather it's a stop and enjoy and move on show. 

[Orion-XL200]

I'm not the most religious person.....but I do believe that this show deserves the respect of a seated/captive audience. I loved it at the first location...hated where it was last year and hope this year is better...but not sure I'll make an effort to go see it in this location.

[BeeastFarmer]

I have watched the new tree lighting ceremony and my oh my. They have some work to do. It's almost like they tried to marry the concept of tinkers with a musical. Maybe it will grow on me when I go this year. 

[SonofBaconator]

I’m not really a fan of them keeping the train “The 12 Days of Christmas.”

Out of all the attractions that Winterfest has to offer, the train has been the most underwhelming- and this is coming from someone who’s always been fond of trains.

The park must’ve hear similar feedback because they added more traditional Christmas scenes and different music after The 12 Days of Christmas is wrapped up but I still feel like it could be improved with more elaborate scenes to ride by.

The train is always packed though so I’m confident they’d really do anything to change it much further.

[Timchat2]

1 hour ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I have watched the new tree lighting ceremony and my oh my. They have some work to do. It's almost like they tried to marry the concept of tinkers with a musical. Maybe it will grow on me when I go this year. 

Is it the same Tree Lighting Ceremony as Carowinds and Canada's Wonderland this year? The one with "What a Wonderful World" and "Christmas is the Warmest Time of the Year"?

[BeeastFarmer]

2 hours ago, Timchat2 said:

Is it the same Tree Lighting Ceremony as Carowinds and Canada's Wonderland this year? The one with "What a Wonderful World" and "Christmas is the Warmest Time of the Year"?

Yes.  

I'm hoping it will be a better show in person,  video sometimes doesn't convey what it's like in person. But it just seems a little over the top trying to do musical numbers with an acting piece as well. The "old" ceremony was a bit cheesy, but it did pull at the heartstrings. 

[Timchat2]

We just saw it last night at Canada's Wonderland. It's pleasant but I'm not sure how the more obscure Christmas song choices will play for most guests.

Knott's Merry Farm is using the same Tree Lighting Ceremony as well. They seem to generally go their own route with holiday entertainment so this might be a chain-wise directive.