brenthodge Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super7 Posted November 8 Author Share Posted November 8 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco2000 Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingsislandfan1972 Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 Racer at WinterFest? That's awesome! I NEVER thought Kings Island would have that as a ride option! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted November 8 Share Posted November 8 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted November 9 Share Posted November 9 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted November 10 Share Posted November 10 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted November 16 Share Posted November 16 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? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdf21972 Posted November 16 Share Posted November 16 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-2024Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonHelbig Posted November 16 Share Posted November 16 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! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted November 18 Share Posted November 18 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: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brenthodge Posted November 19 Share Posted November 19 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. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super7 Posted Sunday at 08:42 PM Author Share Posted Sunday at 08:42 PM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted Sunday at 09:02 PM Share Posted Sunday at 09:02 PM 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted Sunday at 09:15 PM Share Posted Sunday at 09:15 PM 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted Sunday at 10:49 PM Share Posted Sunday at 10:49 PM 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonofBaconator Posted Sunday at 11:26 PM Share Posted Sunday at 11:26 PM 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. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted Monday at 12:21 AM Share Posted Monday at 12:21 AM 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"? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted Monday at 02:52 AM Share Posted Monday at 02:52 AM 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted Monday at 04:05 AM Share Posted Monday at 04:05 AM (edited) 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. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas looks to be the first major integration of Cedar Fair live entertainment into a legacy Six Flags park with Holly Jolly Trolley, Tree Lighting Ceremony, MistleTones, Polar Party and Midway Merriment characters all debuting this season. Edited Tuesday at 04:07 AM by Timchat2 Added information about Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park shows 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeastFarmer Posted Wednesday at 01:39 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 01:39 PM Thank you for that! So weird to see that ceremony with a Six Flags setting! And Peanuts music...with Bugs Bunny:). But I'm glad the show is getting a brand new audience! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted Wednesday at 02:57 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 02:57 PM It is pretty surreal. Getting all this new content is a bit of a windfall for a park like Six Flags Over Texas that has been trying to rebuild its live entertainment offerings. It'll be interesting to see if parks with more established live entertainment like Six Flags Fiesta Texas take on any legacy Cedar Fair shows. Back at Kings Island, the parade dress rehearsals have been visible on the webcams. It appears to be the same number of floats and performers as last year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjniehaus Posted Wednesday at 04:55 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 04:55 PM I'm planning to go to winterfest on Saturday but the temperature high of 32 is making me worried most of the rides will be closed.... anyone know the minimum temps they will run the coasters and flats? I'm assuming boo Blaster and FoF will be up seeing as they are indoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedSummit20 Posted Wednesday at 05:17 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 05:17 PM 21 minutes ago, johnjniehaus said: I'm planning to go to winterfest on Saturday but the temperature high of 32 is making me worried most of the rides will be closed.... anyone know the minimum temps they will run the coasters and flats? I'm assuming boo Blaster and FoF will be up seeing as they are indoors. There is more to Winterfest than just rides keep that in mind, its not about the rides, its about the experience! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco2000 Posted Wednesday at 05:37 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 05:37 PM 18 minutes ago, RedSummit20 said: There is more to Winterfest than just rides keep that in mind, its not about the rides, its about the experience! Like Family Feud, 100 people surveyed and the top answers were: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedSummit20 Posted Wednesday at 05:47 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 05:47 PM 8 minutes ago, disco2000 said: Like Family Feud, 100 people surveyed and the top answers were: lol thats just a poll. That proves nothing. Ask @DonHelbig if rides really matter. It "adds" to the experience Winterfest is about the shows, lights and the atmosphere. Rides are a good addition! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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