Winterfest 24

[johnjniehaus]

1 hour ago, RedSummit20 said:

There is more to Winterfest than just rides keep that in mind, its not about the rides, its about the experience! 

I enjoy all of winterfest and usually end up going more times than I go to haunt. However, I think the rides are a big factor. If I want to look at Christmas lights, the Cincinnati zoo is much closer to where I live but they don't have any rollercoasters or as many shows. 

I was curious about the temps seeing as I'm really excited about riding The Racer with all the Christmas lights along Coney Mall and was curious if anyone knew at what point they start closing rides because it's just too cold to run them? 

[disco2000]

47 minutes ago, RedSummit20 said:

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! 

I bet if rides didn't matter and they ran nothing, Winterfest would disappear.  There is a reason they are adding rides to the lineup....

[robintodd]

2 hours ago, disco2000 said:

I bet if rides didn't matter and they ran nothing, Winterfest would disappear.  There is a reason they are adding rides to the lineup....

I have to point out that I believe the first 2 itterations of Winterfest had no coasters and was still so popular that people wanted it back.  

I believe most people go for the atmoshpere.  Then comes the food with the meal plans.  It will be cold this weekend, but I'm pretty sure it will be crowded.  People gotta eat

[robintodd]

2 hours ago, johnjniehaus said:

I enjoy all of winterfest and usually end up going more times than I go to haunt. However, I think the rides are a big factor. If I want to look at Christmas lights, the Cincinnati zoo is much closer to where I live but they don't have any rollercoasters or as many shows. 

I was curious about the temps seeing as I'm really excited about riding The Racer with all the Christmas lights along Coney Mall and was curious if anyone knew at what point they start closing rides because it's just too cold to run them? 

If memory serves me correctly Flight of Cheer is fine but in the past it had to be above freezing when they started running Mystic Timbers.  It could go below (29 - 26) after it started but the if the temperature was below 32 at park open, it would not run.  I would believe the same would be true for The Racer and soap box racers, but haven't heard anything yet.

[disco2000]

4 minutes ago, robintodd said:

I have to point out that I believe the first 2 itterations of Winterfest had no coasters and was still so popular that people wanted it back.  

I believe most people go for the atmoshpere.  Then comes the food with the meal plans.  It will be cold this weekend, but I'm pretty sure it will be crowded.  People gotta eat

Could the first 2 iterations have lasted longer had there been more rides....

My understanding is the 1st iteration attendance dropped every year to the point it wasn't worth doing. We all know why the 2nd iteration happened...

I totally get the seasonal atmosphere and all that jazz, but people can get that from other places as well.  

Sure people would still want the event and a certain percentage would show up regardless (meal and drink plans LOL), but if next year they announced no rides, watch what happens to attendance.

People think rides with KI.  If rides were not important, they wouldn't be adding rides to the event.

[Tr0y]

Just based off personal experience visiting two competing parks that are only an hour away from each other. The park with the most rides / coasters running had a higher attendance.

Here is a trip report from visiting both KD’s Winterfest and BGW’s Christmas Town:

 

[Orion742]

1 hour ago, robintodd said:

If memory serves me correctly Flight of Cheer is fine but in the past it had to be above freezing when they started running Mystic Timbers.  It could go below (29 - 26) after it started but the if the temperature was below 32 at park open, it would not run.  I would believe the same would be true for The Racer and soap box racers, but haven't heard anything yet.

Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier at Dollywood both have 36 degree operating temperatures so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the same for Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers. I also believe it’s on the park for deciding what temperature to run it in because I know Energylandia runs their family boomerang in negative temperatures and snow. The park was also testing Racer in the snow last week so maybe they will run it in colder temperatures.

[Orion-XL200]

On 11/24/2024 at 11:05 PM, Timchat2 said:

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.

 

Holly Jolly Trolley without a trolley...that's so odd.

Tree Lighting Ceremony....

Why not use the Oil Derrick for the tree? 

Is it me or is it weird that they use "Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog," as a Christmas song because they tie "Joy To The World" into it? (KI does this as well)

 

Compared to KI and Carowinds (the two events I've been to) this seems to be the most unenthusiastic event that I've seen.

 

Also, I still hate that Carowinds does this:

Such an odd look...what Christmas tree has a flared top vs a flared bottom?

[BeeastFarmer]

44 minutes ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Holly Jolly Trolley without a trolley...that's so odd.

Tree Lighting Ceremony....

Why not use the Oil Derrick for the tree? 

Is it me or is it weird that they use "Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog," as a Christmas song because they tie "Joy To The World" into it? (KI does this as well)

 

Compared to KI and Carowinds (the two events I've been to) this seems to be the most unenthusiastic event that I've seen.

 

Also, I still hate that Carowinds does this:

Such an odd look...what Christmas tree has a flared top vs a flared bottom?

I've always enjoyed the Jeremiah integration.  The same could be said that "raindrops on roses" or "what a wonderful world" as Christmas songs , but they work as well. I would draw the line, though, if they added a themed section to Natakomi plaza

[disco2000]

10 minutes ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I've always enjoyed the Jeremiah integration.  The same could be said that "raindrops on roses" or "what a wonderful world" as Christmas songs , but they work as well. I would draw the line, though, if they added a themed section to Natakomi plaza

[super7]

On 11/27/2024 at 4:06 PM, Tr0y said:

Just based off personal experience visiting two competing parks that are only an hour away from each other. The park with the most rides / coasters running had a higher attendance.

Here is a trip report from visiting both KD’s Winterfest and BGW’s Christmas Town:

 

Christmastown  offers full production shows where KD has the typical high school production Winterfest shows.   Christmastown also typically offers longer operating hours.   Plus it has full family experiences like the train.   Those factor into attendance at Christmastown as well. 
 

The only thing superior at KD Winterfest is the lights.    
 

Even in the regular season, KD only has attractions for thrill riders and little kids.  BGW is a better rounded park that appeals to more people. 
 

That being said, the rides are absolutely necessary at Winterfest given that Six Flags/Cedar Fair only installs attractions for thrill riders and little kiddies.  Those are the only two markets of customers that they attempt to attract on a regular basis. They have yo have rides to attract to them at Winterfest. 

[MaestroJr]

Anybody go tonight to give an update on what rides on running ?

[chad_1138]

1 hour ago, MaestroJr said:

Anybody go tonight to give an update on what rides on running ?

Racer, Soap Box Racers, Sol Spin, and Space Buggies are closed.  All other rides are open.

[MaestroJr]

17 hours ago, chad_1138 said:

Racer, Soap Box Racers, and Space Buggies are closed.  All other rides are open.

Thanks very much, I plan on going tomorrow and I wanted to game plan 

 

So we are taking two cars and I was curious in terms of parking does anyone know if I can screenshot my pass and get two people in for parking or will it reject the second car 

[super7]

Racer is racing on Sat Nov 30 with 1 train on each side.   It’s currently 31 degrees 

Soap Box is running too 

[brenthodge]

5 hours ago, super7 said:

Racer is racing on Sat Nov 30 with 1 train on each side.   It’s currently 31 degrees 

Soap Box is running too 

Yep-it was chilly but fun. Raced my kid (lost) 2x. 

[BoddaH1994]

On 11/27/2024 at 3:54 PM, disco2000 said:

Could the first 2 iterations have lasted longer had there been more rides....

My understanding is the 1st iteration attendance dropped every year to the point it wasn't worth doing. We all know why the 2nd iteration happened...

I totally get the seasonal atmosphere and all that jazz, but people can get that from other places as well.  

Sure people would still want the event and a certain percentage would show up regardless (meal and drink plans LOL), but if next year they announced no rides, watch what happens to attendance.

People think rides with KI.  If rides were not important, they wouldn't be adding rides to the event.

You are 100% correct.

While KK's event certainly affects things, the Zoo, Newport Aquarium, etc now have very popular Christmas events. You know what they don't have? Rides like Kings Island. That's the ace they'll have have up their sleeve when faced with competition. 

[robintodd]

10 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

You are 100% correct.

While KK's event certainly affects things, the Zoo, Newport Aquarium, etc now have very popular Christmas events. You know what they don't have? Rides like Kings Island. That's the ace they'll have have up their sleeve when faced with competition. 

And the Meatloaf Burger....don't forget the Meatloaf Burger    

[BoddaH1994]

51 minutes ago, robintodd said:

And the Meatloaf Burger....don't forget the Meatloaf Burger    

*Meatloaf Burger

[chad_1138]

New Year's Eve International Street Restaurant seating up for sale

Prices are $150, $135 (gold w/ meal plan), and $130 (prestige w/ meal plan)

[Tr0y]

Does anyone know where I can find these cups at? I’ve only seen them in a different style.

[Diamondback_Is_King]

That version was sold 2 years ago I think. Not sure if they are still selling that type.I have one, and I think the design is based off of Fury 325.

[johnjniehaus]

Does anyone know if you can find out if the International Street restaurant is sold out before you go to the park? I was hoping to eat there this week sometime as I have never been in that restaurant before. Also, does anyone know how much the buffet has cost in years past?

[chad_1138]

1 hour ago, johnjniehaus said:

Does anyone know if you can find out if the International Street restaurant is sold out before you go to the park? I was hoping to eat there this week sometime as I have never been in that restaurant before. Also, does anyone know how much the buffet has cost in years past?

The only way to know in advance would be if KI updates the website, or if you called, given the call center is open.

As far as price, it is typically around the $35 range.  Last year they did an upcharge for $7-8 for the dessert.  I called about that last week, and was told that they have not seen any indication that there will be the dessert upcharge this year.  The rep I spoke to said the menu simply said "choice of one dessert".

We are planning on giving it a try on Sunday, so we are in the same cross our fingers and hope there isn't a last minute buyout as well!

[Orion-XL200]

I sent a request on the Contact Us form about pricing and menu. Haven't heard anything back as of yet, but today is the first night it is "open" to the public. 

If anyone goes, please post the info

[Tr0y]

7 hours ago, johnjniehaus said:

Does anyone know if you can find out if the International Street restaurant is sold out before you go to the park? I was hoping to eat there this week sometime as I have never been in that restaurant before. Also, does anyone know how much the buffet has cost in years past?

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet?utm_source=park_facebookstories&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=winterfest_buffet_12_16_24&utm_id=25WSP&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3HFyTkEbw5mRW7qhVuLQaGb3oWw8TmwUqqMGSjEhs3jobc7-qM0EAUd1Y_aem_g72MAAUIRkjpfyAsN37R5A

[Orion-XL200]

5 hours ago, Tr0y said:

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet?utm_source=park_facebookstories&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=winterfest_buffet_12_16_24&utm_id=25WSP&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3HFyTkEbw5mRW7qhVuLQaGb3oWw8TmwUqqMGSjEhs3jobc7-qM0EAUd1Y_aem_g72MAAUIRkjpfyAsN37R5A

Unfortunately, that leaves a lot to be desired, found out. Hoping someone tonight can post the menu and pricing.

[CoasterJack]

1 hour ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Unfortunately, that leaves a lot to be desired, found out. Hoping someone tonight can post the menu and pricing.

Literally just left, otherwise I would've checked. Tonight was possibly the most dead I've seen the park in ages. Enjoyed 15 minutes of ice skating by myself, solo train on Flight of Fear, and was the only person eating at Coney BBQ. After looking at the other Winterfest parks, apparently we're the only one open during this week (outside of Knotts, which well runs 365). I know it usually picks up later in the week, but still caught myself off guard.

[Orion-XL200]

6 minutes ago, CoasterJack said:

Literally just left, otherwise I would've checked. Tonight was possibly the most dead I've seen the park in ages. Enjoyed 15 minutes of ice skating by myself, solo train on Flight of Fear, and was the only person eating at Coney BBQ. After looking at the other Winterfest parks, apparently we're the only one open during this week (outside of Knotts, which well runs 365). I know it usually picks up later in the week, but still caught myself off guard.

Hope you had a great time! I'm heading into the park tomorrow, looking forward to my visit, hoping it's low crowds too! 

[brenthodge]

1 hour ago, CoasterJack said:

Literally just left, otherwise I would've checked. Tonight was possibly the most dead I've seen the park in ages. Enjoyed 15 minutes of ice skating by myself, solo train on Flight of Fear, and was the only person eating at Coney BBQ. After looking at the other Winterfest parks, apparently we're the only one open during this week (outside of Knotts, which well runs 365). I know it usually picks up later in the week, but still caught myself off guard.

Yeah - Im not sure if its THAT beneficial to be open ALL this week. I'd love to go, but with work and last days of school with kids, I just don't know if I can make it work out. Its too bad that they can run rides after the first so they could run the event all the way to the weekend after the 1st like Dollywood does. I think they would be slammed then and make it much more worth their while. We might try for Thursday to get a night in before the weekend crowds hit.