IndyGuy4KI Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 We'll use this thread for Winterfest reviews in 2024. We look forward to seeing you enjoy the holiday season at Kings Island. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tr0y Posted November 25 Share Posted November 25 4 minutes ago, IndyGuy4KI said: We'll use this thread for Winterfest reviews in 2024. We look forward to seeing you enjoy the holiday season at Kings Island. Great photo! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 Looking forward to visiting tomorrow! According to the Weatherbug app, Mason won't hit above 33° for the day. I'm not anticipating much being open as far as rides go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad_1138 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 The new area behind The Tower is absolutely wonderful!! 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 That area was definitely the highlight for me. I know this is a hot take, but this would have been a great chance to let the giant "elf" go back to just being a Halloween display. The new tree lighting doesn't seem too different from the old one, but it also kind of feels like an advert for the $30 upcharge toys. I also didn't really see any lights out, which is an improvement from the last couple years (especially with lights being out/the wrong color on the Eiffel Tower). 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 Went this evening. Racer and Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers were not open due to temps. It was freezing but had a good visit overall. The new Winterfest Way was cute, the steamed up car at the drive in cracked me up. Another cute Easter egg was found at the entrance to the drive in, which I loved. First ride of the night was on Kings Mills Antique Autos. I don’t remember for sure, but looked to have less decorations throughout the course. Just outside of it in “Tinsel Town” there were less decorations and no silver trees to block the path to WindSeeker like in years past. We took a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley and surprisingly it did well in the cold. I still think people are confused that it is a “ride.” Ate one meal at Coney BBQ and it was yummy! I got the turkey with gravy and Sweet Potato Fries, tried the Cranberry BBQ sauce but it wasn’t a good mix with the gravy so didn’t have a ton, though tasty. After dinner, we hit up Mystic Timbers. It seemed to be running quite slow, but was fun. Ended up doing Snow works. Hopefully this video works: IMG_7731.mov Let me just tell you, if I didn’t have Fast Lane, I would have been ticked waiting in line to go an inch off of the drop. Cargo Loco was next and then I enjoyed the sights. We decided to hit up Tinker’s Toy Factory. I hate to say it, but it put me to sleep. Being a theater person, I love live E, but it felt like the same tired show with no energy. Bonus points, it warmed me up! I then was shown the Nutcracker Wand by a friend and picked one up myself. They are definitely fun, but didn’t really get more than a QR code to show me where activation points were. Wasn’t shown how to play tag or what to do to interact with the parade or shows. Disappointed in that, but still had fun with it. The map shows some locations not really where they are, for example in Coney Mall. The points are shown more toward the outside of the walkway (Racer side) but they were actually in the middle of the mall. Watched the parade. It as well was the same as it has been in past years. Wish they would at least update the interactive songs. Everyone around me kinda just stared. I then met up with friends at Boo Blasters. It was a nice inside ride, but the gun didn’t work/score. Really hope it gets updated in the near future to something better. We then hit up the KIMVRR. Wow. What a disappointment. The interactive wand activation point was the highlight. The crew loaded maybe 1/3 of the train that went ahead of us. When we finally boarded, we sat on the train waiting to be dispatched which took forever, probably a good 10 minutes. Could have been due to building steam pressure, but it was odd and they kept letting people get on. When we finally got moving, there was no music, though there was audio when instructions were given. 12 days of Christmas was not played. The train took off and was moving extremely quick through about the first half of the course. There were a good number of lights that were either out completely or partially worked. It was just disappointing and someone recently said here they think they should update the displays around the train and I’d agree. But only if they can maintain them, because as of right now, it doesn’t look like they’ve been maintained. What should have been a quick/nice ride on the train became at least a 1/2hr experience. The premium drink plan came in handy with the hot chocolate. It was tasty and had no issues trying to find it. The shopping experience has stayed kinda subpar. Nothing really new, aside from generic coaster gear and overpriced hoodies. I found one hoodie I liked, that featured I-Street during Winterfest. I quickly found myself putting it back after seeing that it was $52. Despite the “issues” I had, I still had a good time. Hoping to make it back at least one more time. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timchat2 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 1 hour ago, CedarPointer said: That area was definitely the highlight for me. I know this is a hot take, but this would have been a great chance to let the giant "elf" go back to just being a Halloween display. We've never been fans of the giant "elf" either. Its tone doesn't really match the vibe of the event and especially now with the new WinterFest Way. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjniehaus Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 10 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said: We took a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley and surprisingly it did well in the cold. I still think people are confused that it is a “ride.” I never realized you could ride it. Where do you get on/off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjniehaus Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 I'm going up there tonight... unfortunately probably no racer rides but I'll let you all know what I get to do and what my experience is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco2000 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 18 minutes ago, johnjniehaus said: I never realized you could ride it. Where do you get on/off? In front of KillMart 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 3 hours ago, johnjniehaus said: I never realized you could ride it. Where do you get on/off? Killmart. You just go up to Racer and back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted November 30 Author Share Posted November 30 The atmosphere and the WinteFest Wonderland Parade is now highlighted in our latest KICentral YouTube video. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brenthodge Posted November 30 Share Posted November 30 Not digging the no staggered show times at all. Feel like everything starts the same time so there’s no more “continuous entertainment” as you walk around. Also makes it really hard to see a lot in one night. Not sure where the logic is in this. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedar Fair Fanboy Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 To everyone attention. We need to discuss this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 To everyone attention. We need to discuss this.I'm sure it was taken down to be repainted. Also the Coaster Connection and Ice Cream Zone signs were gone, I know they aren't open for Winterfest. Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjniehaus Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 Really really good visit this evening at Winterfest. Got to see two shows and got most of the rides as well. In terms of shows, I saw tinker's toy factory which is my favorite show at the park. Also did peanuts Guide to Christmas. Might try and get a few others in the coming weeks but as others have pointed out, all the shows start at the same times making it difficult to get them all in during one evening at the park especially considering that on Sat the final showing of most of them is 7:30. At least Fri has that 9:30 show. Ate at the brewhouse and that holiday meatloaf burger with the muenster cheese was amazing. They should have that all the time! Also picked up a couple cookies at the sweet spot. Ride Count of the night was as follows - Flight of Cheer: 2x Racer (Blue): 2x Racer (Red): 1x Mystic Timbers: 1x Snoopy's Soap Box Racers: 1x Franklin's Flyers: 1x Shake Rattle & Roll: 1x Scrambler: 1x Sol Spin: 1x Cargo Loco: 1x Dogem: 1x Zephyr: 1x Grand Carousel: 1x Boo Blaster: 1x Holly Jolly Trolley: 1x 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedar Fair Fanboy Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 1 hour ago, PKIVortex said: I'm sure it was taken down to be repainted. Also the Coaster Connection and Ice Cream Zone signs were gone, I know they aren't open for Winterfest. Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk Well I'm thinking they're going to rename Congo Falls back to Amazon Falls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShedTreeBoi1 Posted December 1 Share Posted December 1 9 hours ago, Cedar Fair Fanboy said: Well I'm thinking they're going to rename Congo Falls back to Amazon Falls Oooh perfect place to have Amazon sponsor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robintodd Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 Went on Friday and Saturday. The park looked fantastic. Seems like there are more merriment charachters than last year. I saw 4 by the time I reached the Eiffel Tower walking in the park. Plenty of places to get hot chocolate. The Winterfest mugs were definitely not a prominent with the new Drink Plan Plus coffee/hot chocholate option. I did notice many more cookie boxes this year. I can't remember how much Ms. Clause's cookies were last year but I think they were more than this year because I don't remeber seeing as many boxes around the park last year? 20.99 seems to be a better price. Finally Shooting Star is fantastic! Such a great call back. Nicely thought out and executed. Well done KI!!!!! Nice to see the park putting in something that is sure to inspire conversations between children and their parents/grandparents trying to explain exactly what a drive in is/was. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad_1138 Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 Speaking of the cookie decorating, has anyone done it this year? How are the cookies? Last year they were garbage. I'm hoping they went back to the cookies from 2 years ago, but at that price point, I'm not hopeful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tr0y Posted December 2 Share Posted December 2 So is there going to be a NYE party at the International Restaurant or are we shutting it down at 10pm??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion-XL200 Posted December 3 Share Posted December 3 Speaking of International Restaurant.... Friday night....not available for the Winterfest Buffet....one would assume that there was a private event because of https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet: Quote Dec 16-23 & 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 selection of classic holiday favorites, including a carving station, 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. It was pitch black all night from what I noticed. I would have rather done the buffet, but guess I kept my $. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted Tuesday at 03:49 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 03:49 PM Good visit. The Coney stroll to the SE of the tower was a nice touch. I wonder if more Coney likeness and artifacts will begin showing up. I think it would be a great nod to the past. Really my only complaint is that everyone enjoys a good picture in front of I-Street with all the lights and the giant Christmas tree. It's really hard to get a good picture with the "tree" when then lights are in constant motion, and sometimes only sparsely lit- trying to create a "cool" visual. REALLY wish that they would modify the lighting program to include some periods of just static light like they did years ago- all white, no motion or the vintage "yellow" lights like the first Winterfest go round. Oh, and 7 seasons running, the tree "star" lights continues to be underwhelming- but I guess you can see them outside the parking lot. Give me the 1980s/90s version that you could see from i75. Not so much on the ride on 741 when the park comes into view- the Tower Tree looks like a giant megaphone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonHelbig Posted Wednesday at 02:57 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 02:57 PM In previous years, NYE was promoted as an event by now on the park's website, mobile app, and Facebook. Information about the NYE event in the International Restaurant had been made available. So, don't be surprised if they cut the NYE event in the International Restaurant and change the hours to a 10 p.m. close on Dec. 31, or not open at all that day. All in the realm of possibility. Worth Noting: The event information for NYE on the website has not been updated for 2024: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/new-years-eve-celebration 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted Wednesday at 04:06 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 04:06 PM 1 hour ago, DonHelbig said: In previous years, NYE was promoted as an event by now on the park's website, mobile app, and Facebook. Information about the NYE event in the International Restaurant had been made available. So, don't be surprised if they cut the NYE event in the International Restaurant and change the hours to a 10 p.m. close on Dec. 31, or not open at all that day. All in the realm of possibility. Worth Noting: The event information for NYE on the website has not been updated for 2024: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/new-years-eve-celebration I believe I saw a sign on the refill place in Rivertown (the one that it took them 6 months to add Icee machines to, not the one that opens once every 2-3 years) for NYE that said the usual midnight close with rides closing at 11 instead of 10.* (*Subject to change, caveat emptor) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbackdreams Posted Thursday at 03:01 AM Share Posted Thursday at 03:01 AM In front of KillMartMy dude, killmart was done at the haunt!!!!I got to ride back ALOT last summ because I got my drivers license. I glad I got them!!!Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klabergian Empire Posted Thursday at 05:49 PM Share Posted Thursday at 05:49 PM I went to Winterfest last Saturday. I honestly forgot how much of a great atmosphere KI has during the holidays with all the lights and festive events. Racer and Soap Box are great additions to Winterfest. They both are running great in the cold as well as Mystic. All of the rides I did were awesome. The train was cool as always. I had my dinner at Coney BBQ and the meal there was delicious as always. Highly recommend the apple cobbler. I especially love the new themed area between the Eiffel Tower and Rivertown that's themed to the Shooting Star. Absolutely a great call back. I look foreward to returning over the next several weeks! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted Thursday at 06:03 PM Share Posted Thursday at 06:03 PM Is the corn soufflé still at Cooney BBQ as a side? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad_1138 Posted Thursday at 06:47 PM Share Posted Thursday at 06:47 PM 43 minutes ago, Diamondback_Is_King said: Is the corn soufflé still at Cooney BBQ as a side? Yes! I just wish they would have it all year since they do have it at Island Smokehouse; but, I guess it does make it extra special this way at Coney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback_Is_King Posted Thursday at 06:51 PM Share Posted Thursday at 06:51 PM Can't wait to have some! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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