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WinterFest 2024 Reviews

IndyGuy4KI

By IndyGuy4KI,
in Kings Island

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CedarPointer KIC Legend

CedarPointer

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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).

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Orion-XL200 KIC Senior

Orion-XL200

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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:  

 

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. 

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Timchat2 KIC Junky

Timchat2

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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.

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johnjniehaus KIC Expert

johnjniehaus

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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

PXL_20241201_000850555.jpg

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robintodd KIC Expert

robintodd

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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. :) :) 

 

 

 

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Orion-XL200 KIC Senior

Orion-XL200

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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 $.

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Outdoor Man KIC Double Platinum Member

Outdoor Man

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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.

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DonHelbig KIC Enthusiast

DonHelbig

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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

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CedarPointer KIC Legend

CedarPointer

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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)

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