WinterFest 2024 Reviews

[chad_1138]

If you can, get there right at opening to ensure you get it fresh!!  

[Timchat2]

Yuletide Follies at the International Bandstand is a great addition to the WinterFest lineup. It's pretty ambitious for a Bandstand show with multiple costume changes, strong vocals and an impressive dancing ensemble. The lush old-school musical arrangements feel very similar to shows at Knott's, so I have a feeling the show writer from Phantom Theater Encore was involved.

Along with MistleTones, Swingin' Into Christmas and the new WinterFest Way there seems to be a bit of a running theme this year with the 1940s/50s classic holiday vibes.

[brenthodge]

12 minutes ago, Timchat2 said:

Yuletide Follies at the International Bandstand is a great addition to the WinterFest lineup. It's pretty ambitious for a Bandstand show with multiple costume changes, strong vocals and an impressive dancing ensemble. The lush old-school musical arrangements feel very similar to shows at Knott's, so I have a feeling the show writer from Phantom Theater Encore was involved.

Along with MistleTones, Swingin' Into Christmas and the new WinterFest Way there seems to be a bit of a running theme this year with the 1940s/50s classic holiday vibes.

The scope of show like that is why I REALLY wish Showplace got a much needed makeover with better accessibility seating (not as steep) and a new soid surface room and partial side so it could have heaters and be used for shows during Winterfest. Shows like FOLLIES could be way better appreciated with some seating instead of the hard ground or just standing there. Then the bandstand could still be used for a "pop, top 40" Christmas hits type show with 2 vocalists and 3-4 dancers, no costume changes and track music. Maybe only 15-20 min with 2-3 set lists through the night. This area just doesn't seem to do justice to what they are putting on-stage this year.

[johnjniehaus]

I got to go up to KI for a few hours last night and saw tinker's toy factory, rode racer 3x and Flight of Cheer. Ate at the brewhouse and then got the cranberry pull apart break to take home for my grandma. 

One thing I have always loved about tinker's toy factory is the fact some of the actors/dancers have been returning for years. Has anyone seen the regular Poindexter this year as I have seen the show twice and have gotten different poindexters each time. Obviously the original tinker is back and Santa is always the same guy but I was wondering if the old Poindexter actor decided not to do the show this year or if I haven't been there on a night he was working....?

[dbackdreams]

I got to go up to KI for a few hours last night and saw tinker's toy factory, rode racer 3x and Flight of Cheer. Ate at the brewhouse and then got the cranberry pull apart break to take home for my grandma. 
One thing I have always loved about tinker's toy factory is the fact some of the actors/dancers have been returning for years. Has anyone seen the regular Poindexter this year as I have seen the show twice and have gotten different poindexters each time. Obviously the original tinker is back and Santa is always the same guy but I was wondering if the old Poindexter actor decided not to do the show this year or if I haven't been there on a night he was working....?

I like that pondextr. I think he was on the phantom show to.

I want to ride racer but it was to cold. I like the hot chocolate to.

I wish diamond back could open :)

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

[Diamondback_Is_King]

5 hours ago, dbackdreams said:

I wish diamond back could open

Don't we all. Unfortunately, this will probably only exist in our dreams, but we did get two new rides this year!! Thanks KI for the opportunity to ride Racer and Soapbox during the holidays!

[IndyGuy4KI]

I finally got to ride Racer yesterday at WF. A first time experience to ride it during this season and seeing the park all lit up in lights on the ride made it quite magical. 

I also love the ornaments in the station. 

[Diamondback_Is_King]

Visited last night and it was very empty. Went to Coney and got my favorite side during Winterfest, Corn Souffle! Got two station waits on Mystic, a 5 minute wait on Racer, and about a 25 minute wait on Flight of Cheer. Watched the parade, and had a great night!

[super7]

I think this is the best Kings Island Winterfest so far.  
 

This is my favorite time of year to go to the park and it’s nice to have a winter fest that actually feels like winter with the temperature again. 
 

The entire park is open with lights in every single area.  They have been adding more lights each year with the Drive In added this year.    It’s the best light at KI so far.   But their lightning in trees with lights in the canopy  is still inferior to Carowinds who puts twice as many lights in every tree.  Most of the  trees where they wrap the trunk and branches look great though.  
 

 I also don’t understand why they go to all the trouble of putting the live cut Christmas trees around the park and then only string 25 lights on each one. 
 

The ride lineup is definitely the best so far. Adding racer and soap box adds to the event.   It’s great that they went to the staff expense of running both sides of racer for this event.    It’s a much better coaster when it’s racing, although the racing element is flawed as red gets to the lift hill first. 
 

Also it’s impressive how cold of temperatures they have run the roller coasters in for this event   The event operated in fall on a rainy Monday, so the park is sent out the message that it’s safe to go to the event any day and still enjoy it fully   

The live entertainment has never been good (the level of production, not the performers!).  So this year is about the same quality as every other year. However, it is nice to see them add a new show as the same exact shows every year get stale. 
 

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but there’s actually a few decent food items at this event. Especially at the bakery.

The only thing that I have noticed that is not as good as previous years is the snow on international Street.  The way they are presenting it is good, but there is hardly any snow. They only have three machines working on each side of the street and it only works once an hour for about a minute.   

 

I do think it’s time to do something else with the train ride. Many of the form lights aren’t working completely properly and it just isn’t that impressive of a ride to start with when they are working.   Something like Busch Gardens Williamsburg does would be better.

The Holly Jolly trolley and the DJ on Coney Midway could probably be eliminated and the labor could you be used better elsewhere for something like running the pirate ship   There aren’t many people that participate with theand the Holly Jolly trolley is low capacity and it’s annoying walking down theand having to move to the side.  Especially for the people watching the mistletones.  Plus both play music that overrides the soundtrack in the area  

Really the only two things that are holding this back from being one of the best Christmas events is the density of the lights in the trees and the quality of the life entertainment    
 

 

[Winterfestguy]

I believe the park actually purchased the 12 days of Christmas wireframes for Winterfest 3.0 rather than yearly renting them for along the train route. You can see these wire frames in storage (when the door is open sometimes in early spring) in the Kenton Cove house along the train route. These types of wire frames from this company are not an ideal long time investment with the light types which are attached (typical life span is 3-5 years so these wireframes are likely at their maximum life span and ready for replacement, they all look really sad half lit) - a better long term investment for a little more money would have included wire frames with led c7 socket style bulbs for easier long term maintenance.

[chad_1138]

Had a fantastic night last night!  It was our last visit of the season (29).  Park was super packed but my wife and I had a very successful night.  Here's the rundown:

-Rope dropped the Mac 'n Cheese Bar, went to watch Swingin' into Christmas (5:30 show).

-Walked through Action Zone, Adventure Port, and Coney Mall.

-Used our Single Use Fast Lane on Antique Autos (bypassing a probably 60-90 minute wait)

-Hit the 6:30 MistleTones, 7:00 Jingle Jazz, and 7:30 Yuletide Follies.

-Made a lap through Planet/Camp Snoopy, Rivertown, and the Drive-In.

-Watched the parade from Coney Mall near Area 72.  As soon as the parade passed, headed straight to the train for a 5 minute wait.

-Went to I-Street to grab a slice of pizza and ate by the skating rink.

-Last stop of the night was a 1 ride wait for the Holly Jolly Trolly.  Strolled out of the park at about 10:02.

Until 2025 KI!!!

[skyride72]

I am confused about some things about Winterfest.  Why is the parking fee $30?  When did that happen?  That is outrageous.  And with the parking fee and admission, why are not more rides open.  Why are all the coasters not running?  And, why can't we go up the Eiffel Tower.  Also, why can't we walk up to the first level of the tower?  Those KI people say it is for safety reason.  What reasons?  I went up there before and I am still here.   

[disco2000]

They have always charged parking unless you have a pass.

Temperature and other things like maintenance dictate what is running. 

Eiffel Tower is turned into a tree and lots of stuff up there 

50 foot platform hasn't been open in many years.  Between accessibility and lighting wiring, it won't be open anytime soon.

[skyride72]

disco2000,

I love your name.  I was there for disco 1979.  I know about the parking charge I was just astonished at the cost now.  

I think Adventure Express, and that snoopy coaster could run also at least.  They could safeguard the towers wiring

and all to make it safe they just don't want to.  Thanks for replying to my questions.  

[disco2000]

With enough money anything is possible.

The park completely takes apart the trains and rebuilds them.  Running until 12/31 and opening mid-April means a shortened time to perform this maintenance.  Or do they wait until Memorial Day to open?

Adding more maintenance staff could turn it around quicker.  The park/chain has to decide if that additional expense justifies keeping those rides open during Winterfest.

The 50 foot platform doesn't have wheelchair access (elevator doesn't stop there), so between that and all the wiring, it won't be re-opening anytime soon.  Again, with enough money they could cut out elevator access, reprogram the elevators, re-route the wiring, but it is worth the expense?

[johnjniehaus]

I was able to do the Winterfest Holiday Buffet last night at the international restaurant. I thought the food was good and the restaurant is beautiful. For $40 it was worth it. I do question if $130 for NYE is worth it or not considering that's more than you'd pay for a meal at Jeff Ruby's. Last night I was able to get rides in on Racer, FoF (lights on), Mystic Timbers, cargo loco, zephyr, and boo Blaster. My dad, sister, and I all made master blaster which is what happens when all 3 guns in your vehicle actually work. 

[shark6495]

My boys and I went last night (I can’t believe I’ve been on this site long enough to go from solo trips to trips with a pre-teen).  It was just a great little stroll through the lights.  Trying to stay positive but Boo Blasters is really showing its age.  But the Grain and Grill has some great foods this year.  Glad we got our passes back and ready for the next year.  

[Tr0y]

Had a fantastic time with the lady friend at Kings Island to kickoff the new year!

[IndyGuy4KI]

Here is the first half of fireworks on New Year's Eve 2024. 

 

[brenthodge]

Just got back from Dollywood (first time in several years at Christmas.) Compared to years past, there are a lot of shifts in decor that I’d consider cutbacks, but so much thought put into what is there, that it’s hard to ding them. I’d really love a “love child” between KI’s “more is more just keep throwing Christmas crap on it” with Dollywood’s thoughtful use of decor as storytelling (and their ability to staple cords and burry things under mulch) and we’d have a winner! KI definitely wins the “lush overstuffed decor award” now, if they’d just take the time to straighten and fluff stuff each year… Honestly I’d almost give the edge to KI for overall energy and complete Christmas vibes now, and I never thought I’d feel Dollywood had slipped. 

[Timchat2]

We had similar feelings this year about Dollywood as well. Smoky Mountain Christmas is still a solid event with decor in nearly all corners of the park, an extensive lineup of live entertainment (which could perhaps use a new production or two) and the usual Dollywood warmth/charm, but Kings Island's WinterFest truly feels like "Christmas everywhere you look" (to quote Tinker's Toy Factory and Elf: the Musical) in comparison with lots of lights and detailed decorations all over the park, but perhaps lacking the finesse of Dollywood.

In recent years Dollywood seems to have shifted away from covering seemingly every building surface with lights that way Silver Dollar City still does and Kentucky Kingdom is just starting to do with its new holiday event. Instead Dollywood has focused more on area-specific decor to give each sections a unique look like the "candlelight" in Craftsman's Valley. The pre-lit trees placed throughout the landscaping beds appears to be their way of keeping the light count up without attaching lights to every last board like they might have done in the past.

[brenthodge]

8 hours ago, Timchat2 said:

We had similar feelings this year about Dollywood as well. Smokey Mountain Christmas is still a solid event with decor in nearly all corners of the park, an extensive lineup of live entertainment (which could perhaps use a new production or two) and the usual Dollywood warmth/charm, but Kings Island's WinterFest truly feels like "Christmas everywhere you look" (to quote Tinker's Toy Factory and Elf: the Musical) in comparison with lots of lights and detailed decorations all over the park, but perhaps lacking the finesse of Dollywood.

In recent years Dollywood seems to have shifted away from covering seemingly every building surface with lights that way Silver Dollar City still does and Kentucky Kingdom is just starting to do with its new holiday event. Instead Dollywood has focused more on area-specific decor to give each sections a unique look like the "candlelight" in Craftsman's Valley. The pre-lit trees placed throughout the landscaping beds appears to be their way of keeping the light count up without attaching lights to every last board like they might have done in the past.

Definitely time for new shows. On the way home I realized the first time we went SMC at Dollywood was over 10 years ago, and half of the shows are the same ones. I get tradition and all, but at this point it’s crossed the line to stale. The lit tree thing I think also stems from the fact that they flip from Harvest to Christmas in like 3 days now, the open in March with a whole other festival. I think they’ve had to manage down some of the manpower and reprioritize things they do. I actually miss the KI “Winterfest Characters” that I think DW could definitely develop for all their areas. The entire event lacks some of the energy of KI.Sad that the parade that was only run a few years is sitting in storage. They only run the drone show on weekends etc.  It used to be the “gold standard” to me and it’s honestly slipped to a strong silver (sharing the medal platform with KI in a way I thought they’d never do.) 

[Timchat2]

Snow in the Grove has a couple walkaround characters like Roly Poly (from the defunct parade) along with the year-round characters like Flit and Flutter, but that doesn't quite compare to the variety and guests interactions Kings Island's Midway Merriment crew.

Despite the long-in-the-tooth productions, one of Dollywood's strengths has always been the quality of its shows. This year Kings Island took a major step forward with Yuletide Follies, but that still is somewhat hampered by the usual KI outdoor venue issues (weather, area noise, etc.).

[brenthodge]

7 minutes ago, Timchat2 said:

Snow in the Grove has a couple walkaround characters like Roly Poly (from the defunct parade) along with the year-round characters like Flit and Flutter, but that doesn't quite compare to the variety and guests interactions Kings Island's Midway Merriment crew.

Despite the long-in-the-tooth productions, one of Dollywood's strengths has always been the quality of its shows. This year Kings Island took a major step forward with Yuletide Follies, but that still is somewhat hampered by the usual KI outdoor venue issues (weather, area noise, etc.).

Snow in the Grove was a nice little add, to use the parade leftovers, and lighting they weren’t using from the Wilderness Pass light show due to construction. Since that will be a restaurant going forward, I doubt that will return to that venue. Since they used the main tree in the upper train circle, and lit all of that, I wonder why they didn’t program that whole area into a “show” since the way they run the train they know what time/how long they are in that area. 

[DonHelbig]

Worth noting: Dollywood is a Christmas event, Kings Island a holiday event. 

[brenthodge]

4 hours ago, DonHelbig said:

Worth noting: Dollywood is a Christmas event, Kings Island a holiday event. 

I’d venture that’s then limited some of their offerings. They’ve cut things like A Dollywood Christmas Carol and It’s A wonderful Life- shows that added a different flavor to the event. They “Covid cut” the Santa “land” they used to have to replace it with a socially distancing experience that theyve continued, They didn’t continue the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer marketing program that they continued at other Herschel’s parks. Cut the parade that had a very clear religious (Christmas) message Not sure what you mean by Christmas vs Holiday. Are you saying they’ve eliminated the secular aspects?