KIfan73 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Well, its the end of another season (except for Winterfest, of course). Time to reflect a little... By all means, this post is not supposed to slam PKI in any way. My trips there this season have been some of my best ever. I would have to say that at least 90% of what I experienced was good, or great. However, there are things I feel that really stand out that need to be changed/improved. 1) Wings diner. I think that place is horrible. To me, it is like going to a really classy mall and seeing a dollar store in the middle of it. Bland atmosphere, bland menu. When you walk in there, its like the restaurant that time forgot. 2) Shops. Actually, the trip I went there last weekend was the best experience I've had for awhile. 50% off puts the prices about where they should be all the time. There seems to be such an opportunity missed at PKI for nice shops. All there are are the same items sold all up and down International Street, all overpriced. The appearance is also so outdated in the stores. There are so many people walking around a place like PKI with loose money to spend that have really nowhere to spend it. 3) PKI needs a nice sit down resaurant bad. Why not just let (for example) Bob Evans or Applebees build one in the park? They could charge higher than they normally do (to bring in enough profit the park needs), and it would still be lined around the building all the time. When I plan a trip to PKI, I have planned for awhile, and I have a pocket full of money when I get there. It is usually my vacation. If there were nice shops with nice stuff in them, I would always walk out with bags full. If there was nicer dining, I would be willing to pay for it. When I'm there, I'm in a good mood, the sun is usually shining, I'm in the mood for a good time, and I feel like the world is a great place. I'm also in the mood to spend money...PKI, let me spend my money! I won't spend it on $3.00 Italian Ices or a wooden sign with my name (or anyone else's) carved into it, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoasterXtreme Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I totally agree, when I go to CP I eat at TGI Friday's at the Hotel Breakers. PKI is lacking in good sit down place to eat and the sad thing is, they have that great space above international street. I also think they need better products something that I am going to bring home and keep out, not just put it away after a week! Over all I have to say they are improving over the years so here is hoping that next year will be even better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 ^ I agree as well, i hate seeing that all they sell is the fast food i can get outside the park, one exit up, for much cheaper and thats more filling. The only signature thing PKI has is potato works and skyline, but if your from around here......skylines a regular thing. A sit down restaurunt is needed, there will probably be one in the new hotel next year, but it wont be open to all park guests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIbabe89 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 They need like a Max and Ermas!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvesterofyoursorrow Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 What they need over all of that, IS TO ENFORCE THE SMOKING RULES! Last time I was there, I swear there were 20+ smokers walking around and inlines smoking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I agree with harvest..... I don't know if the "Smaoking Ban" is necessary. i don't like to inhale second hand smoke.. but after all it is outdoors...... but if you're going to have such a rule, ENFORCE IT. The prices on Souvenirs.... they are A LOT BETTER than they used to be. Back in the day, they were outrageously expensive... almost double what they should have been. Now, they still may be overpriced, but not near as bad. i remember walking through a shop and seeing the prices and thinking they didn't seem too bad.... I had to buy a t-shirt and towel after taking in WWC 13 times just before closing back in July. A sit down eatery would be good.... but they would need more than one... like some good "Cincinnati" places (like Graeter's and LaRosa's)... what are some famous local places (other than Montgomery Inn... which is expensive WITHOUT park-induced prices)? I was overall very pleased with all of my visits this year... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legend Rider Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 What they need over all of that, IS TO ENFORCE THE SMOKING RULES! Last time I was there, I swear there were 20+ smokers walking around and inlines smoking. I couldn't agree more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tubaman Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I'm going to have to agree with everyone. Good thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOF/Z 4-ever Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I've only been to the park once or twice this year, but I didn't mind going thru the shops. Yea, its a little over price, but there are things I would still buy such as the shirts and other items. They make great birthday presents or christmas presents. Me and my G/F are going to do a lot of Christmas Shopping up there this year with Winterfest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Bowser Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 What they need over all of that, IS TO ENFORCE THE SMOKING RULES! Last time I was there, I swear there were 20+ smokers walking around and inlines smoking. I wish PKI would enforce that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby_Doo Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 The things that bug me are when People smoke and walk around like they dont even care if I smoke or not PKI really needs to enforce that smoking guideline or take out smoking all together. Chick-Fil-A I LOVE eating there when I go to PKI but 6 bucks for chicken nuggets you gotta be kidding me they need to lower those prices but I do eat at chick-fil-a everytime I go to PKI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I would hope that PKI is considering bringing back the International Restauraunt. Years ago, the first thing my family would do upon entering the park is make reservations for lunch/ dinner at around 4:00pm. It would be a nice addition. Also- a cleaner park. This issue is not necessarily a PKI issue, but a Paramount Parks issue. After going to Hershey & Busch Gardens Williamsburg (both of which were amazingly clean parks), and then PKD; it was easy to see problems with the cleanliness, and PKD mirrored PKI in that aspect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I would hope that PKI is considering bringing back the International Restauraunt. Years ago, the first thing my family would do upon entering the park is make reservations for lunch/ dinner at around 4:00pm. It would be a nice addition. That's one that I never understood was the closing of International Restaurant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 It was operated by an outside vendor. When they went belly up, the restaurant closed. Wings, when it used to be a Chicken Diner years ago, used to be operated by an outside vendor as well. The reason that no other outside vendor, nor PKI themselves, has re-opened a sit-down eatery in the International Restaurant space is because the kitchen is extremely outdated. It would require a significant capitol expenditure to bring it to code and/or make it a modern, functional restaurant facility. Shaggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzarley Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 2) Shops. Actually, the trip I went there last weekend was the best experience I've had for awhile. 50% off puts the prices about where they should be all the time. There seems to be such an opportunity missed at PKI for nice shops. All there are are the same items sold all up and down International Street, all overpriced. The appearance is also so outdated in the stores. There are so many people walking around a place like PKI with loose money to spend that have really nowhere to spend it. When I plan a trip to PKI, I have planned for awhile, and I have a pocket full of money when I get there. It is usually my vacation. If there were nice shops with nice stuff in them, I would always walk out with bags full. If there was nicer dining, I would be willing to pay for it. When I'm there, I'm in a good mood, the sun is usually shining, I'm in the mood for a good time, and I feel like the world is a great place. I'm also in the mood to spend money...PKI, let me spend my money! I won't spend it on $3.00 Italian Ices or a wooden sign with my name (or anyone else's) carved into it, though. I agree with your point about PKI needing improved retail. (Well, I agree with your other points, too, but I'll just mention retail...) The first few seasons of Paramount's ownership, I thought the merchandise was great. It was definitely more high end, but really great stuff. It reminded me a lot of the retail at Universal Studios. I took the studio tour at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, and thought their gift shop was top-notch as well. For a few years, Viacom was gung ho on retail...even opening a prototype "Viacom Studio Store" on Michigan Ave. in Chicago. After the bottom dropped out of the whole "studio store" fad (i.e., Warner Brothers closed all of their's), Viacom closed the Chicago store and cancelled any plans for expansion. It was after that I noticed the merchandise at PKI and the other parks was just ho-hum. Over the last few seasons, I'm rarely tempted to buy anything (other than food) at the parks anymore. That's a real change from the mid-90s where I'd drop $25-50 on gift shop items each time I went to the park. I will say the one Paramount "Park" that still does retail well is ST:TE in Vegas...of course, you have to be a ST fan to like their stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 It was operated by an outside vendor. When they went belly up, the restaurant closed. Not quite accurate. The International Restaurant was always part of the Resale division of the park. It was never operated as an outside vendor and was not even part of an outside franchise. Wings was formerly called Columbia Palace. At one time International Restaurant and Columbia Palace had wait staff and they were both sit down restaurants. There was a live action show in the restaurant called the Bar Belles. Columbia Palace was converted to a cafeteria style restaurant when an agreement was reached to bring Montgomery Inn products to the location. Columbia Palace, too, was always part of the Resale Division and has never opperated as or by an outside vendor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I stand corrected, I had thought that in latter years it was operated by an outside vendor with a desire to operate during the off-season. Bottom line - the restaurant closed do to the inability to properly operate as a profitable restaurant. They simply could not turn over tables quickly enough due to guests just wanting to sit and sip on drinks for hours rather than actually eat a meal. It had nothing to do with "Paramount" management wanting to close it as some sort of new regime or directive. Shaggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pyrocoasterkid Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I personally love Wings diner. There is a reason it seems like the restaurant time forgot: it is supposed to have a retro feel. The food is a nice variety of chicken, ribs, etc. I just love the feel of the restaurant.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 LOL, I'd like to forget it. Wings is bad. It's surprising to me that Montgomery Inn allows the food to be served using their name. It is not nearly on par with the real Montgomery Inn. Plus, eating it cafeteria style just doesn't mesh. I stopped eating at Wings long ago due to dissatisfaction with the quality of the meal vs the ridiculous price you paid. The theming has little to do with the product. I couldn't care less what the inside of the Diner looked like, it's the food that makes it or breaks it. I have very high hopes for Winterfest. I have a feeling that the event will institute a new regard for the park's food offerings (not counting those by outside contractors such as Skyline/Chick-Fil-A etc.) Did you know that not only are the decor changes in the Festhaus the only significant change, but the kitchens have to be overhauled with new equipment necessary to cook the meals they have planned? Shaggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Being an old food service person that is very exciting to me. I'm very happy that the park seems to be coming around to the idea that food is an important part of the entertainment experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirate of PKI Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I totally agree, when I go to CP I eat at TGI Friday's at the Hotel Breakers. PKI is lacking in good sit down place to eat and the sad thing is, they have that great space above international street. I also think they need better products something that I am going to bring home and keep out, not just put it away after a week! Over all I have to say they are improving over the years so here is hoping that next year will be even better! That is exactly what I loved about Mandurin Cusine. While it doesn't meet the requirements of say an Applebees are you stated, it was a nice sit down restaraunt and being on International Street it never seemed to be very noisy while you dined. I know some people complained about prices, but man this is PKI of course the prices are high, and besides I thought the Chinese food was great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 "and besides I thought the Chinese food was great. " Voban doesn't work well on semi-digested rice, however. ;-) Shaggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 it's the food that makes it or breaks it. The food in Wings (besides montgomery inn) is the same food served throughout the other park locations at the same price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deidre1976 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 I would hope that PKI is considering bringing back the International Restauraunt. Years ago, the first thing my family would do upon entering the park is make reservations for lunch/ dinner at around 4:00pm. It would be a nice addition. Also- a cleaner park. This issue is not necessarily a PKI issue, but a Paramount Parks issue. After going to Hershey & Busch Gardens Williamsburg (both of which were amazingly clean parks), and then PKD; it was easy to see problems with the cleanliness, and PKD mirrored PKI in that aspect. Not to go on about other parks but Holiday world .......you could almost eat off the sidewalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Talk about clean parks. I've only been to Canada's Wonderland once but the one time I was there, the park actually sparkled. You could not find a piece of litter or spot of gum any where in the park. It absolutely blew me away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deidre1976 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 This is just a small thing and maybe it doesn't fit in this catagory......THEY NEED A SNEEK PEEK TO FEAR FEST!!!! They let the gold pass members sneek peek to park opening .....and to Boom-a-rang Bay . We get Pass holders only nights....Give up Fear Fest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam47303 Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Stringing the lights back on the shops on International street. I like the way they used to glitter the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam47303 Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 This is the first winterfest since 1992. I am glad to see it back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Don`t worry the lights on the rooflilnes of the International Street buildings will be back, at least for Winterfest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted November 9, 2005 Share Posted November 9, 2005 Yes the prices are very high and the food is sometimes not good qulity but what really comes into play is the service u get up at the island it is awesome and that is one reason that PKi keeps attracting visitors each and every year. By the way Festhaus is the man when it comes to resteraunts i have never ate at wings but i have heard that the ribs are awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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