Winterfest ... sinking faster than the Titanic

[A_Titanic_Mess]

Went to the big Winterfest opening night, as was less than impressed. I worked for PKI for over 12 years. I was part of the original Winterfest crew. The new Winterfest is a sad knock-off of the original. Very disappointing.

The show in the Paramount Theater used the Elf number from "Home for the Holidays" when the show used to be in the Festhaus at the original Winterfest. Pretty much the same music and set. The original Festhaus show was so much better.

The train ride was just awful....everyone around us was commenting "where are the lights and decorations???". It was just horrible.

The light show on Swan Lake did not work. It would start, and then stop about 2 minutes into the show. This happened about 4 times in row. It was finally fixed. The show was ok at best.

The lights on International Street were nice, but none of the trees on the street had lights in them. Where are the 3 million lights??? The old Winterfest had 1 million lights, and all the trees on International Street had lights.

The biggest noticable problem was the lack of attendance....very sparse for the opening night of an event of this size. PKI was saying that you should buy "date-specific" tickets because most nights would be sold out. Please.....they will be lucky to get one sell-out. Any one of us that worked the original Winterfest's could have told you that this would be a flop. I give this event maybe 1 or 2 seasons max. The original did not last, and neither will this one.

[familyman]

Bitter party of one! So you create a negative account name to post something very negative on this site. It is the first year for the event. I went back in the day and I don’t remember a parade or any of the nice stuff they have added. I am not happy about the prices but if you don’t like it don’t go. I for one am happy to be able to go to the park in December.

[A_Titanic_Mess]

Calling me names (Bitter party of one) does not change the fact that this over-hyped event was underwhelming.

Just trying to save folks from wasting a lot of money on a sub-par event. PKI needs to stick to what they do best, which is running a summer theme park (even though that is debatable also). Winterfest, Fearfest....all ploys to get more people through the gate and more money into the bank. I will give them an "A" for effort on Winterest, but a "D" for execution.

Even Siebert knows when to bail from a sinking ship....

[flightoffear1996]

I don't like the fact that when PKI advertises stuff they make it seem like it is more than what it is. Actually they lie on some facts and use video from other parks.

[Captain Nemo]

Even Siebert knows when to bail from a sinking ship....

That does not have to do with this!!! Now your just being immature. You are inclined to your position of what you think about winterfest but I can't stand it when people bring up a topic that has nothing to do with what they are trying to say.

[A_Titanic_Mess]

I can't stand it when people bring up a topic that has nothing to do with what they are trying to say.

Fine....let me make myself clear.....my position on Winterfest is that is a monumental flop. Clear enough???

And FYI....many full-time employees have left PKI over the past few years due to their dissatisfaction with the direction the park is taking....trying to extend the season by as much as possible. With the current restrictions for seasonal employees, the burden then falls to the full-time staff to make things happen. I spoke with several of my former full-time coworkers while at the park last night, and none of them were happy that Winterfest is back. And that clearly showed in the event itself.

As for Jeff, he is destined for much bigger things that Paramount Parks. I wish him the best of luck.

[SkootersFan]

CHILL OUT!

FearFest SUCKED the first year. Things like this get better and better with each season. You are the first bad review!

[A_Titanic_Mess]

Fearfest may have sucked the first year, but it was the biggest attendance the park has seen for that event. The numbers coming through the gates for Fearfest has gone done each year. Doesn't matter how good or bad the event is, it is the numbers that matter. Same thing for the old Winterfest.

Yes, I am the first bad review, and it drives many of you crazy that I am not gushing about how great Winterfest is. Too bad!

[KIemployeeforlife]

You are entitled to your own thoughts and views, but you must realize that Winterfest has been gone for 13 years. It is being done by people who may have never worked on Winterfest before, and for that matter may have never gone to Winterfest. So you have to look at what it is now and not compare it with what was. Many of us are working our butts off just to get things done. Yes it is not perfect, but nothing is. You must realize people had less than a month to get this done. It is a big task to get the park done in a month. This year is a time for trial and error.

So in conclusion, I think that the park has done a great job with the time that they had to set it up. There are also adjustments the park still needs to make. So while there may be bad reviews on Winterfest, just remember this is the first year! there are bound to be mistakes.

[PKIWorker19]

You have no idea how hard we worked this year to get this place looking like this. We had from when FearFest ended to November 22 to get everything done and I am very happy to be working Winterfest. Yes, there were only about 2000 people in the park. However, everyone that is in attendance was having a blast. Their kids were having a blast and therefore I think it was a hit. So there are some minor things that are in need of fixing. You will have that with any park or anything new. Remember, we have not done this in 12 years. As KIEmployeeforlife stated there are people working on this who have never even heard of Winterfest and there are people who are working it and who set it up did not work the original winterfest and don't know much or anything about it. If you were so ****ed off by this, then maybe you should come to Kings Island and pitch them some ideas so they can make it better for next year. That would be the mature thing to do, now wouldn't it. You did the immature thing and made a negative screen name and gave a horrible review just cause it was not like it was 12 years ago. Things change. Hate to say it, but they do.

Now, onto the Jeff Seibert comment. That was just plain wrong. I have met Jeff and I have so much respect for him. He has done a fantastic job and loves what he is doing. The "sinking ship" that you are referring to is so wrong. Kings Island is not sinking. In fact, it is better now then it has ever been. There are some things that we could improve on, there always will be. However, that comment about Jeff was so out of line and was very disrespectful.

I challenge you to take your complaints and talk to someone at Kings Island. That way you can actually do something and try to make it better instead of just bashing it on OUR website. Please have some class and do something about it. That is all.

[CoastersRZ]

I for one was very muched impressed with WinterFest. I thought it was wonderful. The live entertainment, was done very well. They made the train ride a very enjoyable and fun filled ride with the new sets and the live onboard entertainment. The parade was a wonderful addition, and was very well done.

Yes, my one complaint about WinterFest is the lack of lights in the trees. There is always next year`s WinterFest. Yes, attendance was light yesterday, but I think the Thanksgiving weekend and it being the biggest shopping day of the year might have had something to do with it. Not to mention it was bitterly cold. I would imagine that as it gets closer to Christmas, more and more people will show up. I think the park is learning alot about how to set up and run WinterFest, so that next year they can improve upon this years. I saw PKI`s general manager out walking the midways last night, so I`m sure he know what is going on.

On the topic of FearFest, I believe that this year`s FearFest was one of the best to date. They made a lot more general improvements to the theming. And the Cornstalkers area was a big hit. I`ve heard that they have even better things planned for next year.

[loganrun]

Yes we cannot compare to the past that is for sure . example Kings Island at one time competing with say Cedar Point for more coasters now competing for more families more disneytainment:

Winter fest rocked suggestions give to the park but it was darn cold yesterday, very cold yesterday. my self our friends my wife and a 2year old we still had fun . It was great to see Kings Island back for our family and friends:

[A_Titanic_Mess]

You did the immature thing and made a negative screen name and gave a horrible review just cause it was not like it was 12 years ago. Things change. Hate to say it, but they do.

What I did was give a review of an event that was not well planned or well executed. My point is that it has changed for the worse. Everyone keeps saying "wait, it is the first year". Then why are they charging admission as if it is a top-notch event? You only get once chance to make a first impression. PKI knows that. I saw Craig walking the street last night. You could tell be the look on his face how things were going. We were watching the mayor do the tree lighting. An attempt at humor that did not work. Frankly, I was embarrassed for PKI.

However, everyone that is in attendance was having a blast. Their kids were having a blast and therefore I think it was a hit.

Sorry...everyone there was NOT having a blast. The children standing right beside us at the Swan Lake show did not like it at all. They were making noises and saying haow boring it was. Several of the people seated near us on the train ride commented on how bad it was.

The problem here is not my negative review, but that fact that so many of the PKI groupies on this sight are so "star-struck" with PKI that they think they can do no wrong.

Yes, there were only about 2000 people in the park.

2,000 people through the gate....what was the point of even opening? I am sure labor costs were through the roof last night. Oh, and to top it all off.....lights on the tower already burnt out....can you imagine what it will look like in another 2 weeks!

[Gordon Bombay]

hahahah theres so many things wrong with the first guys post and its so pathetic that he took the time to create that name and now hes gonna complain when no one on this boards gonna agree with him. Why was there such low attendance? Well, its the day after thanksgiving, many people have spent a ton of money already, many are traveling, most are tired, its not really a good night for the opening event. Speaking as an emplpyee of the park and as someone who attended the original winterfest and was at this ones media night......it is a massive improvement! PKI did a fantastic job and anyone who is not gonna go form their own opinion because of this idiot is just cheap and lazy. Heres the thing with Winterfest...........if your not into holiday oriented stuff......then dont go.....if you like events like the festival of lights and want good family memories than go. PKI is about the family, and families seem to love what this winterfest has been about, Winterfest was designed with families in mind, not bitter old employees who notice little minor things that dont even matter to the guests. People its obvuious, look at what PKIC has provide........the videos and pictures.......if your not into the holidays then dont go cause this event is not about rides and thrills.........if your looking to spend some money on good family gun and memories, than winterfest is good for you and great for your kids.

A_Titanic_Mess, give me a break you moron, how can you say it wasnt well executed and planned? Because you worked there 12 years ago and think you know everything about it? If you knew anythign about how the event was planned youd know why the admission is so high, its the same deal with fearfest. When fearfest started it wasnt chain wide so PKI was recieving little money from paramount to fund the event.....hence the admission fares. Now as that feafest is corporate wide......season pass holders get in free and admission for the event has been GREATLY reduced. SO far, winterfest has been highly succesful and the possitive feedback felt at the park has greatly outweighed the negative feedback. Lights on the tower already burnt out? Wanna show a pic of how awful the thing looks now, i was there Wed. and Friday, the lights looked fantastic. Im usually pretty critical of PKI, after working there, theres a lot i dont like about their way of running things, but they still do a fantastic job with certain things and winterfest did great. Kids thinking a light show and train is boring doesnt prove anything.........of course they think its boring theyre little kids. Wherent you ever a kid? Probably a real tight ass. Kids like being entertained constantly, sure they didnt find the train ride fun because they didnt understand the part about the soldier, and you can watch lights turn on and off in the cold at home, but did you see how many kids were having fun around the HB carousel and how excited they were to meet Santa Claus. Nothing wrong with stating your opinion buddy, yeah you didnt like it, but you dont speak for everyone so stop assuming you know what all the other park guests think and I wouldnt reccomend posting anything back, this is a pretty biased board incase you havent noticed, and no one cares to hear more of your crap. Your as bad as the guys who claim The Beast broke their kids neck.

[jzarley]

What has the marketing been like in Cincinnati? In Columbus I've seen absolutely no advertising for Winterfest (and, I've been looking for it...) If I was the average, "non-enthusiast" resident of Central Ohio I wouldn't even know Winterfest was happening...

[SkootersFan]

I've been seeing TV ads and mailings in all the area coupon books and newspaper ads.

[flightoffear1996]

CHILL OUT!

FearFest SUCKED the first year. Things like this get better and better with each season. You are the first bad review!

I thought the best year for fearfest was the first one. It really was great no lines for much of anything and they had the houses spread out and not all bunched up in one area.

[Captain Picard]

In Orlando they have one of the highest attendance days the day after Thanksgiving so I don't think thats it.

I will wait and see what others that don't get in for free say to be sure but, my guess is Winterfest will be a flop and not be back.

Just my opinion

[SkootersFan]

It won't flop.

[A_Titanic_Mess]

A_Titanic_Mess, give me a break you moron, how can you say it wasnt well executed and planned? Because you worked there 12 years ago and think you know everything about it?

CombatStupendous89, you moron, I worked there for over 12 years. Get it straight. I was part of the original Winterfest crew. I was also part of the Fearfest crew. I was a full-time employee of the park, so while I may not know everything, I sure as hell know a lot more than the groupies and seasonal associates that post on this board. I was in the position of upper management for one of the Resale divisions. So I am extensivly versed in what is needed to make a successful event at PKI. You are the typical seasonal associate...think they know what is going on when they really have no clue.

Show me the money, stupid.....when no one comes through the gate, there is no money. It's that simple.

And by the way.....you have no idea how many times people were hurt on attractions. This was always kept quiet. On occasion, a statement was given to seasonals in the event someone asked, but the majority of them have been kept quiet. So the next time you hear that someone broke their neck on a ride, you should not dismiss it so quickly. You are so stupid to think these things do not happen....they do, more than you realize. PKI settles the suit and keeps it under wraps. One just recently.....I guess you know about that one, right???

[TheKlockster]

Yeah I agree that whatever the amount of money generated by this winterfest is - will determine whether or not there is one next year. Personally I hate Christmas - so I was thinking about going up by myself and taking some pictures and just getting in the park. The only way I would like Winterfest is if they opened Adventure Express and named it Polar Express or something.

I can see how people would like Winterfest. There really is no right or wrong. I am just the type of person who goes to parks for one thing - rides. I like rides. As far as theming goes - I like themed rides. This summer I only went to one show - and it wasnt even at PKI - and I thought it was hideous. Thats just my two cents though.

Keep in mind this is a fansite - and there are a lot of fanboys on here. I have not been to Winterfest yet so I can't pass judgement on it - but it looks like it isn't anything great. But 99% of the fanboys on this fansite are going to think that PKI can do no wrong - and think that Winterfest is freaking awesome. In the end it is the general public - and their money - that will determine the longevity of Winterfest.

Also - you would be surprised how many people don't even know about Winterfest. I mentioned it at work - and everyone was like oh wow theyre doing that again!?!? I will have to go up!

Maybe I will use my last paycheck from PKI I just got in the mail and go up and see for myself.

[FOF/Z 4-ever]

For crying out loud. This was the 1st night that Winterfest was officially open. Calm down and I'm sure it will be better. If you have been reading the papers and this site for a while now, you would know that PKI is not trying to get a full house. They also said that they are expecting crowds to grow as the season progresses. Friday was a cold one, right after Thanksgiving. Only a few people go and the ones w/o a live will pay attention to small detail about it. I went, I loved it. Keep up the good work and don't let the a$$wholes make you lose your spirits.

[PKIFlyer]

A_Titanic_Mess, you may have been a full time employee, but honestly from your post on here today, I doubt it. In my position at the park I interacted with many from upper management, and from my experience with them you sound like none of them. I also doubt any of them would make such post on this website. I am sorry you did not enjoy you time at Winterfest. I hope that PKI will be able to improve the event and hopefully bring you back one year to enjoy the event.

[Erosarrow05]

So, first off, I would just like to point out that I am a big nobody... that used to work for pki... I dont really post on here ever, just because reading is more interesting but the 'titanic mess' person really kind of stirred the pot with me...

Firstly, flashing your resume' (which i might add was unsolicited) as a full time employee of PKI means about nothing to me, and makes me (and probably no one else) respect you anymore than any other oblivious internet screen name. Frankly, the fact that you advertise that you worked there for 12 years makes me even more leery of the factuality of your story. One begs to ask the question, how did you stay employed at PKI. Your attitude shows complete lack of the ability for human interaction. But im not here to judge your resume, people inflate them all the time anyway.

But for the sake of being funny, we're just going to assume Ive worked at PKI for 6 years, CP for 6 and SF for 9 years - (ive been working since i was 1)

If you didnt like winterfest then rock on, PKI thanks you for your 17.99. I dont like fearfest at all, but it doesnt mean that i walk around and say "you know... i used to work here for three years and im really ticked that there arent more dead things around here, could someone at least throw a dead cow with the avian bird flu around here, come on - can i get some airborne diseases here...."

Saying that the lights on Tower were burnt out is some what trivial if you ask me. Its not like they wont fix it. We all know that in actuality a few lights may burn out , okay. They can get a cherry picker and replace the bulb. Its not like half the tower went dark - come on now.

The train ride, from what ive heard and seen, doesnt sound like the typical kiddie ride, which is why *insert fanfare trumpets here* pki has installed this all new idea called Santa Claus.

As for the pyrotechnic show. You probaby caught the show when it was having a little bit of a "ride the short bus" moment. But lets be frank. It was working by the end of the night. And the best thing about those kids not liking it, was that there were 15 other things for them to look at and like.

and thats what brings me to my big drawn out - long winded point.

The thing that sets winterfest aside from these other christmas like - holiday events is...

PKI and there design teams have gone 'ornaments to the wall' (or balls, whatever). There is something there, be it a wreath, i giant firework, a floating tree, santa, scooby doo, food, music or whatever - that will cause the ultimate goal. A smile and a lasting memory. Most people on here have waited 13 years or there whole life to experience this event.

Your own warped world of negativity and nit pickyness are better off not coming to winterfest. Its people like you who ruin events like this. Cant you just go and take it for what it is, rather than what it isnt. Its a great event to spend time with family members and friends and like i said make memories.

and two closing things -

1. Kings Island has vested to much time, research and money to have this ''flop''. I think will be here for many years to come. Especially with great wolf lodge opening soon.

2. You are infact an uneducated moron. The rationale is this. If you go somewhere, an amusement park, a baseball game a store, a park WHEREVER and you cant say one positive thing about the place, your comments are generally useless across the spectrum. Someone who "*****es and *****es" is so much less respected and accepted as someone making valid comments as opposed to someone who uses the appropriate channels to make their comments be heard and be used appropriately.

And since you are such an experienced PKI / KI veteran you should know how to use those channels and not... this website.

So heres to two clicks!

[SkootersFan]

Well said.

[Outdoor Man]

wow. very spirited thread.

Haven't been there yet, but really from all the looks I think it will be impressive. I do have to agree with titanic a bit; i do think that crowds will be light because they have really priced out the typical family of 4... it will cost minimum of $80 just to get in (and that's if they have discounts)... then there's the food factor. I think they are hindering crowds by not allowing season pass holders in. 1992 and before, my girlfriend and I had passes and even though we lived 90 minutes away would make evenings out of the event and not think a thing to drop $30-50 each visit on various things. The high price pretty much assures that families will visit ONCE.

As far as the lights; I can tell from pics that the tower has fewer lights on it than before. And I gotta be honest, I really prefer the tradition single star atop the tree to the "logo."

By and large. It is the first time back for the event. i think that Paramount Parks has really done well to make this good for the first time around. As I recall the FIRST ever Winterfest wasn't much either..... and they aren't picking up where they left off. I'm pretty sure that paramount had no intentions of brining this back when they ended it... so even though they are bringing the event back.... they're basically starting over. They've put too much into it for it to be a 1-year event.... I;m sure that next year will be much different/better... and I look for the price to dramatically ease as December goes on (that's just an opinion though).

[Delirium_Guy]

You know guys, A_Titanic_Mess is certainly entitled to his own opinion. Why can't ya just let it be? I found nothing offensive about his post, he simply stated that he thought Winterfest sucked? It may have come on a bit strong, but honestly he had some valid points I thought. I've kept my expectations of Winterfest EXTREMELY LOW. Simply because in the past few years, PKI has gained a reputation of OVER HYPING attractions. They give it the "Hollywood spin", but just don't deliver. The Eiffel Tower sure looks beautiful and impressive from my balcony, guess I'll find out next weekend if it delivers the rest of the goods or not. I know the Park has pretty high expectations for attendance, hearing the low number for Friday kinda concerns me. Cold weather or not, we are rolling into WINTER what else do you expect? Its never stopped the crowds from going to The Beach for Holiday Fest? First impressions are everything. I know the Park has sank a lot of time and effort into the event, I just hope it doesn't turn out like everything else has......

As for you, Titanic_Mess, like someone else said......you should have expected the responses you got on this site. It is a PKI Fan site after all, its just that some people can't seem to handle reading ANY type of criticism about the "perfect" park at all. Oh well.

[CoastersRZ]

Well, I just got back from WinterFest (this time I started out volunteering up there in the foodservice department before they released us into the park because that particular location was overstaffed). I can say that the crowds were about double what they were on Friday night. (The train ride was filling up every seat on the train car.)

I do not think that this will just be a one year event. The park has clearly invested some money into preparations/hardware for this event. A new sound system on the train, all the decorations, even the coat uniforms for the employees were not cheap (I heard around $50 per hoodie) and will be reused again next year. Granted there are things that the park will discover that will make the event better in coming years. My only real gripe with the event is that with the exception of Hanna Barbera Land, and the two trees on the train ride, they don`t have any lights in the trees. It would be more magical if they added lights in some of the trees. That being said, I still think it is a pretty good event.

As far as the price goes, it is priced a little steep. Especially when there is the Beach right across the street advertising a family of four gains admission for about $30 or $40 and pass holders get in free. I think PKI was wise not to let pass holders in, at least for the first weekends. The place would be mobbed with people. I can see them offering lower prices, and possibly free admission to pass holders the week after Christmas. I would definantely say that they have some learning to do on the new version of WinterFest. Just like they have learned about the Nick Parade (which was popular enough that they included a parade in WinterFest, which is also very popular).

[Gordon Bombay]

A_Titanic_Mess, give me a break you moron, how can you say it wasnt well executed and planned? Because you worked there 12 years ago and think you know everything about it?

CombatStupendous89, you moron, I worked there for over 12 years. Get it straight. I was part of the original Winterfest crew. I was also part of the Fearfest crew. I was a full-time employee of the park, so while I may not know everything, I sure as hell know a lot more than the groupies and seasonal associates that post on this board. I was in the position of upper management for one of the Resale divisions. So I am extensivly versed in what is needed to make a successful event at PKI. You are the typical seasonal associate...think they know what is going on when they really have no clue.

Show me the money, stupid.....when no one comes through the gate, there is no money. It's that simple.

And by the way.....you have no idea how many times people were hurt on attractions. This was always kept quiet. On occasion, a statement was given to seasonals in the event someone asked, but the majority of them have been kept quiet. So the next time you hear that someone broke their neck on a ride, you should not dismiss it so quickly. You are so stupid to think these things do not happen....they do, more than you realize. PKI settles the suit and keeps it under wraps. One just recently.....I guess you know about that one, right???

Wow, Im guessing you have the jump to conclusions door mat on your front porch, you completely changed the arguement to a fight about resumes than what the topic was about, the point still stands that you havent proven you worked anywhere or know anything nor do you know where/when i worked at the park, who i knew at the park and still know, or what work my father has done for the park. So before you assume im some brat who worked in rides and thinks they know everything thats not entirely true, i know way more than the average seasonal associate who hears crap rumors from their supervisors. The fact still stands, winterfest has been succesfull so far, and the fact that your going through all this trouble to fight a losing battle against me and the members of this board is pretty pretty pathetic, you even themed your screen name on here to it. Bravo buddy. And, as already stated before, if you really held some big full time position where you were all buddy buddy with Craig Ross, I doubt youd be posting on this board and youd probably have something intelligent to say.

[A_Titanic_Mess]

Frankly, the fact that you advertise that you worked there for 12 years makes me even more leery of the factuality of your story. One begs to ask the question, how did you stay employed at PKI.

You got me....you are right....I have never worked there a day in my life. I made it all up. You guys are way too smart for me to try and pull the wool over your eyes.

Have a great time at Winterfest.....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

"racing with clock, we are racing with the clock"