Outdoor Man Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Now that the "inaugral" season of the PKI Winterfest is about history, I am interested to hear every/anyones feedback. give 1-2 high points and 1-2 of your opinions of the low points of the event. As some do, don't just "dump" the low points without giving the positive.... as negative as some can be... it wasn't all bad. and don't even make it a long post.... just a few words for both. High points: 1. tremendous effort made to create a great event 2. Festhaus looked festive for first time in a decade low points: 1. WAY too expensive 2. lights hanging on tower. sometimes on... dim... only corners... off completely... leave em on already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Well, I personally liked that they were dimming the lights and doing different lighting programs with the Eiffel Tower. Additionally, I thought the live entertainment was superb throughout the event. I would have liked to see some more decorations, especially on the trees in International Street. And whatever happened to Scooby Doo and the Christmas Caper? My other complaint, as has been said before, was the cost of the event. In the competitive holiday event market, they pretty much priced themselves out of the event. Hopefully, they will learn what worked and what didn`t work this year. Next year, they will be able to improve the event based on what they learned from this season. I will be first in line to visit the event next season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I agree that they priced themselves out of the market this year. At least they know their bounds. I think $15 is a fair base price, but I think they should offer reservation and web discounts too. I think that the $10 to $15 range is extremely fair. On the other hand, I think the product was superb. I couldn't ask for anything else from Santa's Toy Factory, it was nothing short of the level of brilliance that we've come to expect out of the entertainment department at PKI. I'm not going to say any more about that. Holiday Illuminations was great. I liked it better the first time than the 2nd. I guess it was because the first time I watched it from up on the pathway and the 2nd time I watched it from in front of the lake. You may have noticed that a lot of the beginning of the show starts with the spotlights on the ground that would be to your back. Other than that, I loved the show. I wish they'd do something like that with the Fireworks Spectacular. Maybe do a tower show kind of like what they're doing now. The parade was amazing too. I always wished they had stops kind of like the Nick Parade does, but that's asking a lot of some of the performers who are usually cold and wet long before the show even starts. I thought it was a cool mix of old and new Christmas concepts. The Scrooge thing was funny. They pushed the limits with it, but still made it family-friendly. The Winterfesthaus was really well done too. The live performers were a lot of fun and really added to the spirit. The "walk around" performers were great. We saw a magician the other day who did a great show and was really funny. White Christmas Express was a great idea. I don't think there was enough to it, but I really think they laid a really great foundation for next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjkjkj Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 The magician! we met him too he was really funny my favorite trick was the card trck where it turned red then back to green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleHenry Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Scrooge was the best part. *small baby starts crying in the corner* "What are you crying about kid? What, did you see your parents and get a glimpse of your future?" -Scrooge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I didn't go to Winterfest. I might have if there were any real rides open, and it was only like 10 bucks for GP to get in. Winterfest is the kind of thing that attracts the same kind of people who wait 2 hours to ride IJST. And I am not one of those people... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjkjkj Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 actually it attracts people who want to have fun during the off season at pki, and "obviousley your not one of those people" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Well, I am not one to wait in line two hours for IJST, and I have been to WinterFest four times. I found the event to be extremely fun. The live entertainment is what makes the event. From the parade, to Scrooge to the wonderful Santa`s Toy Factory to the live entertainment on the train. That being said, as you stated, if you go to PKI simply for rides, than WinterFest probably isn`t your cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjkjkj Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Kings Islands not about rides its about family moments . but seriousley winterfest rocked! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikewhy Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I visited Winterfest on December 10th with my girlfriend and we had a great time! It met and often exceeded my expectations. International Street looked magical at night again, which I have not seen in some time. The lighted Eiffel Tower was stunning, and so was the food we ate! All the shows were top notch, and we even enjoyed the White Christmas Express train ride. The entire event really put us in the Holiday spirit and we are very much ready to go next year! I personally did not mind the cost, but I can see where it would be a problem for some people. So I do agree they should lower the admission some, but ONLY if it does not mean a reduction in the quality of the attractions. I also would have enjoyed more lights in the trees on International Street and perhaps some lighted displays in the grassy areas behind the Eiffel Tower. If they also spruced up the White Christmas Express a little, then the event would be nearly perfect. We loved Winterfest and truly hope they bring it back next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Kings Islands not about rides its about family moments . but seriousley winterfest rocked! I said there is nothing for me at Winterfest. That cannot be considered an incorrect statement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Correct. To each their own. Some people don`t like FearFest, because it just isn`t their cup of tea. Just like you don`t like WinterFest because it isn`t your cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Actually I don't like either. But I think its fine if other people like them. I can't really judge Winterfest cause I didn't go. All I know is what people post on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 That`s right, you don`t even like walking through some of the same paths where there are scaractors during FearFest. Well, at least you are not judging the event since you have not attended it! Some people would judge it based on the pictures that are on this site, and would start critiquing it when they themselves have not personally experienced it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKlockster Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I think if I was married and had a couple mini-klocksters running around - I might go to Winterfest. But unless I go to a park with some friends, I am usually by myself. But if I was a family guy, or a big Christmas fan - I would probably go. And yeah, I am known as the guy who during Fearfest packed his lunch every day to avoid having to walk from Vortex to the employee cafeteria, which would force me to go through either cornstalkers or areas where scareactors are on the prowl... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 2, 2006 Author Share Posted January 2, 2006 the main reason I didn't care for the Eiffel Tower "tree" was because when they last had Winterfest in '92- the Tower had a star at the top and really looked like a HUGE Christmas Tree. It really looked imposing. If i could figure out how to post pics to this site I would post one. It was impressive. the way they had it this year it seemed like they weren't sure if they wanted a Christmas Tree or a tower with lights and a paramount logo on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkootersFan Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 go to http://imageshack.us upload pic paste the link into here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reclaimer Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 the main reason I didn't care for the Eiffel Tower "tree" was because when they last had Winterfest in '92- the Tower had a star at the top and really looked like a HUGE Christmas Tree. It really looked imposing. If i could figure out how to post pics to this site I would post one. It was impressive. the way they had it this year it seemed like they weren't sure if they wanted a Christmas Tree or a tower with lights and a paramount logo on it. This? http://www.pkicentral.com/parkinfo/history...age.php?pos=-71 I really don't like the looks of that. I actually prefer the Paramount logo type star they had this year. Kinda creative Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 2, 2006 Author Share Posted January 2, 2006 uh... i think this is it. hope i don't waste space trying. and, Reclaimer.... yes- but you had to see it at night.... and call me a pure-ist... but if it's to be a Christmas tree, use "A" star... not a logo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 There is an actual meaning behind the star on top of the Christmas tree, so I can see how some people might be offended by Paramount using it as advertising. Personally, since Winterfest clearly was about the cultural side of Christmas instead of the religous side, I think it was a very interesting touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 2, 2006 Author Share Posted January 2, 2006 i'm not offended in the least. the typical christmas tree has an angel or a star topping it out. with the light scheme of the tower it was a little difficult to tell what they were trying to be. A christmas tree, the Eiffel Tower, or a tower with lights on it. was taking a friend from out of town past KI on I-71 telling them that they have never seen a christmas tree this large... and the typical christmas tree lighting NEVER came up. we saw no lights, then corner lights- then had to turn around and try again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostgirl Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 you can't win with the start thing no matter which way you go...you offend christians by putting the logo because the star is "traditional" and "representational" but you offend everyone else by putting a star and saying they don't allow "room" for other religions. Some see a tree with a logo while some see the mountain logo. It leaves room for interpretation which i think is cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 3, 2006 Author Share Posted January 3, 2006 my answer is a little off-topic and may not necessarily refer to PKI, but the only entities that "lose" in the politically correct (or religiously correct) arena are those who try to cater to all. If it's a Christmas tree, don't skirt the issue, make it a tree. If it's a Menorah, make it a Menorah. If you don't intend on it being anything.... then don't pretend it's nothing. To defend PKI, they have never called it "ChristmasFest"... it's always been WinterFest.... so as to not confuse all holidays into one. This particular critique of mine aside.... it was a quality event that had some thought and investment behind it... overall i'd give it a 9 on a 10 scale... many more positives than negatives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 As much as I'm not a Paramount Fan, I did think that the Stars Logo at the top of the tower was cool. That is the creativity that the park needs to concentrate on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 As much as I'm not a Paramount Fan, I did think that the Stars Logo at the top of the tower was cool. That is the creativity that the park needs to concentrate on. Same here. But i didnt get to see them in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCcatguy52 Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 I wanted to go to winterfest this year but I could never find the time to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkiboy Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Winterfest was awsome this year. I hope they bring back the toy factory and the Holiday Illuminations back because the toy factory was one of the best shows Ive seen at PKI and the Holiday Illuminations was one of the best lighting shows with fireworks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 9, 2006 Author Share Posted January 9, 2006 i liked the toy factory show too. It was a good and complex production. Someone mentioned that this particular show was performed during the previous WinterFest run. Is that accurate? I don't remember who mentioned that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Well, it was at least accurate in 1991. Not sure about the final season of Winterfest in 1992, but according to the brochure from 1991, over on themeparkbrochures.net, "Toy Factory" is listed as a show in the American Heritage Music Hall, now known as the Paramount Theater. 1991 WinterFest Brochure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted January 10, 2006 Author Share Posted January 10, 2006 as a side note, i was quite unaware that each of the building "blocks" represented a particular European culture. I guess I knew, just was never aware of which went to which.... this is detailed in CoastersRZ's post of the 1991 Winterfest brochure. Do they even try to make the distinctions anymore? the french village is now a tribute to Seattle (starbucks). I'm all for an IS makeover to mimick the Paramount Studios backlot. sorry, off my own topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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