On Friday, November 25, I had the opportunity to check out the return of WinterFest at Kings Island. The park promised this would be an extravagant event, and they sure did deliver!
Upon entry to the park, the most notable attractions are the skating rink on the Royal Fountain, and the use of the Eiffel Tower as a Christmas tree, both returning from the original WinterFest.
A welcome "change" is the new decorations, food options, and live entertainment in the Festhaus - but more like what was offered at the last WinterFest. Full dinners, like turkey, lasagna, and roast beef were available, while LaRosa's pizza was also available. Gone are the large projection screens, replaced with a center stage for live musical and talent entertainment and festive banners in the ceiling. An old stained glass window has been revealed once again, and illuminated. Graeter's ice cream and Busken bakery goods are also available inside.
Another dining option is available at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Shack, which offers part of its dining area enclosed, as well as some "tacky" food offerings.
The Paramount Story is home to the Nickelodeon Tree Lot, where you can have your picture taken with characters like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and Little Bill. Like before, the Coney Carousel is open.
New to WinterFest is the illumination show in Rivertown, which has great light effects synchronized to music. Also, the White Christmas Express is a wonderful train ride that includes some nice postcard displays, but adds a nice element of live entertainment not only in the station, but on board during the train that takes you back to the 1940s.
The last days of Hanna-Barbera land are during WinterFest, including operation of the H-B Carousel and Top Cat's Taxi Jam (the only coaster available), as well as Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle (which will remain as is next season). You can meet Santa in the Animation Station building until Christmas.
You might be a little disappointed if you miss out on WinterFest's shows. The main act, Santa's Toy Factory, goes on in the Paramount Theatre. Be sure to pick up reservation tickets for shows to the left of the Front Gate, before the Theatre, to ensure seating to this fantastic and timeless show.
Make time to see the nightly lighting of the Eiffel Tower Tree at 6 p.m. It's surely part of the WinterFest magic, and I think it's better than ever with the Tower's new lighting effects, which I hope to see added to summer operation (minus the Chirstmas lights).
The Home for the Holidays Parade begins at 7:30 in the Nickelodeon/Hanna-Barbera area, and terminates at The Beast. Be sure to look for an old favorite attraction among the roving entertainers and floats!
Before leaving, don't miss Scrooge on International Street, next to Starbucks Coffee. The things he says might get normal park employees fired (it's still clean humor, but not the warm fun found at most holiday shows).
But before I left for the night, I took the the skating rink. I liked the availability of hockey skates for rental (unlike some rinks I have been to). The $3 rental fee was very reasonable, but the $7 rink fee was a little steep, but it's not too often you get to skate in the middle of Kings Island!
Overall, I would give WinterFest an 'A' grade. There are a few things I might want to change, inclding more lighting in the trees. While the decision to not accept season passes made sense, in order to keep the event's experience enjoable, I would offer some deep discounts on select nights, or maybe even a couple of free passholder nights, depending how attendance this season goes. Surprisingly, there was little or no park/coaster/ride merchandise usually found during the regular season - something I would honestly expect some of, whether a Beast shirt, postcards, or some MINI Cooper related items from Italian Job.
In close, if you've loved visiting Kings Island or love holiday events, you must not miss WinterFest!
IF YOU GO:
WinterFest at Kings Island
Admission: Advance purchase of tickets is recommended, because some nights may sell out.
You can purchase specific day tickets onlike at PKI.com for $17.99.
Good any day tickets are also availabe for $19.99 online, at Kroger or Blockbuster.
Tickets are available at the gate for $24.99 (when available).
When: Fridays-Sundays beginning November 25, as well as during the week starting December 19 (closed Dec. 24, 25) through New Year's Eve (December 31.)
Hours: 4-10 p.m (4-9 p.m. Sundays and Dec. 31)
Information: pki.com - also check out pkicentral.com
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