From Katie Huffman’s Twitter. She choreographs most of the shows. The Mistletones have been moved from the LaRosa’s porch to a makeshift stage made out of the Goblet Toss game on the east end of Coney. This makes a lot more sense than where it was.

Also, I’ve heard that Coney may be the place to be this year once the sun goes down. Stay tuned.

2 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Also, I’ve heard that Coney may be the place to be this year once the sun goes down. Stay tuned.

I wonder if the rumored Racer light package could be ready for Winterfest. If it's actually happening at all.

I thought that the location of that last year was a bit odd and created quite a bit of gridlock on the relatively narrow midway by LaRosa`s.

56 minutes ago, 139Signal27 said:

I wonder if the rumored Racer light package could be ready for Winterfest. If it's actually happening at all.

3 more days... 

12 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Also, I’ve heard that Coney may be the place to be this year once the sun goes down. Stay tuned.

I saw Coney tonight. All I can really say as of now is that I think you're correct.

2 hours ago, Snowball said:

I saw Coney tonight. All I can really say as of now is that I think you're correct.

3 more days...

One more day! The park is looking great on the webcams tonight: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/explore/live-video

As a reminder, Tinsel Town opens as a new area this season. Tinsel Town Diner (Juke Box Diner) features burgers, patty melts, and a turducken sandwich. Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered for $40 per group of up to six riders.

The Enchanted Theater is open this year, with What The Dickens and A PEANUTS Guide To Christmas playing there. Coney Barbecue becomes Smokehouse Christmas, featuring roast beef, smoked turkey, Christmas sausage, and rotisserie chicken. Pull-apart cinnamon bread will be found this season at Claus Confectionary (Rivertown Funnel Cakes), along with funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and other treats.

Can't wait to see everyone there tomorrow!

Are we thinking the parking lot Gates will open at 4 and i-street at 4:30?


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^ That's correct. Parking gates open one hour before the park opens, and turnstiles open 30 minutes prior, along with most of International Street. The park opens at 5:00 (4:00 on Saturdays), with the lighting ceremony at 5:30.

^ Thanks@malem

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I want to make it down this weekend to ensure I don’t miss out again like last year.  I know opening weekend will be busy but weather aside was one night better than the other last year?

In general, Sunday should be the least busy night. This was the case on Opening Weekend last year.

I don't worry too much about crowds at WinterFest, as there's plenty to do without waiting in lines.

Thanks.  Coming from CBus Sunday would get us home a little late for a school night but fortunately the weather forecast seems to be holding well for Friday and Saturday.  

 

Got in line for Flight of Fear and it's currently in a delay. Hopefully Firehawk didn't pass breaking down to FoF.

Also here are some photos of posters outside Flight of Fear's exit.

Flight of Cheer!

^Nice use of concept art. 

The new Christmas buffet at Reds Grille is well-worth the $5 dining plan upcharge. The menu options are similar to last year's International Restaurant buffet; I especially enjoyed the mashed red potatoes and maple glazed ham.

Join me on FB live at 9PM as I interview @DonHelbig about Winterfest!

@kingsislandcentral

I wish the park would sell those Flight Of Cheer posters!

2 hours ago, malem said:

The new Christmas buffet at Reds Grille is well-worth the $5 dining plan upcharge. The menu options are similar to last year's International Restaurant buffet; I especially enjoyed the mashed red potatoes and maple glazed ham.

Does that mean we don’t need reservations this year?

Winterfest was amazing. The park did a fantastic job in decorating and preparing for the big day. However, the food service is extremely slow compared to the KI food service we are accustomed to. I’m curious if this was a bad day, or if this is to be the norm. How slow was it? 4 people were served in 20 minutes at Skyline. 

15 minutes ago, funpark said:

Does that mean we don’t need reservations this year?

There are 2 buffets this year according to the website. They still have the International Street Restaurant Buffet too. Looks like you can't buy ahead online anymore. 

 

International Restaurant 

Enjoy a winter feast crafted by the Kings Island culinary team! Dine on seasonal delights while overlooking the stunning view of International Street and Snow Flake Lake.

Dining Plans are not accepted at this location. Tickets can be purchased at the International Restaurant on the day of your visit. Limited availability.

I just got done working and from where I am at St. Nicks Pics (Normally the Diamondback’s gift shop) it looks like The Racer got the lighting package a lot of us were hoping for!

Anyone get any pics of the new lighting package for The Racer? 

1 hour ago, Imperial79 said:

Anyone get any pics of the new lighting package for The Racer? 

Also, did anyone catch the tree lighting? 

2 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Also, did anyone catch the tree lighting? 

I'm sure someone did. (It had to be done) 

Are you talking about the one at 5:30? If so, yes I did.

Wow. Great job. Much better allocation of resources this year to create themed areas. Coney had the energy it was lacking last year. The passage around the tower “wintetfest way” has the more organized look if lacked last year. Just an all around great job. There were of course a few technical glitches like no moving lights in candy cane lane, but I’m sure they’ll be addressing all of that as the event continues. I’m still amazed at the detail they put into trim elements (decor in the wreaths and trees) that is barely visible after 6 when it’s dark. They certainly could open earlier and it would look great. It’s an event that is definitely NOT just all about lights like the zoo. 

10 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Also, did anyone catch the tree lighting? 

Any chance The Racer will have that lighting during regular season and be incorporated into the fireworks show?

4 hours ago, brenthodge said:

Wow. Great job. Much better allocation of resources this year to create themed areas. Coney had the energy it was lacking last year. The passage around the tower “wintetfest way” has the more organized look if lacked last year. Just an all around great job. There were of course a few technical glitches like no moving lights in candy cane lane, but I’m sure they’ll be addressing all of that as the event continues. I’m still amazed at the detail they put into trim elements (decor in the wreaths and trees) that is barely visible after 6 when it’s dark. They certainly could open earlier and it would look great. It’s an event that is definitely NOT just all about lights like the zoo. 

Not sure if the candy cane lane lights were not working or if they were repurposed elsewhere.

7 hours ago, JubJester said:

I'm sure someone did. (It had to be done) 

Are you talking about the one at 5:30? If so, yes I did.

The lighting was so much better this year. All of I Street was involved, which was a “you know what would be cool?” thought I had last year. The tree lights, up lighting, truss lighting, and tower all play a part and it’s amazing! A big shout out goes out to the tech services team for working all year to make this possible.

10 hours ago, BoddaH1994 said:

Also, did anyone catch the tree lighting? 

I know that everyone doesn’t feel the same way, but it is posts like this that remind me how much I miss The Interpreter with his simple replies of “Yes”!

Ah...good times, he kept everyone on their toes. 

2 minutes ago, BlondyRidesOn said:

Any chance The Racer will have that lighting during regular season and be incorporated into the fireworks show?

Is there a chance? Yes. Do I know if they will? No. That decision may have not been made yet. My guess is it will.