 PKI Winterfest 12/17/05
We left Circleville around 11:20 even though the park didn't open until 4PM. This is because we wanted to make a stop over at Jungle Jim's. If you have not been to this tripped out and heavily themed grocery store I strongly suggest a trip if you are going to be in the area. They have just about every kind of food you can think off from around the world. Definitely worth the 20 minutes from the park.
I am not going to bore you with every single move we made at the park, simply because I don't think it is necessary. But I can safely say it was fun. We stayed the entire time from 4 till 10. Actually we were there later because I stayed to buy my season pass for next year. I don't have to pay for it until April 1, and they gave me a little plush spongebob in a santa hat just for doing it there.
The rides that are in operation during the event are:
Grand Carousel
Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle
HB kiddie carousel
White Christmas Express (Train)
Top Cat's Taxi Jam-----we couldn't ride it cause we were too big. Sign said you had to have a kid if you were over 60 in.
My gun was not working on SD so we rode again later before we went home. We also rode the train again before we left at 10.
The lighting of the tree lights that hang down from the Eiffel Tower was very nice, even though it was a little corny with the "mayor" of Winterfest coming out and making a little to-do. His name escapes me but it was Mayor "Dinkle--something-or-other". He was trying his best to act very "Seussical". I give him an "A" for effort.
The only thing I did not care for was the price you had to pay to skate. They charge you 7 bucks to get out on the ice and then 3 to rent the skates. Needless to say, I did not feel the urge to go out and fall down on my arse and look like a fool.
The light show over in Rivertown was nice and it had a good firework finale.
The White Christmas Express was good. It had a nice theme and all with the different Christmas scenes that would light up when the train went by. The only suggestion I have is maybe some more lights on the trees themselves and maybe on the outside of the train to make it more decorative. The garland was a nice touch though.
I really enjoyed the Santa's Workshop show in the Paramount Theatre. it was the usual candy-coated (OH NO! SOME ONE DOESN'T HAVE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!) show, but it was surprisengly good by Paramount's standards.
We had our choice of whether to eat at the FestHaus, Skyline, Larosa's, Chick Fil-a or at Bubba Gump's. We decided the tackier the better so we had dinner at the bayou. It was really cool to see the Shack all decorated in lights. It made me want to serve fish and shrimp to my guests at my next christmas party. I was wondering how we were going to eat out in the cold. But the park did a good job of putting up some tarps, installing some really nice heaters and keeping us protected from the cold. On our way out I had some kind of cafe ameretto drink from the bar that had schnapp's in it and it set my stomach on fire--WOW. But it was darned good. I wanted a hot buttered rum but they were all out. Maybe next time.
The Scrooge puppet over by Starbucks was amusing and the stores themselves were redone with what looked like private vendors selling thier wares. Kind of gave it that craft show touch.
We also saw many costumed characters. They had a meet and greet over by the tower in the "Paramount Story" section. They had cut several real evergreens and themed it to a christmas tree lot. We saw Patrick, Spongebob, Dora, & Angelica. Scooby was even out greeting most of the night over in HB Land.
I was surprised at how many employees were not afraid to say, "Merry CHRISTMAS". Yes, some said "Happy Holidays". But I was still surprised nontheless. There was also a high school choir that was there and they sang several songs of a more spiritual repitoire. The entertainment at the Festhaus also did a rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear?". There was also a horn quartet. The Festahus had also reached its capacity for occupants so we had to wait a minute before we could go inside. That was a first timer for me.
The songs that were played over the park sound system was also a nice mix of both types of christmas songs (both religous and non-religious).
The parade at 7:30 was very good, but I would suggest making it a little longer next year. This could be accomplished by incorporating some of the Nickelodeon characters into the parade. I was kind of surprised they were not in it to be honest.
All in all, I thought the effort put forth by PKI was good. I definitely want to make this a tradition at Christmas. I even stopped at guest relations on my way out to tell them I thought they did a good job. I overheard other people doing the same thing. Interational Street alone looks like it came right out of a postcard. If you have time this year, go to PKI. If this doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit, then I don't know what will.
__________________
"Ok, fat ***, we've just traveled 2,460 miles just for a little Roy Wally entertainment. The moose says you're closed. I say you're open!"
Last edited by Griswold; 12-18-2005 at 09:59 PM..
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