[montumax]

Tonight was the preview event for WinterFest at Carowinds. No rides were open. It was basically an evening of getting a tour of the park and several of the attractions that will be taking place during WF. What a perfect night to do it. It was cold!

After meeting up with Mark (Foreseer) out in the parking lot, we headed up to the front gate. It was really weird to see tinsel and lights strung along the fences at the main entrance. Christmas trees and other decorations were all over the front plaza. After talking to some people that I deal with planning C3, they assured me that we were in for a real treat inside the park. They weren't pulling my leg either.

Upon checking in, we ran right into some of my "co-horts", Scott and Natividad. They were really excited about the evening. I was kidded about showing up even though they had to cancel the meal that was planned for the evening. (There was a problem that sprung up earlier in the day.) After letting them get back to their PR duties, we strolled inside and saw a stage set up in front of the huge golden Carowinds sign. We wanted to wander around the front area but the guards were keeping everybody in that immediate area.

This was where they were going to have the tree lighting ceremonies with special guests Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory and the mayor of Rock Hill, Charles Power. The "host" of the evening was the mayor of the North Pole/Christmas Town/wherever it was, Myron P. Bullwinkle. Wait, its Dinkleton P. Mullrimple. Try saying that name several times. After being serenaded by some carolers, the huge Carolina Skytower became the tallest Christmas tree in the Carolinas. Then, it was off to the Paramount Theatre to see the Santa's Toy Factory musical.

I don't like shows at parks. I'll admit it. So, this one was slightly amusing. The best part and the one that everybody seemed to like was the raindeer number. Second had to be Christine Penguinlaria. (You'll see for yourself.) The whole play was about Wendall needing to get his holiday spirits up so Santa can go deliver presents. Yes, there's a happy ending.

After the performance, we went for some much needed hot chocolate and some finger snacks (and I still have no idea what I ate. Chocolate covered sushi?) Then, it was up to the Nick Central area to see the characters having a meet and greet and the ice skating rink, which you won't see me trying. I think my butt is magnetically attracted to the ground.) We got close over to the rides area, which was lit up, and I heard a familiar voice telling some people not to let me over there yet. It was some good natured fun from a certain PR guy.

Everybody headed up to Rivertown (the area around the Country Kitchen and Scooby's Haunted Mansion) to see Scrooge. Scrooge was an interactive puppet which talked to various people out in the crowd. Then it was off to see Holiday Illuminations, which is in the area heading into Nick Central. Its basically a dancing water show with music and lights. Finally, the evening came to a close with a sneak peak of the parade. Saw an outfit that suited Jarvis and decided that the gumdrops didn't really look like gumdrops. (That's all I say since this is a family board.) On the way out, I did get some preliminary info on a certain second weekend in Dec (*cough* ACE Night *cough) which hopefully, we'll be announcing soon. After saying goodbyes and thanks, it was time to go warm up in the truck.

So, what did I think about WF? I'll admit I was very curious about how it would work out. The park looks very nice decorated up for it. I told Natividad that I thought that the park lends itself to events like this (Scarowinds and WF) very well. In fact, I thought Scarowinds looked the best that it ever has this year. I'm impressed with the way the park looks for WF. I realize most of you will go just to ride the flyers and Top Gun. But, I think it will have some good holiday atmosphere to soak in.

I was told that this was just a preview and that there was other stuff to be seen. Just enough of a teaser to draw me back to it. I'd like to see more holiday stuff to do in the park. Outside of the rides, the musical is the biggest draw for people. Maybe a 3-D movie in the Action FX theatre in the future? Theme up Dora and Scooby's Haunted Mansion for the holidays? The possibilites are endless for future incarnations of WF. Right now, I was pleased with this edition of it and I'm very curious as how successful it will be. They're on the right path with a nice start for this year.

Just in case you didn't see the link to some of the pics I took...

<a href='http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/maxservo65/my_photos' target='_blank'>WinterFest Photos</a>

[coasterbruh]

Ohhh I get it...my invite was lost in the mail right...

[MarkD]

I too was impressed with what they have done. The opening carolers were great and the way they lit up the park was cool. I wonder if they will be doing that everynight as an opening ceremony?

There were "snow makers" about adding to the Winter theme which I thought was a great touch. A little dusting of snow as you walk thru the lights and activities makes it feel more "movie-ish".

Another qestion I have is about Kaliedoscope. We saw how it was decorated and even had the snow effects but it makes me wonder how slow they will run it for this event or if they will run it at normal speed?

Thanks again for the invite Max. Sorry Johnathan! Not really.

Thanks also to Scott, Natividad for allowing us a sneek peek.