WinterFest is returning to Kings Island in 2017 after a 12-year hiatus. The theme park says the annual holiday-themed event is one of its top most requested. This is Kings Island's second big announcement this summer. Last month it unveiled a new wooden roller coaster, also set to open in 2017, called "Mystic Timbers."Vice President and General Manager Greg Scheid says everyone has been asking for WinterFest to return. "I moved to Cincinnati ten years ago (and) the number one question I get is 'when are you going to bring WinterFest back?' I just had two guests come running up to me and say, 'I can't believe you're doing this.' People keep asking for it."
Kings Island discontinued WinterFest after 2005 because of lack of attendance and interest. There were finance and marketing issues too. Scheid says part of the problem was that event admission wasn't included for season passholders. When WinterFest returns next year, admission will be included for Gold and Platinum passholders.
"We believe by offering it to the pass holders, it will be highly successful," says Scheid.
He says WinterFest will be a lot like people remember it with shows, caroling and ice skating, but the lighting affects will be much better. "The lighting around this park will be like nothing you've seen before."
Some rides will also be open, depending on the weather. The 314-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower will be turned into a giant Christmas Tree "decorated with thousands of lights which will be seen for miles."
WinterFest 2017 will open the day after Thanksgiving and run through December 30.
Soak City
Kings Island is also planning some upgrades to its water park, Soak City. They include a new smokehouse restaurant, additional shade structures, changing rooms, cooling mister fans, and expanded deck space doubling the number of chaise lounge chairs.
