California's Great America Update - November 29th, 2019
WinterFest is here!
So as I'm sure most of you are aware, last night (11/29) was the first night of WinterFest @ CGA. So naturally, we were there to experience the park and share some pictures with you all! I'll cover what I think of some of the parts of WF during this update and in other posts on the site but long story short, the event is amazing and the park is amazingly beautiful lit up like it is.
But onto the update:
Table of Contents
WinterFest Shows
So I didn't get much of a chance to check out the shows today. I figure that I'll be able to do that over the next few weeks but what I did get to see was pretty impressive.
The tree lighting ceremony looked fun!
And I loved the turning on of the tree
The blood yard stage got transformed into a gingerbread stage
And featured some pop up live entertainment!
I look forward to watching It's Christmas Snoopy!
Jingle Jazz
The one show I did catch was Jingle Jazz. In short it was a group of a capella singers singing some classic Christmas carols. It included some cool moments of guest interaction getting little kids to come up to the stage and ring bells along with the carolers. My personal favorite part was the beat boxer in the back. I've always been fascinated with beat boxing for whatever reason and he did an awesome job!
WinterFest exclusive experiences
WinterFest doesn't just mean getting a couple of extra months to ride our favorite rides, it also brings some experiences you can only do during it!
St. Nick's Pics
In Hometown Square you can take a picture with the big man himself!
Holiday Horse & Carriage Ride
I think my favorite experience is an upcharge one where you can ride a real horse and carriage around what's usually the go kart track. Such a cool experience!
Snow Flake Lake
Come winter time, the fountain at the front of CGA gets frozen over and becomes an ice skating rink called Snow Flake Lake!
If I tried this, I'd definitely be one of those people holding onto the sides
The fact that CGA owns a zamboni just makes me so happy
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
Opening in one of the Planet Snoopy storefronts is Mrs. Claus' kitchen, where you and your family can decorate their own cookies and maybe get a chance to meet Mrs. Claus herself!
The store has some nice little touches in it
And the cookies look pretty tasty
The experience will set you back $18.99 this year
North Pole Postmaster
In Orleans Place, you can find North Pole postmaster, a place where you can write and send your own letter to Santa!
I love the decorations inside the building
More decorations
Lights around the park
And now for maybe the best part of the update, take a look at these shots of the incredible lights around the park!
Some snowflakes on the side of Goldstriker
Some lit trees shining over Artisan Alley
In front of Railblazer
Candy Cane Lane lives up to its name!
It feels like we're so far away from South Bay Shores but I know I'll blink and we'll be there at opening day!
Sierra Creek Lodge gets in on the fun!
The bridge from Mass Effect to Flying Eagles is my favorite lights in the park by a good margin. So beautiful!!
American Cafe looks like a gingerbread house!
Tinsel Town (All American Corners) is also almost unrecognizably beautiful during WinterFest
Isn't this just stunning?
And Orleans Place had a great light show!
If you get the chance take the Star Tower err... North Pole up and see the lights from above
It might be better from up high!
General Updates
The Holly Jolly Trolley is definitely something I'm gonna have to check out soon!
Artisan Alley is a really cool idea! I love the idea of bringing in crafters from the community and letting them show off what they made!
The rock/gem vendor is my favorite
Had to get a portrait of this penguin in front of a sleeping Demon
I also think it's kinda funny that the mean streets of Victorian London for Rippers Revenge became the friendly streets of Victorian London
With walkaround characters from A Christmas Carol
Even the games get a make over for Winter Fest
I'm curious to see what this tent is for
The checkers and tic tac toe tables are great (although it's a matter of time before people take/lose the pieces)
I just kinda wish there were some rocking chairs to sit in
Gingerbread Village features lots of, well, gingerbread villagers and buildings
And Tinsel Town contains plenty of its namesake as well!
The old location of Firefall has become one of my favorite places to look during events in the park. Despite not being a place many look, it seems to always have some great details that really do a lot to further the park experience
A tinsel tree in front of Patriot
The tree itself!
Rides
Railblazer always looks good at night
And the lights only made it look better
Drop Tower is napping for the winter
As is Grizzly
But not Patriot!
Gigantamax Santa guards the entrance of Tiki Twirl
My only ride of the night was a quick ride on Goldstriker! Running pretty fast but was just a little rough. Looking forward to it getting some love this offseason!
I thought the Christmas themed TV segments was a nice touch.
And I'll close out this update with one of the WinterFest banner in front of the tree and the carousel! Overall I had an amazing time at WinterFest and look forward to going many times!
