2016 will be a groundbreaking year for California’s Great America amusement park, sister park to Cedar Point and part of the Cedar Fair family. First, they opened up a new interactive gaming experience themed after the Mass Effect video game series. Second, for 2017 they will give The Patriot roller coaster the Rougarou treatment by converting it from a standup ride to floorless. Third, California’s Great America will be the first park to introduce Winterfest, a special event throughout late November and December 2016, offering guests a chance to extend the season with exclusive Christmas decorations, shows, rides, and our favorite part, food!
Cedar Fair is expecting lots of interest in Winterfest, and has already announced plans to roll it out to Carowinds, Kings Island, and Worlds of Fun in 2017! When paired with Knott’s Berry Farm, there will be five Cedar Fair parks extending the season to the end of the year, making a Platinum season pass all the more valuable.
The really exciting part is that guests who have a 2016 All-Season dining plan will be able to utilize the program during California’s Great America’s Winterfest. Note, only 2016 plans work, not those bought for 2017.
Dining plan locations will include Maggie’s Festive Diner, Planet Snoopy Snack Shack, Joe Cool’s Café, Yule Time, and North Pole Café/American Corners Christmas Café.
Lets take a trip around the park looking at the various specialty food stands that will be available during California’s Great America Winterfest event.
Pavilion Holiday Buffet
On December 17-23, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 pm, guests can enjoy an all-you-can eat buffet featuring roast turkey with festive dressing, baked ham, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, vegetarian baked pasta, tossed salad, dessert squares, Christmas cookies and fountain drinks. The Pavilion Holiday Buffet will cost $16.49.
Maggie’s Festive Diner
Maggie Brown’s will be transformed into Maggie’s Festive Diner and will be open throughout Winterfest from 5:00 – 10:00 pm. Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or ham dinner, the famous fried chicken platter, a chicken salad plate, fresh soup and more.
Cool Corn
The Popcorn Wagon in Celebration Plaza will be rethemed as Cool Corn. California’s Great America popcorn cart will be open daily from 5:00 – 10:00 pm.
Candy Cane Café
Get your holiday favorites like fudge, candy apples, traditional hard candies and more. Open daily 5:00-10:00 pm.
Candy Cane Concoctions
Two different stands, the Food Booth in Candy Cane Lane, and the Budweiser stand in the Polar Party section will be serving gourmet hot chocolate, mulled wine and candy cane cookies.
Planet Snoopy Snack Shack
Planet Snoopy Snack Shack will serve chicken tenders, sausages, hot chocolate from 5:00 to 10:00 pm daily.
Sally’s Festive Funnel Cakes
Sally’s Sweet Treats in Planet Snoopy will be rethemed as Sally’s Festive Funnel Cakes and will offer seasonal funnel cakes daily from 5:00-10:00 pm.
Joe Cool’s Café
The Joe Cool’s Café stand has us really excited, as they create a special “The Christmas Dinner” grilled cheese sandwich. In addition, eat sausage and brats, burgers, pizza, salads and hot chocolate. Open daily 5:00-10:00 pm.
Yule Time
The Game Time building located the All American Corners section of the park will be open daily 5:00-10:00 pm, serving specialty beverages.
American Corners Christmas Café
The American Cafe will be redone and offer tamales, burgers, garlic fries, chili cheese fries, grilled chicken.
Sugar’s Cake Factory
The Sweet Tooth stand in Orleans Place will be rethemed as Sugar’s Cake Factory and offer funnel cake flavors including Gingerbread, Christmas Candy, Chocolate Chip and Strawberry. Open daily 5:00-10:00 pm.
Frankie’s Pizza will be transformed into Toy Town Treats.
Spike’s Churro Factory will be Spike’s Cheery Churros during Winterfest.
The Snack Shack in Planet Snoopy will likely be utilized by an outside vendor. More to come.
In addition, Subway and Auntie Anne’s will be open during Winterfest.
We are also excited to see Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, where guests will be able to decorate their own cookies to take home.
The abundance of new flavors debuting at California’s Great America is extremely promising for the Winterfest events that roll out at Worlds of Fun, Carowinds, and Kings Island in 2017. We are extremely excited to see such a huge seasonal selection available for Winterfest, and hope for a very strong event attendance as it moves forward next year.
2016 Winterfest Souvenir Cup
California’s Great America has announced they will offer a souvenir cup for $10.99. Guests who purchase the cup will receive free refills of coffee and hot chocolate on the day of purchase.
Reference: http://parkchef.typepad.com/park_chef/2016/12/winterfest-at-californias-great-america.html
Photos ©California’s Great America
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