Earlier this year, it was announced that the all-new Grand Carnivale “Evening Spectacular” would debut at four Cedar Fair parks — Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Worlds of Fun and Dorney Park — in 2019.
However, when the event was announced in March, details were a little vague. We learned that China, France, Germany, India and Italy would all be represented in some fashion, with authentic food, music, dance and performances, from the countries to be available each evening. In addition to the countries involvement, there would also be a parade and “street festival” during the event.
Taking this into account, when attending Grand Carnivale at Kings Dominion this past weekend, I still wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Here’s a quick glimpse into Grand Carnivale at Kings Dominion!
Kicking Off The Event
Each night, Grand Carnivale kicks off with a short “Welcome Ceremony,” where we are greeted by the King and Queen of Grand Carnivale, Carl Nivale, and his wife Cara Nivale. (Sound it out if you’re not sure!) There are flags, drums, character actors — it’s a lot to take in (in a good way), and that proved to set the theme well for the night!
Mr. and Mrs. Nivale officially opened Grand Carnivale for the night, and it was time to explore!
After Grand Carnivale was officially “kicked off,” multiple stilt walkers emerged from a backstage area, and would interact with guests throughout the night! I’m not sure how the beer-holding, barrel-standing, stilt-walker got around all night. Those barrels looked heavy!
The setting for Kings Dominion’s Eiffel Tower is concentrated on their International Street entrance plaza, and around the park’s iconic Eiffel Tower. When entering the park, Germany is on the right side (Starbucks, Cinnabon, Panda Express) of International Street, Italy is on the left (Berzerker, Dominator), China is behind the Eiffel Tower and to the right, India is behind the Eiffel Tower and to the left, and France (of course), is located directly under the Eiffel Tower.
The Entertainment
There is SO MUCH going on at Grand Carnivale from an entertainment perspective. Everywhere you turn, there is live entertainment that features a cultural tie-in to the area being represented.
In Germany, there were traditional German musicians (doing the Chicken Dance!) and a polka band, playing traditional favorites.
In France, there were circus acts, including an aerial yoga performer who hung from the Eiffel Tower…
…as well as beret-clad singers and dancers. There were also “can-can” girls, who I didn’t manage to get on film, but they were very good!
In China, there were a variety of different acts, including these pictured featuring multiple forms of traditional Chinese dance.
And in India, there were musicians playing drums and the sitar, as well as a group of women showcasing traditional Indian Dance. While I was in Italy, there was a musician playing guitar, but I didn’t get the chance to stay in Italy for that long.
One of my favorite things that might go unnoticed at Grand Carnivale were the artists in each area, who were painting live scenes in their various mediums. If you head to Grand Carnivale, be sure to take a few minutes to watch a few “artists at work!”
A bit of non-country specific entertainment that also goes on during Grand Carnival is Kings Dominion’s “Hot Rhythm Nights” show, which takes place multiple times throughout the evening. This show features a lot of song and dance and a soundtrack sure to get you dancing.
The singers and dancers are also backed by a live nine-piece band, who, in addition to being incredibly stylish in their bright yellow shirts and fedoras, are extremely talented! Definitely check this show out if you make it to Grand Carnivale at Kings Dominion!
We’ve compiled a quick video with some of the entertainment options at Grand Carnivale! Check it out!
The Food (And Drink!)
As promised, each of the countries showcased in Grand Carnivale had several authentic food options available. Much like similar food festivals at other Cedar Fair parks, you can purchase a “tasting card,” which gives you 6 “tastes” from around the globe. At $30 for 6 “tastes,” it’s a pretty great deal, as each item a la carte costs $6.99.
While our friends over at CPFoodBlog have a really great run down of the special menu items available during Grand Carnivale, we unfortunately weren’t able to sample everything, but here’s a quick look at some of what we tried! (A bit of advice: Bring your appetite to Grand Carnivale. You won’t leave hungry!)
Tandoori Chicken Tacos from India (Missing the Radish and Cilantro): These were amazing. The naan bread and spiced chicken paired well with the cool yogurt sauce!
Beef Ribs and the Szechuan Beef Buns from China. (Ignore the bone in the beef ribs photo, we got hungry!) Both of these had incredible flavors, and I wouldn’t mind seeing them on a park menu year round!
Mama’s Meatballs and Roman Suppli from Italy. According to Carowinds’ Chef Kris Siuta, who was on hand for Kings Dominion’s Grand Carnivale, the Suppli is about as authentic as you can get without being made in Italy. They were fantastic!
The Crepe Monsieur from France. This one was SUPER filling, and could be a whole meal in itself!
There were also two signature beverages at Grand Carnival. The “Cocktail Carnivale” (pictured above) had vodka, blue curacao, and Midori melon liqueur in it. It was extremely refreshing, and also really tempting to drink more than one. (21+ only!) For younger guests or those who don’t like alcohol, there was also the Berry Citrus Twist, which had a great flavor and was perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day! Both drinks were served in light-up souvenir glasses.
The Spectacle of Color Parade
I will preface this section by saying I am not typically a parade person. Usually, when a parade happens at a park, it means I’ll head to the rides, because the waits are a little shorter. Having said that, the Spectacle of Color parade was INCREDIBLE, and was one of the best parades I’ve ever seen at a regional amusement park. Not to cross brands here, but I think it’s the closest you can get to a “Disney-quality” parade, without actually being at a Disney park.
It starts down by Twisted Timbers, and winds its way through Candy Apple Grove and Planet Snoopy, making two “show stops” along the way, before ultimately ending near the Eiffel Tower. The actors and performers in the parade were fantastic, the choreography was great, the soundtrack was energetic, and the floats were ornate and beautiful.
For an optimal viewing spot, I would pick one of the two “corners” in Candy Apple Grove, either near the Americana Ferris Wheel, or at the far end, as the parade turns into Planet Snoopy. This way, you get a good look at all the parade floats coming at you! During the parade stops, there’s some great interactivity with the audience and some fun dancing numbers. Check out some video from the parade below, but realize that it will do ZERO justice! (The second video was taken from our Instagram live stream and downloaded. I know you’re not supposed to shoot video vertically! Forgive me!)
Carnivale Street Party
Following the Spectacle of Color Parade, the International Street Stage and area in front of it are transformed into a dance party that goes until park close! The characters from the parade mingle in the crowd, dancing, taking photos, and interacting with guests! This is better seen in video than my description, so check it out below!
Everything Else
There are some great decorations in the park for Grand Carnivale! The International Street area looks amazing! I heard a rumor this golden statue was previously used in an old Kings Dominion attraction. Any guesses as to which one?
After the festivities, be sure to take advantage of a night ride or two! I’m biased, but they’re some of the best coaster rides out there!
The Verdict
For a first year event, I was completely blown away by Grand Carnivale at Kings Dominion. After a long day in the park, it was an amazing way to end the night. I can only hope that Grand Carnivale makes its way to other Cedar Fair parks in the future, because this event was a blast! If you’re hesitating about a trip to Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Worlds of Fun or Dorney Park this summer, try to plan your trip around Grand Carnivale and go! You won’t regret it!
For more information about Kings Dominion’s Grand Carnivale, be sure to visit the park’s website, and follow Kings Dominion on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.
Are you heading to a Cedar Fair park for Grand Carnivale this season? Let us know in the comments below!
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