Kings Dominion is full of fun this summer! My family and I have been frequenting this park for the last 10 years, and our first visit of the summer is always special. This year was ne exception as we arrived for their debut of Grand Carnivale!
This is a brand new festival and will take place evenings June 15 – July 7, beginning at 5:00 p.m on International Street. Guests can join and celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes from cultures around the world. Pick up a Passport from the front gate and explore five different cultures from around the world!
You can experience India, Italy, France, China and Germany, right on International Street. Each country offers a beautiful display of their home land, delicious eats, and fun cultural displays. They were all so elaborate and well done. It really did feel like we were stepping into each country.
My kids really loved this! They are brave and enjoyed trying foods with different cultural flavorings, as well as learning something new at each spot. Kids 12 and under can participate in the Adventure Club Challenge, and get a special stamp at each country they visit. This was so cool. My kids learned to say hello in 5 different languages as well as a few other tidbits of neat information. The Ambassadors at each location are eager and excited to say hi to the kids and pass on their knowledge and love for their country. There are even activity stations set up in each country’s dedicated area. Our favorite was the chinese lanterns.
The food was so good! I would highly recommend getting a tasting card, and making your way through each country to try their offerings. Our favorites were the Chinese Donuts, Italian Cannoli, and the German Sausage!
At at 8 p.m., guests are invited to gather around the midways and take in the Spectacle of Color interactive light parade. The parade and dance party was the perfect finale for a fun night! The incredible floats with authentic music make their way through the park while mesmerizing street performers dazzle guests. The floats are so big and colorful! Our family had the pleasure of being on one of the floats and passing out beads to guests in the crowd. It was so much fun to be a part of the joy that Kings Dominion brings to their guests. The parade comes to an end in the festival area, around the Eiffel Tower where the performers will join guests in the ultimate nighttime event, the Carnivale Street Party. Who doesn’t love to dance the night away? We sure do!
The Grand Carnivale is really a ton of fun for all ages and the summer time event that should not be missed! The music, the lights, and the atmosphere of the park was just spectacular! Get your park tickets and plan your next visit here!