In this episode, Sydoney Banks shares her experience at Old Tucson's Yuletide, a holiday attraction featuring various shows, activities, and festive experiences. She discusses the importance of attending the open ceremony, and the variety of food options available, and highlights several entertaining shows, including Melting Frost and Holiday Magic with Wile E. Claus. The conversation emphasizes the interactive nature of the event, the character engagement, and the overall festive atmosphere, concluding with strong recommendations for families to visit this unique holiday attraction. https://qrco.de/beJjEa
takeaways
Chapters
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Old Tucson's Yuletide
02:56
Experiencing the Open Ceremony
05:51
Food and Entertainment Highlights
09:13
Theatrical Shows and Performances
12:05
Interactive Attractions and Character Engagement
14:52
Overall Impressions and Recommendations
usahauntsearch.com
hallozona.com
https://qrco.de/beJjEa
Sponsors
united-zombies-of-america.com
synystersyn.com
uzahorrorgraphy.com
myscreation.com
hauntingwithheart.com
sydoneybanks.com
glowingpumpkins.com
apocalypserawhide.com
Beneficiary
oddity13.org
Sydoney Banks (00:00.664)
Hello everybody and you're listening to Hawn Attractions and the Horkalard podcast. And today we are going to be talking about Old Tucson's Yieldtide, which is a holiday Christmas attraction where they have different shows and different kind of things that you can do like photos of Santa or activities and games and all kinds of things that you can do. So we just went a couple of nights ago.
And this was the first time we've ever been to their Yuletide, their holiday event. And this is something I wouldn't say new that we're doing, because Haunted Attraction Glow-Up podcast is not that old. But it's something that we are doing is talking about evaluating holiday attractions as well. So not just Halloween, but Christmas and holiday attractions displays.
events, haunted houses that are Halloween, Christmas named. So this is one of the first ones that we're doing for this year and actually ever and it's the Old Tide at Old Tucson. It is a very interesting event with a lot of fun things to do so you want to make sure you get there when they open and you're probably going to end up being there till they close or at least we were there. We were there.
As soon as they opened, we were like one of the last to leave. Because we wanted to try to fit in as much as we could, since Tucson's far away from where we live. If you live closer, you could probably go a couple of times and really just soak all of it in. But us being from Phoenix, it's hard, so we have one night to do all of the events. And like I said, they have live entertainment, they have different kinds of attractions and shows and...
experiences that you'll make and have for a lifetime. So we wanted to get there early because we knew that they had an open ceremony and the open ceremony is where you get to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus and they do the lighting of the tree. I would say that's something that you don't want to miss. It's very fun and it's a very great kickoff to the whole entire rest of your night.
Sydoney Banks (02:27.178)
And you might not see Santa again. We didn't. We just saw him at the beginning. We didn't see him at the end. But like I said, we were trying to fit in as much as we could. So depending on what you're there for, what you're doing, that might be the only time you see Santa. So you might want to for sure go to the open ceremonies. It's very heartfelt and very festive. And Santa comes on a horse carriage and comes to the tree and lights the tree.
And it's very- it's- it's very whimsical and magical. I would not want to miss the open ceremony. also, there's elves that are on top of one of the buildings and they talk and say jokes and stuff and talk to the crowd while you're waiting for the open ceremonies. Open ceremonies is at 5.30. The park opens at 5. So like I said, you want to probably get there as close to 5 as you can so you have enough time to go through security check and all that.
and then make your way to the town square where the open ceremonies are. So that'd be my suggestion. And then from there we went and ate because one of the guys that is with us, my dad, he needs to eat or he can sometimes be very grumpy or not with it. So...
Right after the open ceremonies, we went ahead and grabbed a bite to eat. They have different food and beverage vendors. They have Big Jake's BBQ, they have High Noon Pizza, the Creamery, Phoebe Sweets, the Elixir, Grand Palace Saloon, Hot Chocolate Bar, and the Jolly Elf Pub. So there are different places where you can get snacks and drinks and sweets and all that. But we were gonna go ahead and just...
do the open ceremonies and then grab something to eat so we can do the rest of the night. So we went ahead and ate at Hainan Pizza, which is a pizzeria, and they have pizza and salad and they also had a giant mozzarella stick, which one of our members got and ended up sharing it. I would say that's probably my favorite part was the mozzarella stick. It's huge and it's pretty good. It tastes like a mozzarella stick. The pizza wasn't bad.
Sydoney Banks (04:52.622)
But I would say it was a little a little bit expensive or at least for us a little bit kind of overpriced But we did have our souvenir cups From when we were at nightfall, so we didn't have to buy the drink We just were able to use our cups and fill our cups up So that was a positive So yeah, really good mozzarella stick. The pizza was pretty good. And then from there we went to
one of the shows and it was very interesting. Melting Frost. So Melting Frost is a show which is also a musical so they're singing, dancing, there's comedy and again it's full of Christmas spirit. What they're trying to do is teach Frost how to be cheerful and how to have the Christmas spirit. Of course they run into a whole lot of complications that make this hard and
you know, some feelings get hurt and whatnot, but eventually it all clicks and Frost finds out what Christmas spirit is. It's a very, very well put together show, great voices, great acting, amazing talent. The show was really good. I would say it's well worth seeing. Melting Frost is a good one. Then right after that, we went ahead and jumped to the Miner's Treasure.
which is in the Legends Arena and that is like their stunt show and again it's about free orphan siblings who set off in search of a long lost treasure. They're trying to rob and get some gold that they found out that somebody had and they were locking it up so they're trying to get the combination in different things to be able to steal the gold and they find out later that there's
something even better than what they were looking for. I don't want to give the shows away, but again, really funny, good storytelling, amazing costumes and character. mean, all of the shows, they really stay in character, which is really cool. And they're all a little different. Like I said, this one's more of their stunt shows. So people are falling and punching and, you know, doing actions. So that, that one is, I would say, a must see and a lot of fun as well.
Sydoney Banks (07:19.67)
And then from there, we went to... Actually, no. I messed it up. So right after we saw Melting Frost, we actually stayed in the Grand Palace, which is one of the stages, and we stayed there and we saw Holiday Magic with Wile E. Claus. I forgot about that. I'm glad I remembered. So we actually stayed. So right after that, we just stayed and we saw that show.
And that one was probably one of my favorites because it's very comedic even though it's a magic show. It's very funny. It's kind of like a Saturday Night Live skit or like how the old- some of the old comedy is. Like I said, I don't want to give it away, but they're doing magic, but it's funny. It's really funny. It's a magic show you will not forget and that is for sure true. And Wile E is related to Santa, so.
Hence why his name is Wiley Claus. Then after that we went to the miner's treasure. And then after the miner's treasure, we went ahead and we rode the horse carriage, which you have the option to listen to Christmas music and sing along or sing a cappella. We just listened to music as we rode. And it's not a long ride, but it's really fun. And you get to listen to
Christmas music as you are going through around old Tucson, it's quite entertaining and fun and unique and the horses are very cute and friendly and everybody there is very nice. The staff is very polite. Then right after that we went ahead and watched the holiday light show which is at the Mission Arena and it is to a lot of Trans-Siberian Orchestra songs.
So it's very rock feeling. You get a rock feeling, so you kind of want to rock out while you're watching it. It was really good, very synchronized and very... Again, it has a beautiful background and backdrop because it's at the Mission Arena, which is a legendary part of Old Tucson. And it was a really good show. I enjoyed it. It was really fun.
Sydoney Banks (09:38.838)
and exciting. The only thing is I hope that they add on to it and add more lights and maybe some pyrotechnics or a laser or even some snow or bubbles. I think if they added that with it, like every year they add something to it, it will only just get better and better even if they had some moving spotlights and whatnot. But I mean it was really good. I'm just saying those are things that they could add to make it even better. So yeah, there's the holiday light show. And that one happens
more often than any of the others. So that one is a must see, would say. You don't want to miss the holiday light show. Then after that, we went ahead and kind of ended the night ish, at least show wise, with stories of Mrs. Claus. And that was fun. And we got to actually go into a little building and it's nice and cozy. So you kind of escape the cold. And Mrs. Claus is very, very, very kind, great hospitality and
Just her kindness and her hospitality really makes it special. And then you go ahead and get nice- Nicely situated and then she tells you a story. She told us a nightmare- or not a nightmare, a night in Arizona Christmas. So it was like a night- it was like the night before Christmas, but it was in an Arizona setting, which was really cute. And even old Tucson was mentioned in the story.
And then at the end she gave the kids that were there a key so they can hang up on their tree. And we ended up getting one just because we were special guests. So that was really cool and I have it. So we have a little key that she gave us so we can hang up on our tree. Kind of like a remembrance of what happened. And yeah, there's like I said, there's a lot to do. And then after that we went ahead and rode the train, which
was fun and I didn't know this but there's actually we couldn't hear it really well because we were in the back and there was people and talking but if you actually ride the train there is a narrative story that's being told and it kind of ties a lot of everything together and this is one thing I really liked about the whole entire guild tide is that there's a story that's being told
Sydoney Banks (12:05.112)
kind of like they do with their nightfall. And all the characters are connected and know each other, and I mean the characters as in all the characters that are in the shows that also walk around and do things, you know, interact with the crowd or welcome you in. And all of these characters have a backstory and are connected to one another. And it's really interesting because...
As you go to the different shows and these different attractions or like you ride the train or whatever, you get glimpses and pieces of the story. So you're kind of getting into the story and being told kind of, you know, about Yieldtine and the North, the West Pole and Santa and all that. And then, you know, Santa's related to a lot of the people that are in the shows and stuff. So it's,
It's really cool that they have like a backstory, their characters, as well as they have connections with one another and they stay in character even outside of the shows. So when you're walking around, you'll see some of the characters that are in the shows like the melting frost or holiday with Wile E. Claus, story time with Mrs. Claus, the miners treasure. You'll see some of these characters walking around town when the shows aren't going on and they stay in character.
They're very in character, even after and before the show when they greet you or, you know, they hang out after for photos or to talk to you. They stay in character the whole time. And that to me really, really makes the Old Tide specials because you actually feel like you're at the West Pole and you're a part of the story because it's being unfolded all around you as you're at the shows and...
doing these different things. So it's really, really cool. And I love the costumes, and I love the festive, you know, the festiveness that they have, and how they've completely transformed old Tucson into, you know, a Christmas holiday attraction is really cool. So I'm really glad that we got to go and we got to see, you know, how different it is from Nightfall's. There's similarities, but how different they are.
Sydoney Banks (14:24.874)
And I think it's interesting because the characters get to be more interactive and friendly. Because it's a holiday event and not just, you know, scaring or trying to be scary. So I really, really appreciated it and I really... I mean, all of the staff there is really nice, even the ones that are there to help, you know, with crowd control and security and stuff. They're all very nice and you can tell they all want to be there.
And that's another thing that really stands out about all Tucson is everybody there is happy and wants to be there. And it kind of gives a sense of family and community and love instead of, you know, you going somewhere and you can obviously see for some people it's just a job or they don't care. Everybody here actually cares about the show and what they're doing. And it really shines through and it makes a huge difference and it makes it a lot of fun to attend and to get to see.
The different shows and the different attractions that are here. So I'd say yeah Yuletide is a great great great Attraction to go to I'd probably say it's probably one of my favorites this far and It's a lot of fun. Like I said the shows each show is different and the characters are so So well done. I mean everybody that works there is so talented all the characters and the acting and
the improv and the dancing and the singing, I mean, it's all really, really good. Nobody was like off key or out of tune or not with it. So to all of the actors and actresses that are characters in the shows and around the town, you guys do a phenomenal job. And that's really, I think what really makes
Yuletide Special is the acting and staying in character and the character development and the background and the whole story of the West Pole. Really, really, really, really well done. So yeah, the park opens at five and the park closes at ten. Bars and restaurant last call is at nine thirty and the hot chocolate bar is open till ten. Everything is included in
Sydoney Banks (16:42.306)
the price that you pay to get in, except for two things. The mini-golf is an extra charge and the greedy mining company is an extra charge. And then of course the food and the drink and the shops and stuff you have to pay extra for as well as some of the games you might have to. We didn't get to do everything like I said so there's so much and there's a lot that we missed. Like I said they have the whole the holiday story train which I really highly suggest.
going on even if you're an adult because that's where some of the story is told of the West Pole and kind of about Yieldtide. And then there's the Holiday Mine, which is the West Pole Gift Depot. That is something we went to and I really liked it. They took it and really made it festive and put holiday aspects in it. it's now, like I said, it's the West Pole Gift Depot. So it's where the gifts are made and stuff they have.
an ugly sweater part and a garland part and again the actress that talked to us before we got in there really really great storytelling so good in character so awesome I loved the holiday mine that was probably one of my favorites as well there's the carousel the petting zoo a candy cane maze calf roping like I said mini golf extra charge shooting gallery holiday movie and there's holiday movies
Horstron Wagon, which is that's the one that we went on into the sing-along ride. And then there's Letters to Santa, which we didn't get to do, but there are letters to Santa. Sheriff's Office, then Shelton Hall Museum, Blacksmith Shop, and Greedy Mining Company. So there's a lot to do, and then there's Magical Memories with Santa's photos, so you can also get your photo with Santa.
And there are different packages that are available for purchase to capture that. And then there's also merchandise and games. You have the Last Stop, Outpost, the Corral or the Corner Store, the Glowstick Store, Midway, Games of Fun, Holiday Market Shopping. And like I already said, kind of the food and beverage. There's the Big Jake's BBQ, High Noon Pizzeria, the Creamery, Phoebe Sweets, the Alexa, Grand Palace Saloon.
Sydoney Banks (19:03.842)
hot chocolate bar and the Jolly Elf Pub. So you don't have to worry about not getting fed or anything like that. They have you covered for food and drink. also have, like I said, shopping. So if you want to get a souvenir, if you want to get someone, something that's special and unique from Arizona or old Tucson, they have things that you can buy as well. So they have a lot of things and a lot of activities you can do.
And like I said, the character development and the acting, as well as the lights and decorations throughout Old Tucson really, really make you feel the Christmas spirit. And the meaning behind Yieldtide and the holidays was really cool too. And they had, talked about family and, you know, the spirit of the season.
and all that, it's really really really good. It does hit you a little sometimes, some of the shows and stuff you might cry a little bit or you know, tugs at your heartstrings. But there's also a lot of laughter and fun and excitement. So I would for sure say Old Tucson's Yuletide is something that you're not gonna want to miss this season. There's a couple of nights still to go. If you do miss this year, for sure check out next year and I'm sure it's only gonna get bigger and better every year.
And it's something worth doing and highly recommended over some of the other attractions here that are either overpriced or not as well put together and done like Old Tucson. So, well worth the price. There's a lot of stuff that's included. Like I said, there's only a couple of, you know, add-on things, but you can ride the train or, you know, do the pennings. You do all these different things as many times as you want.
All the shows are included. So when you have a family and you have a lot of kids and stuff, it's a great opportunity. So I would say, yes, check out Yuletide and Old Tucson. And we thank them for having us out again. And it was a lot of fun. And we really appreciate all of you and all the hard work. All of your staff, even from security to janitorial.
Sydoney Banks (21:28.942)
to maintenance and everybody that helps put this attraction on, because it takes a village, it literally does. We appreciate you and we see the hard work that you all do and it really shows and the heart and love that you guys put on this attraction also comes through, which is nice. So, like I said, thank you so much for having us and this is our podcast about Yuletide at Old Tucson. So...
If you have not gone yet, try to go before the end of this holiday season or for sure get it on your list for next time. Till next time y'all, happy holidays and remember, every day is Halloween. Thank you so much.