Page 6 - MDHN 2017 Executive Summary_backup

Path Forward

At the completion of 2017 Merry Days and Holly Nights, the Marketing Department sent a survey to
guests that pre-purchased tickets to the various performances to obtain feedback on the specific show(s)
as well as their overall experience with MDHN. Although only 15% responded, insightful comments
were received. Careful consideration of these comments coupled with the head Elves assessments
resulted in the development of the following initiatives for planning a more successful and jubilant
MDHN event series.

Key enhancement opportunities
I. Connectivity Village to OVL Merry Wonderland

The Olympic Valley Lodge (OVL), is Merry Days and Holly Nights main venue and is
beautifully decorated each year for the holidays. OVL has the versatility to be set-up theatre
style seating 300 people, hosting musical concerts, performing arts productions and then turned
over as a banquet room for Farm to Table dinners, Santa’s Brunch and Santa story time by the
fireplace. The side yard at OVL is favorable for accommodating activities such as ice carving
demonstrations, train rides, and Santa visits. However, because of its location the walking
distance from the main village to OVL comments from the survey, stated the accessibility to
Merry Wonderland was a challenging and undesirable. Listed below are options being
considered to supplement the 6-person sleigh ride (and a second sleigh on weekends) already
offered from the tram building to OVL.

• Use of “ski trains” (used at Alpine to bring skiers from parking lots to the breezeway)
• Squaw/Alpine Shuttle bus service to make a loop from the tram building to the front doors
• Hayrides between the village and OVL

The head Elves also acknowledged the need to host more events in the village to strengthen the
connectivity between Merry Wonderland and the village. Reindeer Games, a Flash Mob in
the plaza, an Ugly Sweater Contest, and Santa Chair time by the tree were all events
implemented this year. However, one component missing that was brought up was the lack of
Holiday Décor throughout the facility buildings in the village. The following locations have
been identified as strategic locations for holiday décor in 2018:

• O-House
• Front of Retail Stores
• High Camp

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