A business major checks in

Dear Holiday World Family,

I'm simply writing a note to you today to congratulate you on your recent announcement. More so, I'm writing to compliment you on your excellent execution of your expansion as well as the elements included in the expansion itself.

I used to be a roller-coaster enthusiast, enjoying roller coasters and traveling to parks near my home state of New Jersey to ride them. I grew out of that, it seems, since I am not much of a fan of the coasters themselves anymore. However, I am greatly interested in the theme park industry as well as the moves each park makes, including their yearly expansions. I am not looking to pursue a job in it, although I wouldn't turn one down, but it just seems to be a hobby of mine.

I learned of your park years back on Rec.Roller-Coaster, when Paula Werne began posting there. I thought how great it was that a park was reaching out to the enthusiast community. Sure, the group might not make up a large portion of the park's annual attendance, but it was a smart PR move nonetheless. The enthusiasts gain inside information and better understand your park while you yourselves gain what you might consider inside information as well as some valued opinions for future use.

Being an International Business major and Marketing minor at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, I am greatly interested in business as a whole. However, as mentioned previously, from my prior knowledge of the theme park industry as well as my schooling, I feel I can better understand the business maneuvers made today by companies including yourselves.

I must say, having never visited your park but understanding the moves you've made in prior years, I applaud the decisions made on your expansion. With regards to the new section, I didn't think Easter would have been a great decision since it is highly associated with, of course, religion. Those who don't celebrate the holiday may feel quite out of place. Of course, Christmas is also a religious holiday, but one which is celebrated by many more people worldwide. Thanksgiving seems like a great choice with some great themes to be used throughout the new section.

The roller coaster being built, The Voyage, seems a positive fit for the park, as well. An out-n-back airtime machine similar to Shivering Timbers at Michigan's Adventure in Michigan in some ways seems like a great direction for the park's next coaster addition. It, of course, satisfied the coaster enthusiasts and those who enjoy big thrills in the general public. Perhaps just as interesting is the move to add a dark ride, a Tilt-a-Whirl, both rides the entire family can enjoy. Coupled with the water park expansion and the air-conditioned eating facility, it seems like your park touched each part of their general population and gave them something they wanted. All seem like headlining rides for this 2006 expansion.

To solidify the entire process, however, some beautiful marketing moves were made to strike up interest everywhere and to keep everyone guessing. With moves made in years past to offer free, unlimited items and designate smoking areas throughout the park, it seems the park itself was improved, but also (and quite importantly) the reputation of the park. The idea to keep everything tightlipped generated much more interest than if plans were simply released and I applaud you for this. I can't think of a much better way to execute this.

Maybe some day I'll make the trip from the East Coast to Holiday World. I'll ride the coasters, I'm sure, but it won't be my only interest. Watching a small company rise up, expanding greatly, is one thing that makes America beautiful. Your park is the epitome of this and your moves have been quite enjoyable to watch.

Good luck in the future and keep up the good work. Please know that your moves don't just satisfy the coaster enthusiast or the general public, but also those interested in business tactics and marketing such as myself. It's been fun to watch you in the past and I'm sure that will continue in the future.

Sincerely,

Brian L.
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey