A place for my girls...

My name is Shelli R. and I am the leader of Girl Scout Troop 442 from Glasgow, Kentucky. We came to visit your park on 7/30/05.

I just wanted to let you know that my girls had a wonderful time!

Your park is clean, the employees are friendly, the rides are great fun, and the prices are reasonable.

I had not been to Holiday World since about 1991, but I can guarantee our family (and probably troop) will be back next year.

Thanks for offering a place for my girls to come and have an awesome time in a nice family atmosphere.

Shelli R.
Glasgow, Kentucky

"Can't wait 'til Thanksgiving!"

My name is Gary and I am from Manassas, Virginia (about 30 min west of D.C.).

I headed out on a coaster trip last week and I started the fun at Holiday World. I just had to try the world-class Raven and The Legend.

But, I have to say I was blown away with what I encountered on my visit. Great staff, free drinks, free parking, clean paths, the hardest working show talent anywhere, and an awesome family experience.

Albeit, just me on this trip, I am definitely bringing my family here next season.

Also, maybe a little Voyage for myself.

Thanks so much everybody at Holiday World for such a great time. Even though the heat index was 110, I had a blast because of everyone's hard work to provide everyone with a memorable experience.

Plus, I got unforgettable night rides on two of the world's best wooden roller coasters.

Can't wait 'til Thanksgiving!

Well you know what I mean.

Gary T.
Manassas, Virginia

"We finally made it!"

Well, it took more than 30 years, but I finally made it.....to Santa Claus Land!!

When I was a little girl growing up here in Cincinnati, I remember seeing commercials or something for Santa Claus Land in Indiana.

I wanted to go there so bad...after all, it appeared to combine my two favorite things-amusement parks and Christmas.

Well, as things sometimes go in life, we never made it there, and I had long forgotten about your park.

Then, a few years back, I picked up one of your Holiday World brochures at an Indiana rest stop on my way home from visiting the in-laws.

It suddenly dawned on me that this was the Santa Claus Land I had once dreamed of visiting.

Since then I have seen your park countless times on The Travel Channel, and through the internet, have read nothing but praise for your park from theme park and coaster enthusiasts.

I made up my mind that this summer I was finally going to Santa Claus Land.

Well, at 6 am yesterday morning, I left Cincinnati with my 79-year-old mother and seven-year-old daughter in tow. We were at your park when it opened, and, had we not had the three-hour drive home, would have surely closed the place down. The 8+ hours we spent there were awesome.

Everything I have read and heard was 100% true.

The park was immaculate, the staff polite and competent, the themed areas were actually that--THEMED, and the rides and attractions were great fun. And, oh yeah, the soft drinks and parking were free!! (Even on the drive home, my mother was still marveling at the fact you do that all the time; that it wasn't just something special.)

While it may have taken me 30 years to get there, I can assure you it won't be another 30 before we return. My daughter and I (and maybe even mom) are planning a longer visit next summer to give "Thanks" to the Koch family and Santa for an awesome park!

Shari S.
Mason, Ohio

Glad she rode The Legend with the boys

I visited your park yesterday with my 10-year-old nephew and his friend.

Your park was very appealing and clean, and your employees very friendly and helpful.

I enjoyed riding several rides and water slides with the boys. They even talked me (49 years old) into riding the Legend with them before driving home to Louisville.

I was afraid I'd have a sore body and wasn't sure I should do it. But I loved it!

The boys assured me that it was worth it and it had a smoother ride than the Racer. I now can tell my friends I rode the #5 wooden roller coaster in the world!

The boys are veterans of our local Kentucky Kingdom and gave high marks to Holiday World.

We may have to do this again next year!

Thanks,
Sue K.
Louisville, Kentucky

No line-jumping allowed!

I would like to commend the employees who were working a two Sundays ago when my family visited Holiday World.

We were waiting in line to go down the pink and purple funnel ride in the water park and we was about three rounds of stairs from the top when about 5 - 6 young people (ages approximately 15 - 20) decided to do what in my day was called cutting the line.

My family decided to delay them by staggering the stairs but they said they needed through to get something from this boy's father. I told the boy he could go through but the rest could wait for him to come back, well they kept up their attitude and my husband said just to let them go, they went up about a round from the top and someone else did the same thing we had down and again they caused a disturbance.

This time it was close enough to the top that the workers sent them packing back down the stairs. Along followed rude remarks by these kids but all of us who had waited in line were most grateful to your employees who were observant to this situation.

I know often you do not receive praise for outstanding jobs done and I think it is well worth taking the time to express my thanks along with several other folks that day.

Your employees seem to be very friendly as well as responsible. If you could pass this message along to the head people at Holiday World so that they can praise your staff, it would be most appreciated by myself and my family.

Thanks again.
Deanna C.
Elnora, Indiana

Sometimes people forget to say "thank you"

I visited your theme park this last weekend with a group of friends and stayed in the Lake Rudolph campground.

I was very pleased with the park--very clean especially the bathrooms, and kid-friendly. The children’s ages were 2, 5 and 8 there was something for all of them to do and stay happy, it was a very hot day and nice to spend time at your wonderful water park.

I was also very pleased to see all of the employees and lifeguards very happy and helpful, also the shuttles were very much needed, people sometimes forget to say thank you and I really feel like you deserve it.

Katie P.
Indianapolis, Indiana

"Something for all of them"

My family just visited your park on 7/25/05.

We had a great time.

My children range in age 15-2 years of age and there was something for all of them.

You also had a great combination of things for us to do together. Your park was so clean and the people were so friendly.

I just wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work.

Sincerely,

Renee Y.
Louisville, Kentucky

"We love every inch"

Our family of 6 just returned from a horrible trip to Six Flags St. Louis!!!

My sister got us the tickets or we would have never gone ... and won't be returning!!!

The $10 to park should have been a warning of worse things to come.

We knew we weren't in Santa Claus anymore when drinks were $3 per bottle!!

There were so many things that we love about Holiday World... from the FREE sodas, FREE sunscreen, FREE tubes and FREE parking to the reasonable food prices, close proximity of all the rides (with signs telling where to go), and the family friendly atmosphere (including the music!!) OH and thank goodness you don't have SAND in your water park (what were they thinking??!?!?)

We are coming to HW & SS on August 13 ... we can't wait!! We'll stay from open to close I'm sure!!

Thanks for doing what you guys do and for putting quality and value above profits!!!! We love every inch of Holiday World & Splashing Safari!!!!

Troy and Melissa A.
Mt. Carmel, Illinois

Truly grateful

I just wanted to express my thanks to the wonderful staff that you have at Holiday World.

We were there on Thursday, July 21, 2005. We drove from Terre Haute, which was about a two and a half hour drive. We have a 20 year old moderately mentally handicapped, profound hearing loss, and asthmatic son.

I try to get him to Holiday World once each summer because he loves the thrill of your rides. I just wanted to let you know that every single member of your staff that we came in contact with was extremely polite and helpful in getting Gary on and off the rides.

Gary receives better treatment at Holiday World than at Disney World or Universal Studios. The staff at Holiday World is to be commended for going over and beyond the call of duty in making their theme park the most physically handicapped accessible and friendliest theme park in the United States.

We are truly grateful for the friendliness and support that your staff gave us. We are looking forward to next summer's trip!!!!!!!!!!

Gary, Helen, Brianna, and Gary Michael J.
Terre Haute, Indiana

"Nice family atmosphere"

My family and I attended Holiday World Friday July 22.

We want to express our pleasure with your Theme Park.

This is the first time we were there. We have children 10, 6, and 1.

We were so happy with your park that we will make the 3 hour trip from Noblesville every year.

The kids are already asking when we are going back.

My wife and I were very impressed with the cleanliness of the park. Plus, the staff was very kind and helpful. The reasonable rates make the trip possible for a family of our size.

Thank you so much for providing such a nice family atmosphere.

Thank you again,

The M. Family
Noblesville, Indiana

Two trips -- can't wait for the next

I wanted to send you an email to tell you how much my family and I love your parks!

They are so wonderful!

We visited for the first time in May of this year, 2005. We had never been before and came with some friends.

We were instantly impressed by the rides, clean park, friendly employees, free drinks, and well, just the whole park!

It was a little too chilly to do the water park then, so we only did the amusement park.

Well, we loved the park so much we went back a couple weeks ago (July) to try out the water park. We loved that as well! The employees were exceptionally nice in the water park.

Thank you for having such a wonderful, family friendly park. We can't wait for our next trip back.

Thank you also for making it pretty much all smoke free! That was such a blessing not to have to smell smoke everywhere like in many other parks.

Your park ranks right up there with Walt Disney World in how wonderful it is.

We are looking forward to the new rides coming for next year! :)

Keep up the great job!

Sincerely,

Lisa H.
Milan, Indiana

From one to mid-60s

Our family just got back from our 3rd annual trip to Lake Rudolph and Holiday World.

On Monday, July 18 we had a group of 55 at the park.

Thanks for a fun, clean and family oriented park.

We had an age range from mid 60s to 1 year old and there was something for everyone to do and we all had a great time.

Most of us went back a second day, too. (We have a suggestion: rental umbrellas to clip on the lounge chairs at the Bahari - my sister-in-law had brought 2 with her and they were a lifesaver from that heat. She had numerous people ask her where she got them.)

Looks like you've got some exciting things planned for next year - we can't wait!

Thanks,
Michele K.
Onarga, Illinois

First-time visitor

My family and I want to express how much we liked your Park and Campground.

This was our first time to visit and we loved it, even the rain couldn't dampen our fun.

We plan on making this a annual vacation (except next time we plan on renting a camper instead of tent camping).

We found that the park was very clean and as a family we loved the free soft drinks - hope you will always continue that - and the food prices were reasonable.

We're very excited about the new expansion for next year and we look forward to staying with you.

Kudos to the Koch family who have a wonderful family fun park !!!!!

I wish we would've have visited sooner !!!

Sincerely,

Jim & Laura A. and Family
Lafayette, Indiana

Soooooooo pleased!

Thank you sooooooooooo much! I had my first trip to your park yesterday and could not wait to email you today!!!

I took my 2 boys to your amusement park and we had the best time!

Not only was the park very clean, we were entertained all day.

As a matter of fact, there wasn't enough time in the day to do everything we wanted to!!

I have lived in California, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and have visited every amusement park you can think of.

But we recently moved to Indiana and your park was the best we have ever visited!!! The free soft drinks is a wonderful idea!

The free sunscreen (which we should have used) was convenient and a great idea!!!!

I sooooooo look forward to coming back and my boys are too!

I had to let you know that every ride, not one or two, but EVERY ride the attendant would make a friendly comment (such as "have fun," or "enjoy your ride," etc.).

Everyone was extremely friendly and I have not one complaint!!

Again, thank you sooooo much!!!!

Patricia P.
Jeffersonville, Indiana

We work at Walt Disney World

In 1948 my Mother, Father and myself came to Santa Claus Land, at Santa Claus, Indiana.

I thought it was great. Boy, have you changed! ( I still have picture of that trip.)

On July 5, 2005, 14 of my family members came to Holiday World.

We had a great time. For one of the members it was his first trip to a theme park. He really liked it. He is 13 years old.

My husband and myself have worked at Walt Disney World for seven years.

Your park rates right up there. It was clean and employees were informed.

The free Pepsi was something you would never receive at Walt Disney World.

The day was a day we all will never forget. I hope in my lifetime to come again.

We live in Florida all the time that is why we work five days per week at Walt Disney World. It is fun to be a cast member at Walt Disney World and enjoy all the benefits.

It was great to have 14 family members at your park.

Thank you for a GREAT time.

Kathy Z.
Davenport, Florida

Just one regret

We made our second trip of the year down from Indianapolis this past weekend and I wanted to pass along my thanks to everyone we came in contact at the park was extremely friendly and helpful.

It was a great feeling after being treated like just a wallet full of money at the park about 60 miles east of you last weekend.

The reason for my email was to share some praise that I was hoping that you could pass along. The first bit of praise I have is for the people working in Kringle's Kafe. We usually eat here twice a day and each time is great. This time was no exception and the person who waited on us was so friendly, that I thought I was the only person he had served that day.

As always, a family feeling.

The second exceptional note was the operation teams of The Raven and The Legend.

Even with a highly crowded park, the longest line I had all day was about 25 minutes. At some points, the line just moved without stopping.

Watching the team on the Raven unload, reload, check and dispatch a train before the second train hit the brake run was an impressive site.

Another thing that I was amazed at was, with the amount of people in the park on Saturday, that you were still hard-pressed to find any litter anywhere in the park.

Mrs. Koch should be extremely proud.

The one thing that struck me the most about our trip on Saturday was that every employee was extremely friendly. Every encounter made you feel like you were the only people in the park, which was hardly the case.

Keep up the great work, it is very appreciated.

My only regret is parking in the Legend lot and not making it over to tell Mrs. Koch personally how much we are looking forward to the planned expansion next season.

Thanks for a great day.

Rob B.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Not a fan of theme parks

I just returned from a 2-day trip to Holiday World with my 14-year-old daughter and two friends.

I am not a fan of theme parks but this one is done right. These are the points I enjoyed the most:

1. The wonderful family atmosphere where everything was clean.

2. The design of the park with enough tables, chairs, and shade for everyone.

3. The free drinks and suntan lotion is an idea for the ages.

I expected to find the drinks in a couple of places with lines too long to endure but the Oases were everywhere with no lines and this was on a weekend with a packed park.

4. The friendliest staff anywhere.

5. The food prices were so-o-o reasonable. I also enjoyed the fact that there were no outside vendors hawking their brands outside of Dippin' Dots who is loved by everyone.

I think this really helps with the atmosphere and the costs.

I have told everyone at the office this is a must-do for those with and without kids.

I truly enjoyed my two days of fun in the sun.

Your webpage is very helpful also.

Jan B.
Southern Illinois

Not one foul attitude

I visited your park this weekend with my husband and two young kids.

They were so excited about attending and I have to say I was nervous about taking two small kids to a big theme park.

I just wanted to say that I ended up enjoying myself and my kids are still talking about everything.

I thought that your staff was very nice and helpful for everything.

We did not come across one employee with a foul attitude.

I know that people are quick to put in complaints but I wanted to take time to give you words of appreciation.

I will be back to take my children.

Thank you so much.

Cynthia M.
Brandenburg, Kentucky

"Top on my list"

Your web site has blown me away!

In an age where courtesy and customer service seem to be "of the past," your obvious attention to detail and concern for families is so welcome.

The caring (no bikini tops or vulgar displays without covers in theme park) and kindness (free sun screen at water park) are to be commended and upheld as service standards for all businesses.

My family has not yet been to Holiday World. Even if we do not make it this summer, it will be top on my list of places to visit next year.

Thank you for making a difference in a world where indifference is too often the norm.

I look forward to visiting your park.

Sincerely,

Amy H.
Indianapolis, Indiana

"Give Kids the World"

We had a wonderful time yesterday!

As we drove up from Louisville, we worried about rain and didn't need to - it turned out to be a good day and the crowd was very manageable (we didn't have to wait long at all).

The new Bahari wave pool was fun and we can't wait to see the new rides for next year.

As always, the park was so impeccably clean and your staff is friendly and helpful.

Conor had a great day and loved riding his favorite roller coasters. Thanks again for participating in the GKTW passport program.

We could write a whole page of compliments about Holiday World. We have season passes to Kentucky Kingdom (a Christmas gift), but would prefer to drive an hour for a cleaner, more accommodating park.

Theresa and Conor M.
Louisville, Kentucky

Top 10 reasons for another visit

My family of 5 made our 4th annual two-day visit to your wonderful amusement park back in early June.

Every year we have more fun than the previous year. Here are our top ten reasons why we will be making our 5th annual trip next year.

10. Beatles, Beach Boys, and classic rock music in Splashin' Safari. (It's fantastic seeing 5 years and older singing these songs together. Plus you don't have to worry about the lyric content.)

9. Being non-smoking. Thank you!!!!

8. Great food selection. Pizza is always fun, but I enjoyed the chicken wrap in SS and my husband liked the fried fish too!!

7. Free drinks, free parking, and free sunscreen.

6. Affordability!!!!!!

5. Clean, well-maintained facilities!!!!

4. Friendly, courteous, respectful, responsible staff!!! Your staff is always consistent in enforcing riding rules and that makes for a fun and safe experience.

3. Short or no wait for rides. We come early in the season and during the week instead of the weekends.

2. Excellent prices on tickets, food, mementos, and rentals!!!!

1. Love all the rides!!!!!!!!!!!! You have rides available to all ages groups and that is so important to young families. My husband can take our 2 oldest boys (9 and 6 years old) to The Raven and I can take our youngest one (3 years old) to the "little kids" rides right by. Or he can ride the canoe or fish ride.

Please never take these rides away!!! This allows the whole family to have fun.

And that is what we love about your park. You truly provide fun for the whole family.

Thank you for helping create wonderful memories for our family.

Sincerely,

Nathan, Amy, Daniel, Hunter and Aaron M.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Overheard comment

Last Wednesday when my family and I visited Holiday World and Splashin' Safari I overheard a comment that I thought sums up the whole Holiday World and Splashin' Safari experience.

Now, I've been to a lot of parks: Busch Gardens in Virginia and Florida, Six Flags in St. Louis and Louisville, Opryland (I'm telling my age aren't I?), Dollywood and Silver Dollar City before that, and King's Island just to mention a few.

And I have NEVER heard this comment anywhere else. I didn't think much about it at first, but upon reflecting on the comment I thought, "Yes, that is what Holiday World is all about."

It was a simple comment. Nothing earth-shattering.

A mom leaned over to her little daughter and said, "Honey, do you want some ice cream?"

Do you want some ice cream?

"So?" you might ask.

Well, in other parks asking that question could have cost a small fortune. You don't dare mention anything about any food at these other parks because it's just so expensive, but at Holiday World you don't mind feeding your family.

You don't feel like you're getting ripped off at every corner.

Every ride doesn't dump you into a restaurant or gift shop area. Locker deposits are refunded in cash, not a certificate redeemable only with a purchase.

That is what Holiday World is all about - value.

Kevin L. B.
Owensboro, Kentucky

"Dennis" didn't dampen our fun

I would just like to express my thanks to the Koch family for making Holiday World such a wonderful place to take a family.

As parents of three kids, we enjoy the family friendly atmosphere.

It is also an affordable ammusement park experience. We just spent the week at the campground and enjoyed two days at the park. The rain from "Dennis" didn't even dampen our fun.

Keep up the good work.

I look forward to many more years of vacationing in Santa Claus. We are already talking about our 2006 trip.

God bless.

The family of Sam and Kara Joy L.
Hartford City, Indiana

"Worth every penny of gas"

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!

My husband and I discovered your park by word of mouth from some friends in Illinois.

Though the trip is a good 4 to 5 hour drive it is worth every penny of gas that we pay because your park is the cleanest, friendliest park we have ever been to.

We started making it an annual trip for our church youth group and I even have plans to visit on July 22 with a bunch of ladies just for a weekend getaway and I must say your park is the perfect place for that.

The reasonable price, the free drinks and sunscreen and NO Smoking is by far the best idea that anyone has ever had for an amusement park.

We will continue to tell everyone to skip the other parks and let Pat Koch know when you see her picking up that trash what a great place you guys have there!!!

Thanks Again!

Janet K. and Family
Paxton, Illinois

Friendly maintenance guys

My fiancé and I came to your park this past Wednesday and we both had a great time.

Your staff is very friendly especially your maintenance guys.

I locked my keys in my car by accident and asked one of the front gate people if they could help and she ended up calling the maintenance guy to come out.

He was very nice and said he's done this all the time and got my door unlocked right away. I am sure we will come back soon for another visit.

Thanks again for your hospitality,

Hillary

"I was clearly very wrong"

I went to Holiday World with a friend and her family for a camping trip.

I thought it was going to be like Six Flags but I was clearly very wrong.

I was very impressed with the friendliness of every single staff member, and the rides were absolutely fantastic.

I just got back today, and I've convinced my entire family to go to Holiday World on our next family vacation.

A VERY impressed guest,

Marissa C. (12 years old)
Rantoul, Illinois

P.S. The Legend ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I notice all the little things"

I've been visiting theme parks around the country for the past 25 years, including having more than 1,000 visits at Paramount's Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I've visited Holiday World every year since the Raven made its debut and the past couple years I've visited the park with my wife, Laura, and 10-year-old daughter, Maria. Our most recent visit was July 11. I just wanted to pass along I've always had a great experience when I've visited the park, as has my family.

Holiday World is arguably the best run park I've been to, and my family and I have been to a lot over the years. It's always clean and the employees always friendly.

You can't beat the value, and we appreciate the free soft drinks!

The Raven and Legend are among the top three or four roller coasters I've had the opportunity to ride, and what I like about those two coasters is they're relentless from start to finish.

That's what a roller coaster is supposed to be, non-stop action.

We're looking forward to riding your new coaster in 2006!

Finally, we also enjoy the shows at Holiday World. My daughter appreciates being able to meet the cast after shows and get pictures taken with them.

With my experience visiting theme parks, I notice all the little things. It's doing all the little things right that makes Holiday World what it is and earning the reputation that it has when it comes to the guest experience.

Sincerely,

Don H.
Fairfield, Ohio

More reasons to visit from Louisville

From one more Kentuckiana ACE family: Congratulations on the new section and the new ............ WOW!!!!

I wondered what that blank space behind Bahari was when we brought our Brownie troop in early June. Now we know!!!

And we can't wait for next year to get here! Looks like another few reasons to make the trek from Louisville!

We love you guys and everything you do for roller coaster people and--more importantly--families!

Best wishes!

DeAnna, Jeff, Alex, Andrew and Katie D.
Louisville, Kentucky

New Yorkers predict the future

We visited your park for the first time last year due to all the info we learned on Screamscape (Lance Hart's great website) and we just loved your park.

Just wanted to drop you a note saying that we think you guys are great for going out on a limb and building what probably will be the world's greatest woodie!

We are looking forward to our visit next year!

Sheldon L. & Family
Plainview, New York

Values appreciated

Our family just returned from two wonderful days at your park and campgrounds. This is the fifth year we have been and the first time we stayed in your RV's. We were very pleased and plan on staying there again next year in the king RV's.

This is also the first year we have ever listened to Santa's Storytime. We were very impressed with the moral of Santa's story about Jesus being the reason for the season. My children loved it so much!!

We have three children, ages 2,6 and 13. Our 13 year old has Down Syndrome. We brought a large group of family with us this year and it was a wonderful time.

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law had to leave early due to a family emergency and the office refunded their Next Day tickets. We are very appreciative of that.

Thanks to that my mother-in-law was able to be home in time for her mother's surgery (she's doing well). Thanks so much.

As always, staff was friendly and helpful. I also saw Will out watching visitors in the Bahari.

We love your park and will continue to come every year as we are able.

The C. and B. Families.
Greenwood and Indianapolis, Indiana

Paradise in southern Indiana

Greetings from the R. household in Frankfort, Indiana.

We recently took our annual summer "getaway" to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari and had a wonderful time as usual. This was our third annual trip to your park.

We have an absolutely wonderful time each year we visit.

We must compliment you on your outstanding staff, friendliness, cleanliness, acceptable/reasonable food costs, free drinks, free sunscreen lotion, awesome rides, beautiful parks/scenery, etc.

We recently viewed the new attractions for 2006 on the website and were beside ourselves. How exciting - we can hardly wait!!

My wife and I have as much fun as our young children during our stay at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

We'll definitely be back next year and many more years to come. Keep doing what your doing because you have a paradise in southern Indiana.

Sincerely,

Ben R.
Frankfort, Indiana

Favorite spot in America

We had a great time Monday and it was better than your ads promised.

I have 6 children and they each had a fun in their own way.

The food was high quality and fairly priced.

We even saw Pat Koch (we think) in the parking lot as we came in as an added bonus.

Your workers were friendly and helpful and the lines were short because of the rain.

I have 4 photos from the Legend on my refrigerator to remind us to come back again next month. Four of my children are adopted from Ukraine and your park is their favorite spot in America. Keep up the good work.

Your park is the best!!

Tim M.
Louisville, Kentucky

Impressed with lifeguard

Today we visited Holiday World.

I had not been there for about 10 years. I brought a nephew, son and two grandchildren.

My nine-year-old nephew is fearless. I took him to the Bahari wave pool. Of course, he heads for the six-foot mark and of course is much shorter.

When I realized he wasn't going to stop, I started out after him. As I got within about 20 feet of him, I saw him panic and called out to him.

Your lifeguard Matt was on it. He had seen Tanner coming and was already watching. Matt blew the whistle and threw up his arm. He waited until Tanner was halfway back to the edge with me and much more comfortable before he allowed everything to resume.

I turned and yelled thank you. He merely nodded and continued his job.

Quite an amazing young man.

After watching him, I realized he knew where every person on his side of the peninsula was.

I must say, I did not pay for anything and not be asked if I was having a good time.

The boys bought hats with their names. Your employees greeted them, calling them by name. They thought it was so cool!

Thank you for a wonderful time. You do have an exemplary staff. It is quite obvious you set very high standards and those employees have no problem meeting their goals.

Sincerely,

Jenny G.
Evansville, Indiana

Better than Magic Kingdom

To people who ask, "Can you take a baby to Holiday World?" I answer an emphatic, "YES!"

All three of my daughters enjoyed their inaugural trips to Holiday World around their first birthdays.

There is so much for the little ones to do.

With toddlers, we started our day in Rudolph's Reindeer Ranch, moved on to the Indian River and Salmon Run, then cruised on to Holidog's FunTown. Finally, they splashed, slipped and slid at Crocodile Isle. I still treasure the terrific photo of my oldest daughter, 11-month-old Laura, conked out in her stroller at the end of the day. Here's one showing baby Laura in 1994 splashing in her pink Holiday World visor.



As far as my girls are concerned, it's not summer without at least one trip to Holiday World.

Recently, we spent two days with you all to celebrate Laura's 12th birthday. I can now say that she has gone from stroller to stage at Holiday World! She sang Karaoke to Sweet Home Alabama at the Hoosier Celebration Theater on our final evening in the park. I could kick myself for not having my digital/video camera. If you had offered me a video CD for $10, I would have bought it!

Here's Laura, now with braces glinting off her teeth, and her sisters. They're still wild about Holiday World.



As usual, we had an absolutely perfect visit. During one of our rare waits in line, I asked the girls whether they liked Holiday World or Disney World better.

Instantly, they replied in unison, "Holiday World!"

I echo their sentiments.

When I visit other parks, I feel like a customer, at best--and, at worst, a faceless object.

At Holiday World, I feel like a treasured family friend. Please give Will and Mrs. Koch our heartfelt thanks for infusing an entire corporate culture with their special family's warmth and hospitality.

Sincerely,

Kathleen H.
Kentucky

P.S. You should have heard the squeals of excitement here yesterday when we read about the new holiday and particulary The Voyage!

Kids left in tears

I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know how much fun our family had at your amusement park last weekend (7-8&9-05).

We were also there over Memorial Day weekend as well. We came back to try out the water park.

That is the best park we have ever been to.

We brought another family along with us that had never been there and they were astonished of how nice of a water park that it was too.

In fact, we had all of our kids in tears when we left because they were not ready to leave--but we had to, it was closing!!

I went to Holiday World when I was a little girl growing up now I am taking my kids there today.

Your park staff is so friendly- from the ride staff, to the ticket counter, to the people that go around and sweep.

Every water slide we got off of the workers asked did you have a good time? Enjoy the rest of your day.

That's like unheard of. You go to a place like Kings Island and they are so rude and unfriendly.

I just wanted to let you know of how wonderful of a vacation you made our family have.

We will definitely be coming back next year, once...twice.

I was happy to read your additions you are adding next year to the park.

That's exciting celebrating your 60th anniversary. With the way your park is and it is being ran you will be celebrating anniversaries for a long, long time.

Thanks again for allowing our family to have such a great time !!

Aimee C.
Aurora, Indiana

Adults had fun, too

We recently brought our youth group to your park and we all had a great time. Not only the teenagers but the adults as well.

Your employees, all the way up to Mrs. Koch herself, were friendly and helpful.

We would like to extend our appreciation to the Holiday World family. We are planning another trip to your park for our preschool to preteen ages. May GOD bless you always and we look forward to seeing you again.
Sincerely,

Tim B. West Point, Kentucky

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

Blown away by The Voyage

Congratulations on all of the hard work you put into the HoliBlog and the HoliHints. You did a fantastic job of keeping your audience glued for weeks, and building the anticipation for today's announcements.

As for the announcements, well, I'm blown away by the sheer scope of it.

Simply Incredible.

Growing up in Kentucky, and knowing of Santa Claus Land from the brochures I'd eagerly grab from the brochure racks at area hotels, I would have never believed that the park would grow to have three amazing wooden coasters, and an equally amazing water park.

Now that I'm grown up, and live in California, I am already making plans for next summer, knowing that a trip to Indiana is certainly a requirement.

Having been fortunate enough to be at the Press Day for the Raven, I can still remember telling the reporter from the Evansville paper that HW had "a world-class ride", and his disbelieving look. I know he thought I was a shill, or an employee.

Well, that comment has turned out to be an understatement, and I couldn't be happier for you, the Kochs, and the entire HW family.

I hope that you have the good fortune to have reporters from around the world tell you how incredible The Voyage is, when it opens next year.

May you have a safe and successful season,

Bret J.
California

Visiting through the years

First off I was very excited to get the web cast of the 2006 plans!

When I was small (I'm 41 now), we used to visit family in Ferdinand and one of our traditions was to go to Santa Claus Land.



We always went back to Hammond, Indiana, with stories of seeing Santa in the middle of summer in our bathing suits and we had the pictures to prove it. We eventually moved to Dubois County and made so many trips to the park I can't count them.

I introduced some of my friends to Holiday World when I attended Marian Heights Academy; they were impressed with how much there was to do even back in the '80s when the park was still small.



When most of my family eventually moved back to the Chicago area and started families, we didn't realize that Santa Claus Land/Holiday World would become a big part of our continuing family traditions. We make it to the park at least twice a year when we get down to Jasper to visit our sister. We have pictures of us in front of Santa's statue in the '70s and now we have pictures of my nieces and nephew in the same poses.



I love the park and continue to direct family and friends to the "Original Family Theme Park."

Keep up the great work.

Tina D.
Des Plaines, Illinois

Meeting interruptus

I wanted to write a quick note.

I’m so giddy! I don’t know if I’m more excited about the Voyage, or about the fact that my guess for the new theme section was correct.

Okay, as an ACE member I must admit that I’m more excited about the Voyage.

Congratulations to everyone. I’m impressed that nothing got out to the public before the announcement.

Way to go on including the eggs-ageration comment on the HoliBlog. Others fell for it.

I, however, did not.

I want you to know that I had a meeting that was scheduled for 11:00 am today. It nearly killed me to go. I tried to come up with all kinds of excuses for not going, but my good conscious would not allow me to follow through.

I developed a Plan B and had a friend call me when she knew what it was and I stepped out of the meeting to take the "important" call.

After reading the Holiblog this morning I was reassured that I’m not the only crazy Holiday World fan. All the way from Europe? Now that’s crazy.

Melissa S.
Indianapolis, Indiana

I've known this all along...

Never in my life have I had smiled so big and had my heart race so fast reading a press release.

I've known this all along but I just want to make sure you all hear it: my, have you got style!

It was clear from the blog that you knew you had something great in the works and now its clear that you are delivering it.

Thank you all SO much for running an amusement park the right way!

You can count on me coming out from California next year to ride the new creation.

A beautifully kept and staffed park plus 3-for-3 on coasters, what could be better?

Eric G.
Mountain View, California

Young twins happy with Voyage announcement

We have been following your hints on the Holiblog for weeks and my 7-year-old twins Anna and Alan couldn't wait to check your site today to see the announcement for the new ride.

They were hoping and praying for a new coaster and they went crazy when they saw the pictures and video of The Voyage.

They kept guessing if you would add a Thanksgiving section or a Valentine section.

Anna is still hoping for a Valentine section someday with a "Cupid ride."

Alan guessed you would have a new coaster called "The Turkey Chute" in a Thanksgiving section, so he was close!

Anyway, you have made their day.

We have been to Holiday World every year since they were 3. We haven't had a chance yet this summer but are planning to go the first week of August.

We have taken them to other theme parks but we all end up saying, "This isn't as good as Holiday World."

Anna always says that Holiday World has the cleanest restrooms and she's right!

Alan has been a roller coaster fanatic ever since he was 5 and just tall enough to ride The Raven. Whenever he rides any roller coasters, he always says "The Raven is still my favorite."

One time I had to ride it with him five times in a row. It was an evening in late May and there was no one in line so we got to stay in our seats each time.

He loved it! My head was killing me, but he wanted to ride again!

Thanks so much for making our kids so happy. We are looking forward to visiting soon.

Angie P.
Mooresville, Indiana

What sets you apart

I just learned about your 2006 expansion and I am so excited.

I've been coming to Holiday World for years and I consider it my home park.

I live about an hour away in New Albany, Indiana, and try to get down to the park at least once a year.

What sets you all apart is your friendly staff, cleanliness, and fun atmosphere.

Even though Holiday World isn't the largest park, or the fanciest, or the most high-tech, it still gets my vote as the best in the world.

It's always so much fun to come down and just spend a day riding excellent coasters and splashing away at your top-notch water park.

I wish you all good luck on the remainder of the season, and hope your 60th anniversary plans turn out perfectly.

I can't wait to stroll through the Thanksgiving section next year. You all ROCK!

Your fan,

Sam H.
New Albany, Indiana

Guessing about new holiday

I just wanted to say that we visited your park on 7/8 and 7/9/05.

This is our 5th time in 7 years coming there and we just love it!

We actually brought a family with us who had never been there and they cannot wait to come back.

Your staff is all so helpful and friendly.

We cannot wait to hear the announcement for the new addition, my guess is it is Easter!

We are looking forward to coming again next year!!

Tabatha C.
Mt. Pulaski, Illinois

Truly a credit

I just wanted to say what a pleasure our first trip to Holiday World was.

We had heard of your park from several people, and decided to take a weekend trip to Indiana to see for ourselves. We have 2 small children and theme parks are usually not oriented for their ages.

Upon our arrival we were automatically pleased with the cleanliness. Our ticket purchase was pleasant and easy, and then on to the park.

Wow, what an experience!

Both of our girls, ages 2 & 4 had so much fun, that we are already planning another return trip. We live in the St. Louis area, near Six Flags, but the three-hour drive to Holiday World was definitely worth it and you can guarantee we'll be back...along with our family & friends!

Thank you for making your park such an enjoyable place for the WHOLE family.

Thank you also for a smoke-free environment and a place where budget does not restrict enjoyment.

A place where families and friends alike can make memories without worries of foul language or dirty & unorganized facilities.

You are truly a credit to family entertainment!

Sincerely,

One very happy family!

Holly S.
Fenton, Missouri

Three grandsons

My family and I would just like to say “Thank You” for sharing your park with us.

We were there last Thursday and Friday, July 7th and 8th.

We had a wonderful time.

W