"...only park worth going to"

I just wanted to say hi and to let you know that my husband and 3 children ( ages 13, 8 & 3) along with my mom, dad, brother, niece and nephew (ages 8 & 6) will be visiting this weekend.

We are so excited about our trip.

We do this every year, usually in July and we rent an RV at Lake Rudolph, however this year my dad bought a camper so this trip we'll still be at Lake Rudolph only in a smaller camper.

Anyway we have been to Holiday World 5 out of the last 7 years. It has always been a wonderful vacation for my family.

As a child we didn't take many vacations, so to now be able to get my family together, it has been great to have a place to go where we can all go and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

My children have never been to any other parks and as far as I'm concerned HW is the only park worth going to.

You should all be extremely proud.

The memories you have helped my family create are priceless. I hope to someday make new memories at HW with my grandchildren.

Thank You!!!! YOU ROCK!!!

Laurie M.
Kingman, Indiana

Got a big charge out of their visit

My girlfriend and her son and I visited Holiday World last Saturday and we had a very good time.

I have never been there before but they have and it was the cleanest park I have ever been at.

The reason I am emailing is that when they shut the park down at 9 pm and we took the train to our vehicle, well I'd left the lights on and the battery was dead.

We took my girlfriend's vehicle because it was a SUV and it would be more room than my truck so she is completely opposite as me and didn't have any jumper cables in her vehicle.

I just want to say that the driver of the train called Maintenance and they were there in 10 minutes and very friendly and he was very helpful and I just wanted to let the person in charge to know that.

I live in Central Illinois and it was worth the drive and the employees are very friendly and very helpful.

Please tell Maintenance that they are doing a great job. I thanked the nice man at least 3-5 times.

I just wanted to let you people know that we had fun and I will recommend it to anyone that hasn't been there.

Thanks,
Terry S.
Central Illinois

A 5-year-old New Yorker's opinion

Just thought you might like to hear a cute story and comment from our 5-year-old grandchild who lives in Manhattan. (The family had been here in Kentucky for a visit for a week this past June and of course we went to Holiday World.)

Here's the story:

The family--Margaret, Dan, Adam (5 years), & Eli (3 years)--had just come back from a wonderful week's vacation at a fancy North Eastern camp for families. The dad made a comment to a friend saying: "This has been the best vacation we've ever had.

The 5-year-old questioned: "Better than Holiday World, Dad?"

We have 17 grandchildren & 1 great-grandchild and they all love to visit Holiday World.

Thanks for such a clean and fun place.

Pat & Waitman T.
Kentucky

Grown man almost brought to tears

I just wanted to give some feedback and tell you about an experience my daughter and I had at the park on August 14th this year.

We love Holiday World.

It is one of the cleanest most family-oriented parks we have been to.

The Six Flags park in St. Louis may have bigger or faster rides but the atmosphere there is NOTHING compared to Holiday World. The only other parks that compare are Silver Dollar City in Branson, and Disney World.

Now, for a moment that almost had a grown man brought to tears in the middle of your park. My daughter is 8 years old and attends a Christian school. We are active in our church and both Christian.

We went to one of the Santa's Storytimes in the little theatre. The story was about two little mice getting ready for Christmas. They kept going through the motions and it never really felt like Christmas to them.

Towards the end of the story, Santa asked the kids what the meaning of Christmas was.

My daughter piped up loudly that it was to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Santa looked kind of shocked and asked his assistant how long they had been doing that story. She replied that they had been doing it a long time. Santa then asked how many children had come up with the correct answer and the assistant stated that my daughter was the first!

Santa then went on to tell the rest of the story and to tell that the mice had been focusing on decorations and trees instead of the birth of Jesus which is the true reason for Christmas.

My eyes were quite watery when this was over.

Thank you so much for the theme park experience of our lifetime!

Thank you so much for running the best family park in the country.

Brad B.
Centralia, Illinois

Shelter in the storm

My wife and daughter and myself were at your park on August 20.

We are currently season pass holders and love coming to your park. We live in Ellettsville, Indiana, which is about 7 miles west of Bloomington.

Of all the amusement parks we have visited, yours is the absolute best.

We look forward to purchasing our season passes for next year as well.

The guys at the wood shop were great during the storms that hit that day. They welcomed anyone who needed shelter in and answered any questions about the signs which I could not help but buy one.

Thank you for all your hospitality and such a wonderful family-oriented park.

Phillip W.
Ellettsville, Indiana

You even impressed my MOM!

(Which Isn't Easy!)

First and foremost let me apologize on giving you this feedback so late, I have been extremely busy this summer...My family's visit was in late June! I hope you can forgive me?!

Anyway, I am a Roller Coaster Enthusiast and have been wanting to visit Holiday World for a number of years and I finally convinced my mom to go this year!

We're from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so it's not like you guys are just down the road.

We made a trip out of it; we first stopped at that "other park" outside of Cincinnati which was ok. (We don't like Roller Coasters that hurt you!)

My mom didn't come with me and my sister there, she just went shopping which isn't fun, at least for me. We had planned on staying there for two days but after the first we had enough.

So we made our way down to Santa Claus, which was a beautiful drive.

We finally convinced my mom to come with us to the park, I said she would have a good time but she never listens to me. Anyway we get to the park and of course we head right to the Raven & Legend after our hello to Mrs. Koch in the parking lot!

WOW what a one-two punch on coasters, I'm so glad you guys decided to go with the Gravity Group -- I love their rides!

Now, my mom isn't the "thrill rider" by any means, she gets sick on the carousel!

She's what we like to call a "bench rider"! After the coasters we headed down to Splashin' Safari. There we spent most of the day, it was Great, the best water park I've been to hands down!

What made her day so much better than other super parks was the family atmosphere.

Floating around on the lazy river, No smoking, free Pepsi, free parking, polite team members, a clean well-kept-up park, and low prices. She also enjoyed the Hoosier Theater Country Western Show, that kept her busy while me and my sister grabbed a few more rides on the coasters!

Thank You again for making our vacation that much better!

We can't wait to make another "Voyage" down to Santa Claus in the future!

This time we won't need to convince her, she'll come willingly!

Thanks Again!

John B. & Family
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"We'll be back, year after year..."

I really like the bracelets for kids for cell phone numbers!

I have 5 boys, and although the two oldest (14 & 11) didn't need them, I was very happy to have them for my younger boys, especially the 4-year-old. He has a tendency to run off and disappear and has absolutely no fear, so when he did just that at Splashin' Safari, I wasn't freaked out.

We found him on our own, but it was reassuring to know that if we hadn't, we would have gotten him back anyway.

Also, my mother lost her purse there, and so we went to the Lost & Found and asked if it had been found. The woman there took her information down, and then suggested we ask at the rides and shops along the way, because they aren't allowed to leave their posts, so unless a sweeper or someone else had passed, it would probably still be there.

At the furthest area she'd been near, there was an airbrush shop. It was the last place I was going to check, and there it was. She was very relieved.

I went back to Lost & Found the next time we passed near, and told them they could throw away the note, because we'd found it, and the woman there was very nice and thanked me for letting her know.

Later, as we were leaving, an employee we'd asked earlier if she'd seen it saw us, and asked if we'd found it. My mom thought that was nice that she remembered and wanted to make sure she'd found it.

We also went to King's Island this year. I liked it ok, but we couldn't have afforded it if we hadn't gotten a huge discount (it was homeschool day). Then, of course, they charge for parking and drinks. They have an area for little kids, but nothing really in the rest of the park for them.

I like your park way better. Not only do you have Christmas for the smaller set, there are other rides they can ride, either on their own (like the canoes) or with an adult (like the bumper boats). It seemed like they had to be a lot bigger to ride rides with an adult at King's Island. So they could either stay in one small part, or watch others ride.

And one other aspect I liked better about Holiday World -- your employees are friendly and cheerful.

Keep up the good work! We'll be back again next year, and the year after, and the year after, and... well, you get the idea!

Thank you,
Laurie H. and family

A come-back experience

I visited with Pat Koch as we entered yesterday about 9:45 am. Thanks for not making us wait until 10 am on the button.

I was in the tie-Dyed t-shirt with the grandkids from Wisconsin.

My overall thoughts are:

Visit to Holiday World - $104

Seeing Pat Koch at the entrance at 9:45 am - Classic look of yesteryear saying I care enough to visit with my guests, like visiting her at home. We'll bring the warm Pecan coffee cake.

Eating the food in Holidog's FunTown - Reasonably priced and clean tables.

Having Chris squeegee off the tables in the Mexican eating area AND SAYING
"HAVE GREAT DAY" AS WE LEFT - More flavors of a kinder more comfortable time.

Riding the merry-go-round with granddaughter Morgan - A come-back experience we've already booked for next year.

Holiday World's efforts to be the greatest in rides while staying the greatest in come-back-again park - PRICELESS.

Lee O.
Evansville, Indiana

"We could keep up with everyone"

Just wanted to let you know our family did attend HW on the weekend of 08/14.

We stayed in Tell City and was amazed at how quickly we could get to HW and the traffic was almost non existent when we arrived! [We got there an hour early though, since we are an hour ahead of you guys at home].

Our children didn't remember coming to HW when they were younger, but had a great time and our grandkids too. We are already planning our "family outing" for next year.

Enjoyed the park and the trees were wonderful to get under from the heat!!

HW is much more family oriented for us because our grandchildren are 5,6, & 7 so we don't like the older type crowds that seem to overtake KY Kingdom.

We all enjoyed the small wave pool and felt comfortable cause it was small enough we could keep up with everyone.

One of my mottos is to always give credit where credit is deserved. My husband was really dreading the whole thing because we aren't as young as we use to be. But he enjoyed himself too! We didn't get him in the wave pool, but there is always next year!!

And the free drinks---WOW!!

We look forward to our visit in 2006!

Judy J.
Greensburg, Kentucky

We didn't have to skimp on food

Just wanted to let you know that I just got back from a visit to your park on Monday and loved it!

Your staff is excellent and really are very polite and friendly. I have been to many other parks and yours is so much better.

Our day started with being greeted as we arrived by someone who I think was the lady who is on your TV ads in Indianapolis. What a surprise to see the owner out greeting people.

The next surprise was how inexpensive the food was. I can't believe that my fiancee and I could eat a meal under $10 at your park and we did not skimp in what we bought.

And what could I say about the free soft drinks! I also liked the idea that you had a clock by the first wave pool. That helped us judge our time so that we got out of the water area in time to miss the rush out of the park.

I did notice that the other wave pool did not have a clock nor could I find one in the rest of the park. That might be a suggestion for the future. However I will have to say in your defense that every time I needed to know the time, a park employee walked by and always had a watch on to tell me the time.

Finally as we left we got some dessert on our way out. It only cost about $2 and of course the drinks were free. That is incredible! I again expected at least to pay $5 to $6 for just the dessert.

I know that I could find some cheaper deals with my AAA discount for some other local parks, but in the long run I saved so much more money and had much more fun at your park.

I like your theme of Holiday World! I am glad to see that you are going to continue to expand with your new Thanksgiving area for next year. I can't wait to see the next new roller coaster.

As you can tell we were thrilled. It may be a little out of the way for us( 3 hour drive), but it is definitely time well spent. WE WILL BE BACK and I will be telling everyone of our great adventure.

Please thank your staff and make sure that they know what a wonderful they are doing. Thanks again and hope to see you very soon.

Sincerely yours,

Doug H.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Top of the Line

We visited your park on August 10 and 11; this was a great place to go.

We really loved the free pop and sunscreen and the reasonably priced food and lockers. Also the free parking.

What a top of the line park.

You have the nicest workers. We were riding the Otorongo in the water park. My son, who is autistic, lost his purple toy out of his pocket.

Now it's just a 50-cent toy, but to an autistic child this toy was the world to him.

You have two young ladies who went out of their way to make sure they found it at the bottom of the pool. Their names are Allison and Andrea. They should be commended for doing this.

It's hard to find good employees like this.

Thank you very much to these two young ladies. Also for the wonderful vacation.

Six Flags needs to take lessons from your park because they sure don't compare to your park.

We will be back.

The K. Family
LaPorte, Indiana

"Never...go corporate!"

I just thought I'd drop you an email regarding my family's visit to your park yesterday on 08/14/05.

I've been to few amusement parks in recent years (Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Busch Gardens - Tampa, Busch Gardens - Williamsburg, Cedar Point, and Kings Island). I wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you, for making your park NON-SMOKING (except for designated areas).

Being from Louisville, I can tell you we are only about 15 minutes away from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and are season pass holders, but your park has sold us on the extra drive time for REPEAT VISITS again in the future!

Having a daughter with asthma, I can tell you how frustrated we are to go to the
"kiddie areas" and baby area of the water park of Kentucky Kingdom only to have dozens of people (literally) blowing cigarette smoke in our faces all day long.

Not only have you taken care of eliminating smoking from those areas, you took the extra step of making the entire park that way.

I only witnessed a couple of people abusing this and smoking in non-designated areas.

My family thanks you!

I also expected that with "free drinks" and "sunscreen" your food prices would be high, but I found those to be very reasonable, too!

Besides that there was no charge to park! (Unlike Kentucky Kingdom or King's Island).

Your park was certainly as advertised and extremely clean. It is by far the most "family friendly" park I have been to in years.

I would love to "cc" this email to Kentucky Kingdom to let them read "how it should be done." But guess what? They have NO EMAIL address published to the public for praises, complaints, or suggestions....

Keep up the great work! I hope you never sell out and go corporate! We'll do our best and tell all of our friends!

We'll see you again next year!

Sincerely,

Tony N.
Louisville, Kentucky

Cleanliness...such a high priority

Our church youth group, The Field of Grace Baptist Church, visited your park for the first time this past Saturday.

We are from Hamilton, Ohio.

I just wanted to write and thank you for the wonderful time that we had. I was so impressed with the cleanliness of your parks.

We are frequent visitors of our local amusement park and they are in no comparison to the time we had at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

The free Pepsi products and free sunscreen were wonderful. Your prices were extremely reasonable, including food pricing, I couldn't believe they were as low as they were.

This is definitely a family-oriented park as our seven year old, as well as our one year old had a fabulous time.

You guys cater to all ages.

As we were in line for The Legend, there was a park employee coming through and picking up empty cups that people had left laying around. I was so impressed that cleanliness was such a high priority at your park and it was definitely noticed and appreciated.

May God bless you and thank you again for operating such a wonderful place to visit. We hope to get to come back and visit your parks again in the near future.

God bless,

Kari M.
Hamilton, Ohio

"For once...I got the best quality for my money"

This email is to inform you and your staff of an excellent time had by my family at your water park on Thursday, August 11th 2005.

I finally for once feel like I got the best quality for my money.

I was so impressed with the free soft drinks, free sunscreen and free parking.

Entrance into the park was also cheaper than many competing parks.

We've all heard you get what you pay for. Definitely not true at Holiday World.

I also appreciated all your affordable prices on food items. All of the staff I spoke with were excellent.

My 6-year-old got a few steps away and one of your staff approached him to ask if he was lost.

I just wanted you to know that my family and I appreciate the affordable getaway and that you truly allowed my family a great day.

Thanks for not letting the amount of money your company needs to profit per year affect the affordability of your great park.

I will never visit another park.

Thanks for allowing us to feel that you wanted us to have a good time and not that you wanted to make a buck.

All of the hard work pays off.

Sincerely,

Amy S. and Family

"We feel like you want us there"

You have the right e-mail address... "fun" at Holiday World is exactly what we have every time we come.

We feel like part of the family with your generous freebies like free parking, free drinks, free sunscreen and free shows and water park!

When we arrive we feel like you want us there.

We so appreciate your efforts for a family environment, and hope that the standard continues with appropriate behavior, dress, and cleanliness.

Thanks to all of the staff who are always smiling, it truly does make a HUGE difference!!

We will never go to Six Flags at Kentucky Kingdom again, because of the AWESOME standard you have set. You have put the other theme park operators to shame, and GOOD FOR YOU (and us)!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

The M. Family
Lanesville, Indiana

Three surprises

I wanted to let you know that our visit to Holiday World and Splashin' Safari was a great deal of fun.

Our first happy surprise was no charge for parking, and when the walk to the front was as quick as the trolley.

I had three boys with me, aged 16, 14 and 13 (two mine, one a friend), as well as my husband. They all enjoyed the roller coasters, but were a bit disappointed that there were not more "Big rides." I think that your new section will take care of some of that. However, we all greatly enjoyed Splashin' Safari--the lines weren't too long, we could wear our water shoes (why other parks won't let you, I don't understand!), and there were lots of options.

Zinga even thrilled my 16 year old (not an easy thing to do anymore). The two wave pools were wonderful.

The second surprise was the cost and quality of the food. We knew that the soft drinks were free, but assumed the food would be way overpriced, as it is in most amusement parks. We had barbeque sandwiches that were quite good and, get this, hot, freshly made french fries that weren't greasy! I was thrilled! (I know how bad french fries are for me, and if I'm going to eat them, I want them to be gooooooood!)

A third surprise of sorts, was the friendliness of the staff. I actually worked at a theme park for a few weeks during college, and believe me, we weren't all that nice because our bosses were not nice to us.

It seemed that the young people actually enjoyed working and interacting with each other and the guests. At the end of most of the water rides, we were asked if we had enjoyed them. I don't know if I've ever been asked that by the workers before, except at Disney World.

And the ride operators on the roller coasters didn't say exactly the same thing every time. They actually found ways to say the information without grating on your nerves. (I'll never forget the droning, "Enjoy your day at Water Country USA"; I heard that tape so many times in six hours I thought I would be sick!)

The free soft drinks were a blessing and we also appreciated the free sunscreen and tubes. Another thing I appreciated was that you didn't have to hold onto a receipt to get your locker deposit back. It was easy to get out at closing time, although we wish each park had stayed open at least another hour.

We will return and spend a day another time after the new rides are open, making sure the water park is also open.

Thank you for our enjoyable day,

Jana H.
Frankfort, Kentucky

As my grandson said, "This place rocks!"

My husband and I brought our three grandchildren to spend the day Saturday, July 30, 2005.

I wish there was a way for me to help you "feel" the wonderful time we had.

The very first thing Jack and I wanted to do was thank you for the free drinks. It's hard, during the hot summer months, to stay hydrated under the best of circumstances, but it's especially difficult to do when everyone is so active.

Not having to worry about being able to pay for water or drinks, or having to look for water fountains when you're hot and exhausted was a true godsend. Thank you SO much!!

Also, a note about the food. My husband made the comment after we had lunch at Goblin Burgers, that we had spent the same amount of money at other places for food that wasn't nearly as good.

Your employees are, from the couple of people who were keeping the park clean that we stopped to ask directions, to those who were involved with the rides, the friendliest and most helpful group of people we've ever seen in a park.

We realize how busy they are and how important it is for them to pay attention to what they are doing, but none of them ever made us feel like we were interrupting.

All of you attractions were great! There is enough of a variety that everyone in any family should have plenty to do.

When I told my youngest grandson that I was going to e-mail you about what a good time we had and how nice we thought the park was, he asked me to tell you that he thinks that you should have a height of 44"(if accompanied by an adult) for the Legend. Would that be a possibility? He'll be seven and a half next summer and probably 45 or 46" tall. He would go on ALL the coaster rides if he could. He's going to be the coaster nut in this family. None of this is meant to indicate that he didn't have a good time. He had a really great time.

As for me, I like the roller coasters, but my love is water rides and playing in the pools. Your water park is sensational! We ALL loved it! So did everyone I saw there.

Your safety measures were impressive! The lifeguards REALLY pay attention to the job at hand.

I have a special commendation for the guards who work at the water jungle gym play area (Monsoon Lagoon). Their job reminds my husband of trying to herd a school of fish. They never really stopped walking and NEVER took their eyes off the play area, even when people spoke to them.

I was also impressed that the lifeguards at the wave pool weren't afraid to turn off the waves to get people to behave.

Also, thank you for the sunscreen and use of inner tubes. I brought some sunscreen, but it wasn't enough for the whole time, and by not having to pay for the inner tubes we were able to play some of the games in the Halloween area on the way out. (I love my lobster.)

We are going to try to make it back in October, weather and life permitting.

Thank you again for providing SO MUCH! You make it so much easier to keep everyone hydrated and their skin protected, and, therefore, they are able to really enjoy the day safely. Also, by having free drinks and sunscreen and by not charging for the inner tubes you make it affordable to more people.

Thank you so much for a wonderful day. Please let your staff know that what they do and how they interact with the visitors is noticed and that we thank them for their efforts. Aside from including an "accompanied by an adult" height for the Legend, my husband and I think you should really consider a hotel or mountain lodge complex so your visitors from further away could stay overnight. It wouldn't have to be open all year long, just for as long as the park is open. We live in Muncie and fours hours is a long drive home. Just a thought...

Thank you for a wonderful, family oriented, and totally family friendly place to take our children and grandchildren. Thank you for the dress and language code. As my nine and a half year old grandson said as we left, "This place rocks!"

Sincerely,

Jack and Jill F.
Muncie, Indiana

When you become a parent, your focus changes

I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you what an awesome facility Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is.

My husband and I took our three children, ages 1, 3, and 9 this week and everyone had a blast.

There was really something for everyone, the longest we waited in a line was 35 minutes and some we walked right on, and the park was clean, phenomenally clean.

Almost every employee we spoke to was kind and helpful, and it was cool for the kids and great management/customer service from my perspective to see Pat, the Director and other management folks out walking the parks throughout the day.

I have done nothing but rave about how great and clean Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari are since our return. The only complaint I have is that my feet are totally burnt from walking on the pavement at Splashin’ Safari. Easily remedied with water shoes or flip flops (just didn’t think about it), I will know next time!

I visited Santa Claus Land/Holiday World when I was a child and loved the rides, but when you become a parent, the focus changes and things like cost of food (extremely reasonable at HW & SS) and cleanliness (exceptionally clean) are important rather than the rides (they ARE great) and where the right cartoon character may be (Sponge Bob Squarepants gets on my nerves at home, why would I want to see him on my vacation!!!!)!

Overall, we had the best possible time, were able to eat without spending a fortune, had something fun for everyone, thought it was amazingly clean, and will be back for years to come!

Thanks for an awesome time!

Corey C.
Indiana

"A new lifetime fan"

I just wanted to take this moment and thank you for one of the most enjoyable park experiences in my life. While attending a nearby Halloween / Haunted House convention in Tell City, I was finally close enough to visit your park.

First, I must advise, my husband and I are extreme park enthusiasts and maintain memberships/affiliations in several of the industry’s enthusiast groups such as Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) and the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA).

We have been privileged over our past 8 years together to attend many parks nationwide both large and small, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Kings Island, Kennywood (in our backyard), Idlewild, Hershey, Lakemont, Waldameer and many other smaller family-owned establishments. I even decorated my new baby daughter’s room with an amusement park theme. So, I guess you can say I know a good park when I see one.

I have been looking to partake of Holiday World for many years and my June visit fulfilled a long-lived wish and turned me into a life-long ambassador for your park.

Your friendliness, cleanliness and wonderful facilities are to be commended as the best in this industry.

Anyone who will listen to my amusement park chatter, I let them know Holiday World is a must visit.

Thank you again, Holiday World for making my experience wonderful and my baby daughter’s first park experience a memorable one.

I am looking forward to next year and continuing the Holiday World “Voyage.”

A New Lifetime Fan,

Kari H.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

P.S. Thanks for the Darkride too!

"More for our money"

I would like to let you know that our family had a wonderful time.

It is so nice to go to a park that will not allow obscenities, inappropriate dress, etc.

We loved everything.

We recently went to Dollywood and we certainly got more for our money at Holiday World! Free drinks, free sunscreen, free parking and the meals were all reasonably priced!

I spoke to a customer where I work today about Holiday World and he and his family are planning on heading your way next year!

We will be back next year too!

Shelly B.
Noblesville, Indiana

"Raven and Legend don't disappoint"

My 13 year-old-daughter and I drove from St. Louis to Holiday World yesterday, August 9, and had a super time. I've been checking out your park for a few years online, but have been living in Oregon and not able to visit.

Rides: As coaster lovers, the Raven and Legend don't disappoint, but you already know this. I was surprised to wait about 5 minuntes to ride the Raven and rode a good 8 times. The Legend line was longer but moved quickly and allowed us 6 rides. My daughter loved the Liberty Launch and rode it more time than either of us can count.

Food: We ate tacos at the Alamo and burgers in Halloween land. Both were very good and surprisingly affordable. Thank you for providing good food at a fair price in a clean restaurant. The free drinks made us feel so welcome in your park; Thank you.

Staff: I loved the rhymes of the coaster operators and we were greeted with smiles and friendly conversation throughout the day. On our way out, a lady in a white staff shirt gave us the biggest smile and a genuine thank you as we left the park. We felt great.

Merchandise: We visit theme parks a lot but never purchase souvenirs because they're either gaudy, expensive, or both. However you offered affordable T-shirts and pins which we will love for a long time to come.

Even though St. Louis is 3 hours away, we're considering purchasing season passes for next year and are oh so excited to ride the Voyage.

Keep up the great work! I can't wait to visit again.

I'll tell everyone I know to go to Holiday World.

Greg S.
Manchester, Missouri

Happy ending to lost backpack story

My family enjoyed your amusement park. Your staff is great. They treated us well.

I had been to Holiday World a couple of times before and had no complaints. This time I brought my family and friends. My parents said they would go back again. They like the atmosphere of the park. They also enjoyed the fact the you had gospel singing. That is rare these days.

While there my backpack was taken off the locker in Splashin' Safari. I went to the key booth to see if anyone had turned it in. No one had, but the girl working told me to fill out the Lost & Found report.

That Lost & Found report system that you use is great. I received my backpack in the mail today. I was there on August 6. I was surprised to see the backpack--and so fast.

I thought if you did find it you might send it C.O.D. But you sent it and paid for it.

Your park is the best. You are one of the few places you can go to today and find God, Hospitality, and good family fun.

Please let you staff know that my family truly appreciate their HARD WORK!

We will be back to see you again and will let everyone we know how great you are.

Thank You,

Judy E.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky

"We all need a servant's heart"

I just wanted to write and let you know how much we enjoyed our time at your park last Thursday.

As we were buying our tickets I made sure our 3 kids and the other children with our group realized that the lady out front picking up trash, the only trash I saw all day I might add, was Pat Koch.

I wanted them to think about how we all need to have a servants heart and how much pride she takes in her park.

By setting such a wonderful example for the employees, you have created a place that is a pleasure to visit. That pride and attitude were shared by all of the employees we encountered that day.

While riding on our first ride, the Congo River, I inadvertently left our motorhome keys in the pocket of my swimsuit. At the end of the ride I realized they had fallen out while we were floating in the tubes.

I told the girl working there what had happened and that we would stop by from time to time in order to see if anyone had happened to find them. They were hard to miss since the keychain was made out of a spark plug.

Well, before we had even been able to take a second lap in the river, your employee had found the keys and was looking for us to return them. It is employees like her that make your park such a pleasure to visit.

Other instances worth mentioning happened at the wave pool and the Alamo.

While at the water's edge of the wave pool, a mother and her 10-year-old son sat down. The boy had a thorn stuck in his foot and the mother was letting him know that someone from the first-aid station was coming.

Within 2 or 3 minutes, a girl arrived with a complete medical kit to help the boy. While she was there she also helped another boy who had skinned his elbow. I don't know for sure, but I would imagine at any other park the only assistance the boys would have received would have been directions to the first-aid station.

Dinner at the Alamo was wonderful as usual and a great value as always. Even when I needed to special order part of our meals without lettuce, the girl working there was as polite and helpful as possible.

I was hoping we would have run into Pat later that day to express our appreciation, but when the rides shut down due to lightning in the area after dinner, we decided to go ahead and get started back to Indy instead of trying to wait out the weather in order to ride the coasters.

Thanks again for proving that things still can be done right.

Jon N.
Indianapolis, Indiana

"Started off kind of grumpy"

My family and I visited your park yesterday.

My wife started out kind of grumpy but by the end of the day she was all smiles.

My 4-year-old daughter had a great time also we were surprised that she could ride on so many of the water rides.

The water park is the best we have been to.

Friendly service and clean.

Thanks for being such a great host.

sincerely,
Scott F.
Tunnel Hill, Illinois

P.S. We will be back soon!

Had a great time!

Just wanted to thank you for a great time, Friday, August 5.

We love the free soda!!! (Doesn't everyone?)

We love the free sun tan lotion!

I thought the pizza, and other food, was better than other amusement parks.

It was a little more crowded than I hoped, especially in the water park.

Everyone had a great time.

See ya next year,

Ron S.

Most fun day...in a long time

I just wanted to write and thank you and your staff for a wonderful time!

It has been a few years since we have been able to do much in the area of recreation as family due to recent financial difficulties. This year is still difficult, but we decided that our family needed at least a one-day vacation. A good decision. It was the best, most relaxed, most fun day we have had as a family in a long time.

Our oldest daughter, 9 1/2, rode her first roller coaster, The Raven (my favorite), with her father, while I took my youngest, just 6, to Rudolph's Reindeer Ranch. It is great to have those so close together!

We also rode many of the family water rides for the first time all together. My youngest was so excited, she wanted to try them all!! She even overcame her tendency for motion sickness & enjoyed rides such as the tilt-o-whirl & scrambler.

My husband, who doesn't like crowds, usually wants to leave places like this as early as possible. We stayed till CLOSING!

My oldest hurt her elbow while riding the racers. The lifeguards on duty noticed it before she even did and had her fixed up right away. She was able to enjoy the rest of the day without a care about the injury.

Thank you, thank you for the safety measures like life jackets and sunscreen.

Thank you for the free drinks. Personally I like the drinking water the best :o).

We were there this past Thursday & did not experience any real long lines. Most were just 20 minutes.

Again thank for a great time & thank you for providing a top-rate family park.

Sincerely,

Ginger B.
Princeton, Indiana

Pleased in Peoria

We just visited Holiday World for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Everyone in our large group commented how the staff was so friendly and helpful, the entire facility was very clean, and how much we enjoyed the rides.

We especially enjoyed "The Legend" and can't wait for "The Voyage."

Also, the free soft drinks were a real big hit.

Keep up the great work!!

Dean and Teresa T. and Family
Peoria, Illinois

Comparison shopping in Ohio

Unlike most times that I write to praise the park and its staff, this one does not come at the end of a trip to the park.

My family and I visited another park close to you in Ohio this past weekend, and I thought that you would appreciate a phrase that came out of my 4-year-old daughter's mouth on more than one occasion. She said, "This park isn't as nice as Holiday World" numerous times, usually followed by "When are we going back to Holiday World?"

While I thought that the park was pretty good, when compared to the park that is directly between it and Holiday World, she was right.

At the other park, the employees felt a bit stand-offish to the point where I think I was only asked one time if I was having a good visit.

On both trips to Holiday World, I couldn't walk 20 feet without at least "Hi," "How is your day going?" or some other greeting.

At one point at the other park, my wife slipped in some water draining off of a water play area. She was right in front of two employees, who looked at her and then continued on with their business. Not a single, "Are you okay?"

My daughter stumbled on a step but was able to catch herself at your park last time and two employees were there to see if she is alright.

While standing in line for about an hour for a ride in the kids section of the park, my daughter made one of her comments about wanting to go back to Holiday World soon. The family in front of us heard her and started asking us about the park. After talking with them for about 10 minutes or so, I have a feeling that you'll have some new converts coming your way soon.

Thanks again for everything, you prove that parks don't have to be impersonal.

Without you guys going above and beyond every day, all day, people would think that the treatment I experienced this past weekend was supposed to be the norm. Keep up the great work and hope to see you again soon.

Sincerely,
Rob B.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Coming back next year

I just wanted to say thank you. Eleven of us made the trip and it was well worth it.

We visited Holiday World on Friday and had a wonderful time; we already decided to come back next year for 2 days.

It beats the heck out of Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville.

See you next year.

Dana R.
Louisville, Kentucky

Hollering all summer

I would just like to say I was at Holiday World yesterday with my husband and two kids.

The boys have been hollering all summer to go to Holiday World Splashin' Safari so for their birthday, one turned four yesterday the other 6 on the 17, we brought them to Holiday World.

They had a blast -- as many times as I have been there I will always have a blast.

There is always something new. The staff is always friendly and the park always looks so nice.

I just want to thank you for giving my boys the best birthday they've had. My oldest said it was a dream come true.

Thanks again.

Tracey E.
Washington, Indiana

I missed you guys!

I just wanted to write a quick note. The purpose? My wife and I both missed you guys yesterday!

I am a youth worker in Evansville, Indiana.

Yesterday, I took a group of kids to a park just east of you in Louisville because I wanted to check it out and see what they were like.

After about an hour, we realized how spoiled we've become after having been at Holiday World a number of times since moving to the area last year.

We both missed the free drinks, we missed the free sunscreen, we missed the affordable locker prices, we missed the food and the affordability of it, we missed the friendliness of all the staff (not just a few here and there) and the list goes on.

So, to end this note--

THANKS FOR BEING THE BEST! We are coming back at least once more this summer, and every summer from here on out!

Geremy Z.
Darmstadt, Indiana

"Hope you're still around when I'm a dad..."

My husband and our 3 children and our good friends just spent the day at Holiday World yesterday and we all agreed it was the BEST theme park experience we've ever had!(This includes Disney World,too!)

I was so impressed I just had to let you know and say THANKS!!!

Thank you so much for not only a very fun and enjoyable day, but a reasonably affordable day as well.

Not only are the complimentary drinks a wonderful bonus, but all the food was very reasonably priced as well!

Everything was clean and well maintained.

All staff we encountered were helpful and friendly and went out of their way to ask us if we were enjoying our day.

On the drive home, our son said he hopes Holiday World is still around when he's a dad so he can bring his kids--that's pretty high praise from a 13 yr old!

Thank you for providing our family with a fun, memorable mini vacation right here in Indiana!

We look forward to visiting again next summer!

Sincerely,
Mike & Tammy B. & Family
Indianapolis, Indiana

Now more than ever

I just wanted to say that as a kid I loved Holiday World.

Now that I am a parent we have made it our special time every year.

I love it more now then ever.

I love all the kid-friendly rides that you really can't find anywhere else.

My kids really love it an can't wait to visit you all again next year.

It's an annual trip that this family will continue for years and years to come.
Thank you very much,
LeeAnna S. & Family
Clarksville, Indiana

"A thousand and more thank yous"

We just got back from our second annual visit to Holiday World.

I said it before and I will say it again, "This is one of the best parks in the Midwest, bar none! No brag, just fact!"

My 13-year-old and 10-year-old rode on just about every ride two or three times!

Our 4-year-old fell in love with the kiddie bumper boats. I lost count as to how many times he rode.

Our 2-year-old loved the kiddie airplanes. He got a kick out of getting a high five from the attendant!

Speaking of attendants...I have never seen a more proud bunch of workers. Each one had a smile on their face; looked like they enjoyed their jobs and were very helpful.

I hardly saw that at Disney or Six Flags!

The park was spotless! I don't recall ever seeing a scrap of paper on the ground unless it was being swept up by the staff (who also had smiles on their faces).

The water park was even better with the new wave pool!

The two older boys went on every slide two or three times while my wife and I had the two little guys bouncing around with us in the Bahari!

And let me tell you, the chicken wrap sandwiches are STILL better than Arby's!

We do have one question: Is Pat Koch a Beatles fan? Every third song or so at Splashin' Safari seemed to be a Beatles tune. No complaint, we love the oldies, especially the Beatles! In fact, I called my friend in New York jus to let him hear it as well! Keep it up!

So, to sum it all up: A thousand and more thanks yous from our family. We loved every minute of our visit, and as usual, our only complaint is: WE HAD TO LEAVE!

This year we tried bribing one of the attendants to let us stay in the park overnight, but he wouldn't go for it! And my mouth is watering even more in anticipation of the Voyage Coaster next year!

Love to all the Staff!

Bob A.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma

"I'm going to work at Holiday World..."

I have been meaning to write about our experience(s) at Holiday World (which would be too many to account for!).

Recently, our family visited on July 4th weekend; it was packed but everybody was in super spirits and really the lines were not too bad.

Bahari was awesome if I could I would have stayed there all day! However our 7-year-old is the boss at Holiday World; he loves the talking cars (otherwise known as the Doggone Trail) and the Holidog roller coaster.

After our funfilled day, we headed back to Louisville. As we were driving back, our son piped up out of nowhere, "I'm going to work at Holiday World when I get bigger."

Truth be told, I would not be surprised if he did. He is one of your biggest ambassadors!

He is autistic and one of the things that makes him happiest is going to Holiday World every summer!

We recently went to Kentucky Kingdom and to be honest there is no comparison... $ to park, $$$ for drinks, and the staff was not friendly or accommodating, overall not a great experience.

My son said it best, "This is not Holiday World!"

Kudos to your staff and to all of the new happenings. We are excited about Thanksgiving land. See you next Summer.

Stephanie B. & family
Louisville, Kentucky

Appreciates wearing watershoes

My name is Jennifer B. and I was just writing to say how much my boyfriend and I enjoyed your park this summer. We went earlier this summer because his company had a picnic there.

The main reason I am writing is because we just got back from Six Flags St. Louis and it was not all it was cracked up to be. The lines where extremely long, the drinks were outrageous, and they won't let anyone wear their watershoes on the water rides. I couldn't believe it the main reason I had bought my watershoes is so that I could wear them in the water park and not hurt my feet, but then they made me take them off at the rides. Doing so at every ride really made it pointless to wear them at all.

I just want you to know how that I'm very thankful that you do not do this at your park. I was able to ride the rides without worrying about taking my shoes off every time.

It really made it much more enjoyable.

Thanks again,
Jen B.

"Hats off to everyone"

We love Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

We have had season passes for 3 years now and before that we made at least one trip a year with family.

Our family come in from Florida, Ohio, and Central Indiana; they love coming to your park.

We have a 4 year old and she cries when we have to go home.

We only live in Jasper so it is easy to make many, many trips your way from spring to fall.

We wonder why anyone with children in this would not get a pass every year.

Hats off to everyone at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari; we have never had a bad experience.

Every person on your staff is a CLASS ACT!!

Mary B. & Family
Jasper, Indiana

Birthday greetings

I always wondered why I loved Holiday World so much.

I thought it was all the great times I have shared there with my three daughters, my step-daughter and my wife.

Perhaps it was the cleanliness, the family atmosphere, two of the world's greatest wooden coasters.

Perhaps it was the incredible staff or Mrs. Koch's smiling face greeting us.

It could be the sincere way all guests are treated.

All of the above seemed most likely.

I always wondered until I read today's HoliBlog. Now I know. Today is my birthday, too.

Happy birthday, Holiday World, and happy birthday to me. Yes, I am younger than Holiday World (but not by much).

Mike D.
Louisville, Kentucky

First-time visitors

Just to let everyone know how much our family enjoyed the first trip to Holiday World on August 2, 2005.

All of the attention to detail is very much appreciated.

It was soooo nice not having cigarette smoke to encounter.

Also, the cold soft drinks readily available were such a blessing on a HOT day.

We loved the shows and were very impressed with the high energy, talent and professionalism of the cast at Pop Revolution and Total Praise. We loved the choreography and song selection, too.

The divers and Santa were great as well. We appreciated Santa speaking freely of Christ in the story and for the children to say prayers at night. (We missed the Country show --- miscalculated our plans on that one).

All of the food we had was delicious, fresh and well prepared. Ninety-nine percent of all of the employees had lovely smiles, were helpful, and seemed to truly enjoy what he/she was doing.

We rarely had to wait in a line for a bathroom and all were very tidy. In fact, the park was very clean and beautiful.

All of the neat children's rides were great. Our 8-year-old daughter still can't decide which was her favorite--- she thinks maybe the kiddie-size bumper boats. We appreciate the 54" measuring guide (and how your staff nicely enforced that) so that bigger, older children were not dominating these areas.

We can see now first-hand how you have been ranked #1 for family fun and are an International Applause Award Winner.

Many thanks for a wonderful day!!! We look forward to returning with other friends and family!!!!

Wendy R. & Family
Martinsville, Indiana

Love what you've done with the place!

What a wonderful time at Holiday World on Aug 1st my youngest son (15) and I had at your park.

It is Wonderful!!

(I can remember going to Santa Claus Land as a child in the '60s and I was a member in the first cast that was in the Holiday Theater back in 1977.)

The staff was great....Josh in lockers at Splashin' Safari and Logan at the Otorongo, plus all the others that we came in contact with while we were there.

Love what has been done with the place!!

Wishing you continued success....

Carol M.F. & Colin

A last-minute change of plans

I got up at 7:30 am on Saturday to pick up my Good Friend, Pat.

We were going to make the two-hour drive down to Louisville and spend a day at Kentucky Kingdom. I have a Six Flags Season Pass, Pat does not.

Well I pick him up at 8 am. And he is Tired, And Grumpy.

He starts Complaining about how busy it will be, How bad Kentucky Kingdom is at handling large Crowds, How there is no shade,

How expensive Drinks, Food, Parking, Etc... will be.

I ask him how much more It is to get into Holiday World.

We kick the Idea around for a hot 5 minutes, And Decide to go to Your Park Instead.

Now Your Webpage Warned us to stay away. Large Crowds Expected.

Well You had a Large Crowd. We parked way out in the Legend Lot.

But hey we didn't pay to park there.

We actually got lucky and got tickets for $30 when we got Gas at the Exit!

So we walked into the park right down to Raven. My what A line... No, not now.

Walked on down to Legend waited about 45 minutes, Still love that ride!

Rode the new Revolution- Sweet!

Then the water park opened and the Crowd was gone. Wow- The rides are Ours. We rode everything we wanted several times.

Waded up to our knees in Bahari- Beautiful.

Took advantage of The Rocky Mountain Sunscreen.- This Rocks - I burn easy, And I did not burn at all after one application.

The park as Usual was Clean, The Staff was Efficient, And Friendly.

I applaud the Addition of Cameras on the coasters- You can never be too safe.

Pat and I quite Honestly have never had a better day at any Park.

And Did I mention you were Slammed?

I do have to Apologize though, If it is Possible to drink $30 worth of Pop, And Water: We Did.

Also took advantage of Your Delicious, And Reasonably Priced Food For Lunch (The Alamo), and Dinner (Kringle's Kafe)

You know even with the Extra 120 Mile Drive (Round Trip).

And the Fact that I had to buy an Admission.

I think it was still cheaper than going to Kentucky Kingdom.

And All we would have done there Was Fry in 3 hr Lines.

Without our FREE POP, Without our FREE SUNSCREEN!

The only Bad thing that Can Be Said is we Didn't see you Paula, Or Will, Or Pat. Maybe Next Time.

But you make sure to pass the word on....How Much I love You, The Koch Family, The Staff, And Your Park.

Needless To say Pat got over his Grumpiness quickly.

We Will Be Back.

Robert N.
Cincinnati, Ohio

Single mom with a tight budget

My 13-year-old daughter and I visited your park yesterday, and as a single mom on a tight budget I just want to say, "Thank You."

Because you keep you food prices low a