January 2012
Looking Back... January 2012
31 January 2012 - 6:55pm
Overheard in a queue
Let's make one thing perfectly clear: I really don't try to listen in to other people's conversations. Especially when I'm at work, but not working. (You know what I mean!)
Youngest son James and I were in line yesterday, waiting to take a spin in one of the Lewis & Clark cars. (I love yelling, "You're a maniac!" while he's driving. He howls with laughter. And I comfort myself in the knowledge that we have more than a decade to improve his skills.)
While in the queue, a gentleman was regaling his party with his story:
Well, I just told my boss, "It's Holiday World and my family that come first with me!"
When a friend asked him how his boss reacted to that declaration, I must admit I did have to lean in to hear the rest.
He told me it was okay just this once. But next time I call in sick, I'd better really be sick!
(Originally posted 8/10/05)
30 January 2012 - 6:26pm
A purple puzzler
Earlier today we posted this rather interesting photo on our Facebook page and via Twitter.
Didn't say what it was, of course. (What fun would that be?)
Lots of clever guesses were posted. Several matched my initial reaction - it sort of looks like we're painting all of our keyboards purple!
Other folks guessed we were painting our lockers, still others thought the boxes were napkin holders.
Here's a before photo. Same items, all prepped and ready for a new coat of paint.
Does this help?
No?
Well here's another "before" photo from the project.
Indeed, the Legend roller coaster trains are getting a heaping help of TLC this winter, including new paint.
Flying through the woods day after day can takes it toll on a coaster train, after all. Especially when there's some headless guy chasing after you ...
30 January 2012 - 1:19pm
"Those people ... "
This story (from November, 2008) comes from Matt, our GM/Shared Services:
Matt was in Orlando, attending the "What's New Theater," which is more or less the kick-off ceremony for the week-long IAAPA Expo industry trade show. It includes a great production involving, as the name implies, the new rides and technology to watch for in the industry throughout the coming year.
As our animation for Pilgrims Plunge came on the huge screen, Matt heard someone sitting behind him mumble the following:
Those people just ain't right.
We're still laughing about that!
Fast forward to today, and this Pilgrims Plunge video has been viewed by more than 2.3 million YouTubers:
28 January 2012 - 5:38pm
Site unseen
(Originally posted 9/15/05)
An email like this always gives us pause.
To know that a young fellow has been wanting to visit us for a decade (do the math -- this has been going on since he was five, and probably not nearly tall enough to ride The Raven) is rather amazing. Especially when you realize the kid's from Florida!
Emails like this remind us that each family has a story. And that each family deserves the very best visit we can provide. Because for some, the journey has been long in miles and time.
Anyway, Michael T. is from Fort Myers; he said it was okay to HoliBlog him.
My name is Mike and I live in Fort Myers, Florida. Yes, I am a huge coaster enthusiast and I plan on installing your coasters in the future. Although I have never been to your park, I just wanted to comment on something.
It has been a tradition in my family to take a trip to Cedar Point every year since before I was born (June 11, 1990). And every year we pack up the cars and head to the park with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents (who are from the Detroit area). I will admit that Cedar Point never gets old, and there is a reason why it was voted the best park in the world by Amusement Today. But after this year, my preferences have switched a little.
You see, I have been wanting to come to your park ever since the introduction of The Raven, but I haven't been able to make it yet. I consistently nag my folks about how your park has a charm like no other, and all I get in return is, "But Cedar Point has big roller coasters and Holiday World only has two."
But you see that has now changed with you addition of The Voyage. I have been hyping your park for YEARS and I think it will all pay off in 2006. I tell my family about how your park offers free parking, suntan lotion, and Pepsi products (or is it Coke?) and they are amazed. And quite frankly, I am too. They now adore the fact that your park is run by a family and is so generous and welcome to its guests.
Every time I talk to them, I always mention Holiday World, and I get them wanting to visit more and more. Your array of World class wooden roller coasters is just the icing on the cake too! Because I am a coaster enthusiast, I have ridden many rollers coasters, more wooden than steel. My all time favorite is Shivering Timbers (which is an airtime monster) and has been ever since it opened in 1998. My father knew the Jourdans (the owners of the park at the time) and I got to tell them what a fantastic creation the ride was. I love that ride and am a Hard Core, Die Hard fan of it. But that might change with the addition of the Voyage. Ever since the announcement on July 13th 2005, I have been gushing over it. With the most airtime in the world, this thing is almost guaranteed to be a fantastic coaster.
My #1 wooden coaster spot might change come the summer of 2006. It really shows that Holiday World knows how to put together a great coaster. From the Shivering Timbers inspired hills, to the 90 degree banking, to the most tunnels in the world, you guys have done it again. I am truly excited as can be to visit your park in 2006. I'm sure it will be the time of my life, and of my family's too!
Your park is a work of art and is like nothing else on the planet. I love the fact that Holiday World is so "low key" and not industrial like Cedar Point or Disney World. And even though I have never been to your park, from all of the reviews that I have heard, Holiday World should be considered the best park in the world. If I had a choice as of right now, where I would want to spend my vacation, I would definitely pick your park. Holiday World's slogan should be billed "The Amazement Park."
27 January 2012 - 4:41pm
A catty email
We receive all kinds of emails.
Most of them are remarkably nice.
And thanks to IT Joe and our spamfilter, the majority are clean.
But once in a while, there's a message that gives us pause.
dffff
Pardon me, what's that? Dffff?
What does that mean? Is it code?
Or some of that texting lingo?
Happily, the sender quickly followed with a second email: Sorry about previous email - cat hit the send button.
Yes, of course.
Since there were no further instructions from the sender, I forwarded the kitty's email on to the appropriate staff member ... Holidog.
(Originally posted 8/15/08)
