There was no catch to the freebies

Our family just returned from our first visit to Holiday World (July 14). I just wanted to let you know what a great time we had and how much I appreciate the great value you are providing at your park.

I tried purchasing tickets online but the system was not working correctly. My thoughts were, “Oh no, this is going to be a lousy experience.” I placed a call and was transferred to voicemail. Figured I would have to wait a couple of days to get a call-back. I heard back from someone within the hour and got the tickets purchased.  
 
When we arrived, we were not sure which window to go to. We ended up at the wrong window, but the staff member walked to another window, retrieved our tickets, and brought them to us. Combine that kind of service with free parking and I’m already having a great day!

I had heard about the free drinks and kept waiting for the “small-print” catch. Not only was there no catch, there was free sunscreen also!

Later that day we tried the Zoombabwe Grill for lunch. I had read online that they served Gluten-free bread for sandwiches. We were served by Katherine who did an incredible job of giving us answers on what was available and finding answers for things she did not know. My daughter had a gluten-free hamburger and I had a gluten-free chicken sandwich. There was even a gluten-free cookie to replace the standard issue chocolate-chip cookie. Incredible! I was absolutely blown away. I know the trouble and expense for providing allergen friendly menus. Thank you!
 
Holiday World’s theme for the day seemed to be: We know we could be making more money but that is not our primary goal here!
 
Thank you again for providing a great day of entertainment for our family.
 
Your newest fans,

Danny B. & Family 
Franklin, Tennessee
 

“Spectacularly nice!”

I just got off the phone with your group sales representative and she was spectacularly nice! I just wanted to let you know.  This is one of the reasons that we choose to drive to Holiday World every year for our team trip instead of Six Flags.  

Thanks again for your hospitality.

Christi K.

 

Clouds so pretty they look fake

Our first batch of Pilgrims Plunge b-roll (that's the footage you give TV news photographers as a consolation prize when you won't let them take their big honkin' cameras on a ride) was on a cold and cloudy day. On the re-take day last week, we had clouds again. But they were nothing at all like the first time.

“Outstanding employee appreciations”

We would like to thank the staff at Holiday World for the great first-time visit on July 7 & 8, 2009. We would especially like to thank and commend two of your workers who went above and beyond their duties.

While visiting the Bahari Wave pool, located on the back side with the bigger beach area, your employee, Daniel, gave us a plastic baggie to keep our money dry. My husband, Dennis, had asked if there was some place close to get a plastic bag to keep our money dry while in a fannie pack we had purchased earlier. Daniel provided us with our request. He was very pleasant and every time we saw Daniel working he always acknowledged us and spoke in a very friendly manner. We offered to buy his lunch for his "good deed of the day." However, Daniel informed us he could not accept this which I realize being a nurse, that no gifts can be exchanged for job duties. He should be well recognized for his outstanding employee appreciations.

Also, a worker named Brittany, I believe her name tag said, as well as supervisor had spoken very well of Holiday World and gave us recommendations for our 7-year-old daughter as far as rides were concerned. We had ran into her the night before while eating pizza. We informed her that we would be at the park again on the 8th and to say "hello" if she saw us.

Upon leaving the mexican food area we did run into her while she was working. She was sweeping up the park area. She should also be recognized for her efforts, well mannerism, and the fact she speaks in great terms when speaking of Holiday World.

I say KUDOS to both. Sometimes tourists take employees for granted and do not take the time and efforts to recognize their efforts.

Thanks to all, God Bless and see you next year for sure and if possible, this year again.

Oh! I almost forgot our 3-month-old miniture dashhound, Mr. Reggie, was well taken care of at the kennels and all whom worked there were very polite as well.

Sincerely,

The K. Family
Terre Haute, Indiana

“How do you do it?”

I just wanted to commend you & your entire staff on such a fine amusement park. We recently organized a 1-day trip to your park with 40 other family members (7-6-09). It was an EXTREMELY enjoyable day for everyone.
 
The staff we encountered was very helpful & courteous, which I’m sure can be a challenge at times.

My wife & I enjoyed the ‘family atmosphere’ that was present.  We felt safe allowing our children (8, 10, and 12) to wander the water park & enjoy it with their young cousins. 

The price was very reasonable, including the cost for food.  How do you do it?

I just wanted to say "THANK YOU." We will be back.

Sincerely,

Barry B. & Family
Carbondale, Illinois

 

“I felt like I was five again”

I wanted to express my heartfelt admiration on how well you park is run and the dedication that you have instilled in your workers.

I felt like I was 5 again in a time of the "sixties" when there were more of these types of parks. I grew up in Pennsylvania and we frequented several family-run parks and yours is a fine, fine park.

The staff is very friendly and this was a tremendous value and we WILL be back again.

Jeffery M.
Nashville, Tennessee
 

“I have NO complaints!”

We visited Holiday World yesterday for the first time. Leading up to it I had heard so many great things about the park, and yesterday did not disappoint me one bit.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the park, the helpful and courteous employees, the great selection of rides, the free drinks and parking and affordably priced food.

I have NO complaints about our experience there and despite the fact that the gate fee may be slightly higher than some of the deals that Kings Island offers, the well priced food, free parking and especially drinks made up for the difference by far.

I had heard the park is Christian owned and operated and if this is true, it makes sense and was very well reflected. What a great example of how a Christian business should be run. I will definitely return for years to come with my family.

Thanks again,

Steve O.
 

“After six parks, you’re the only one we’re talking about”

We have just returned from vacation and the first thing I wanted to do was to email you.

I am a member of ACE and I also have season passes to Cedar Fair. We visited 6 parks including yours. At the end of vacation your park is the only one we are talking about.

There are too many reasons to even write about. I can just say it was enjoyable and the memories will last a lifetime.

My children said when they grow up they will bring their families to your park.

I don’t know how you do it but the free drinks and sunscreen just make it that much better.

I do wish you would add a steel coaster. The wooden ones are great but they do get rough over time. The only one I could ride twice was the Voyage. Even the kids did not want to go back for seconds.

I hope you have a great and successful summer. We hope to return in the future.  

Thanks,

John V.
Manheim, Pennsylvania

 

Coaster enthusiast finds a new favorite

This may seem long, but it might just have some good meaning to it.

I am fifteen years old and I visited your park all the way from Western New York. I’m a coaster enthusiast and I have been on quite a few coasters and I’ve been to quite a few amusement parks such as Cedar Point, Kings Island, and dozens of others.

I heard from some good friends of mine that I would like your park. I looked into it and thought to myself, "Hmm, four coasters? I don’t know if over ten hours of driving will do me that good." My friends continuously begged me to see you guys. The Voyage looked like a great coaster so I thought I should give it a shot.

At this time, my favorite park would be Cedar Point, followed by Universal and Kings Island. My favorite coasters were like many others, Magnum XL-200, Diamondback, Top Thrill Dragster, etc.  

Anyway, it was a long trip down but we made our way there and parked near the entrance.

My first thoughts coming into your Christmas section was "Wow, this place is so clean!"

When the park opened I rode The Legend and didn’t think too much of it but either way, it’s a very good wooden coaster. I knew that I wanted to hit up Voyage next.

I headed into the beautifully landscaped Thanksgiving area and walked onto the coaster. I have been on so many coasters, that this seemed like cake to me.
 
After the second drop on this coaster, I was yelling at the top of my lungs with joy. There is so much airtime! I was flying out of my seat on every hill and every turn. The turns are so intense and the whole coaster is relentless with so much speed. After one ride, it was obviously clear that it was the best coaster I have ever ridden! Let me tell you, in order to build a coaster like that, each and every dimension of track and every stat must be absolutely perfect. You guys pulled it off perfectly! It’s an amazing ride-worth the drive itself.

For the rest of the park, I loved it. Your prices at your food stands are cheaper than my local restaurants. The pizza was delicious (I’m also a pizza enthusiast). The free soft drinks were a novel idea. If I wasn’t on a ride, I was carrying a drink with me all the time.

The employees were extremely kind. They were always smiling and would take my loose articles for me on rides. They looked like they enjoyed their jobs and had a good time at the park. This is so rare! Every other employee at other parks looks so miserable and wish they could be anywhere else than the park they work at. Your employees are well trained and they were very friendly with me.

As I said before, the park is the cleanest I’ve ever seen. I never saw one speck of litter lying around anywhere.

Also, your flat rides run on nice long cycles. Other flat rides I have ridden only cycle for about under 45 seconds.

On the topic of rides again, Voyage broke down twice, but was back up and running within 10 minutes. Great job with your maintenance!

I was only in your park for an hour when I realized I was in the best park I have ever been to. You guys should be the ones with the Golden Ticket Award for best-park.

I so strongly appreciate your service dedicated to your guests’ enjoyment, I will return again and again annually. Thank you for providing me with 1st class service and amazing rides all within an unbeatable price.

Holiday World, keep up the awesome work!

-Cameron S.
 

Is Larry the Cable Guy smarter than a 5th grader?

 

…apparently so.

Yesterday evening, the Fox game show featured a question about three cities/towns: Which U.S. state included a fort named Wayne, a city called Gary and a town called Santa Claus.

Larry got 'er done.

In fact, the Sleeveless One declared he'd visited all three Hoosier communities. Meanwhile, a factoid popped up on the screen informing viewers that Santa Claus, Indiana, has a theme park called Holiday World. (Please excuse the slight pause as I do a happy dance.)

Thanks to a Twitter friend who sent the photo and to all those who contacted us to let us know that Larry the Cable Guy is, indeed, smarter than a 5th grader.