‘House Hunters’ airs Thursday!

House Hunters on Thunderbird | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

There’s something extra special about being located in a town named Santa Claus.

Especially this time of year.

Back in the summer, HGTV called us about their plan to produce a series of “House Hunters” episodes this year – each featuring a town themed around Christmas.

Their crew followed Tom and Terri as they prepared to relocate to southern Indiana. When the couple realized there was a town named Santa Claus, they were intrigued.

House Hunters at Holiday World

When they saw the town included a theme park – with roller coasters – they were sold.

House Hunters get loopy

It was a lovely coincidence that they just happened to visit us on National Roller Coaster Day, back in August.

One perk of working here is you get invited to be an “extra” for shoots such as this. So we filled the train with full-time folks (and their family members) from departments as varied as Human Resources, Safety & Security, Maintenance, Accounting, and Marketing.

When the producer asked for take after take on Thunderbird, Tom and Terri didn’t complain a bit. They just kept riding.

We think they’ll fit in around here just fine.

House Hunters riding ThunderbirdHere’s Matt, our park president, and his younger daughter, Claire, with Tom and Terri. Claire remembered to wear her hair down so as to provide good “coaster hair” for the cameras. She’s a pro.

So, when does this air?

Tune in to House Hunters on HGTV this Thursday at 9pm CST (that’s 10pm EST) and then again on Christmas Eve at 4:30pm CST (5:30pm EST) for the re-run.

Welcome to Santa Claus, Tom and Terri!

Honoring 68 years of service

When you work at a theme park, you’re in the service industry.

Given today’s date, though, let’s take a look at a different type of service.

Veterans Day is a time to honor the service of all American military veterans.

Our new Maintenance Director, Joe, comes to us following more than a dozen years in the Navy.

He won’t be lonely here.

Veterans Day

That’s Joe on the far left. Next, Anthony (Army), John (Army), Matt (Navy), Dale (Army, Navy Seebees), Elmer (Army), Billy (Army) and Paul (Army). In all, their military service totals 68 years.

The Veterans Administration website states the purpose of this holiday simply: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

We are proud to know each one of these gentlemen and thank them for their service. And, on this eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year, we extend a thank you to all veterans who have served this nation.

 

Sweepstakes: Platinum Season Passes

Congratulations to Monica and William W. from Owensboro, Kentucky, who each won a Platinum Season Pass! Thanks to all who entered!


 

It’s that time of year when we’re all taken by surprise that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. (And don’t even get me started about December!)

Here’s another Remember This Date: The deepest discounts for 2016 Platinum Season Passes, standard Season Passes, and Summer Fun Cards are getting ready to expire. When? Sunday night at midnight (November 15). Central Standard Time, that is.

Interested to learn what it takes to turn a Season Pass Platinum? It’s everything Season Passholders love, plus:

If you’re a numbers person, take a look:

Do the math (or just take our word for it): This is a great deal!

Be sure to sign up for our Easy Pay option by November 15, and your monthly payment is just $25.33. There are all sorts of details here on our Season Passes page.

Feeling lucky? Be sure to enter our Platinum Season Pass Sweepstakes, below, and you might be chosen at random this Saturday to win two!

First, please be sure to follow these Rules:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to enter this giveaway.
  • By entering, you agree to be added to our e-newsletter list (you may unsubscribe at any time by following the directions in your email).
  • Employees of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (and our immediate family members) are not eligible to enter.
  • Did you know you can subscribe to our HoliBlog so that you receive all of our posts (including contests) by email? If you’re using a desktop computer or tablet, look for the “Subscribe to Blog” sidebar at the top-right corner of this page. On a smartphone? Just scroll down a tiny bit more to find it.
  • Enter by 3pm CST on Saturday, November 14; the winner (chosen by random) will be emailed by Saturday evening.

There are multiple ways to enter (some you can use to enter every day). When invited to enter by adding a comment to this blog post, tell us what you miss most about us during our off-season. (Our comments are moderated, so as long as the content is HoliFriendly, it will appear soon.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We hope you’re #SeasonPassExcited about this sweepstakes – good luck to all!