The Holiday World Podcast is coming back!

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You read that correctly!

After a one-year hiatus, the pod squad has been working
hard to bring you quality content and a new format!

Shortly after we kick off the new year we will be rolling out three fresh
podcast episodes to enjoy during your morning commute

To hold you over while you wait, It felt right to re-release Episode 072
from Season 1 that we shared with you a year ago; The One with the
Town Named Santa Claus.

In this episode, the pod squad discusses the history of
Santa Claus and some lesser-known towns with the same name.

Santa Claus Post Office
Santa Claus Post Office

You can check out the full podcast from The Town named Santa Claus, here .

A full transcript of this episode is also available, here






We have missed you dearly and are very excited to be back in your ear!
Please subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music, YouTube, Facebook, to get notified when we drop the newest episodes!





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Gifting a Holiday World Ticket or Season Pass

			      
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			      Completed Pillow Box
			      			      

With Christmas fast approaching and tons of great sales underway, we’ve had a couple fans reach out to us and ask for a special or unique way of gifting a ticket or Season Pass they purchased.





Some Season Passholders in our Facebook Passholder Group started chatting about the best or most creative ways they came up with as early as September, shortly after our 2020 Passes went on sale.





We thought we should help out!





Pillow Box Preview





After mulling over a couple options, we decided that we could design a Pillow Box gift card holder. The best part? You don’t have to buy anything to be able to use it.





So Stephen designed one for us. It can be printed and used to give a friend or loved one a Ticket or Season Pass to Holiday World. No wrapping paper needed. You can download it here to print and get started.





The download includes a gift card to be used as a token for a Ticket or Season Pass purchase, depending on which one you’re gifting. Just cut out the appropriate gift card to put inside the Pillow Box and discard the other.





We recommend printing on cardstock for the sturdiest gift box possible and adding the “To” and “From” names before you get to folding.





Your Pillow Box should look something like this once it’s finished.





Pillow Box for Gifting A Ticket or Season Pass





Do you have any other creative ways to give someone a ticket or Season Pass? Maybe a request for another design for next year? Let us know in the comments below!





Save $5 on AnyDay tickets to visit us in 2020 with the promo code HOLIDAY, or  click here to get your tickets at sale price. This discount is only available through Tuesday, December 31.





We hope you have a Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you back in Santa Claus, Indiana next season!










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HoWoHacks: Kid Safety

			      
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			      			      If your goal is to leave Holiday World with the same number of kids you came with, these are the hacks for you!

Read on to learn safety tips to keep your trip fun and memorable!

For this post, I’ll be using a picture from our last trip of the 2018 Season.

HoWoHack #1:
Take a group photo before you enter the park.

In the event someone gets separated from the group, you can show a member of our team a photo of what your child is wearing.  If I’m stressed my recall of what my kid is wearing is going to be hazy.

Having a photo to share with a Holiday World staff member gives us an idea of what your child looks like to help us find them faster.


Jones girls ready for Holiday World in 2018
Jones girls ready for Holiday World in 2018


HoWoHack #2:
Pick up a FREE Phone Find wristband!

Phone Find wrist bands have a space to write your cell-phone number and name on the wristband.  If your child is wearing the Phone Find wrist band, we will call you to reunite you with your child.

These can be picked up at the Wagon Rental, Holiday World’s Height Station, Holiday World Services, and Splashin’ Safari Services.  


Madeline with her FREE Phone Find Bracelet
Madeline with her FREE Phone Find Bracelet


Have a conversation with your kids before you enter the park about what to do if you get separated.

When we turn on the Santa Claus exit we discuss what color polos the “Holiday World Helpers” wear: Red, Yellow, Blue, and Grey.

Let them know a uniformed park employee can help them if they get lost.

If your children are older, plan a meeting place like the fountain in the Christmas section or the Lost Parents station next to Watubee in Splashin’ Safari. 

Here are all of our park uniforms in one great photo!


A picture with all Holiday World Uniforms represented.
A picture with all Holiday World Uniforms represented.


HoWoHack #3:
Bring your stroller.


You are welcome to bring a standard-size stroller or wagon at no additional cost.

Utilizing a stroller or wagon helps us keep our group together, especially in congested areas.

Strollers and wagons are also available to be rented for the duration of your visit.

More details about renting strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and scooters can be found on our Rules & Services page.


We love our double stroller!


HoWoHack #4:
Take a photo to remember where you parked your car.

You can see it happening at the end of every trip to Holiday World: People using their car remotes to find their vehicle.

This is a great idea until several people are doing it at the same time!

All the great memories you just made pushed out your memory of your parking spot.

Do yourself a favor a take a picture of the row or tram stop nearest your car.

 


Take a picture of the signage where you are parked!
We were way out in the Legend lot!


HoWoHack #5:
If you have a runner, stick to the park areas with one exit and entrance.

Did you know that the sections focused on our tiniest guests have one entrance and exit?

The following areas are laid out with parents with small (and fast!) children in mind:

Rudolph’s Reindeer Ranch, Holidog’s Fun Town, Safari Sam’s SplashLand, and the section with Tembo Tides, Tembo Falls, and Kima Bay.

Be sure to subscribe to the HoliBlog for more HoWoHacks and updates on Cheetah Chase!






 

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All They Can Be

			      
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			      			      This year we honor four Army veterans, one Marine, and one Coast Guard. So we’ll add as an extension of the title:

Semper Fidelus | Semper Paratus 

Today, we thank the men and women of the United States armed forces
who have served to protect our country and defend our freedom. 

In a single trip to Holiday World, you can experience the traditions of Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. 
Our grounds play host to birthday parties, engagements, family reunions and more.
Every year, we take the time to acknowledge one more very special holiday: Veteran’s Day.

Because of service members like those on our team, we are able to enjoy this great country. 


2019 Holiday World Full Time Staff Veterans 
2019 Holiday World Full Time Staff Veterans


Our veterans from left to right:


    
 	
  • Elmer, Holiday World Maintenance Technician, United States Army
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  • Ethan, Holiday World Maintenance Technician, United States Army
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  • John, Holiday World Director of Safety & Security, United States Coast Guard
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  • Billy, Holiday World Maintenance Technician, United States Army.
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  • Hayley, Holiday World Human Resources Administrator, United States Army
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  • Josh (not pictured), Holiday World Roller Coaster Maintenance Technician, United States Marine Corp
    • 


Thank you to these – and all other veterans – for their service to our country.






 

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All Downhill From Here

			      
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			      HoliDrone Captures first Cheetah Chase Fiberglass Lift
			      			      Because we just placed the tallest slide pieces of Cheetah Chase!

We’ve got to catch you up on what’s been happening in Splashin’ Safari.

It’s time for a Cheetah Chase Check In!

Our last check in showed the first footers taking shape and the fiberglass for the slide arriving.

As you can see, we’ve made a lot of progress since then. Here’s what the construction site looked like yesterday morning before our crane arrived to begin lifting slide pieces into place.


Cheetah Chase Construction Site Overview
Cheetah Chase Construction Site overview from Bakuli


See that yellow piece sitting inside Bahari River on the right side of the photo? That’s the section you’ll be racing through as you crest the tallest hill on Cheetah Chase. It was on deck to be lifted into place first.

The Communications and Marketing teams spread out to get pictures from all angles as that lift happened.

Even our HoliDrone was out to capture the big moment.


Site Overview with First Piece Being Lifted
Leah and Sabrina captured the lift from the top of Bakuli’s tower.



HoliDrone Captures first Cheetah Chase Fiberglass Lift
The HoliDrone was flying over Bahari River Island.



First Two Pieces of Cheetah Chase Being Connected
I got a lower angle near the Cabanas in front of Wildebeestro.


What’s up next in Cheetah Chase construction?

The flying saucer turns over Bahari River Island! If the construction schedule holds as planned, we’ll lift the first one into place tomorrow!

Want a closer look into the process of building the World’s First Launched Water Coaster? Check out the latest installment of Hard Hat Chronicles:



If you’d like to follow along with the Cheetah Chase construction progress in real time, be sure to check out our SplashCam!

It’s been moved to a new location that’s perfect to get a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in Splashin’ Safari.

Be sure to subscribe to the HoliBlog for more updates on Cheetah Chase and other off-season happenings!






 

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Halloween Done Right

			      
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			      Casey-CheetahChased
			      			      When you’re the only park that celebrates Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, and Halloween every day, you learn a thing or two about those holidays. So, while I don’t want to brag… I have to say that Holiday World knows how to have a Happy Halloween done right. 

This morning our full-time staff all piled into our training room for one of our monthly meetings. 

Except today was different. Today was Halloween. 

So HR decided to hold a costume contest. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this group knows how to Halloween. 

Full-time employees dressed up for Halloween

Our attractions team dressed up as the cast of Wreck-It Ralph


Attractions Wrecking It (Dressed as Wreck-It Ralph characters)
Attractions (from left to right): Adam as Fix-It Felix, Lori as Vanellope von Schweetz, and Alan as Wreck-It Ralph


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa from our Food & Beverage department dressed up as Dippin’ Dots (and won, might I add).

 Lisa dressed as Dippin' Dots    Lisa as Dippin' Dots full picture

(It took her a while to get a hand out to accept her award)

Casey, our I.T. Director dressed as “Cheetah Chased.” I’ll let the .gif here speak for itself…

 


Casey-Cheetah Chased
Run, Casey, Run!!!


We all had fun, but it was time to get back to work. 

Our newest member of I.T. (and second-place winner) Kenny got back to his “lab.” (Get it?)

KennyStein in the Lab

From all of us here at Holiday World, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween! 






 

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Who Gets the Last Ride?

			      
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Sabrina and Shelby
If you look front left, there’s Sabrina (from Communications) and her sister Shelby (from Attractions–you may have seen her operating some of our slides or The Raven or Frightful Falls this summer). 


Have you ever wondered who gets the last ride of the season? 

After a million guests come through our gates each year, who gets to be the very last rider of the season? 

I mean, at HoliWood Nights, people buy the right to be the last rider of the night.

Wouldn’t the last ride of the season be just as coveted?

We don’t know. And we don’t want to know.

We reserve that spot for our hard-working Team Members.

One of the last rides of the night

So Sunday after the last 2019 Guests left the park, our Team Members finished their work and went to ride Thunderbird. 

And I snapped a few pictures of the trains. 

What’s pictured: trains with our seasonal Team Members riding Thunderbird at night for the last time of the season. 

What’s not pictured: the hugs and tears of the last day of the season. 

Working here isn’t about the paycheck. 

It’s about the family you build during a summer of sweating while working hard. And worrying about whether a Guest understood your lame jokes (or wait, was that just me?). 

It’s about the memories of goofing off during break with your friends. 

It’s about meeting people in one summer who will change your lives forever. 

I’m putting on my owner hat now:

To every Team Member from the 2019 season: thank you from the bottom of my heart. On behalf of the rest


Luke and Austin on Thunderbird
Luke and Austin from Entertainment on Thunderbird


of my family: Thank you. It’s been an incredible season, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know some of you and to help tell just a part of the stories of your summers.

If you were there on Sunday, I want to add a special thanks for sticking around to end the season. Even if you didn’t make it to the end of the season, thank you. 

That last ride of every season belongs to all of you. 

Thank you. 






 

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2019 Season ends with a magical proposal!

			      
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			      HoliBlog | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
			      			      
Each year the end of the season is bittersweet,
but this year our 2019 Season ended with a new beginning.

We closed out our 2019 Season with a magical proposal!

In early October, Derek reached out to our team for help planning a proposal for his son.

Logan and his girlfriend Ashley were traveling here from California to spend time with family at Holiday World.

Our team considered the different fountains and scenery that would be nice.

Leah recommended we reach out to Brandon Baggett with the LOL Comedy Magic Show.

Brandon was instantly on board! Brandon and the Holiday World team made a plan for the proposal.

We arranged to meet Logan and Derek twenty minutes prior to show time at the Hoosier Celebration Theater.

They told their group they were going to rent a stroller, so we could meet to go over the details. 


Brandon and AJ gave Logan a walk through of the plan he crafted for the proposal.
Brandon and AJ gave Logan a walk through of the plan he crafted for the proposal.


While Logan was being shown the plan,
our team saved seats for their family so Brandon would know where to look for Ashley.

Before they arrived, the reserved tape was removed and Logan passed the ring off to Luke.


Luke smiling with Ashley's ring!
Luke didn’t enjoy his role as ring bearer one bit! Can’t you tell?


All that was left to do was enjoy Brandon’s show while we waited for the big moment!

Towards the end, Brandon asked where everyone was from, from the corner you could hear a group saying CALIFORNIA.

Brandon played it off perfectly! What? Someone from California? Come on stage!


Brandon showed our California friend snow!
Brandon showed our California friend snow!


While Ashley was being invited up, our team got Logan in place backstage.

Brandon showed her snow for the very first time and kept the crowd engaged.

After the snow, he asked Ashley to stay on the stage for his final act.

Every show Brandon makes a motorcycle appear, but this time Logan was on it!


Logan got down on one knee to propose!
Logan got down on one knee to propose!


With a big smile he got down on one knee and she said yes!


Brandon announces the good news!
Brandon announces the good news!


We work hard to be a place where families make memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

A special thanks to this family for choosing to share your moment with us and Brandon for making it happen.

We can’t think of a better way to close out a season!

Check out Logan and Ashley’s magical proposal here:



Holiday World is no stranger to love!

We love hearing stories about couples who met here or took someone here as a first date. 

Are you part of a HoliCouple? Tell us about it in the comments below!






 

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Out with the Old, In with the Smooth

			      
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This week we set out to answer two of
your burning questions about the Voyage:

Why did we start track work early?
What are we doing to the track?

Initially we thought we would take some cellphone pictures to share progress on the Voyage.

Once we started working with the maintenance team and heard what they were up to,
we couldn’t resist turning it into a full morning of production.

Over 600 feet of the old track is being replaced to ensure smooth voyages in 2020
and our maintenance crew is already on track with the upgrades. 


Here is where the track maintenance ends on the Voyage.
The end of the line! Here is where the track maintenance ends on the Voyage.


Once I started talking with the crew one thing became abundantly clear:
Our roller coaster technicians are passionate about our coasters and giving our guests the best experience.

Our three wooden coasters get ridden every morning by our roller coaster techs.

When the Voyage was due for maintenance, they knew exactly where they wanted to smooth out the ride in the off season.

These upgrades are going to make for a MUCH smoother ride!


In the photo above the rail is nailed to the middle to the hand rail.
In the photo above the rail is nailed to the middle to the hand rail.


First, our team  nails the rails to either the top or middle of the side rail.


Taking this step first ensures that each piece of rail goes back in the correct order when the track work is finished.


Here is the section of track where the rails and track have already been removed. The rails are nailed to the hand rail so the crew can easily put them back in order.
Here is the section of track where the rails and track have already been removed. The rails are nailed to the hand rail so the crew can easily put them back in order.


Why did we need the jump start to get the Voyage repairs done before 2020?

Through our annual maintenance rotation between our three wooden roller coasters, it was time to check up on the Voyage.

After an assessment, it was determined we would replace about 40 feet,
with the overlap that adds up to over 600 feet of track! 


Under the rails are EIGHT layers of staggered wood!
Under the rails are EIGHT layers of staggered wood!


When repairs are made to a wooden coaster, you can’t just remove the part you are focused on improving.


Once the rails are up there are EIGHT overlapped layers of wood that have to be removed!

So large sections of the coaster have to be removed to smooth out small portions of the ride.


Our team carefully removing a chunk of the Voyage!
Our team carefully removing a chunk of the Voyage!


Have you ever noticed that our coasters blend in with their scenic surroundings?

To not disturb the treeline or fencing in place, the telehandler has very little room to work and navigate.

As you can see in the picture above, the pieces are led by another team member to ensure the track doesn’t swing.

Once they have detached a section it gets added to the ever-growing discard pile.


Old track pieces laying in a pile.
Out with the old track, in with the smooth!


The wood seen above also can’t be picked up at your local department store.

We have found a specific type that is hardy enough to withstand  daily use and Indiana’s elements.



The Voyage improvements are evidence of Holiday World’s dedication to improving our guest’s experience.

Our team exceeds industry standards by not only maintaining our coasters but working to make them better.

Not only do we have exciting projects like Cheetah Chase, but we’re prioritizing the upkeep of the rides you love!

Fans of the Voyage will have a much smoother ride in 2020! Who’s counting down the days to May already?

Check out the latest installment of Hard Hat Chronicles to see upgrades from a birds-eye view with comments from Josh a Holiday World Roller Coaster Technician! 








 

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Hoosier choice for “Monster of the Year?”

			      
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During Happy Halloween Weekends, Hoosier Celebration Stage gets a touch of spooky fun!


Our Monster Mash Cast stirs up a fright!
Our Monster Mash Cast from left to right: Monster of Ceremonies, Blair Witch, Damien, Miss Evilina, Luna Gaga, Stitches the Clown


Monster Mash is one of our brand new spooktacular shows that puts you in the judges seat to crown “Monster of the Year.” Keep reading to the very bottom for a sneak peek!


Sit a spell and let us introduce you to these supernaturally talented contestants:


Monster of Ceremonies


Our emcee, Monster of Ceremonies, kicks off the competition by introducing us to the contestants and spends the entirety of the show keeping them from too much mischief. When he’s not running the show, Zach calls New York home.


Blair Witch


The lovely lady in lavender, Blair Witch enchants us with songs like “Jump in the Line” and “I’ll Put A Spell On You.” Her song list is full of high energy music that will leave you dancing in your seat and ready to give her your vote. Cassidy’s haunted home is in Maine. 


Damien


Our Hungry Monster, Damien, stalks the stage hungry for a victory and his next victim. He’ll be the one with the rough gait and hunched over posture, if that doesn’t narrow it down, you’ll recognize him as the monster singing “Cannibal” and “Maneater.” When he’s not searching for brains for brunch, Marc calls our nation’s capital home.


Miss Evilina


One thing is evident, the reigning “Monster of the Year” may not be ready to pass the torch. As a former beauty queen, Miss Evilina  is green with envy as the other contestants compete for HER title. As the competition co-host she bewitches us with her vocals to “The Monster” and “Queen of the Night.”  Emma calls the ghoul grass state of Kentucky her home.


Luna Gaga


Luna Gaga, the Pop Monster brings spunk to the stage with her poppin’ pitch and personality in songs like “E.T”  and “Bad Guy.” Don’t let the tutu fool you, dripping in jewels and sass, she’s a force to be reckoned with for her competitors. Elly comes from neighboring Illinois.


Stitches the Clown


Stitches the Clown gets the last laugh! He lives up to his title of “Scary Monster” as he brings the fright with his chilling vocals and disturbing glances!  He unnerves and entertains the crowd with songs like “Sweet Dreams” and “Zombie.”  Rudy is a native of Tennessee.




Now that you’ve met them all, I don’t know how you’ll choose!


These ultra talented ghouls make it VERY hard to pick a favorite, but at the very end Monster of Ceremonies will ask the crowd to decide. As he announces each Monster’s name, it will be up to you to hoot and howl to cast your vote!


You’ll have to be present to make your vote count, but here is a sneak peek so you can make an informed decision:




 Want to know when our creatures will take the stage? Check out our Today: At A Glance during Happy Halloween Weekends.


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