HoliWood Nights 2023 Updates

Posted

Coaster Grease

Dear HoliWood Nights Attendees,

We appreciate your understanding and/or support of our 2022 HoliWood Nights experiment, “Honey, We Shrunk the Event.” It was a difficult decision to make, but we loved getting the chance to know some Guests a little better with our 2022 event and hope to do so again this year.

The experiment isn’t over, though.

This year’s event will be June 2 & 3, and the theme is Coaster Grease! We’re hopelessly devoted to our coaster enthusiasts, so we listened. And this event is undergoing some far-less-dramatic changes than Sandra Dee. Though, if you look at the countdown clock below and continue reading, you’ll notice at least one change is coming… keep reading…


HoliWood Nights Tickets go on sale in:

 

Good ole Sandra Dee… AKA “What’s staying the same”

  • Capacity is still limited so we can deliver the best possible experience (though we decided we could increase our capacity some from last year).
  • TWO FULL DAYS of ERT, walkbacks, fun, and food
  • At least one person in each purchase group must be a partner club member, but each member can bring three additional Guests. (That’s four total tickets per transaction)
  • Trimless rides on The Voyage
  • As Principal McGee said, “Anyone doing tasteless or vulgar movements will be immediately disqualified.” In other words, the rules of conduct still apply—we don’t tolerate rider misconduct.

Pink Ladies Sandy… AKA “What’s changing”

  • Goodbye form! Hello, greased lightning! We’re releasing tickets Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 11 am CENTRAL time. Tickets this year are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click the links below to save this date to your calendar.
    +Add to Outlook
  • We have one event ticket price—the Season Passholder price will not be offered this year. The price for two days of ERT, walkbacks, fun, and food is now $140 per person (and if you’re planning ahead and want to split the processing fee, it’s $6.99).
  • Name changes must be made at the event, not over the phone or online. Some of you know our Call Center team by name after last year so we’re giving them a break.
  • We have more tickets available this year and a partner Coaster Club Member can now bring three additional Guests.

Other important information

  • We’re going cashless in 2023. Click here for more information.
  • We don’t offer refunds, so don’t wait until Tuesday at 10:59 am (central time) to text your friend to find out if they’re joining you. 
  • We’ve never done a first-come, first-served ticket release, so there are some things we don’t know. Depending on the popularity, you may be put in a “waiting room.” If that happens, please wait patiently, as you’ll be put in a queue to enter the store and you’ll be allowed in as soon as a purchase is complete, or someone exits the shop.

REMINDER: Click below to add this event to your calendar!

+Add to Outlook

We know this news won’t be peachy keen, jellybean with everyone, but we hope you understand that we’re doing our best to listen to every enthusiast. Changing the tickets to first-come, first-served, and increasing the number of tickets per transaction were the two most-requested changes.

Please look out for your members of the coaster community who may not be on Facebook and may not be part of this group and help us spread the word. We don’t want anyone to miss the Dec. 6 ticket drop.

We hope you understand the changes. After all, enthusiasts and HoliWood Nights go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong…

(Yes, I’m sticking all these songs in your head… maybe it’ll be a nice break from all of the Christmas music?)

-Leah Koch-Blumhardt

Fourth-Generation Owner & Director of Communications

Holiday World Attractions for All Ages

Posted

There are Holiday World attractions galore at everyone’s favorite Santa Claus land. So many different family rides that everyone can enjoy together. There is seriously something for everyone in the entire family.

And so many opportunities for the whole family to spend time together!

Holiday World Attractions for All Ages

As far as amusement parks go, not all are made the same. The amusement industry isn’t always designed for everyone. Some parks are lacking when it comes to attractions that are for everyone. We’ve had previous park battles on our family vacations.

Take it from me, as a mom of 4 we’ve been to parks where the youngest of the crew has absolutely nothing to do the entire day but hang out in a stroller. Holiday World, in the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, is not that type of park. It’s as if the goal is to make sure that all ages enjoy the park. Together.

This combination theme park (world’s first theme park that celebrates the various holidays and has an enormous water park) is all about families being able to have fun spending time together.

Who can ride which rides?

Almost immediately to the right after you enter the park (just beyond the Christmas shop) you’ll find a height measuring station. I recommend stopping off here when you arrive to see which rides all the members of your family can go on. Then you can plan accordingly and not be faced with finding out at the ride.

Visiting the Height Measurement Station | Attractions for All Ages

Holiblogger Mom Tip: This avoids a child being upset with being turned away at the entrance of a ride if the child isn’t tall enough. It’s best to check and know from the get-go. Less fuss and more time to focus on all the other fun rides that the child can go on!

But first… More than just rides!

When it comes to discussing attractions for everyone to enjoy together at Holiday World, I wanted to begin with the live entertainment options. These particular family attractions are perfect for everyone in the entire family.

A great way to spend time together and not have to separate on rides that aren’t inclusive of all ages.

There are various show times that take place throughout the park so be sure to check the schedule. My oldest child had a grand time over the summer being part of the ventriloquist show!

Rides for the entire family in each park section

There are several rides and attractions that families can all enjoy together all at the same time!

Christmas Section

In the Christmas section of the park you’ll find the perfect rides for the small children and toddlers in your family, but a couple of the rides will accommodate older children. Perfect for various ages to enjoy together!

Halloween Section

While some of the rides might be too intense for the littlest in your crew, the Halloween area of the park is filled with fun games to play.

Playing Games in Halloween | Attractions for All Ages

Thanksgiving Section

Everyone in the family can enjoy Gobbler Getaway. Compete against each other with calling the turkeys home to save Thanksgiving!

Fourth of July Section

There’s actually quite a bit in this section that the entire family can enjoy together. Everyone will have a great time taking a ride on the vintage cars on the Lewis & Clark Trail and the carousel.

Then at the back of the 4th of July section of the park there’s an entire play area with rides for young children to explore called Holidog’s FunTown. Older members of the family can go on all the rides, too. There’s even a little train ride!

Splashin’ Safari is the water coaster capital of the world!

Wave pools are always great places for families of all ages to congregate to cool off. In Splashin’ Safari Water Park there are two wave pools to explore: The Wave and Bahari Wave. Both have varying depths for different comfort levels depending on age of family member.

There are also numerous family raft rides to be found in this really big water park, including a relaxing lazy river.

The taller, older and more adventurous in the family will be drawn to the various water coasters. Particularly Cheetah Chase and Mammoth water coaster that has six-passenger boats so many family members can ride together.

While the little ones of the family won’t be able to take on the water rides with the steepest drops, there is an entire area with water activities for them to explore in. Toddlers can spend hours with water jets shooting out of the ground! There are also numerous family water slides that are perfect for all ages.

Splashing in Kima Bay | Attractions for All Ages

And of course the little ones floating around the lazy river with an adult is always a win for cooling off!

Rides for the bigger kids:

If the taller members of your crew are interested in more of the thrill rides (say while the little ones are napping), Holiday World has got ’em!  Wooden roller coasters, longest water coasters, wing roller coaster fun, and the above mentioned Mammoth water coaster just to name a few. You’ll find the majority of the rides for thrill seekers in Halloween, Thanksgiving and Splashin’ Safari.

There truly is something for everyone to enjoy at Holiday World! And you can really spend your vacation all together as a family.

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Visit in 2023!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each blog post will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari next season.

Entries for this Giveaway will be accepted through Friday, December 2 at 7pm CDT.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Tara S.

Tara Smith has a degree in psychology with emphasis in community health, but has been a mom blogger for over a decade and lives in St. Louis, MO. You can find her blog at SeeingDandy.com. As a busy mom of 4, she likes to do fun activities with her family and travel. She also likes to sew, craft, make recipes and inspire others in motherhood. Tara and her blog have been featured on News 4 Great Day, Show Me St. Louis and in Country Sampler Farmhouse Style Magazine.

Celebrate A Special Day at Holiday World

Posted

Did you know that Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari specializes in birthday parties, group outings, and special occasions? Not only are they a family-fun amusement and water park, but they are also a special events venue for small and large groups. Whether you are a group of 15 or 1,000+, there is a group discount, private party room or pavilion, and activities for your event!

Special occasion ideas:

  • Birthday parties
  • Company picnics
  • Class or family reunions
  • Church groups and youth groups
  • School groups and field trips

Have a pizza party!

This is a perfect option for birthday parties. But who am I kidding? A pizza party is always an excellent option for any occasion! We celebrated our son’s 13th birthday party at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in July with a Pizza Party in one of Santa’s Merry Marketplace’s Party Rooms. The party room is for groups of 15-49, so perfect if you have a smaller group. Prices start at $45.99 and vary based on the group size, package, and date selected.

Free Birthday Button | Celebrating A Special Occasion at Holiday World

The Party Rooms in Santa’s Merry Marketplace are air-conditioned and located towards the front of the park. They are easily accessible with access to restroom facilities. Pizza Party packages include a party attendant who helps to serve the all-you-can-eat pizza, buffet style. When you purchase a Pizza Party package, the Party Room is included for one hour!

Party Room | Celebrating A Special Occasion at Holiday World

The Pizza Party package includes unlimited pizza, breadsticks, dipping sauces, and cookies. It also includes plates, utensils, and unlimited free soda drinks. If you planning to feed a hungry group of kids (or adults) and have a group of 15+, this is an affordable option for lunch or dinner at the park. You will save money with a party package, plus have the planning work done for you!

The pizza at Holiday World is some of the best! It’s thick and cheesy. Options include cheese, pepperoni, and sausage.

Bonus, the Party Rooms are located in the same building as the Polar Expresso coffee bar. If you are a parent planning to shuffle around a bunch of kids for a birthday party all day, this little nugget of information may be helpful in your decision-making.

Birthday Party Group Photo | Celebrating A Special Occasion at Holiday World

Additional things you can add to your package include salad, cookie cake(s), face painting, and caricatures.

Picnic Group Outings

Group outings in a private outdoor pavilion are available for guests from 50 to 1,000+. These are ideal for company picnics, school groups, large family gatherings, and reunions. When you purchase a Picnic + Admission Group Outing package, the pavilion is free! The pavilions are also covered, so there is no need to worry about weather or finding shaded areas to dine in.

Pavilions must be reserved and paid for at least three weeks before your event date. This is the most affordable large group option, starting at $37.99, and varies based on the group size, package, and date selected.

A picnic package includes your choice of a buffet meal, discounted admission to the park, free inner tube usage, free sunscreen, parking, and unlimited soft drinks. The All-American Picnic Buffet option includes classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ pork, and several sides.

Ask about extra and fun options to add to your group packages with booking your event. Some extras are available for an additional fee: caricatures and face painting.

Tips for Celebrating a Special Occasion at Holiday World:

  • Stop at Guest Relations for a birthday button if you are celebrating a birthday! 
  • Rent a Cabana or Cheetah Chaise Loungers for the day. When you aren’t eating pizza in the party rental or hanging out in the private pavilion, lounge in your Cabana or Cheetah Chaise Lounger at Splashin’ Safari. You deserve it on your special day.
  • To take advantage of group discounts on tickets, reserve your tickets at least 24 hours in advance.

To learn more about all the Group Discounts available, click here!

 

Be sure to follow the adventures of all the HoliBloggers. Each blog post will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Entries accepted through Sunday, November 27 at 6pm CDT.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Jamie W.

Jamie Ward is a travel writer and published author. She founded Cornfields & High Heels, a travel and lifestyle blog, over five years ago and travels throughout the Midwest sharing her travel stories and adventures. She wrote 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die and co-authored Midwest Road Trip Adventures. Jamie resides in Central Indiana with her husband, Paul, and their four teenagers. She was born and raised in Indiana and enjoys road trips, coffee, thrifting, historic places, and spending time with her family.

Veterans Day 2022

Posted

On Veterans Day, Americans are called to thank the women and men
who have served in America’s armed forces. 

We want to acknowledge our very own team members who have answered the call to serve our country.
We offer up our sincerest appreciation to you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our veterans from left to right front row:

  • Jeff, United States Army National Guard
  • Josh, United States Marine Corp
  • Billy, United States Army
  • Elmer, United States Army
  • Jeremy, United States Marine Corp
  • Todd, United States Army
  • John, United States Coast Guard
  • Joe, United States Air Force

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

Would you like to receive HoliBlog notices – along with news releases and sweepstakes – by email? Sign up here and you can choose whether to receive the emails weekly or the same day the blog posts are published.

 

The Best Rides When You’re Too Short for Coasters

Posted

Last year was an exciting one for my eight-year-old son. He finally reached a height of 48 inches and could ride roller coasters at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. He spent much of his summer on the Legend, the Voyage, the Raven, and Cheetah Chase. The smile never left his face.

My youngest son is still too short to ride the roller coasters. But that didn’t bring down the fun level this summer. Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari have over thirty rides and slides for your kids under 48 inches. There is something for children of all heights – from the tilt-a-whirl to the tea party!

Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari measure height differently. All guests are carefully measured with shoes on in Holiday World and with shoes off in Splashin’ Safari. Height requirements are strictly enforced on all rides and attractions.

There is also a Height Measurement Station located in each park. In Holiday World, it is across from the Christmas Fountain. In Splashin’ Safari, it is next to Watubee. Your child will be measured at the station, and you can also get a height wristband for them to wear throughout the day.

Guests Under 36 Inches

What is available for the youngest Holiday World guests under 36 inches? I recommend visiting Rudolph’s Reindeer Ranch and Holidog’s Fun Town. The Reindeer Ranch has five different rides your little one can choose from. This includes the classic Dancer’s Fish, my favorite when I was a kid, and Prancer’s Merry-Go-Round, a junior-sized merry-go-round.

Holidog’s Fun Town includes plenty of playground fun with Holidog’s Treehouse and Just For Pups. You can also hop on the Holidog Express for a train ride through Mother Goose Land.

Just for Pups | Best Rides When You're Too Short for Coasters

Want to cool down at Splashin’ Safari? Try out the slides at Tembo Falls! This attraction, with eight junior water slides, keeps the kids happy and laughing. And don’t worry, these slides end with a “run out,” so there aren’t any splash pools.

Guests Over 36 Inches

So, what else is available for the little ones that are too short for the roller coasters? How about a junior roller coaster? Head over to Holidog’s Fun Town and get on the Howler! This coaster is fun for the entire family. And a definite favorite for my youngest. Of course, your child will require a riding companion if they aren’t 42 inches. Bonus – they can ride two times in a row!

Another favorite for the entire family is Frightful Falls. This classic log ride takes you on a graveyard tour before heading up a big hill that will surely make a big splash at the bottom. Make sure you check out the hilarious photos of your family when they get splashed!

Now that you’re already wet, it’s time to head to Splashin’ Safari to “Do the Watubee.” This is a fun water slide that everyone in the family will enjoy. After you walk up the steps to the top of the six-story tower, your family will get in a large raft and slide into exciting twists and turns. Six hundred and twenty-five feet later, you will land in the splash pool. Your little ones will surely want to ride this one over and over!

Watubee | The Best Rides When You're Too Short for Coasters

Make sure you go online to check out all the rides and attractions Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offer. We can’t wait to see you next season!

 

Be sure to follow the adventures of all the HoliBloggers. Each blog post will have a sweepstakes where you can enter to win two tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Entries accepted through Saturday, November 19 at 8pm CDT.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Jamie J.

Jamie Johnson is a blogger based in Owensboro, Kentucky. She has two sons, Henry and Simon, and a husband, Logan. Jamie works full-time as a business consultant. She loves her family, Holiday World, ham sandwiches, and Diet Mountain Dew.