A Disney Lover’s Guide to Holiday World

Posted

My name is Alli and I am a Disney Fanatic.

I go multiple times a year to Disney World and we do at least one week-long trip as a family each year.

We love the rides. We love the food. We love the entertainment.

That being said, it isn’t always feasible to fly down to Florida to visit my buddy Mickey in a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Finding the Disney in Holiday World

So the best place for my family to get our theme park fix is Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

From the start of the day to the finish, I can find ways to experience some of my favorite Disney activities right at Holiday World.

The first theme park rush I get when I’m at Disney World is “rope dropping.” That’s when you get to a theme park as soon as it opens and making it as far into the park as you can before you are blocked by a rope. Once official “park open” happens, the rope “drops” and you can proceed straight to your favorite ride.

The benefit to this is likely experiencing a very low wait time for a ride, relative to what it would be later in the day. In the spirit of the holidays, imagine rope dropping as a Black Friday rush to your favorite ride, right when the park opens! Not only is it exciting, but it is a great way to get a ride done that may typically have an hour or more wait.

Character Meet & Greets

My son’s favorite thing to do at Disney World is meet the characters!

At Disney, we’ve waited literally hours to meet my son’s favorite characters, Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Two times this year we walked into the park and were able to immediately meet all four Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari mascots. Whet it’s Holidog, George the Eagle, Kitty Claws, or my son’s personal favorite, Safari Sam. Both times we had very little, if any wait to see them!

Moving Between Parks

At Disney you usually pay extra for the Park Hopping option. This allows you to leave one theme park and go to another later in the day.

It involves leaving one park, getting some form of transportation, and going to the next park, going through security and park ticketing again.

One thing we LOVE about Holiday World is that we can “park hop” at no additional cost by simply walking into Splashin’ Safari. Once we are done at the water park, we can seamlessly go back to Holiday World.

It’s a Park Hopper’s dream!

Food & Snacks

My husband’s favorite thing at Disney is the snacks and treats.

His favorite treat at Disney is located in Adventure Land and is a Pineapple Dole Whip!

He was so happy to see that the same treat is available in the 4th of July area, by the outdoor theater, at Holiday World! It’s a fun, refreshing treat, and a nice way to beat the heat!

Entertainment

To end our evenings as Disney World, we gather by the castle and prepare for the fireworks.

At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, they have a similar party going on for Holidays in the Sky Drone & Fireworks Spectacular.

Just like Disney World, this show celebrates all the theming enjoyed throughout the day at the park and is the perfect nightcap to a great day.

I love my trips to Disney World, but it is so great to have a theme park so close to home that provides great entertainment and enjoyment to my family.

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Visit Holiday World in 2024!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Wednesday, December 6 at 7pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Alli A.

Alli is a mother and a wife, a medical assistant, a traveler, and a lifelong Hoosier. She enjoys seeking out new experiences, spending quality time with her husband and toddler son, and using her platforms to share the adventures had. Her guilty pleasure is watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. However, she gets great satisfaction utilizing her Instagram to share tips and tricks of travelling with small children.

Top 10 Best Souvenirs That Won’t Break the Bank

Posted

Looking for the best Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari souvenirs? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you have spent a thrilling day on heart-pounding rides or a relaxing day by the water, it’s time to take a piece of this holiday-themed wonderland home with you.

In this guide, we’ll share the best souvenirs that will let you keep the magic alive, from festive apparel to ride-specific memorabilia.

Why Souvenirs Matter

Souvenirs aren’t just keepsakes; they’re cherished memories captured in tangible form.

My kids jump at the chance to shop for them. There is just something about the feeling you get walking out with a little memory for the road. Souvenirs can also be used as gifts for family and friends or even collector’s items.

Top Souvenirs at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

After talking to the retail director for Holiday World and the staff at each retail location, we developed a top 10 list of the best souvenirs.

  1. Holiday World Shirts and Hoodies – Wear a T–shirt or sweatshirt to share with others where you visited. You may also need them to keep you warm at night. Nights in Indiana can get a little chilly and you might find yourself looking for a sweatshirt.
  2. Ride Specific Merchandise – Show your rollercoaster pride with t-shirts, posters, keychains, 3D models, and mugs. Check out the discontinued ride shirts for last chance merchandise. The new rollercoaster, Good Gravy, also has items available to purchase before it’s opening day in early 2024.
  3. Jewelry – Accessorize with jewelry. There are tons of cost-effective necklaces and bracelets for both girls and boys. Each of my boys got a shark tooth necklace on our last visit.
  4. Magnets – Purchase magnets of the park and individual rides. My teenager wants to collect magnets from each place that we go now and display them in his room.
  5. Bubble Wands – Catching bubbles might be the best past time. These bubble wands are a hit with the little kids. Besides the lights and bubbles, they also sync up with the drone shows at night.
  6. Splashin’ Safari Gear – Grab swim shirts, towels, and water toys to enjoy in the waterpark then bring them home.
  7. Souvenir Drink Cups – Invest in a refillable drink cup that you can use at home or school.
  8. Photo Memories – Display your captured photo memories in Holiday World frames. The photos taken with the Photo Pass during the rides make a great option to document memories.
  9. Ornaments – Collect ornaments for your tree that are Holiday World themed or ride specific. I know families that have a travel tree filled with ornaments from the places that they visited.
  10. Festive/Seasonal Accessories – Celebrate the holidays with festive merchandise. You can find pumpkin glow necklaces, Santa hats, headbands, plush stuffed animals, cups, and more.

Shopping Tips

It is inevitable that someone in your family will want to stop by a souvenir store and get something to take home.If your family is like ours, we have a budget, so we want to get the best souvenirs for our money. Here are some shopping and money-saving tips.

  • Budget Smart – Set a budget before you go to the park. Assign each kid an amount and if they want to spend more than they can bring allowance or earned extra money.
  • Hunt for Limited Editions – Keep an eye out for unique and limited-edition souvenirs. They add that exclusive touch to your collection.
  • Leverage Discounts – Look for extra discounts and deals. If you are a season pass holder, then you can get 10% – 20% off your purchase. Discount racks can also be located throughout the different stores.
  • Grab Bags – Grab up those mystery boxes. The boxes are wrapped items for boys, girls, and the young at heart (adults). These are a surprise and contain discounted items.
  • Transporting Items – Take advantage of Free Package Pick up. Shop throughout the park, then send to Holiday World Services to pick up on your way out of the park. It’s that easy! 

 

Places to Shop

Holiday World offers a variety of places to shop, each offering its own unique merchandise and souvenirs. Here are the top places to shop at Holiday World.

  • St. Nick’s Trading Company – Located just past the front gate to the right. This is the largest gift shop in the park. Stop back here at the end of the day to grab snacks for the drive home.
  • Liberty Bell Shoppe – Found in the Fourth of July section where you will find all the red, white, blue and more.
  • Voyage Photos & Gifts – While checking out your photos taken on the ride, shop ride specific merchandise.
  • Hevron’s Mercantile & Thunderbird Photos – View your photos from the ride, then pick out ride specific items along with some other general park merchandise.
  • Safari Outpost – Forget a towel? Grab a towel, swim shirt, water shoes, or anytime else you might need in the gift shop.
  • The HoliShop – Holiday World also offers an online store where you can purchase park merchandise and souvenirs from the comfort of your home. Bonus, these make great Christmas gifts, too. The staff has plans to widen the variety online so check back often.

As you leave the holiday spirit behind, remember that your visit to Holiday World lives on through these souvenirs. So go ahead and embark on your hunt for the best item and may the magic of your time at Holiday World stay with you, wherever you go!

Happy Souvenir Shopping!

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Visit Holiday World in 2024!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Monday, November 27 at 7pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Trina H.

Trina Hopkins is a Midwest-based lifestyle blogger, content creator, and photographer behind Coffee and Confetti Mom. She aims to empower women and families to be intentional in creating memories and a home that they love.

As a mother of three boys, Trina created a blog in 2019 to share holiday traditions, home decor, party planning, and DIYs. She quickly realized she wasn’t the only one trying to create memories that last a lifetime. Through the years, she has also incorporated local family-friendly businesses and family travel destinations. Her goal is that you feel encouraged and confident to try new ideas and places too.

When she isn’t working or creating the next project, Trina enjoys the chance to get away for date nights with her hubby, long walks with her dog (or, let’s be real, snuggling on the couch), watching her boys play sports, and golf cart rides around the neighborhood visiting friends.

All About the Pre-K Pass

Posted

Do you have a child that was born in 2019 or 2020?

If so, parents rejoice, because they qualify for a FREE Pre-K Pass to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari!

This pass gives them endless visits for the 2024 season. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pre-K Pass and how to get one.

Where Do I Get I Pre-K Pass?

While browsing the online selection of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Season Passes, there is an option to select the Pre-K Pass. The pass is free and can be added to the online cart. Pre-K passes are available to register online only. They cannot be registered at the park or over the phone.

You can get multiple Pre-K passes at once as well. Just keep in mind that they will all need to be processed at the park before their first visit.

Do Parents Have To Be Passholders?

No, parents do not have to be passholders for their child to qualify for a Pre-K Pass. This allows parents or guardians to visit the park with Tickets or Season Passes.

Holiday World Insider Tip: Use the online processing form to submit your Pass photos when it’s available in the spring so they can be picked up on early processing days or from the designated ticket booths on normal operating days. Just don’t forget to bring your age-confirming documents!

What Do You Mean The Pre-K Passes Need Processed?

In order for your Pre-K pass to be processed, you will need to bring age-confirming documents to Guest Relations. These items could be one of the following documents:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Green Card

Originals, copies, and digital versions are acceptable, so long as they’re legible.

You will show your online order, show age-confirming documents, and be handed their official Pre-K Pass to get the fun started.

Holiday World Insider Tip: I recommend making a copy of the document you are bringing or having it digital. That way, there is no risk of losing the originals.

While kids 3 and under always receive free admission to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, the Pre-K pass is a wonderful opportunity for children 4-5 to experience the park free of charge.

Learn more about how to enroll your child in a Pre-K Season Pass!

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Sunday, October 29 at 6pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Stephanie T.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Stephanie has been a theme park enthusiast for as long as she can remember. She’s a family travel expert that seeks to inspire new and exciting adventures. As a travel writer, her blog, Consistently Curious, focuses on great weekend getaways, family-friendly destinations, and hidden gems off the beaten path.

After one visit, her family fell in love with Holiday World, and is now the birthday request of her daughter every year. When she is not planning their next outing, you’ll typically find her checking out the local food scene, making fail-worthy Pinterest crafts, and putting on yet another pot of coffee.

All Treats, No Tricks: Kid-Friendly Halloween Fun

Posted

The temperatures might be cooling off, but the fun at Holiday World is warming up!

This past weekend, we visited Holiday World for their Happy Halloween Weekends and had a blast! Our toddler is 3 years old and loved the event and all it had to offer!

Fun Bonus: ages 3 and under are FREE!

Holidog’s 3D Halloween Adventure

Our first Halloween-themed stop was the spectacular Holidog’s 3D Halloween Adventure.

This funhouse was a blast for the entire family. My toddler loved the 3D effects and was mesmerized by the glow of the black lights.

This attraction was appropriate for the entire family. And toddler approved!

Trick-or-Treat Trail

There were so many fun and family friendly activities for us to enjoy, but I have to say getting to wear a princess dress and trick or treat at Holiday World was hands down my toddler’s favorite part of our visit for Happy Halloween Weekends!

Costumes were encouraged at the park and we saw countless adorable costumes worn by guests of all ages.

No need to worry toddler moms. Like always, Holiday World thought of everything and enforces a G-rated costume policy keeping the smallest of visitors comfortable and happy.

The trick or treating stops even offered non edible gifts keeping your child’s health and the potential for allergies at a top priority!

Food for the Whole Family

If you’re looking to stick with the fall holiday theme for your visit we highly suggest eating at the Plymouth Rock Café.

As a toddler mom, getting your kids to eat when you’re out of your normal routine can be tough. But at Plymouth Rock Café we had no issue finding Thanksgiving style foods for a hungry Dad, Toddler, and pregnant Mama.

Our toddler enjoyed the kid sized chicken and dumplings with corn, macaroni and cheese, and a roll. This pregnant Mama was craving soup and the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo crushed my soup craving and left me feeling very satisfied. Dad enjoyed a generous meal consisting of BBQ beef brisket, a roll, mashed potatoes, and stuffing with good old fashioned pecan pie for dessert.

These Thanksgiving comfort foods left the whole family feeling full and happy, but of course we made room for  a Midnight Cone – a batty chocolate ice cream to finish off the day!

Hayrides/Corn Mazes

We were thrilled when we found out there was not only a Corn Maze, but there was a Junior Corn Maze for the smaller kids to safely enjoy as part of Happy Halloween Weekends!

We had a blast navigating the Corn Maze and this mama heart was so impressed and reassured by the extensive safety measures the staff at Holiday World has implemented for this attraction.

The Junior Corn Maze received double thumbs up from our toddler.

The whole family enjoyed the Corn Maze, but this pregnant Mom loved being able to comfortably sit back, relax, and enjoy the hayride at no extra cost! Our little girl loves all things involving tractors so rest assured she LOVED the hayride so much we had to ride it multiple times which was no issue due to short lines.

Rides for the Littles

We always love all the rides Holiday World has to offer, even for toddlers.

Our little girl enjoyed the following toddler-friendly rides during our visit:

  • Dasher’s Seahorses
  • Comet’s Rockets
  • Dancer’s Fish
  • Holidog Express
  • Star Spangled Carousel
  • Tippecanoes
  • Prancer’s Merry-Go-Round
  • Reindeer Games

The lines were short and the crowd sizes were low. That allowed us to ride and visit tons of attractions in just a few hours!

Happy Halloween Weekend Extras

Between the photo opportunities, the fall inspired treats, and the Holiday decorations visiting for Happy Halloween Weekends is a blast and sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Holiday World has put in a great deal of time, effort, and thought in making the Happy Halloween Weekends fun for the ENTIRE family.

I would recommend taking children of all ages to visit for these fun weekend events and plan to visit again soon!

 

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Friday, October 20 at 8pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Jackie J.

Hi, y’all! I’m a southern Indiana Momma named Jackie. I’m a toddler mom, full-time detective, and hobby farm owner. My husband and I have both been in law enforcement for almost a decade now. When we are off of work, our world revolves around our little girl and having fun experiences with her. When we aren’t tending to the chickens and horses this summer, we’ll be at Holiday World. You can follow her on Instagram at @Momma.On.Duty for all things farm, DIY, and summer time!

Everything You Need to Know About the Guide to Ride Guided Tour

Posted

Calling all ride enthusiasts! If you love the thrill of riding all the rollercoasters and rides but loathe the time waiting in lines, then you, my friend, are in the right spot.

What if I told you there was a way to jump to the front of the line for all your favorite rides. We have all heard of Fast Passes, but did you know Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offer the Guide to Ride Tour that allows you to skip to the front of the line on your favorite rides?

Sharing all the details next so hang on tight!

What is Holiday World Guide to Ride Tour?

The Guide to Ride Tour is where a Holiday World staff member takes you to the front of every line for 4 hours. You can even pick your preferred seat!

My boys and I always choose seats at the very front. That’s how we roll!

The tour starts as the park opens for the day which is typically 10am. So, arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. There is a minimum of 2 people per group and a maximum of 8 people (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). The Holiday World staff member walks your group to the exit of each ride and signals to the operators how many riders will be going on the next turn. You choose the order of which you go on each ride.

The only stipulation is that you can’t ride the same ride twice in a row. You can visit another attraction or wait 15 minutes. We opted to jump to a nearby ride then come right back.

HoliBlogger Trina | Guide to Ride Guided Tour Lanyards

How do you sign up for the Guide to Ride Tour?

When purchasing tickets online, you will see a prompt with “Some other items that might interest you…”. Next select ‘more info’ and add the quantity of riders of your group. Finish by selecting the date that your group would like to go on the Guide to Ride Tour. There are limits to the number of groups each day.

What is included with the Guide to Ride Tour?

You get four hours of escorted front-of-the-line privileges at all attractions in Holiday World and the three water coasters in Splashin’ Safari – Mammoth, Wildebeest, and Cheetah Chase.

You also get a souvenir lanyard with a gift card loaded with $15 HoliCash and All-Day Digital Photo Pass. We each got a wristband with a QR code that the staff members scanned at the end of each ride to load photos. Once home, we just downloaded all our photos for free.

What are the tips to maximize your experience with Guide to Ride Tour?

Our family rode 22 rides in 4 hours! That is right, we were moving and loved every minute of it. To maximize your time, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Eat a good breakfast and maybe even a snack before 10am. You will not want to stop for lunch until after the 4 hours. We only stopped for drinks to stay hydrated and ate some ice cream between rides. Also, if you were to eat a heavy meal, it might not sit well during all the back-to-back rides.
  2. Pre-plan your itinerary with your favorite rides. We suggest riding all the rides in one section before moving onto the next section.
  3. Save Splashin’ Safari for last. We split our time up into 2.5 hours in Holiday World and 1.5 hours in Splashin’ Safari. It will likely be hotter later in the day so the water park will be perfect.
  4. Have your wristband for your Digital Photo Pass ready to go at the end of each ride.
  5. Travel light during the tour with just the minimum number of personal belongings. Each ride has a place to store your belongings, but you will be moving quickly from ride to ride, and items could be left behind accidentally.

Is the Guide to Ride Tour worth it?

Our answer is yes, ABSOLUTELY!

The park can get pretty busy especially during weekends and some lines can be an hour long or more. If you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any rides, then this is the way to go. This would be especially useful if you only had one day available to visit the park.

We realize that this may not be for everyone, but you do have a few options to help maximize your day on rides. One is to arrive early and start at the back of the park first. Also take advantage of the single rider lines and parent swap option if you have little ones.

A secret tip is that the Games Playbook contains one single-rider, single-use Quick Access Pass. It is presented at the ride exit to skip the line. The Games Playbook is $20 and comes with $25 Games Bucks. You can even play the game Pumpkin Planko to win up to four Quick Access Passes.

Be sure to check out the other EarlyBird Guided Tour too. During this tour, you can walk to the top of the Voyage and spend 2 hours behind the scenes with coaster technicians of both Voyage and Thunderbird. We highly recommend this Guided Tour too!

We hope you have a thrilling time at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari!

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Tuesday, October 10 at 8pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Trina H.

Trina Hopkins is a Midwest-based lifestyle blogger, content creator, and photographer behind Coffee and Confetti Mom. She aims to empower women and families to be intentional in creating memories and a home that they love.

As a mother of three boys, Trina created a blog in 2019 to share holiday traditions, home decor, party planning, and DIYs. She quickly realized she wasn’t the only one trying to create memories that last a lifetime. Through the years, she has also incorporated local family-friendly businesses and family travel destinations. Her goal is that you feel encouraged and confident to try new ideas and places too.

When she isn’t working or creating the next project, Trina enjoys the chance to get away for date nights with her hubby, long walks with her dog (or, let’s be real, snuggling on the couch), watching her boys play sports, and golf cart rides around the neighborhood visiting friends.

6 Ways to Stay Cool at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Posted

1. Stop by a Restaurant

One way we like to cool off and also take a little break, is to stop into a restaurant for lunch, dinner or even just a snack. Our family’s favorite is Santa’s Merry Marketplace. No matter what you’re craving, this place has it! With such diverse offerings, everyone was able to get exactly what they needed to enjoy while cooling off and fueling up for the rest of the day, on our last visit. We also enjoyed free ice cold unlimited soft drinks.

2. Enjoy Some Dippin’ Dots

A delicious, unique treat and also a great way to beat the heat, is Dippin’ Dots! These can be found all over the park, but the Dippin’ Dots Sundae Shop is a nice, air-conditioned way to enjoy this heavenly treat and is located in the Thankgiving section. They have a wide variety of flavors to try, but favorite this season has been Cookies & Cream!

3. Sip on a Lemon Shake Up

My go to treat every time the Fair comes to town is a Lemon Shake Up and I love that I can get this refreshing drink while exploring Holiday World. If you don’t want any break in the action, a Lemon Shake Up is a great way to cool off on the go! The stand is located in 4th of July, and they squeeze the lemons right in front of you to make sure it’s as fresh as possible.

4. Indulge in Some Ice Cream

I associate 4th of July with the peak of summer, and I think one of everyone’s favorite ways to beat the heat in July, is with a delicious ice cream cone! It’s just so fitting that Udderly Blue Ice Cream is located in the 4th of July area and is my son’s favorite treat to enjoy while cooling off. There are several tables with umbrellas to get out of the sun for a little while. On our last visit, we got the Birthday Party Cone, which is the most photogenic ice cream cone I’ve ever seen. Pair that with the Instagram worthy wall on the side of the stand, and you’ll be using #nofilter when positing the perfect picture.

5. Swing into a Gift Shop

There are shops in every area of Holiday World, and walking in to browse for a couple minutes is an excellent way to enjoy a little air-conditioning and get out of the sun. My husband always wears a hat to keep the sun out of his face, and if he forgets it, the gift shop is one of our first stops of the day.

6. Splashin’ Safari

I can’t talk about ways to cool off at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and not mention the absolute best way to cool off at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari! With your ticket, you get two parks for the price of one, and one of those parks is dedicated to keeping you cool! There is no right way to have the perfect day at the park, but my family likes to spend the first half of the day exploring Holiday World and then spending the afternoon cooling off at Splashin’ Safari.

Safari Sam’s SplashLand is hands down, my son’s favorite area. It has a wonderful splash pad area and a shallow pool with several different water slides. The whole area is perfect for younger children and the slides provide the perfect amount of fun for guests who aren’t quite tall enough or ready for the amazing larger slides and water coasters the park has to offer.

My husband, on the other hand, could float around the Bahari River, all day long. The river even has smaller tubes and life jackets available so our toddler can come along. My husband and son LOVE going under all the waterfalls and fountains. We’ve made great memories floating around the Bahari River and it’s definitely a top way for our family to stay cool.

 

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Sunday, September 10 at 8pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Alli A.

Alli is a mother and a wife, a medical assistant, a traveler, and a lifelong Hoosier. She enjoys seeking out new experiences, spending quality time with her husband and toddler son, and using her platforms to share the adventures had. Her guilty pleasure is watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. However, she gets great satisfaction utilizing her Instagram to share tips and tricks of travelling with small children.

Water Safety in Splashin’ Safari

Posted

Taking your family to the waterpark does not need to be stressful.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have covered all your needs so you can relax, enjoy your visit, and stay safe.

This summer, I’m taking my toddler to experience the fun in the sun while beating the heat in the many attractions Splashin’ Safari has to offer all ages. Our favorite toddler-friendly places to cool off are Bahari River, Kima Bay, Safari Sam’s SplashLand, Tembo Falls, and Tembo Tides!

As a mother, my radar goes up immediately when water and crowds are involved, but rest assured all steps have been implemented by the staff at Holiday World.

I’ve complied valuable information to help you feel relaxed and safe while experiencing the fun in the sun Splashin’ Safari has to offer.

Free Lifejackets in Splashin’ Safari

Life jackets are provided at no cost in various sizes including Infant, Child, Youth, and Adult. The life jackets can be found at the three wave pool entrances.

Splashin’ Safari allows you to bring your own life jackets or puddle jumpers into the waterpark as long as they are U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

Lifeguards

While enjoying our summer at Splashin’ Safari I have noticed the abundance of lifeguards helping me keep my children safe and giving me peace of mind. The lifeguards are both attentive and professional.

Splashin’ Safari staffs multiple lifeguards at Kima Bay, Safari Sam’s SplashLand, Tembo Falls, and Tembo Tides. These are our favorite toddler-friendly areas to cool off and knowing I have extra sets of eyes watching my children makes them even more enjoyable.

Mom’s Secret to Relaxing

I’m going to let you in on my favorite mom hack while visiting Splashin’ Safari: It’s Bahari River!

If you need a break or you need to get your young child to relax or even better, NAP, this is the place! There are lifeguards strategically located all around the Bahari River enabling parents to let their guard down just a little bit.

Have you noticed all the inner tubes at the Bahari River are clear? This is not for aesthetic purposes, but because Splashin’ Safari takes your safety seriously. The inner tubes are clear so lifeguards can easily see through them and to the bottom of the water.

You can also utilize the free lifejackets here.

First Aid

The First Aid Building is conveniently located near the entrance of Splashin’ Safari, right in the middle of both parks.

This building can be easily spotted by its bright red roof. Rest assured, the office is staffed with EMTs.

First Aid will gladly store your family’s medications in the Office, if needed.

Safety Tips for Your Family:

  • Choose your child’s swimsuit with visibility in mind. Bright colors are easily spotted!
  • Keep your family hydrated by utilizing the free drinks provided across both parks.
  • Pick up a free Phone-Find wristband for your children to wear your cell phone number on their wrist. You can pick them up at St Nick’s Rentals, Holiday World’s Height Station by the Holiday Theater, Holiday World Services, or Splashin’ Safari Rentals!
  • Choose a meeting spot with your child in case the two of you get separated.
  • Be sure to apply the free sunscreen multiple times throughout the day. There are pumps located in both parks.
  • Don’t leave valuables unattended. You can store them in lockers in Splashin’ Safari Plaza.
  • If you’re visiting with young children, be sure to pack water shoes/sandals.

 

 

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Tuesday, August 29 at 7pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Jackie J.

Hi, y’all! I’m a southern Indiana Momma named Jackie. I’m a toddler mom, full-time detective, and hobby farm owner. My husband and I have both been in law enforcement for almost a decade now. When we are off of work, our world revolves around our little girl and having fun experiences with her. When we aren’t tending to the chickens and horses this summer, we’ll be at Holiday World. You can follow her on Instagram at @Momma.On.Duty for all things farm, DIY, and summer time!

A Must-Do for Coaster Enthusiasts: The EarlyBird Guided Tour

Posted

When you ride a roller coaster, you never have more than a few seconds to admire the view on top of the lift hill. Unless…you walk to the top.

And Holiday World is giving you the chance to do exactly that.

That’s just one part of the EarlyBird Guided Tour. Now before I talk about the climb, let me tell you what the EarlyBird Guided Tour is.

The tour is a separately ticketed experience at Holiday World that runs for 2 hours, weather permitting, before the park opens.

This premium tour is a coaster enthusiast’s dream.

You get a 2 hour behind-the-scenes look at The Voyage and Thunderbird roller coasters, trek to the top of The Voyage’s lift hill, Meet & Greet with a coaster technician, and take the first public flight of the day on Thunderbird.

You also get an All-Day Digital Photo Pass, $15 Souvenir HoliCash Gift Card, three single-use Quick Access Passes, and a souvenir lanyard.

Now back to the sweat-inducing ascent ahead of us.

I’d like to mention that I didn’t do this alone. Along for this adventure was my girlfriend and my mom. Neither of them are the biggest fans of heights, but they came out of this tour loving it. They may have been white knuckling the railing, but can you really blame them when you’re 163 feet in the air?

I’m not sure how long the walk up the lift hill was, and to be honest, I don’t think time exists when you’re walking up a coaster. It could’ve been 3 minutes or 30 minutes. However, we were told it’s around 300 steps.

Once you’re at the peak of the lift hill, you can take out your phone and capture as many photos and videos as you want. My only warning is to be extra careful. If your phone falls, there’s not enough glue in the world to save it.

The view was incredible.

You can see all of Holiday World, Splashin’ Safari, and beyond.

HoliBlogger Max at the top of The Voyage's Lift Hill | EarlyBird Tour

If the tour stopped here, I would’ve been happy. There’s something very powerful about standing on top of a roller coaster, but if you need to be humbled, just look down.

Once we landed back on Earth. Chris, a coaster technician, took us on our next leg of the tour.

Chris fed us with enough coaster facts to last a few lifetimes. We learned about the daily maintenance routine to ensure the coaster is running safely, saw the very heavy packs they carry each morning with all the tools needed to make any repairs, and learned why different types of woods matter for different parts of the track.

Did you know that when the wood on a wooden coaster is replaced, it can actually make the coaster a few mph faster than it was before the replacement?

After that, we moved to Thunderbird.

We talked with Chris, another coaster technician, to learn the workings of their steel coaster.

He took us up to the maintenance bay where the trains go for routine maintenance and repairs. And we got to stand at the control center where Thunderbird is operated.

We got to see the opening crew of Thunderbird run through the tail end of their opening checklist. As the last check was made, we were invited to ride the first public flight of the day.

As we launched into the sunny skies of Santa Claus, our tour had come to a close.

We exited the ride just as the gates of Holiday World had opened and Guests were excitedly rushing to Thunderbird to be the first riders of the day. Little did they know…

Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or love to go behind the scenes, the EarlyBird Guided Tour is waiting for you next time you visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Max | Theme Parks & Travel (@thisismaxkennedy)


You can book an EarlyBird Guided tour here!

 

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Thursday, July 27 at 8pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

HoliBlogger Max KennedyThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Max K.

Max Kennedy is a theme park enthusiast and travel content creator from Chicago, Illinois. You’ll find him posting his theme park tips, tricks, and travels on Instagram and TikTok (@ThisIsMaxKennedy). His love of theme parks goes all the way back to growing up going to Disney World with his family and watching every Travel Channel special about Disney World. In 2018, he got to live out his dream job of being a cast member at Walt Disney World and spent time as a Six Flags scare actor. Today, you can find him exploring theme parks, seeking out local food spots, and showing you that theme parks are more than just roller coasters.

From Dots to Drones: Holidays in the Sky Comes to Life

Posted

Previewing the Show

I had the opportunity to see Holidays in the Sky in dot format before seeing the show in person.

What do I mean by that? I mean the animation that is used in the planning stages of the show that’s used to program the little guys to make the shapes you see in the sky.

You might say, “Stephanie, wouldn’t that ruin the in person show for you?” And to that I say, “It absolutely did not ruin it for me.” And let me tell you why!

Each dot on the screen each represents one drone. For example, this video clip shows one of the animations for the Christmas portion of the show. It shows Santa Claus riding off into the sky and dropping presents behind him.

 

When you see the show in person, it takes up a huge portion of the sky and not just a small box on a laptop screen. You can see the rotation of the reindeer. They don’t just disappear into the night sky. They rotate and appear to fly off at an angle.

 

In person, you get the full surround sound music to accompany the drone show – and the music does so perfectly. You get the ambiance of all the “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the crowd.

And you get an occasional laugh. Like during the Halloween section of the show. I won’t ruin it for you. But it involves Frankenstein’s monster, and it was my favorite part.

Finally, you get to experience the fireworks that are timed to go off during different parts of the show. They’re the icing on the cake and some extra oomph to the drone show. You get them at the expected New Year’s Eve portion of the show.

What Did We Think?

If you were to ask the three children who were with us for Holidays in the Sky what their favorite parts were, their answers are as follows:

  • The DJ dance party with the glow-in-the-dark floor!
  • The Christmas to New Year’s Transition that the drones do
  • The Frankenstein surprise for Halloween

The adults loved those parts as well.

We also loved the Elevated Experience that came with premium seating for the DJ Dance Party and drone show. I’m not a huge crowd person so I appreciated the guaranteed seat.

It was also really nice at the end of a hot day to have bottles of water and snacks! Definitely don’t miss the drone show on your next visit and consider upgrading to the Elevated Experience!

 

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers by visiting HoliBlogger Central. Each blog post will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Friday, July 21 at 11am Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

HoliBlogger Stephanie RyanThis blog post was written by HoliBlogger Stephanie R.

Stephanie Ryan is a STEM curriculum developer and assessment specialist. She runs @LetsLearnAboutScience, a social media account and website geared toward parents with the goal of empowering parents to find the STEM in the everyday. She authored the children’s book “Let’s Learn About Chemistry” and is currently a co-author on the 11th edition of Chemistry in Context where she integrated @Home activities students could do to drive home concepts. She lives in Carmel, Indiana with her husband and 6 year old son.

Fun In the Sun: Spending A Day In Splashin’ Safari

Posted

Prepare for a day of thrilling water rides, refreshing wave pools, and exclusive cabana comfort.

That’s right, we’re heading to Santa Claus, Indiana for a day filled with family fun at Splashin’ Safari! This ultimate water park adventure is not only packed with exhilarating attractions but also offers a range of amenities for everyone!

I’ve put together a few tips for spending a day at Splashin’ Safari, from exhilarating attractions to relaxing spots and mouthwatering dining options. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a water enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable family outing, Splashin’ Safari has something you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Your Oasis of Comfort

Elevate your water park experience with a private cabana rental!

Splashin’ Safari offers comfortable cabanas that provide a dedicated space to relax, unwind, and recharge in the shade. We checked in as soon as we entered the park because it’s the perfect spot to safely store all your belongings and serves as a great meeting place for your crew. With amenities like lounge chairs, shaded seating, and personalized service, cabanas offer a little oasis amidst the busy excitement of the park!

Another cabana rental perk? Meal delivery!

Trade in the hassle of spending time hunting down something for everyone to eat. Order delicious meals and have them delivered directly to your cabana with the new mobile ordering service! It’s a hassle-free way to fuel up and satisfy your cravings without missing out on any of the action. The menu offers tons of options and cuisines.

Pro tip: you can’t go wrong with Splashin’ Safari pizza!

What to Ride

From towering water coasters to family-friendly attractions, Splashin’ Safari has something for everyone.

The spot our family always agrees to visit? The Bahari River! Our toddlers love splashing their way down the river while the adults have a leisurely float!

With a wide range of experiences available, everyone in your group will find something they love.

Here are a few recommendations if visiting with little ones:

  • Safari Sam’s SplashLand: When first introducing our little ones to the waterpark, this was their must-see spot. Last summer, we spent entire days camped out here watching them zoom down each of the toddler-friendly slides!
  • Kima Bay: Welcome to another family-friendly spot that will keep the kids entertained for hours! The towering play structure is filled with various water slides, sprayers and is topped with a bucket that tips tons of water every few minutes.
  • Bahari Wave: The shallow-to-deep entrance is perfect for all ages, making it safe for even the littlest swimmers. Bonus: life jackets are available, so no need to pack and haul around floaties or a vest for your little ones!

FREEBIES!

If cabana services and splashing through the wave pool don’t have you convinced, I have another trick up my sleeve.

Debatably, the best perk is how many FREEBIES are included with your visit. Splashin’ Safari keeps you hydrated with free soft drinks, water and a variety of sports drinks. There are multiple areas to grab an on-the-go beverage or fill up a tervis you picked up in the gift shop!

Guests can also skip on packing sunscreen thanks to the free SPF, available at tons of spots throughout the park.

My favorite new perk? The FREE Pre-K Season Passes! This is an online exclusive, so head to register your little one here prior to your visit.

Grab your swimsuits and flip flops – a day at Splashin’ Safari promises a fantastic blend of excitement, relaxation, and fun for the whole family! From thrilling water slides to the convenience of ordering meals right to your cabana, you’ll bask in the ease and memories made during your worry-free visit.

Get ready to make a splash – plan your visit here!

Enter to Win A Pair of Tickets to Holiday World!

Be sure to follow the adventures of the HoliBloggers. Each of their blog posts will have a giveaway where you can enter to win two tickets to visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

There are several ways you can be entered to win. Click any option below to get more details to gain those entries. You can enter to win through some options daily!

Entries accepted through Wednesday, July 19 at 8pm Central.

 

Reminder: Holiday World will never comment on a social media post telling you that you’ve won our giveaway. When our giveaway is over, the winner’s first name and last initial will be displayed in the giveaway above. Winners will be contacted at the email address they provided while signing in to earn entries.

This blog post was written by HoliBlogger Nicollette V.

Nicollette Vizuet, a native of Owensboro, Kentucky, is the brunette behind the blog The Frivolous Fashionista. Her love of style combined with her adventures as a mother to two busy toddlers makes for a space that offers something for everyone. She and her husband, Mario, have lived in many states and look for any excuse to travel. You may recognize her from publications in Owensboro Parent or from following along on Instagram. Her passions include trying new restaurants, anything involving bright colors, cramming in as many getaways as possible, redecorating, and “glamping” with the family at Lake Rudolph.