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Soon enough, we were going thru the cornfields, and pulling into the parking lot for Holiday World. we knew we had purchased for a School Days day. . but wow, there were a LOT of busses in the parking lot. And with HW not having any kind of skip the line pass, we worried it might be a challenging day. Still, I was thrilled to be there - even with my ankle still messed up from a bad twist 10 days earlier, so more "hobbling" than "walking". . but still..I was determined to have a great visit regardless (and I really did, even tho the day got cut short). slowly making our way from our parking spot - we got to park fairly close, as all the busse were too the left. I've seen this in other's reports. . but so excited to see it in person. (tho I was surprised not to find ONE T-shirt for sale with the traditional logo on it. Found some that were close, but not this logo) I'm here! (and I can *totally* read Joel's mind in this pic.. .. you already move slow. .and you're stopping for pictures???). LOL absolutely purchase your tickets online. . we bypassed some pretty lengthy lines to enter the park, since we already had our tickets form online. we followed standard HW procedure (from what I'd been told) and headed all the way to the back of the park for Thunderbird/Voyage. . . as Legend was already filling up most of the queue as we passed by (it was running only 1 train, as Raven was as well). Didn't stop me from getting a pic with Santa as we passed by - tho I didn't wait in the long line for the "professional" pics. . . it's just timing between people from off to the side I was actually VERY impressed with how lovely the park is. and surprised. . I was really expecting more Wal*Mart / Carnival Cruise type atmosphere, and yes, the clientele certainly gave off those vibes (lots of "let's go Brandon" t-shirts - on KIDS yet! - and unironically worn shirts with certain president's heads on bodybuilder bodies). . but the park itself was beautifully landscaped in places (other than the neglected dirt-pit with flume remnants from where Pilgrim's Plunge used to be), and the grounds were - for the most part - beautiful. and the free drink stations set up everywhere were very nice! other parks should start offering this perk (think of the staffing they could save from not having to have registers at every location!) Park Map. oooo. . spooky. . heading into Halloween section but first, a photo op? why of course! see? it really is a lovely park. . there were several flats, that had pretty decent lines already, as we passed. the park was only open until 4, so we had planned to focus on the Coasters and the Water Coasters as much as possible. . but some of the flats certainly had my interest. such as this wave swinger, that looked incredible. crossing into Thanksgiving, we came upon the Voyage - tho we were headed to Thunderbird first. (and yes, that IS the line for Voyage, already coming out of the queue line. . wowza) LOL. .I adored this Turkey Themed Tilt A Whirl.. but it had a line. . and we were headed to Thunderbird, so passed it by. I hadn't realized this park was "hilly".. so it was giving my ankle a real workout. . but we finally made it to the final hill at the back of the park, and into view came this beautiful sight. no, not the worlds smallest skyflyer - tho that made me giggle.. . .and people were lining up for it!!! but Thunderbird, a launched wing coaster. were they only running 1 train here too? No, they actually were running 2, but they were having some issues with fast loading on this day. no worries..we were here to ride coasters, and any ride was worth the wait for me. . . so we headed in and joined the line um. . yeah. and with so many schools on site, there were rampant cases of "I need to cut thru to meet up with my friends" now, to be fair, we FULLY expected this. We knew we were going on a school days day. . . but that didn't stop TeacherKim from stopping several of these line jumpers and telling them "I'll let you thru once, but everyone here is waiting and you are cutting in line!" LOL. . several groups of kids kept staring back at us (afraid of Kim) the whole time we were in the line. (not that she was wrong at all. .and they knew it. . . because if you DON'T say something? soon, two kids cutting becomes 5 more meeting their friends, then 3 more that came later, etc) we ended up waiting about an hour and ten minutes for Thunderbird, and since we had waited? just went ahead and waited a few more cycles for the front row. (yeah, even with the "boarding instructions" listed there, quite a few folks seemed confused as to if they should take off shoes, or how to click the restraints. . . . ) a look at the train. . Joel and I on our ride. . it was really fun, and quite intense. A bit more intense than I had expected really.. . was glad I hadn't eaten anything before standing in the heat for over an hour and then riding this. but I liked it a lot.. particularly the launch, and the "near misses" thru the barn. Kim being silly. . but I had to include this pic for that epic side-eye her seat mate is shooting her on the brake run. we headed to Voyage, but first had to stop and get some drinks, and as we passed by the turkey shooting dark ride, we noticed it was open! it had been listed as closed at the front gate, but maybe since it had gotten so warm they decided to open it? I dunno. . but I LOVE stupid rides, and this turkey shooter ride sure was stupid. . a fun stupid. and it was air conditioned. So you betcha we hopped in the fairly short line to take a spin. not before I was a turkey tho: the queue line.. . my. . how TERRIFYING you are, Gramma! I was SO tempted to hop in line for this as we exited the turkey shoot dark ride, but the truth is it was too hot for anything "spinning". . so I settled for a picture of it, and moved on to Voyage queue. so the Voyage queue was so long, they were using the basement area - routed down there after going up the initial steps. there really wasn't any airflow down there, and so I put on my mask - and i was literally the only one in the line that bothered (tho I did see a few others put on masks to go inside stores that were busy). at least what is very cool is that down in the basement, there is a flyby of the train, past a big window towards the end of the ride. and it did get everyone excited every time a train zoomed by that giant window. there were some line jumpers here too. .and again, Kim put them in their place, explaining why they shouldn't cut. I think in total we waited ~ 1:30 for it? lookie. . finally up at the station! and we ended up in Row 2. where we got a really, really rough ride. but took the pic first, so we're so happy to be riding. . LOL the tunnels were the best part of the coaster, I think. nice and cool. and I was thrilled there was so much air-time, as it got my butt out of the seat so I didn't' get jackhammered to death. Glad I finally rode it, but yeah... (tho if ever make it back, will try it again in a different (ie: front) row) we headed over to Legend, and the line hadn't died down that much. (one train ops). but the sky had started to get dark. we didnt' notice any lightning or thunder, but about 15 minutes into the wait? an announcement was made about Inclement weather. they made EVERYONE leave the line. . no one allowed to wait it out - although they oddly, didn't send anyone out to the front to chain off the queue, nor tell anyone status (something they didnt' do on other rides either. . very strange)..they just started shutting everything down. it was only ~1:20, and the park was only open until 4. so we had a chance things might open again, but not looking good, or that we'd manage to get on any water coasters - as Splashin Safari had just down either. I'd never been, so I was happy just to walk the park and take a look at things. the only thing we came across that had NOT shut down was the "Holidog Express". . which looked to be themed to Nursery Rhymes, and traveled around the Kids area. it was open, so did we ride it? you bet your ass! (remember what I said about loving stupid rides) this sign in the train! OMG. . . . "contact with Moving OR Stationary object can cause injury?" HAHAHAHAHA not everyone was THRILLED to be riding, as the woman behind me facial expression shows. . but it was the only thing operating, so it was a full train. (the last full train as it turned out as once we got back, the engineer got a call to shut it down too, just before the sky opened) highly recommended if you enjoy stupid things. . . the Engineer, in a dead monotone voice, just says the nursery rhymes as you pass by each set piece. hysterical. this is Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater. the kiddie coaster in the park. can't remember who this is who is stealing a pig. . .but I mean, I think we all know WHY he was stealing a pig. which i found VERY confusing, as right across the train tracks from him was Mary and her little lambs. . so one would think he'd rather have a soft lamb for his bestiality. but oh well. . I try not to judge Indiana. the Giant looks like Jack pissed in his cornflakes, doesn't he? is this the back entrance? it's an entrance to something. . but we didn't come in this way. weird. as noted, moments after we got off the train, the sky just OPENED up. .. .quarter size rain drops, and it poured for a good 20 minutes. Once it slowed down to a drizzle, we continued our walk around the park, checking out the closed rides. Some of which I really wish had opened up - and I'd like to check out if I ever get back. I dont' do bumper cars. . ever. But man, I'd sure be tempted to ride bumper cars themed to Horses! I adored this! and the most boring mini flume / canoe ride, I've ever seen. this was in a theme park? Bwaaa-haaaa-haaaaa as we made it back towards the front section, since nothing was open, I suggested we hit the main store (as I still wanted to buy a tshirt for Nick). well.. ALL those bus loads full of kids? yup, they were ALL packed into the the big store by the front section. sitting in aisles - so you couldn't move - and the checkout lines were all lengthy, stretching as far as the eye could see and wrapping up and down the open aisles, making it even more impossible to move. Most of the lines were the kids all holding a pack of candy, or a magnet, or some rocks/jewelry. Have to wonder just how much product walked out in pockets during the 55 minutes I was in that store standing in line to get that shirt. I wasn't comfortable at all, but it's not like could go outside, since this happened while in the store (or, and a tornado warning too). eventually, everything passed, and we decided to check out some sections of the park we hadn't' gotten to yet. it was just after 3, and as noted, the park closed at 4 today. People/kids were streaming out of the park, now that the rain had calmed down. . . so we figured we'd wander and see if any movement. and hey, it allowed me to get some pics I hadn't gotten yet. but by 3:20, there was NO movement at all on any of the rides, and we just decided to call it. We still had a pretty good drive to Kings Island (Coasterstock! started the next morning early), and we still had plans to stop for dinner. so with certainty that they probably were not going to get open either Legend or Raven (we seriously couldn't get anyone in the Guest Services booth to come to the front - I could see them hiding out in the back room chatting away - to advise what their policies were, and if they would attempt to get things open for the last 1/2 hour of the day). . we called it and headed out. but not before I got another picture : so the day got rained out, but you know what? I STILL had a great time, even with only 4 rides on a very crowded and rainy day. I liked the park enough that I'll absolutely go back if I get the chance. . and perhaps get to try out those water coasters. but with that, we headed out and made our way towards Cincinnati.. with the POURING rain following us off and on the whole way.

With my flight delayed at the airport, I just wanted to pop in and write up a mini-report about how much I LOVED my first ever visit to this park yesterday. Those of you may have seen my posts in the Kentucky Kingdom thread trying to decide how to do HW and KK in the same day. I ended up dropping KK entirely for another visit and dedicating my day to Holiday World and I am very happy I did! Kentucky Kingdom is just another reason to come back to the area in the future. I thought all three woodies were wonderful. I don't know how rough or smooth they usually run, but I didn't think any of them were overly brutal. Just a usual intense woodie experience. I also wasn't expecting how different the 3 were. Raven in the back car surprised me a LOT (that drop mid-ride and the whole ending is insane) and is probably my second favorite ride in the park. Legend is very good but almost has too many laterals for my taste, I think the GCI trains would be more comfortable with all those laterals. And of course, Voyage was... Voyage. Absolutely relentless and insane from start to finish. This has been a big bucket list coaster for me for a long time and I'm so happy I got several rides on it, and it didn't disappoint. I don't think anything can dethrone El Toro as my favorite wooden coaster but Voyage is a very solid #2. Oh, and Thunderbird was great too. Perhaps a tad underwhelming with the layout, but the launch had more kick than I anticipated and the setting is wonderful. Good operations too. As for the park itself, this is where I was most surprised. First off, my favorite thing about this park is the free drinks. What an absolutely brilliant idea. There are so many locations to conveniently grab a drink and that is the BEST idea ever. I don't know how they offset that cost or sneak it in elsewhere but I wish more parks did it. So many parks make you jump through hoops just for a water cup or simple refill - long lines, bad service, few locations, lug around a souvenir bottle, etc. Holiday World does it RIGHT. I don't think I have ever been more hydrated at a theme park! And they also had water, lemonade, and vitamin water options, which as a pretty infrequent soda drinker (especially at parks) was nice to have. The park also looked very well-kept, clean, and very friendly employees. And I know many people way be annoyed with the lack of a line-skip service here, but I will say it did make the regular lines move quite well, and their operations as a whole were pretty decent with two trains on all coasters (although they did removed a train on Raven mid-day, but it was a walk-on anyway). Those of you that said the lines die down in the afternoon when everyone is at the waterpark are absolutely right. There was a morning rush on everything but by lunchtime the dry coasters were all walk-ons. I got multiple rides on all coasters and I was not expecting that on Memorial Day weekend. Overall I absolutely love this park and can't wait to visit again. Another major steel coaster would do them wonders - perhaps where Giraffica used to be. That area is, admittedly, an eyesore.

It appears that Arizona is finally getting a new park. MATTEL AND EPIC ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL BRAND EXPERIENCES FOR UPCOMING MATTEL ADVENTURE PARK EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – May 24, 2022 –Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and EPIC Resort Destinations, LLC. announced today that Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona will feature additional brand activations from Barbie, Masters of the Universe, and Mattel Games when it opens in 1Q 2023. These Mattel brands join the previously announced Hot Wheels roller coaster and go-karting experiences and Thomas & Friends indoor theme park. “Mattel Adventure Park will be even more engaging and entertaining at launch, with the addition of these iconic Mattel brand experiences,” said Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “The expansion of this flagship attraction brings together the largest representation of Mattel’s beloved brands in a live space as never before.” The additional brand experiences planned for Mattel Adventure Park will be highlighted by the Barbie Beach House, designed to be a must-visit destination for Barbie fans of all ages. The Barbie Beach House features the Barbie flying theater, taking riders on a journey from deep underwater to outer space; the Dream Closet Experience, where Barbie, through state-of-the-art hologram technology, is brought to life to help curate the ultimate wardrobe; and the Barbie Rooftop where guests can enjoy a selection of signature pink beverages perfectly paired with sweet and savory snacks while enjoying panoramic views of the property. Mattel Adventure Park will also feature a nine-hole mini golf experience that translates the Mattel Games portfolio into an immersive environment. Families can putt-putt while battling Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, or through a life-sized Pictionary game board with additional games featured throughout. The #1 card game property, UNO, will be represented as a larger-than-life climbing structure where guests can jump on oversized UNO cards and race to the top. Master of the Universe’s iconic Castle Grayskull has been transformed into a 4,500+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art laser tag arena where fans “have the power” to fight for Eternia. A Laser Tag experience will bring the world of Eternia to life and invites guests to join an epic battle to regain the power of the Universe. “We are extremely excited to add Barbie, Masters of the Universe and Mattel Games themed attractions and rides to an already outstanding offering in development at the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park. We have spared no expense to bring these iconic brands to life in ways that will delight visitors of all ages for years to come.” Said Mark Cornell, President, Epic Resort Destinations. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com. About EPIC Resort Destinations EPIC is a resort destinations developer specializing in Intellectual Property driven resorts and location-based entertainment. We are guest obsessed and, on a mission, to create, develop, and operate world-class destinations and attractions that are extraordinary, safe, and fun places where epic memories are created and shared. Our unique blend of family-friendly fun is created by combining time proven “wind in your face” themed rides, globally iconic brands with multigenerational emotional resonance, and immersive theatrical experiences featuring original media content. Current developments under construction include Mattel Adventure Park, Barbie Beach House, and a flying immersive theater in Glendale, Arizona, with future destinations under consideration across North America. Visit us at matteladventurepark.com.

Zootopia Warehouse.

I definitely plan on going back again soon and doing the water park too! I am not a water park person but I know Splashing' Safari is different so I will plan on it! My biggest gripe with water parks is body slides (I just don't like body slides at all) and I know SS doesn't have any and they're all rafts so that really puts it more up my alley. For sure next time when I have a bit more time, a closer hotel, and less driving before and after my visit! I will add that during my several rides on the Voyage, I looked over and did not see Cheetah Chase operating at all so that was part of the reason I decided to just stick to the dry park. But I've heard great things about the other two so yes, that is on the list for next time!

If thats the case, theres the famous Buffalo saying.... maybe next year

We were able to get a night ride on The Beast last night and it was a major improvement from 4 years ago. Helix was smooth and fast. We are in the park again today and park operations on all the rides have been great. The longest wait we've had today has been 20 minutes which has really surprised us for being a holiday. We were able to ride the majority of the coasters by 2pm. Did 4 rides on Orion and a couple on Mystic Timbers. Crowds actually seem lighter than they were on the Tuesday after the holiday 4 years ago. Only complaint we have is the lack of shows. The shows seem to be starting later this year as well as not as many of them.

That's something super recent because two weeks ago they were still using the glasses. Not super happy that about half of the effects seem down consistently now.

"Let's go fly a kite*, up to the highest height, let's go fly a kite and send - it - soaring." c/o The Sherman Brothers. *Or an umbrella, I forget who's using what for where, lately. Hugs to ya, Bert.

It would appear that SFDL used the later opening day to do some much needed work (not my photos) New train for Mind Eraser Both Viper trains on the track, likely meaning 2 train ops Visitors also reporting that ROS has moved to a locker system and Titan Track is a huge improvement on Predator.

This park is basically me playing Roller Coaster Tycoon when I was 10.

My wife and I brought our 10 month old son to the park today for bring a friend free day (I have a pass, she doesn't, but has been before). It was his first ever amusement park, first ever ride. Rode Monster Mansion, the Antique Cars, and the Carousel. Spent a little time in the wave pool. Ate lunch under Twisted Cyclone (which is just as awesome as Boldikus above^ describes, I completely agree, but we didn't get a ride in today)... It was a totally new view of the park for me. I'm entering the wonderful world of amusement park child-rearing, and honestly, we had a wonderful time. It was COMPLETELY different from how I usually enjoy parks these days (alone, 3 hour max, only new or good coasters only). I don't think I've ridden a non-roller coaster in a... I don't remember when honestly. But we had a blast and it's a beautiful park that I can't wait to continue exploring with my son from his perspective