iheartHW

They just posted a new blog! http://www.holidayworld.com/holiblog/2016/01/06/was-santa-good-to-you/

I had been thinking about the possibility of them running The Legend backwards next season, but decided that would be way too obvious. Not long after I had thought about the possibility, they posted a video of The Legend backwards. I think they posted the video to throw us off, and also because it is a cool video. I noticed they have a video of a rear facing view of The Voyage and Thunderbird on their youtube account too. If they are going to extend the Splashin Safari entrance more, then they might be working near the part of The Legend that goes near Splashin Safari. The Legend also goes extremely close to the campground, so the might change something in that section. It goes right behind The Legend cabins, would a tunnel there make it less noisy for campers? Also, at least 3 of the slides in Splashin Safari, plus Frightful Falls are kind of weaved into The Legend, so they might be changing something about that. Those slides seem kind of wedged back in the corner now that Splashin Safari is being expanded, so maybe they will get moved or taken out, and changes made to The Legend related to that.

I love the idea of a lazy river people mover. I thought about a possible lazy river people mover up to Hyena Falls over the summer because it is such a long walk. I thought Hyena Falls might be too far away to extend the current lazy river, and the lazy river would have to go up a slight incline. But I am sure they could make it work if they wanted to. They might make a second lazy river near hyena falls. The walk to Hyena Falls seems far, but if they add more things around it, it wouldn't be so bad. The way the bathrooms are situated, it seems like they are planning on adding something on the other side. I know the kid's bumper boats were going to go there, but not sure if that was delayed or canceled. I have a 2014 map that shows them being there. When I was in Santa Claus a few weeks ago I looked at the area by Holidog's Fun Town. This was way before I had found the link I posted yesterday, I had just seen something on the Spencer county GIS that put my attention on the area. There was some evidence of work going on in that area, but it could have just been maintenance. It was basically just a pile of gravel, and a small machine to spread it out. Were they using the gravel to maintain the current service road, or were they building a new road, or something else? I don't know. I took pictures, but they are not that interesting. I was so distracted by Holiday World, I forgot to look at what was going on across the street. I went by Holiday World again last week and they had gone through one of the piles of wood in the parking lot. After I drove by, I went to Santa's Candy Castle. After leaving the Candy Castle, I drove around the back side of Holiday World, but it was too dark to see anything at that point. I doubt I will be driving through Santa Claus again before next season. Can't wait for them to give more info on what they are up to!

Wow! I had never seen it before. I came across it while reading about the Santa Claus Museum. This is a version of their 10 year master plan a few years ago. I know a lot of things have changed since then, and they are working with a different company now, but this was still very interesting. I can't stop looking at this! Some of the things I see: Lots of amazing Christmas theming! A very cool building across from Kringle's Cafe. Looks like some kind of circus tent with a ferris wheel by Holidog's Fun Town. A pioneer village with a covered bridge. I think I see Thuderbird was going to be in a location right next to the Voyage. Extending the Splashin Safari entrance (which they have done part of). A second lazy river. Possibly a small wooden coaster in Thanksgiving? The employee lot moved across the road. I think it shows a building covering the area of the Sparkler, carousel, and basketball game. The old fashion cars are gone or moved. http://www.u-studios.net/holiday-world.php I know these things are just ideas and what actually happens could have changes, and might be totally different. But still very cool and exciting. Holiwood Nights has a Ferris Bueller theme. Is that a clue of a FERRIS wheel?

When I drove to Santa Claus, Indiana a few days ago, I was shocked at the road improvements that I saw!!! It isn't small town Indiana anymore!!!

I drove by Holiday World a little while ago on the way to the Santa Claus Land of Lights. I couldn't really see much from the road. I saw the piles of wood in the parking lot. I couldn't see if anything was going on in the Sparkler's old location.

Earlier this season I was at Holiday World and The Legend was down for the day. I overheard someone ask a worker why The Legend was down and the worker said The Legend got flooded and part of the tracks were under water. I don't know The Legend's track well enough to say which part of the track could have been under water. Holiday World got tons of rain the first half of the summer so it could have been possible. But I didn't see it for myself, so I am not sure. If it was true, I am sure it is not a big deal, and Holiday World has it under control. But if they redo any low points on the tracks that might explain it.

Is it possible to convert The Legend into a launched coaster? I doubt that is what they are doing, but I have been wondering about it. Early in the season I saw them working on an area between Frightful Falls and The Legend's lift hill. As far as I could tell they were just working on the Frightful fall observation area. I think they put in a new fence and maybe new cameras on Frightful Falls. But my overactive imagination immediately noticed how close this work was to The Legend's lift hill, and I wondered for a few days if there was a secret project going on. I am sure it probably had nothing to do with The Legend, but it has kind of stuck in my mind.

My first thought when they said new element was the periodic table of elements. Meaning that the new element would be metal topper track. Except steel isn't an element. Or is it? It has been too long since I learned that stuff. Or maybe the element is Platinum for their 70th season, and they are painting the trains Platinum. I had a weird dream a few weeks ago that they announced that they were going to paint everything platinum (including Holidog) for their 70th season.

The Santa Claus Land of Lights at Lake Rudolph Campground opens tomorrow. I might go tomorrow if I am not too full from Thanksgiving dinner. I will be going sometime in the next few days for sure. I will take a good look at Holiday World as I drive by to see if I can see any possible construction going on. It will be dark, and you can't see much from the road anyways, so I doubt I will see anything. I might be able to get a small look at the old Sparkler location from the road. I know that is a possible location for something new to go. I will also try to take a look at the Thanksgiving section from the road. Since they have focused on Thanksgiving the past two years, maybe they will make an announcement tomorrow on Thanksgiving. I am not expecting a huge announcement for next year, but you never know what Holiday World is planning. I will be happy no matter what they have planned. I can't wait until next season!

I hope they have a Christmas event. Every December Lake Rudolph Campground gets turned into The Santa Claus Land of Lights, which is a drive thru light show. We go to that a couple times a year and I always wish that Holiday World was open, even if they only opened a small section of the park. I know that it isn't possible for Holiday World to be open year round, but maybe they could have some kind of event going on during December. There isn't much to do in Santa Claus, Indiana in December other than go to the light show and then stop by the Christmas Store. I like to look through newspaper archives in my spare time and I have been reading old articles about Santa Claus Land lately. I don't have the articles in front of me, but I think I read that Santa Claus Land used to be open from Easter through Christmas Eve every year. I understand why the season was shortened as the park has changed over the years, but maybe extending the season to open a month sooner, or staying open a month longer is not totally out of the question for the future. A longer operating season is at the top of my wish list, but I know it might not be possible. No matter what they have planned I am sure it will be great.

I was there yesterday too! A little rainy, but so much fun! I am glad to hear everyone enjoyed their day at Holiday World. No wait Thunderbird rides were great. I asked my 5 year old if she wanted to ride the Raven before the end of the season and she said NOOOOOO!!! I probably wouldn't have let her ride anyways. I am so sad that there is only one day left before Holiday World closes for the season, but thankful we already have our Platinum Passes ready for next year.

Sounds like you had a great day! I was going to go today, but I was tired from going yesterday. Where did you sit on The Voyage? I have been trying all the different seats in The Voyage this year and I feel like the smoothest ride is the first row in the last car. I miss hearing the school bell and howl from of The Legend. I love randomly hearing that through the day. But I know it will be back next year. Holiday World has Mazed and Confused stations around the large corn maze where you can raise a flag to alert that you need help. I read about the mazed and confused stations on the paper maps they have when you enter the maze, but I never actually saw them in the maze. I totally failed the corn maze and ended up coming back out the entrance by accident, so I probably never even made it to one of those help stations. I was distracted watching Thunderbird through the corn and wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I still had fun though.

Have fun! I was there yesterday and there were a lot of people there, but the rides line were not bad at all. Hardly had to wait for rides, but the food lines did get a little long. I rode Thunderbird a few times yesterday evening and the wait time was only about 20 minutes. The Voyage was running yesterday. I hope they get it running today! I ate at Thunderbird plaza last night and it is so cool with both Thunderbird and The Voyage running through the woods. EDIT: I just saw that you said they opened The Voyage! I hope you are having a great day!!!

Since you are not taking a kid you wont have to be as careful about time. I always take my five year old with me and I find that we spend almost the entire time doing the Halloween activities and don't ride many rides. You can skip the Dance Party, Trick or Treating, Corn Bin (giant sandbox full of corn), cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating, talking to Gourdon the giant talking pumpkin, magic show, face painting, etc. Those things are a lot of fun for the kids, but there is so much to do that it is hard to fit it all in on a Sunday. We always have a great time at Halloween Weekends and try to go as many days as possible. My husband rode the roller coasters a few times last Sunday and the wait times ranged from 10 to 20 minutes. Our favorite seats in the wooden roller coasters are first row of the last car. My 5 year old has been tall enough to ride the wooden roller coasters for a few months but I haven't let her ride yet.

So far this year we have gone one Saturday and two Sundays during Halloween Weekends. The Saturday was kind of cold and rainy and we felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. I love days like that! The Sundays were not too busy at all. We are going at least one day this weekend, possibly both days. If you go on a Sunday make sure you watch the time so you get to do everything you want to do. You should have plenty of time, but use your time wisely because the day flies by when they close at 5:00. They have a lot of fun stuff going on that can easily distract you from your plan. If you are planning on doing to corn maze they shut that area down at 4:30 on Sunday. This is kind of random, but I have noticed that Raging Rapids has been open. I think they normally close the Raging Rapids during Halloween Weekends, but so far it has been open. They might close it depending on weather. It was still open this past weekend. I just got an email a little while ago that had info about the Platinum Season Pass Bonus Hours. http://www.holidayworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-Platinum-Season-Pass-Bonus-Hours.pdf

Sorry to dredge up this old post, but I was wondering if anyone has heard about all the trouble the Indianapolis Zoo is having with their Skyline Ride. It is the same ride as described in the article in the first post, except it was not opened until 2014 and was made by Chance Rides. Since opening in 2014 the ride and has malfunctioned at least 3 times requiring people to be rescued from the ride and is currently shut down. The first time it broke down was in October 2014. They finally reopened it in June 2015, but not long after it reopened it broke down two more times and has been shut down ever since. I have just been kind of curious about what is wrong with the ride, but can't find much information about it.

I have stood in many ridiculously long lines over the years, but one of the worst was probably waiting just under 5 hours to ride Outer Limits Flight of Fear at Kings Island the first day it opened.

I am normally not a corn maze person (I like to look at the designs, but usually don't like to walk through them). I went through the corn mazes at Holiday World yesterday. The views of Thunderbird from the mazes are really cool. I am glad that I decided to go check them out (even though it started raining while I was in the maze). I totally recommend checking them out if you have time. Or at least ride the hay ride over to the mazes for the view of Thunderbird from the cornfield. I wish I had a chance to take more pictures. This is a quick picture I took right before the rain started. Luckily it didn't rain too bad. It was a very fun day and I can't wait to go back again next weekend!

Speaking of parking lots, I just thought about something. A few weeks ago I was buying my Platinum Season Pass online. I was trying to decide if I should pick the option to renew my pass or get a new one. I figured I would need a new one since the Platinum Pass is new, but since it was giving me the option to renew I read the information about renewing to help decide which option to pick. The info was outdated and was about renewing a 2014 pass for 2015, and it had a paragraph about adding parking fees to a season pass. I was a little worried for a minute, but thankfully there was no other mention of parking fees during checkout. I am thinking it was possibly generic info added by the company that designed the checkout system. But it made me wonder if they might charge for parking in the future. Or maybe have free parking with section of premium parking with a fee. I know they need to pave their lots and expand them and that is ridiculously expensive, but I really appreciate the free parking and hope it stays free. I would rather the ticket price go up than pay for parking. The free perks are a big part of Holiday World and I doubt they are going to change that.

Considering that Splashin' Safari is nowhere near the parking lot (plus Raven and Legend are in the way), I seriously doubt that will ever happen. Couldn't they have a second lot on that side of the park with an entrance there? Anyone could access it, but it would make a lot of sense for people just visiting Splashin Safari or those who don't want to drag their water park gear across the park later. If I went back to my car in the afternoon to get my bathing suit and towels I would definitely consider moving over to the other lot. Until Hyena Falls was added I think it would have been a lot harder to add a new lot for a Splashin' Safari only entrance because Lake Rudolph Campground would have been in the way. Splashin' Safari was bordered by the campground, The legend, The Voyage and a wooded area that wouldn't work for a parking lot. The Hyena Falls addition extended Splashin' Safari out past The Voyage and now it borders on an area that could be configured into a new parking lot and entrance more easily. It would be on the opposite side from the regular entrance. I really like the idea of a Splashin' Safari only entrance. I have been thinking maybe they would move the entrance in the future, but I hadn't thought about the idea of a second entrance.

Considering that Splashin' Safari is nowhere near the parking lot (plus Raven and Legend are in the way), I seriously doubt that will ever happen. If they had an Entrance near Hyena Falls They could turn the Employee Lot into a Splashin' Safari Lot and have an entrance there. And move the employee lot across the street. Or reconfigure the parking lots in another way.

I was looking at the GIS map a few days ago and I think some of their property is also under Santa's Land LLC. I keep imagining that eventually the employee lot and picnic grove being moved back to where the main lot is now and the current employee lot area will have rides and a new theater built there. And then the Legend lot would get expanded and a new entrance built. Those are just some of the random ideas I have imagined while thinking of possibilities for the future. I think I read somewhere that the company that bought Lake Rudolph campground also recently bought an additional 100 acres. They are a separate company from Holiday World, but if they bought another 100 acres then they are probably planning a huge expansion of overnight options near Holiday World.

I am sorry. That is very disappointing, especially since you traveled so far. I am glad you had a good time other than that. I think writing the Holiday World is a good idea. They are very good about listening to suggestions. They don't have to change their policy of closing lines to be able to shut down the rides at a certain time, but changes could be made to make sure the visitors have a better understanding. They do have a warning to not wait until the last minute, but maybe it could be a little more specific if closing lines up to an hour early is common. I know Holiday World goes above and beyond to make visitors happy and I know they wouldn't want people to leave upset over a misunderstanding about what time the lines close.

Splashin' Safari always closes at least an hour, sometimes 2 hours before the rest of the park. Over this past weekend Splashin' Safari closing time was 6 PM every day and the rest of the park closed at 7 PM. My favorite time to be at Holiday World is in the evening, so I am always sad at the beginning and end of the season when they have shortened hours. They do give a warning not to wait until the last minute to get in line, but I can still understand being disappointed if they closed everything down way early. I was there Sunday, but left about an hour and a half before the park closed so I didn't see things getting shut down early. I have never had trouble with them closing lines too early. Normally I try to go on the least busy days so I am not sure about the super busy days. Normally most lines are open until the last minute or just close 10 or 15 minutes early so that everyone already in line can ride and they can still shut down the ride as close to closing time as possible.