Holiday World (HW) Discussion Thread

[bert425]

I'm so excited!   I'll be attending my very first Holliwood Nights this year (and my first proper trip to the park, since the only time prior I've gotten to go, the day got rained out and only got on two coasters and two flats).

it had sold out in ~30 seconds, but was able to score a pair of tickets at a charity auction raising $$ for the National Roller Coaster Museum.

looking forwards to it!

 

edit:  and since it was a pair of tix, I immediately invited Teacher Kim to come with.    we're gonna have a blast, and I'll (of course) have a trip report up after.

[prozach626]

16 hours ago, bert425 said:

it had sold out in ~30 seconds

Holy crap!

So do you basically sit there and keep hitting the refresh button for a few minutes until you see an option displayed to purchase the tickets?

[tndank]

9 hours ago, prozach626 said:

Holy crap!

So do you basically sit there and keep hitting the refresh button for a few minutes until you see an option displayed to purchase the tickets?

They went on sale at 10am central.  If you refreshed and submitted in the first 10-20 seconds, you got a code.  Otherwise, you were informed it was sold out.  

Not sure there's any real solution to the demand.  They already have it priced at $150.  If they did a second weekend, I really don't think it would be any better.  They've done waiting rooms and a lottery previously.  Now it's just quickest and luckiest to get in, autocomplete the form, and submit.  Plus, you didn't even have to buy them at this time, this year. You got a month or two (?) to actually log in and buy them. So anyone even thinking about it could have participated without risking any $$.

[bert425]

^ apparently it's super limited.

I asked the Park Rep that was present at the auction what capacity is for the event, and was pretty surprised by the number (it's way less than you think - but not posting as not sure it's supposed to be shared).   

so I dunno how there's any way to do it without upsetting folks who don't get to purchase tix.    It seems to me they are taking "exclusive" event at it's working, and meaning it.

[teacherkim]

Thank you Bert for the invite!! This will be the first time I have gone to a theme park since my son was born without him, lol. However, he's an adult now and will have to deal with it. We were with Bert the only other time he was at the park and not only did we get rained out, we also went on a day open to school groups and had to deal with about a million middle and high schoolers that vastly outnumbered the adults in the park. Nobody wants that. Good reminder why I retired from my middle school teaching job as soon as I was eligible and now just work a couple days a week with elementary kids. 

[JT325]

Would preventing one years' HWN attendees from going to the next year help?  It would be more fair that way. 

I started going to SRM (Stark Raven Mad, which was eventually renamed Holiwood Nights) in 1995, went most years until 2021.  Haven't been in 3 years and it's tough to see people bragging "yes!  Got my tickets - 7 years in a row!"  I mean, I'm happy for them...

Despite my disappointment about not getting tickets - yet again - I'm glad they are limiting the event.  It was getting overcrowded.  I would think 2 weekends would at least appease more people, not that any park needs to appease anyone.  I'm also happy they jacked up the price, they were giving away so much.  Nobody has ever treated coaster fans better than Holiday World.  (Parks used to treat coaster people like royalty in the old days - 80s... but the privilege was abused, lots of inappropriate behavior and drugs <including alcohol> ruined that.)

[teacherkim]

18 hours ago, JT325 said:

Would preventing one years' HWN attendees from going to the next year help?  It would be more fair that way. 

I started going to SRM (Stark Raven Mad, which was eventually renamed Holiwood Nights) in 1995, went most years until 2021.  Haven't been in 3 years and it's tough to see people bragging "yes!  Got my tickets - 7 years in a row!"  I mean, I'm happy for them...

Despite my disappointment about not getting tickets - yet again - I'm glad they are limiting the event.  It was getting overcrowded.  I would think 2 weekends would at least appease more people, not that any park needs to appease anyone.  I'm also happy they jacked up the price, they were giving away so much.  Nobody has ever treated coaster fans better than Holiday World.  (Parks used to treat coaster people like royalty in the old days - 80s... but the privilege was abused, lots of inappropriate behavior and drugs <including alcohol> ruined that.)

I personally wouldn't have any problem with that, although I'm not sure how big a logistical pain in the ass it would be for the park. Price increases are definitely a way to cull the herd a bit and the park can legit say it is due to demand and no one would be able to argue with that.

I do agree that privileges have been abused or perhaps in my view very very unappreciated. I have seen entitled behavior amongst some coaster enthusiasts increase (of course I guess you could say the same in general across all walks of life) but not necessarily more people feeling entitled but rather those that veer that way getting louder and more insistent. As we were leaving an event very late one night I was thanking all the employees on the way out for staying so late for us to have fun, which I could tell they appreciated, and another attendee kind of mocked me and said "you know they get paid right?".........ummmm, ok, doesn't mean you can't exhibit some gratitude. Geeez.

[jedimaster1227]

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari has announced that it has acquired Santa's Cottages, a resort property minutes away from the park, making this the first business acquisition in their history and their first foray into the lodging business

https://holidayworld.com/news/holiday-world-splashin-safari-acquires-santas-cottages-resort/

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, America’s First Theme Park, today announced its acquisition of Santa’s Cottages, a beloved lodging destination in Santa Claus, Indiana. Santa’s Cottages is a 23-acre lakeside resort, complete with walking trails, lakes, playgrounds, and a pool.

This marks the first business acquisition in Holiday World’s 79-year history. 

“We’re so excited to officially be in the lodging business and this is only the beginning,” says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Fourth-Generation Owner & Director of Communications at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. “Holiday World has always been a destination for families from all across the Midwest, but it amazes us how many families come from nearby cities, such as St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Nashville and make it a single-day trip. As we grow into lodging, we hope more families will choose our parks as a multi-day destination.”

Minutes from Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa’s Cottages offers a peaceful, nature-filled stay with various types of cottage, including fully furnished units with kitchens, fire pits, and spacious outdoor gathering areas. The property includes multiple lakes available for catch-and-release fishing and fish feeding, playgrounds, hammocks, a basketball court, and a pool with a splash pad. 

“Santa’s Cottages is a business our family has always admired,” adds Lauren Crosby, Fourth-Generation Owner & Director of Entertainment & Events at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. “Pat and Brenda Arnold built a beautiful resort, a few cabins at a time, after their successful real estate careers. Much like my Great-Grandfather, Louis J. Koch, who started Santa Claus Land in 1946 after retiring from his family’s tin business, the Arnolds had an indisputable entrepreneurial spirit. We’re honored to carry on that tradition.”

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari recently announced that 2025 will be their longest season in recent history. Holiday World opens for select Season Passholders during the weekend of May 3, and opens to the public on May 10. Splashin’ Safari opens May 17, and both parks are open daily beginning May 23. Fan-favorite events, such as Holidays in the Sky, Friday Night Live! And Happy Halloween Weekends are all returning for the 2025 season as well. 

Guests should check the Santa’s Cottages website and social media channels for operational updates and special off-season deals as the season gets closer. 

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have begun hiring for the 2025 Season. Applications are now open, for more information about seasonal and full-time job opportunities, visit HolidayWorld.com/Jobs Please fill out the form here or call 812-937-5252 with employment questions.

[prozach626]

I hope this makes HW thrive even more. I wish they had some concept artwork. The only thing I wish it included is a fitness center.

 

[michaellynn4]

I think that’s against the law in rural Indiana.

[prozach626]

I love it when we stay in the Midwest for vacations or short trips, because you get the fitness centers and running trails all to yourself.