So, What's New? - Holiday World 2009

[James]

With the economy being in such a terrible state, and many folks just not wanting to leave home as much anymore, big vacation destinations like Disney are becoming a bit less popular for families. We will be writing a bi-weekly column on the regional U.S. parks that are adding major new attractions - one park at a time - highlighting whats new, what to check out, and what to keep your eyes open for this year at each specific park. It will also include some basic information about each park so that you can find it and get in contact with the parks for more information. We're going to kick off this series with something fun to talk about - Holiday World.

Holiday World and Splashin' Safari
452 East Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, Ind. 47579
http://www.holidayworld.com/index.html
(1-877-463-2645) or (812) 937-4401

Pilgrims Plunge - New for 2009!
Pilgrim's Plunge is going to be the world's tallest water ride at a staggering 165 feet tall, this ride will take you up 135 feet and drop you 131 of those. Just to increase the thrill you won't be using a standard chain lift, instead the folks at Intamin and Holiday World went with an open air elevator system to take boats to the top of the tower. The ride also features dual entry from both Holiday World and Splashin' Safari, so you'll be able to get wet no matter which park you're in! For more information on Pilgrims Plunge please visit Holiday World's website here.

What else is goin' on?
Not much from what we can see. Obviously Pilgrims Plunge will have a brand new portion of the park opened up near the Thanksgiving section, so be sure to check that area out for improvements and other additions. We got a chance to ask Paula Werne from Holiday World a few questions, take a look at our interview:

Block Brake: Pilgrims Plunge is the new attraction for Holiday World this year, and it is going to be the world's tallest water ride. How do you guys feel
about the rides integration with your current rides?

Paula Werne: We’re really excited about the addition of Pilgrims Plunge to our ride line-up. The opportunity to build the “world’s largest” was irresistible. And a shoot-the-chute ride is a family favorite.

BB: Do you expect Pilgrim's Plunge to be a big attraction and pull in a large amount of guests?

PW: Do you really need to ask? Yes!

BB: Pilgrims Plunge is located in the Thanksgiving section of the park, its been stated that it will have dual entry from both Holiday World and
Splashin' Safari. Where will riders board in both parts of the park?

PW: Splashin' Safari guests will walk over from the Kima Bay area (under The Voyage’s lift) and from Thanksgiving, it’s just past Voyage.

BB: Other parks have donated the first rides to charity, having all bidders get their first ride and all proceeds going to charities, will Holiday World do something similar with Pilgrims Plunge?

PW: Yes, it’s underway: http://tinyurl.com/131feet. Please bid!

BB: Onto some general park questions, with all these awesome wooden coasters around do you think we'll see some steel track in the future for Holiday World?

PW: Anything’s possible. (Aw, come on – you think I’m that easy to crack?! )

BB: We saw that the HoliWatch program fell through this year, do you think we'll see it happen at a future date?

PW: The economy sunk our supplier, so we don’t have what we need to launch the program in 2009. We hope to give it another try for next year, but a lot of the variables aren’t under our control.

BB: With the economy in its current state, how do you feel Holiday World will fare this year in terms of attendance?

PW: With the World’s Tallest Water Ride and the economy-minded programs such as our Feeding Families Food Drive, free unlimited soft drinks, free sunscreen and free parking, we believe we’ll have a good season.

BB: Holiday World has been contributing a lot to the community and charities recently with your food drive. Is this expected to continue during the season at some point or will we see more ways to donate through Holiday World in the future?

PW: We’ve help fundraisers and supported charities and non-profits for years and years. No reason to stop! The Feeding Families Food Drive is for May and June. We also have a season-long Heroes Discount for military, police, fire and EMS plus a huge JDRF fundraiser and a special day for children with disabilities.

BB: Holiday World recently received the SHARP award for safety and health - an accomplishment that only you guys have gotten so far. Do you feel that you are setting a new standard for safety and health regulations? Do you think other parks will step up to the plate and achieve this award for themselves?

PW: We’d certainly encourage other parks to apply for the program. It takes a lot of work and tons of training, but it’s a really good feeling to accomplish SHARP status.

BB: We'd like to ask one last question (we asked our staff this too), what is your favorite part about Holiday World? I'm personally a fan of the coasters - particularly The Voyage - is there any attraction in the park that holds a special place in your heart?

PW: I love the people. If it weren’t for Will, his mom, his dad (now deceased) and all of our wonderful staff members, we’d just be another park.

Holiday World is taking a step into the forefront of enthusiasts minds once more, first with their three world class wooden coasters, now with Pilgrims Plunge. Be sure to take a stroll down to Indiana this year, between the stellar attraction line up, great customer service, and fabulous atmosphere Holiday World is not a park to skip. You can be sure that I'll be visiting!

We'd also like to take a moment to thank Holiday World and Paula for answering our questions and responding so quickly! Many thanks Paula, as I've said before we really appreciate it!