Associated parks:
None
Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN, Tuesday, June 25th, beautiful skies, hot & muggy.
The Park: Since Charles Nungester is in dire need of knowing if we hit this little treasure ''since we were only 75 minutes away'', let's talk holidays. If you haven't been, don't hesitate, don't worry about funds, just make the trip to Santa Claus and you will find the most incredible little park in the States. All parts of the park are well themed according to holidays. Example, the Scrambler is called the Scarecrow Scrambler because it's in Halloween, dressed in orange, white and black. From Christmas to 4th of July to Splashin' Safari, this place never ceases to amaze. Friendly, courteous, clean to add a few more adjectives, I cannot wait to return. The family atmosphere is unbeatable and becomes more evident when you are in the water park section, where you find attractions for all ages. The other amazing site was the packed parking area on arrival, we had to take the tram since we were around the other side of the lake.
Flat rides: Good variety within the small park tucked into many unique places.
Coasters: Raven: Let's just start with this.....if you ride the back seat, you will find yourself ejected constantly, but on the 5th hill is where I lost total control. I found myself standing from top to bottom, then feeling lost in the trees, twisting, turning, laughing, yelling......WOW! Short, but who cares, it's one of the best. Legend: or should we call it Beast-West. Our first ride in the back seat delivered one of the most uncontrolable rides I have ever taken. I had no idea where we were going throughout the course. The tunnels are perfectly placed and the terrain aids the speed packed ride. Please, tell me that the Koch's will build another within the next 4 years!!! And I made another decision, SRM 2003 will be visited. Zoombabwe: Just wear your suit and do it! It's great and well worth the walk from the two wooden giants at the front of the park.
Overall: Ok, when we were sitting having lunch ($7 for Chicken Tenders, fries and a lemonade, which I paid $12 at other parks), one of the security managers sat and ate with us giving us an inside view of the park. We gave him the sob story of SFKK, where he proffessionally shrugged and said, thanks for yet another horror story of their #1 competition. Heck, HW has NO competition, this place is where it's at in family entertainment. Also, when Mrs. Koch is standing at the front gate shaking your hand and saying, "thanks for coming, come back and see us," you realize the difference between family and corporate. Better yet, I know where to spend my money.
Needs: Hey, just keep building every 4-5 years, I don't care what it is, I'm coming back. And they don't even have to build, but you know they will.
Surprises: Mrs. Koch at the front gate and the genuine friendliness of the entire staff.
***Disclaimer*** 1) Every park is not the same. 2) 40 coasters in 4 days is worth every penny. 3) Thanks, Todd. I try very hard on my trip reports.
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There's nothing like a woodie...
Great TR Woody. The Raven from hill 5 to the brakes is, to many people, roller coaster perfection. You've got to come down to SRM and ride it at night!
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Without the chaindog, you'd never get up the lifthill...
WOO HOO, woo hoo!
You made it. Our first visit was july 4th 2000 and Mrs. Koch was manning the controls of legend. I came back into the station laughing so hard I was crying and she came to me and asked if I was OK! Sorry that ride is totally capable of being too much fun and I thought that was a very nice touch. She is always around the park, She even was there while she was fighting cancer when she felt up to it.
Thats the one thing at this park that never changes and I hope never will. It's clean, It has great coasters and is pretty and laid back but really, There are other parks that have that. Not many have the owners and mechanics and security personally meeting people and making sure they are having a good time. Believe me, If there was something wrong, They would fix it in a heartbeat! Maybe thats why so many find nothing wrong with HW.
Glad you could go. SRM is well a deep dark secret and must be experienced to believe.
Chuck
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Charles Nungester
Lesourdsville Lake, The great American amusement park opens the season June 6th Thurs-Sun every week. Park phone is (513)539-2193
KennywoodPhanatic said:
Im new. What exactly is SRM?
It's a yearly event at the park called Stark Raven Mad. Do a search; you'll find a plethora of topics.
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Without the chaindog, you'd never get up the lifthill...
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There's nothing like a woodie...
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