Holiday World acquires Santa's Cottages

How far are the two apart? I've never been so I decided to take a look:

Looks like its not super far, after all the Dreammore Resort at Dollywood is about the same distance away from the park, and they have a shuttle that runs to the park.

I wonder if Holiday World wants to try and become a small scale destination resort? This would be the best way to put your foot in the door, by buying something pre-existing allows for easier integration into the brand. I think this could be successful if they add a complimentary shuttle to Holiday World park from Santa's Cottages.

I wish they'd get the lodge across the street and do that place justice. Great location, meh rooms.

Good for them! I'd love to seem them somehow acquire Lake Rudolph. Apparently that place has really gone downhill.

I think some other part of the family already owns it.

I remember an interview Jeff et al did with Will Koch back in the day and he was very chilled about 'letting the market' sort out the accommodation near the park. I found that interesting because given their location, it seemed like a win for them to own some of the accommodation market that they were creating - even if partnering with someone to do so on their vast property.

The first time we went we stayed out near Jasper(?), it was the closest thing we could find - I think it's maybe got a lot better now.

Also in that interview, he said he thought the park could get to 2 million guests per year in a relatively short period of time, but I haven't seen anything that suggests that they are at that point yet since then - but they don't seem to shout about their double digit attendance growth like they used to.

Rick_UK:
I haven't seen anything that suggests that they are at that point yet since then

It's hard to tell from an attendance standpoint what parks are actually at during the new "summer season", as if you go back 20 years or so, the season really stopped right around Labor Day, with a few weekends after that versus the craziness of the Halloween Parks we now have. That being the case, I'm not sure any of the parks are at where they were when they peaked - except for maybe the Disney's and Universals of the world.

The other thing to look at. I know much of the upper midwest is suffering from the so called "demographic cliff" (i.e. fewer births 10-15 years ago than in the past). I don't know how this impacts Indiana, but I've got to imagine it somewhat impacts a park like Holidayworld.

If Holiday World needed a lodging destination...

I've stayed at Santa's Cottage before, and it's by far the best lodging in the area. Yes that's a low bar, but it's a legit nicely appointed property with countryside views and the cottages had a semi-premium feel to them. Our stay there was much more pleasant than the musty old lodge, the cheap feeling campground RV's and Cabins, or the long drive to Jasper for a below mid hotel.

It does seem consistently booked at a premium price point, so probably a solid profit generator. That said there might be 20 -25 units there, so it's not exactly going to bring in huge volume of visitors or cash (very "cottage industry" if you will). I suppose they could build it up and add more units or a hotel, but there is enough land near the park to do that. My guess it's just a solid investment that they can charge a further premium for using the Holiday World Name.

Vater:

If Holiday World needed a lodging destination...

...then they can camp at Knoebel's because it's on the way.

...

...

...or Maverick.