Holiday World announces Thunderbird, a launched B&M wing roller coaster

I feel like Crow's Nest has a good ring to it.

I really like it's new location too. It's going to look smaller there, which is a good thing because a lot of people passed on it before because it was "too high" for them.

Tommytheduck said:

Says the guy who wanted to drive to Florida in 2001, despite a free plane ticket.

(Or was it the thought of wearing a collared shirt? haha)

Hey, that was my first time flying as an adult. The last time I'd flown before that, I was 2. It was a rational fear.

Also, Florida isn't 25 hours.

a_hoffman50 said:
I really like it's new location too. It's going to look smaller there, which is a good thing because a lot of people passed on it before because it was "too high" for them.

A lot of people have passed on me for the same reason...

Anyway, Andy, you were right and I was wrong. It NEVER occured to me that Sparkler, one of the park's newest installations, would be the one to move. But now, after some thought, I reckon the view from Sparkler probably wasn't the best. I didn't ride it when I visited in the fall, but I saw that right over the fence was nothing but some of Holiday World's best backstage areas. And who wants to fly over that?
If it had been me, I would have gone with a larger, more permanent version of a swing flyer. I know the park leans toward family-friendly attractions, and that's fine, but Sparkler looked so puny to me. I've ridden the same model at the state fair and the I-X indoor park, which is one of the reasons I didn't bother when I was there.

But no matter. I agree the move is good, and if the ride didn't have a good name before, it's got one now.

The relocation and rename/re-theme is a big hit with me. "Crow's Nest" looking down (and up) at Voyage and Thunderbird....really nice!

Does that count as something Bryan has to change his avatar for?

I have never been to Holiday World and I'm seriously considering a trip next summer. I know that they have some good rides as well as coasters. I have a son who is 5 and he is about 44". I know that he is not tall enough for some of the coasters, but possibly could be by summer. I also understand that they have a nice collection of family rides. Is HW something that could entertain the two of us for a whole day? Thanks

Yes.

As they say at Holiday World, oh HECK yes.

Thank you. In regards to taking my 5 year old to a major amusement park. I've been going to Kings Island for years and I know that they have a great section just for the kids. In your opinion, would something like HW be a better choice than KI for first major park experience?

If you and your son are big fans of water parks, I'd say Holiday World would be the choice. A nice package of rides + a great water park would make for a full day of fun.

However, Holiday World starts with Christmas and goes downhill from there. Literally. It's on a hill, and Thanksgiving, home to the Voyage and Thunderbird, is at the bottom of the hill. It can be a long walk up the hill as the day goes on.

If stamina may be an issue, Kings Island might be the better option. Both parks involve a lot of walking, but KI is (more or less) flat.

I do have a bad back, so I appreciate that advice.

He has never been to a water park, so that is something I would like to do with him as well. He loves swimming and I think he will enjoy a water park.

I've often wished they would add some type of ride -- a train, a chair lift, something -- to move guests up and down the hill.

Sky ride! Actually, that would be a completely awesome addition to the park. It's still one of my favorite things at Cedar Point and the Busch Gardens parks.

Just think... When Thunderbird is in the middle of the park you'll get to go back up a hill. Then back down. Then back up...

B'ster B- I say do it. I can't think of a better place for a 5 year old than Holiday World, really. It's a great family friendly environment, and there's plenty of pint-sized fun, including a scaled down roller coaster that mom and dad can ride too. Middle of the road rides include antique cars, dodgem, Turkey Whirl, Gobbler's Getaway (a shoot em up dark ride), and decent log and raft rides. I hope you'll also be able to enjoy the adult coasters as well. The three wooden rides are awesome and we all have high hopes for Thunderbird.
The water park has, what, 2 lazy rivers? A splash playground or two and slides from mild to wild. It's really top notch and there's enough to wear everyone out.

But don't take our word for it, their website is great and easy to navigate. Check it out.

B'ster B said:

He has never been to a water park, so that is something I would like to do with him as well. He loves swimming and I think he will enjoy a water park.

There is no better water park for a first time experience than Splashin' Safari. Luckily, it's relatively flat once you get in there, but the stairs can be worse than the hills in the park. I've always been a fan of having a little bit of a crowd at water parks, just so I can wait on the stairs for a bit on some of those taller slides.

As far as the hills in the park, you'll be fine so long as you take your time. You can start at the top and work your way down, of vice versa. It's totally worth a visit. Holiday World is amazing, and Holidog is right up there with Kozmo at the cutest park mascot ever.

Thanks. I did check out their website. It looks like a really cool place to go. A little bit longer of a car trip for us since we are in WV, but I think it may be worth it.

Edit**I just mapped it out and it's not even as far as Cedar Point for me.

B'ster B: Considering the drive time, I would plan on 1.5 days. HW offers a discount ticket for late entry after 3 pm CDT. We always go for 2 days in July/August. I like to account for weather since we spend the majority of our time in the water park. Splashin' Safari is the best water park I have ever experienced. My son absolutely loves the interactive play areas. The lazy river and play areas are much better than the ones at KI. The only reason I would consider choosing KI over HW is the transition coasters. If your son reaches 48" by the time you make the trip, he will be able to ride the majority of the roller coasters at any park, including the woody's at HW, all of which are intense and therefor, not the best choices for a 5 year old just cutting his "coaster" teeth. Raven not so much, Legend has strong lateral forces and Voyage is just an insane kind of intense. I prefer to ease kids into the roller coaster experience.

Raven-Phile said:
Holidog is right up there with Kozmo at the cutest park mascot ever.

Yeah, but is Holidog NOT your friend?

~Rob

Blackie said:

Raven not so much, Legend has strong lateral forces and Voyage is just an insane kind of intense. I prefer to ease kids into the roller coaster experience.

That's how to do it. Raven first, then Legend, then Voyage. Mid-level, Extreme, Mega-extreme.

Of course, I feel that Raven is the best of the 3, but that's just me. (seriously, I feel like it's just me who feels this way anymore.)