Holiday World attendance up 8%

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Despite an allegedly slow economy, family-owned Holiday World experiences gains in attendance 8% over last year.

"A lot of the credit goes to the incredible service and hospitality provided day-in and day-out by our outstanding hosts and hostesses," says Will Koch, president of the park. "It really doesn't matter how great your rides are if the employees are rude and the bathrooms are filthy. We are very grateful to our hard-working staff."

In July, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari were awarded three coveted "Golden Ticket Awards" from Amusement Today magazine. The publication's readers, who are well-traveled park enthusiasts from around the world, voted the southern Indiana parks the world's #1 Friendliest and #1 Cleanest again this year. In the roller coaster category, Holiday World's The Raven was again voted the world's #1 Wooden Coaster and The Legend rose to the #5 Wooden Coaster. In addition, Splashin' Safari was voted the World's #3 Water Park.

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Holiday World

I was going to go there this year, but decided not to because of the lack of the amount of rides that they have, I mean the two woodies I would think would be great to ride! But, maybe not worth the Trip, Because I Live in Cleveland, Ohio. Maybe this will Change Next Year with the New Slide they Are Getting, and I just want to Ride the #1 Wooden Coaster in the World, But, that Also Might Change, because Cedar Point, Is Almost Definately going to get a Wooden Coaster, Hopefully Made By CCI, And the way CP is with their Coaster Stats, I wouldn;t Be Suprised to see it go to #1! Go Cedar Point! (Holiday World too... lol) =o) - Steve
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XFlighter:

Holiday World is more than worth the trip from Cleveland. It has 2 of the best woodies in the world, one of the better log flumes (A fact seldom mentioned), a fine water park, and some of the best park food in the country. (Try the fries at the stand down by the water park.) Combine all of these with great cleanliness, friendly people, and free drinks, and you have a winning combiantion.

As an added bonus, if you go on a weekday, the coasters are usually walk ons or nearly so.

Still, I'm impressed by an 8% increase in attendance in a year when there were no major new attractions.

I live in Cleveland. Not only was it worth the trip this year, but I'll be certain to do it again. These aren't just "two woodies" at the park. These are two of the best anywhere. Stunning examples of what wood coasters can be.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com
"From the global village... in the age of communication!"
Watch the grass grow!

I completely agree with Jeff. I live in Cincinnati and gladly make the 2 1/2+ hour drive 3 or 4 times a year. A night ride on The Raven, my #2 coaster all time, is always worth the trip!

Holiday World is definitely worth the trip irregardless of the distance. Growing up near there, I remember when it was Santa Claus Land and not that big of a deal but with the addition of the coasters and the park's excellent staff, you feel completely relaxed and "at-home in your own backyard" while there. I can not wait for 2002 and ZOOMbabwe!

I missed out on Holiday World these past two years that I tried to get a trip there... I live farther away then Cleveland and it IS DEFENITLY worth the trip. From what I've heard it is great, and Legend is my NUMBER ONE WOODEN COASTER that i wnat to ride.... followed by RAVEN in the top five WISH list!

I can't wait to go to SRM next year!

I'll be there w/ Raven-Phile! can't wait!!!!

man i hate November-March..... need to go down south!

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You ever posted on CoasterBuzz..... on druuuuugs!

This is a classic business example of why it is better to have a small but loyal patron base than a large whimsical one. Since Holiday World takes such good care of their guests, people want to come back often, even after the novelty wears off. While it costs more when you cater to your guests and you lose some revenue (ie- the Pepsi huts), a business that takes such actions is likely to grow steadily over the long run and withstand economic slowdowns with less trouble.

Six Flags, Worlds of Fun management, are you listening?

I guess it doesn't hurt that the Raven and the Legend are just the bomb as well. :)

I rode in a car with my parents for 7 hours one way just for a day at Holiday World. As large as a sacrifice that is... Holiday World was unbelievably worth it. I'd much rather drive the 7 hrs... then drive 4 to cedar point... wait another hour in traffic... wait 2 hours for each ride, and step in people's junk every other step.
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http://troysrct.tycoonplanet.com/ *** This post was edited by SFGAManiac on 10/9/2001. ***

Will Koch said it best.

"It really doesn't matter how great your rides are if the employees are rude and the bathrooms are filthy. We are very grateful to our hard-working staff."

I couldnt agree more. While I am grateful to have a Six Flags that pretty much has friendly employees and clean restrooms, I just absolutely love the atmosphere of the smaller parks. They dont even need "1 COASTER". If the park is clean, the employees are friendly, and the whole park experience is top notch, then you will have a good time.

However, it seems that Holiday World takes it a step further with all the above statements and also boasts 2 great woodies. That my friends is the recipe for success.

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"The Peoples Elbow" or "The Spinaroonie?. Cant decide which is the most electrifying move in sports entertainment!!! LOL

And let's not forget about the fudge!

Criss

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CCMR Buff and Historian

Last year for the first time, everytime I have been taking my annual trip out to Cedar Point for one week each month starting in May through August this year I decided to make my first stop out to Holiday World I was not dissapointed with the park but very pleased. They do have the two best CCI wooden coasters The Legend and The Raven as Jeff pointed out. I will be back early in 2001 to try there new attraction.

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