Lookin' good. Won't make it down for several weeks, but after months of numerous people recommending it, I did make a recent trip to Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN. I'm sure a few folks here have been there as well. It's billed as a favorite park for cleanliness and kid-friendly attractions. Oh, and it just so happens to have a few nice coasters as well. Thought I would share my first impressions. Why here? Because the overriding thought my wife and I talked about repeatedly was this place doesn't hold a candle to SDC – on any level. Not food, shows, shopping, rides, etc. Maybe it's not even fair to compare the two, but I couldn't help myself given both parks are billed as being so family and kid friendly. Keep in mind that regular admission to SDC is about $15 above that of a Holiday World ticket.
HW Pros
1) Yes, it was clean.
2) Unlimited soft drinks with admission was a nice bonus.
3) Yes, there were plenty of rides for the little ones (we had 11 kids ages 5 and under in our group).
HW Cons
1) Theming throughout is subpar at best. They break the park into "Holiday" areas (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, 4th of July, etc.) with respective rides for each.
2) Most of the rides suited for kids under 42" (and there are several) are generic to the point of being worthy of the variety you would find at your local carnival or state fair.
3) Attention to detail is absent, right down to the ride attendants using unpainted white PVC pipe to check riders for height before boarding. I mean come on.
4) Many of the ride layouts lack any character whatsoever. Their flume is about 100yds. of a mildly winding concrete trough to a hill/drop. Their rapids ride is insanely short with very little intensity. Their indoor shooting ride has very few targets with nothing more than florescent painted sets under black lights throughout.
5) They need more family rides.
Lastly, another reason I felt compelled to share my thoughts relates to Outlaw Run. Holiday World's top coaster is the Voyage. A wooden (with metal supports) coaster that tops many lists as the best wooden coaster in the world. After riding it for the first time ever, I couldn't help but think of Outlaw Run. For the most part, just hoping it is far more smooth. I absolutely love coasters, but the Voyage was the first coaster I've ever ridden where I was legitimately looking forward to the ride ending. Most wooden coasters create that exhilarating sensation of the ride coming apart as you race through its circuit. This one made me feel like it was tearing me apart. I cannot describe how intensely rough the ride is. I generally enjoy the character and rickety feel of a wood coaster, but The Voyage was simply too much for me, which is a shame because the layout is an absolute gem. I don't know what to expect with the topper track system on Outlaw Run, but I sincerely hope it offers a ride closer to the feel of steel versus that of a traditional woody. Much like the Voyage, given the intensity of the circuit, I think a rough ride would mask the genius of the layout.
Moral of this entire story – we're spoiled. SDC is a true diamond in the rough with yet another new, brilliant facet that's sure to make it shine even more. Look forward to being back in The City soon.
P.S. Apologies if it's already been discussed, but beyond the ongoing debate about SDC vs. DW, anyone else agree the Golden Ticket Awards seem to be losing credibility? Last year, Holiday World hosted the awards where Dollywood took home honors for Best Shows and Best Christmas Event. Dollywood hosted this year's awards a few weeks ago and they took home Golden Tickets for Friendliest Park, Best Food, Best Shows, Best New Ride for 2012 (Wild Eagle) and Best Christmas Event. Certainly seems to be a little bias toward the host park, but I digress.
