The world's tallest water ride will headline the expansion projects planned for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari's 2009 season.
Pilgrims Plunge, a classic "shoot the chute" ride, will utilize an open elevator to swiftly lift boats filled with riders 135 feet in the air. The boats will pause briefly and then rapidly descend a record 131 feet at a 45-degree angle, creating a wall of water splashing 45 feet high and 90 feet wide.
"We've dreamed about adding a shoot-the-chute ride for years," says Will Koch, the president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. "When we saw the opportunity to break the world's record and to use an open-air elevator in the design, we couldn't resist! This is a high-capacity, classic family ride with a modern twist." Pilgrims Plunge's maximum speed will top 50 miles per hour.
In addition, Koch announced the
HoliWatch program, a wristband-style radio frequency identification service that will be offered free to park guests in 2009. The water-proof devices will serve as locators for families or groups who become separated during their visit.
"When parents can't find their small child, even for a few minutes, it's enough to ruin their day," says Koch. "The HoliWatch system will provide them with the most recent location of each member of their party." In addition, the HoliWatch system will include a messaging system as well as park information at the ten HoliWatch InfoCenters located throughout the parks.
Today's announcement marks the second largest expansion project in the park's 63-year history. Koch says the price tag for Pilgrims Plunge is more than half of the $8.4 million being invested in his family's parks for 2009. Other additions include more shade structures in Splashin' Safari plus improvements to the Legend Parking Lot, including an access road and traffic signal at the junction of State Roads 162 and 245 to the east of the park.
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari are open for the Labor Day Weekend and again September 13 and 14. Holiday World—only will then be open weekends through October 12. For more information, visit the parks' website at HolidayWorld.com or call 1-877-463-2645.
See also:
‘USA Today’ names Holiday World a ‘Cheap Trick’
Holiday World to “Twitter” this Season
and Holiday World's president,
Will Koch, blogs on Bemusement
Contact: Paula Werne, 812-937-5209;
fun@holidayworld.com