I had the chance to go to Holiday World for the first time. I got a two day flex pass for $75 which is a great deal considering parking and soft drinks are free. My first impressions of the park were good. It is very clean and very well themed compared to a standard theme/amusement park. However, I was immediately disappointed when a sign at the front gate said The Legend would be closed. After doing some further digging, I found out it had been closed since Sunday and will likely be closed until the end of the month. I'm not sure what happened but I was super disappointed since I may never get the chance to return to the park. I did not let the disappointment bring me down though as I have always been so excited to ride the The Voyage and the other coasters at the park. I was even excited to go to the waterpark and ride the water coasters. Let's get going with the ride reviews.

The Voyage (x15)

All I can say is WOW! This ride was astounding. POVs do not do this ride justice. The layout is pure perfection. In the back, you get floater the entire first drop and during the two following camelbacks. I rode all over the train but probably preferred the back. Later, the ride is low to the ground with strong pops of airtime and strong laterals. You hit the midcourse break run essentially on the ground. I'm thinking, how will we possibly pick up speed again. And then BAM. Triple down under the ground in darkness. The ride somehow used the topography to haul during the rest of the layout. The layout is a combination of of all my favorite elements. Strong floater like a B&M Hyper, rapid transitions/laterals like a GCI, pops of ejector like an RMC, and an extremely long layout. This is by far my favorite wooden coaster and probably in my overall top 3. Keep in mind, I have not ridded roller coasters like El Toro or Steel Vengeance.

My only knocks on the ride are the trains and various rough patches throughout the layout. Replacing the old PTC trains with Timberliners would potentially fix both issues.

Rating: Perfect 10/10

Thunderbird (x7)

The only other wing coaster I've ridden is Wild Eagle. This thing knocks Wild Eagle out of the water. Thunderbird has actual forces and intensity that other wing coasters lack. The launch is surprisingly forceful and the forces throughout the rest of the ride are relatively strong probably due to the shorter trains. The zero g roll and slow barrel roll at the end are probably my favorite elements other than the launch. My only knock on Thunderbird is the restraints. I abhor B&M vest restraints. They destroy my collar bones and suffocate me throughout the ride. They are horrendous and I wish B&M got rid of them completely. Otherwise, this is a perfect modern steel coaster for Holiday World with fantastic theming.

Rating: 9/10

Raven(x4)

Great little wooden coaster but is overshadowed by The Voyage. Still a great ride with surprising airtime and strong laterals. Parts of the ride had been retracked which made it more enjoyable. The back row is clearly the best. One drop towards the end especially surprised me with the strong airtime.

Rating: 9/10

Mammoth

Wow! I have a new favorite water ride. Water parks are not always my favorite due to lack of shade and overcrowding during the summer but this ride is fantastic. Super long and you get legit air on a water coaster. Insane! Plus this ride has a single rider line which turned a two hour wait into a 15 minute wait.

Rating: About as good a a water ride can be 10/10

Wildebeest

Another fantastic water coaster that also had a single rider line. Almost as good as Mammoth but I like Mammoth more.

Rating: 9/10

Cheetah Chase

This is Holiday World's newest and in my opinion worse water coaster. It is much shorter than the other two water coasters and lacks big drops or airime. The actual racing aspect is pretty lacking as well. Plus, I had to wait two hours to ride as there was no single rider line. The line is completely in the sun without shade. I saw two people pass out while waiting. Absolutely horrible compared to the two older but better water coasters.

Rating: 2/10

Final Thoughts

This is a great park with a fantastic lineup of Roller Coasters. The waterpark is also exceptional. The park is clean and the free amenities such as parking and drinks truly differentiate this park from any other. I also found the food to be really good with a lot of variety and well priced. Although this park is in the middle of nowhere, everyone should try to go as The Voyage is worth the price of admission alone. However, the park does lack strong flat rides. I hope one day I can return in the future so I can ride The Legend.