Holiday World 2023 Tour Guide: Everything you need to know, before you go! (Santa Claus, Indiana)

[@kruallen9445]

Roger, I have worked at Holiday World for 9 seasons now and have love every minute of it. Thank you for making a video of the Park…I’ve been holding out for that since you uploaded your video over the town of Santa Claus. As always, your content is top-tier!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thank-you, Kru! I’d put it off for 5 years, never getting “the perfect day” to do a walkthrough. I have both wonderful and bittersweet memories here, and wanted to make a lasting snapshot, catching the feel of what it’s like. I simply got the right sun and skies I was looking for, couldn’t have asked for better.

[@geraldmckillip5594]

The best Amusement Park in Indiana , "GREAT VIDEO" ......

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thank-you, Gerald!

[@angieburnett4341]

For anyone who hasn't been there, it's a must!! I've been to several parks but this one is hands down the best. It's the cleanest, friendliest, best around. I've been going since I was a kid, and have wonderful memories with my parents/friends growing up, and now with my own children. Thanks Roger, great video!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure, Angie! I remember going when they had baby deer! Such wonderful memories. 🙂

[@DryWall-wd4ei]

I won't go to "cashless" places. Why do they do that?

[@richardruddick8170]

Same here since childhood and I can't wait to visit this year love Holiday World I'm a first time season pass holder I live just 2 hours away up in Jackson County, Indiana but this place is worth the drive

[@teresak1177]

Love HW/SS!! I used to think Walt copied from Mr. Koch. I still think he did but that’s our secret. 😂

[@AdventureswithRoger]

For a fact, Disneyland opened in 1955, Santa Claus Land opened in 1946. That would’ve been sooner, if World War II hadn’t slowed it down.

[@RetiredLovingIt]

We just spent the day there yesterday. It was super crowded! Best park in the country! So much history there. I remember when it was Santa Claus Land. We drove y it when we went to Lincoln Park.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I remember when my parents took us, and they had baby deer! Somewhere, my brother has the pictures! 🙂

[@mrs_vanessa_dominguez]

We are planning our first trip to Holiday World soon as we have never been there before. My kids and I really enjoyed watching your video, and I enjoyed your hilarious commentary.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Glad to help! I love the relaxed pace of Holiday World. I went to the Magic Kingdom in January, and it was overwhelming how busy it was: You couldn’t move 3 feet without bumping into someone. It never feels like that at Holiday World. Plus, there is no parking or Genie plus fees! Not to mention, soft drinks are free all day!

[@jamesbreeden9016]

I truly enjoy your adventures, Roger. Much love and blessings to you and your family.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thank-you, James! To you and yours as well!

[@carolcotton693]

Thank you for the tour of Santa Claus Land turned Holiday World. I grew up enjoying going to Santa Claus many times but after leaving southern Indiana haven't had the pleasure of visiting Holiday World. I must say it seems to beat both Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. Both Knotts and Santa Claus lay claim to the first theme park.

[@jeffweber8244]

Great video. Lots of good memories from Santa Claus Land. I used to love those handmade wooden models on display that you pressed a button to make them move. It's been well over 30 yrs since I've been. Long overdue for a visit.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I hadn’t been for at least 15 years, so much had changed! It was a walk down memory lane, and I walked and looked more than I rode anything. 🙂

[@peregrinolincoln]

Our church youth group from Mississippi went to a week long liturgy camp at St Meinrad nearby. They spent the day at Holiday World and had a great time. Thank you for this great video - great depiction of this park. Our youth group hopes to go back next summer and they definitely want to go to Holiday world again.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Just a really great area! St Joseph’s Holy Family at Gods Country is another great stop.

[@edwardh1591]

Another great video. It’s been 10 years since I was there.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thanks, Edward! Think it was at least 15 for me!

[@gammaof3]

We love holiday world.❤

[@sandyhaworth4181]

WOW! This brought back LOTS of memories! My Grandpa and Grandma Crane would take all of the grandkids there every year. When my boys were little, I took them. I guess the last time I was there was in 2002 when my boys were teenagers. A lot has changed since I was there. I would love to take my grandkids! Thank you for all your wonderful videos!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure of course! I hadn’t been there for at least 15 years, when I visited in early June. So much has changed, it was practically a different park!

[@barryallenflash1]

Thanks for making this Roger! Born and raised in IN, but never knew this existed. I live in Spanaway, Wa served 10 of my 14 years in the Army at Ft. Lewis so I just stayed here. My wife and I went back to visit family in 2007 and that's when my Aunt and Uncle told us about Santa Claus town AND Holiday World. It was around Christmas time so Holiday World was closed, but we had a GREAT time in Santa Claus town. Maybe one day we'll go back in the summer and visit Holiday World.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Super clean park and nice people! I know you’ll enjoy it! 🙂

[@KentuckyGirl]

Roger, you are a great storyteller. 🏆🥇

[@AdventureswithRoger]

“If my English Teacher could see me now!” 😄 I always enjoyed creative writing. Someday, I might even make a fictionalized movie, that uses Indiana locations.

[@hshalom9113]

I went there in the 1960s when it was Santa Claus Land.. Fast foward: took my fam & friends every yr in the 1990s. We camped down the road at the Lincoln State Park. Great memories.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

This section of Indiana simply has a ton of things to see and do! And in the case of Holiday World, things get updated every year, keeping things fresh! I went there as a kid, and remember playing with baby deer. Memories like that stay a lifetime, and that's what it's all about!

[@Mistycle8]

I go to holiday every summer! I’ve got season passes even. Absolutely love it every time !!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

It’s a wonderful park with a great family atmosphere! People from all over the country, come to this hidden gem! 🙂

[@lacyhay9022]

Don't forget about the town. We make it a 2 day event when we go to holiday world. One for the park and the 2nd day to visit the town. All of the shops and homes are decorated for Christmas year around. It's a treat ❤

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I filmed the entire town, and all the great history, but decided to use that in another film. Figured I’d focus on a short history of Holiday World, and what people can expect.

[@lacyhay9022]

@AdventureswithRoger oh I agree. Break it down into 2 videos is awesome. Thank you for what you do. Take care and God bless you

[@AdventureswithRoger]

It’s taken over 5 years, but I’ve NEARLY got all of southern Indiana. And then, I’ll find something else! 😄

[@lacyhay9022]

@@AdventureswithRoger well there's always places like Shipshewana and other places in Indiana on the next adventure 💜

[@whitneykovener]

Hilarious narration Roger!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thanks, Whitney!

[@ginamaria2579]

Amazing what a great place 🤗💕

[@AdventureswithRoger]

After the free soft drinks, the thing I love most is the family atmosphere. There’s nothing scary or ghoulish, the entire park just seems wholesome.

[@lindafaulkner7982]

What a neat park. Thanks for the tour.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

A really nice walk down memory lane

[@renekelly4199]

Last time I was there, it was still Santa Claus Land, and I was young enough to still believe - probably early to mid-1960s. But I loved it.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Lots of good memories for me, both as Santa Claus Land, and Holiday World. One of the highlights of my life, was feeding baby deer, back in the 1970’s.

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Great video Rodger. I believe the theme park should pay you a commission for this one 😁. As a kid that grew up in Florida it reminded me a lot about Disney world. Great job as always, looking forward to your next adventure.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thanks, Pat! More to come!

[@JohnSmith-zw8vp]

The Granddaddy of All Theme Parks! Or as I like to call it, the Happiest Place in the Tri-State!

[@samikatt2151]

I love this channel

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thank-you, Sami!

[@Cheryl28100]

Great video! Last time I was there I was impressed with their pizza. Way better than Disney's pizza. That was years ago though. Love the turkey whirl. PS: This is Cheryl .....your childhood friend. Keep up the good work!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Hi, childhood friend! Hope you and family are doing well! 🙂

[@geraldmeehan8942]

Thank you for the videos of Holiday World and Spring Mill. Holiday World has changed much since my last visit, Spring Mill not so much.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I know that’s right! Holiday world has went through a ton of changes, and they’re planning more! I’ve got 7 more videos in the works, about southern Indiana, hope to start publishing every two days. 🙂

[@geraldmeehan8942]

@@AdventureswithRoger Good deal Roger. Keep up the good work!

[@vanities7374]

Great job. Thank you! I had no idea it began so long ago.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Predates even Disneyland, by almost a decade! There were amusement parks before Santa Claus Land, but not theme parks. Louis Koch truly was a visionary!

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

I remember visiting Santa Clause Land in the early 60's. My most notable memory was of a real chicken in a glass house that played a mini piano. On the way there we stopped at a "Ghost town" roadside attraction.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Lots of great memories for me too, especially the baby deer petting zoo!

[@oathkeeper_648]

Excellent video, thanks so much! 👊🇺🇲🙏

[@AdventureswithRoger]

My pleasure! I’d wanted to cover HW for several years, so families would know how to plan a trip!

[@chasebriscoefan19]

Awesome

[@codyfritz3080]

I love your videos Roger! Holiday World is a walk down the road from me, and it was my first place of employment. I really need to check it out as it has been at least 20 years since I have visited; so many memories!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I hadn’t been for at least 15 years, many things had changed! When me and my buddy went, over 20 years ago, they had a tiny coaster near the kids section, and had just installed the Raven. We were very early in the season, and we could get on the Raven as soon we could walk the line! Just a great walk through memory lane, for me.

[@codyfritz3080]

@@AdventureswithRoger Same same brother, I auditioned for Holidog when I was like 15, apparently they thought I was too "enthusiastic" and big for the kids; got to work the company picnic side which turned out to be a lot of fun! Have you done any episodes about the Catholic Archabby and monastary in the area? They are very interesting and I am sure that they would love to have you! Keep up the good work!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I got a wonderful and very memorable tour of the Monastery Immaculate Conception. A tiny little nun, in street clothes, saw me filming the place from the road. She asked me if I’d like to see inside. She took me to the evening service, then gave me a tour that lasted well after dark, with plenty of her personal recollections. I’ll never forget it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXi7XqBqa8Zsrs0 I also did the Monte Casino Shrine kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3O5e4Z5m5uEldU

[@dougdillon1271]

I live in Evansville, and love your videos.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Thank-you, Doug!

[@amandaeddleman1478]

I love holiday world we went this year we live indiana

[@AdventureswithRoger]

It’s a relatively hidden gem with great coasters, water park, and a family atmosphere

[@furgulley8077]

I was just there last Wednesday. Been going there every year since the santa clause land days in the early 80s. I would debate that the flagship ride of the park is the voyage over thundebird. (Thunderbird is great though). I'm a little nerdy about coasters and there are coaster enthusiasts worldwide that consistently rank the voyage in their top 10 of rollercoasters. These are people who have ridden over a 1000 different coasters. Its quite impressive considering its just a small town in Indiana. There was a guy from the united kingdom who did a review of holiday world just a few weeks ago. His channel is called Themepark Worldwide.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Holiday World is a wholesome place, one of the best! When I was single, my buddy and I used to hit Theme Parks every summer, and it was a huge part of our lives. Kings Island was a favorite, due to the Beast roller coaster. T2 at Kentucky Kingdom, nearly killed me, as it’s one of those where your feet dangle, and your safety depends on the chest restraint: mine didn’t go all the way down. But Cedar Point: some of the very best coasters, all in one place. Since my friend died from leukemia, I’ve only ridden one coaster: the Raven, when I filmed this segment. It’s just not the same without him, and my wife is not into coasters at all.

[@raptorman48]

The only theme parks I knew about is Indiana Beach in Monticello where I currently live now and a theme park called Old Indiana that I think is shut down now but I've never even heard of Santa Clause land but I would have like it when I was little I think!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Parents took us when it was Santa Claus Land. It had tiny little deer that I remember feeding, and I’m 54 now! Great memories last a lifetime! 🙂

[@chrisblack8390]

Cool place! I can't ever go there. It's cashless. I'm in protest against any cashless businesses. I did enjoy your humor throughout the video. Thanks for the laughs.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I think their logic was that paper money was a potential source of disease, and maybe even theft. If the park gets much bigger, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try electronic ride reservations, like some of the bigger parks, to enhance customer experience. “No need to wait in line, do something else and come back, walk right on.”

[@richardruddick8170]

@@AdventureswithRoger awesome video Holiday World has always been a go to from childhood to now I actually just purchased my first season pass for this year I live almost 2 hours away but I don't care the drive is so worth it.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

@@richardruddick8170 I went to Magic Kingdom in January. Holiday World wins on so many levels: price, free parking, coasters, free drinks, two parks in one, and not nearly as congested.

[@jimmie_g]

Awesome video! Too bad I don't live in Indiana anymore. I'd say the the Voyage is the flagship coaster, but that's just my subjective opinion.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I’ve always been a wooden coaster fan, as you get a different ride as the humidity changes. The Voyage also has my vote!

[@Tony78454]

Thank you for making these vids. You belong on wfyi

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I used to watch “Across Indiana” on WFYI, when I was a kid: absolutely my favorite show!

[@brianwatson3705]

We buy season passes every year and go 3-4 . Im saddened that they closed down Raging Rapids for this year , but itll be back

[@AdventureswithRoger]

When I was there, I thought maybe it was just down for the day. But looking online, it’s closed for good. I can’t imagine why, unless it was a safety issue they couldn’t work out. I know I loved it!

[@furgulley8077]

​They're getting a vekoma family boomerang coaster next year. The shipping receipts were leaked. It will be a wonderful addition to fit between the howler kiddie coaster and the raven. Something holiday world could use. Im hopeful it goes in the rapids location to save more room in the future for something bigger in the old pilgrims plunge area. The rumor is that its going in that area though. I imagine they will make the announcement sometime in august.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

That would make complete sense! I believe they have some forward-thinking people on their team, and are looking to much bigger projects!

[@brianwatson3705]

@@AdventureswithRoger from what I read on their fb page , the ride was having to many shutdowns. It's 30+years old. The vekoma ride will be built in the Thanksgiving area. Hoping for a bigger and better water ride next year !

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I bet it will be spectacular!

[@snort5203]

I remember the dancing chickens at Santa Claus land.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

I remember the tiny baby deer petting zoo, when I was a kid. Much has changed, but it’s still a wonderful park, that’s not nearly as congested as Disney. I’ve visited several times, where I could get on any ride I wanted to, within 5 minutes. One time, there was no line at all, and the ride operator said, “you can stay put if you want another ride.” That would never happen at Magic Kingdom!

[@snort5203]

@@AdventureswithRoger I only remember going a couple times. We hit the Elnora fair and Old Setler’s. Also Ferdinand lake.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

@snort5203 My favorite new find is “St Joseph’s Holy Family at Gods Country”, not too far from Holiday World. A very long name, to describe a beautiful, rocky hike in the country, with many religious monuments.

[@indianagirl00]

Dont forget about the bad weather guarantee they have. Youll get a free ticket for a return visit.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

That really is a great feature!

[@fredfeldt5329]

I wish you had at least mentioned the cheetah chase water slide that goes uphill ! I hope you got to ride it. Thank you for good detail otherwise 👍

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Really great water park. It was super busy, I couldn’t get many shots at the water park.

[@AventurasLiz]

How many days i need to see thisbpark??are there rides for 4 and 7 years old?

[@AdventureswithRoger]

There’s a small Christmas section with all little kid rides, and then in the 4th of July area, a very large section for little ones. I walked the entire park for this footage in 45 minutes, with many stops. Most people alternate between the water park and theme park, and can do it in a day. The water park is pretty great, a few years ago we spent a day there.

[@buckshoth585]

Cool park. Too bad this "turkey" gets motion sick at the drop of a hat!

[@AdventureswithRoger]

😀 I rode a handful of rides, and walked around the rest of the time, making sure I filmed the highlights. It was pretty much a walk down memory lane, and although I used to love roller coasters more than anything, one was good enough. For sure, I can’t do spinning rides, and that crows nest made me woozy, though I enjoyed the high-up view!

[@michaelglover9624]

That's a lie, there is NO Santa Fe, Indiana. I looked it up on the map and wikipedia.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

Look harder,… en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe,_Miami_County,_Indiana

[@urbex_coasters]

Calling Thunderbird the flagship coaster of the park...oof. I mean it's a great ride but Voyage it is not.

[@AdventureswithRoger]

That’s fair

[@lisajackson6862]

I can't see me going anywhere that is cashless!! Not sure why no cash. But that a big downfall in the world!! Don't take the mark!!+

[@AdventureswithRoger]

@@lisajackson6862 It’s everywhere, not just at theme parks