Holiday World
As I approached this park, I realized that it really is in the middle of nowhere. Raven's lift was clearly visible from the entrance, beckoning oncoming guests. I first got some excellent (and very reasonably priced) pizza and fries from Kringle's Cafe. Next I rode the Frightful Falls Log flume. It featured an excellent pitch black tunnel at the beginning, a few turns, and a nice little drop through the Legend's massive structure. A neat little ride.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
I was then ready to ride the famous Raven. The first drop was great into the misty tunnel and the turnaround and 2nd drop were taken at a breathtaking speed. The ride roared over Lake Rudolph and dropped back down and up again. I was finally able to catch my breath just for a second until I was hurled down an incredible airtime filled drop. The rest of the ride was wild and out of control. I rode the coaster again at dark, and can honestly say I've never experienced anything quite like it. I sat in the back seat with the lap bar a good 6-7 inches off my chest. (earlier in the day, the ride op stapled me in so bad that it was actually painful!). In the dark, Raven is even more out of control. The first 1/3 of the ride seems innocent enough, but after that the rest of the ride is in COMPLETE darkness. I had no idea where the train was going. That surprise drop gave me some extreme airtime in the back. It was a mind boggling experience.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Next up was The Banshee. This ride was closed much of the day, but re-opened in the late afternoon. This was a very fun ride that provided many seconds of negative g's.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
I then decided to ride Raging Rapids since I was in the area. This is one great rapids ride. The rapids are very intense and I loved the geyser effects and the excellent theming. Great ride.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
I then went on the Rough Riders bumper cars. These cars really make it possible for some severe collisions. I actually almost got the wind knocked out of me. Lots of fun.
Overall Rating: 7/10
I then decided to check out Splashin' Safari. It was absolutely packed beyond belief. After going through the hassle of lockers and changing clothes, I hit the wave pool. Wave pools are great, but there were just too many people and the water was very salty and sunscreen filled. I decided to get back to riding coasters.
Next up, was The Legend. I loved the way the ride comes mere feet from the queue line, making an intimidating statement to visitors. The lift hill is very fast, and before I knew it I was looking down the first drop. The first drop is amazing, it's very fast, and I love the tunnel at the bottom. By now, the coaster is screaming up the second hill as we approach Zoombabwe. Zoombabwe provided some great headchoppers as the coaster negotiated a great airtime filled drop and then another great drop straight in to another tunnel. Next up was the extremely intense double helix with 2 more great tunnels and then some more great lateral g filled turns before we dropped back down under the log flume and made our last turn up and around the queue line. Absolutely fantastic!
Overall Rating: 9/10
Holiday World is a great little park (that's been said a million times) with a nice relaxed atmosphere, great food, cleanliness, and a nice park layout. However, I did find that the friendliness of the staff is very overrated. While they weren't rude in any way shape or form, I didn't think they were any more friendly than any other park I've been to. But overall, Holiday World is a refreshing park after all the Six Flags cookie cutter parks I've been to.
Overall Park Rating: 8.5/10
