Taking a voyage this summer!

[Diamondback96]

I am glad to say that I'll be visiting Holiday World for the first time this summer! AND I'm going to HW on my birthday, too!

It won't be my first amusement park trip this year, though; I'm going to KI on the 9th, and some other time this summer.

So how should I plan for this? What rides (besides Voyage, Legend, Raven, and Wildebeest) should I ride? Which restaurant/food stand has the best food? What ride should I go to first? Any other suggestions?

[Fear the Four]

 

So how should I plan for this? What rides (besides Voyage, Legend, Raven, and Wildebeest) should I ride? Which restaurant/food stand has the best food? What ride should I go to first? Any other suggestions?

http://www.holidayworld.com/visit/tips-better-visit

http://www.holidayworld.com/rides/rides-slides

http://www.holidayworld.com/visit/restaurants-food-outlets

 If I were you I would ride Voyage first but what do I know? I've never been.

[The Interpreter]

Don't miss the Spider: Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. Do miss it if you don't like spinny rides.

I spent many years criticizing Holiday World's pizza, which I used to think was atrocious. Either it has changed or I have (or both). I really like it this year.

Ride Voyage first if you get there when the park opens...most people start at the very front of the park and slowly make their way back. And if it is a hot day, don't despair if the park is packed at first...they soon will almost all go off to the waterpark...which is when you can enjoy the dry park...then go to the waterpark as they stream back into the dry park. Always do the opposite of most people and you will get a lot more done (just like at Kings Island, where Action Zone is now the place to go first after the park opens to the public, since they now almost all head to Diamondback...which, if you have a gold or Platinum Pass, you will have ridden by the time the park opens if you got to the park on time).

Also, if you are a show person, Holiday World has some surprisingly good ones, for the size park that it is...

[TombRaiderFTW]

I got to have this same exact experience earlier this month, and- unless something catastrophic happens to the park- you're going to absolutely love it.

I don't have many suggestions as far as food goes since I was more in awe of the rides, atmosphere, and staff, but I suggest that, if nothing else, get back row rides on all three of the coasters. They are SO not to be missed, particularly Legend and Voyage! Legend's laterals are ridiculously wild! Compared to Raven and Voyage, Legend doesn't have much airtime, but that first drop... whoa. I've got great cold chills just remembering it. Voyage, on the other hand, is a complete psychological, airtime-filled experience in the last row that will, if you're anything like myself, completely blow your mind. There aren't even words.

This isn't to say, of course, that Raven is an "average" coaster. From the parking lot, Raven looks a little dull- but DO NOT miss out on a back row ride on it, either. It's my #3 wooden coaster (beyond Beast and Blue Streak and behind only Legend and Voyage). The first drop- seemingly tame from the parking lot- has airtime in the back that caused a personal thought similar to "Oh, this is a good drop... Wait, I'm still not over it... The train's speeding up, but I'm not over it! What is this-- HOLY AIRTIME STRAIGHT INTO A TUNNEL, BATMAN!" And the rest of the ride causes similar thoughts with its less-than-Legend-but-still-amazing laterals and rightfully famous 5th drop.

However, as Raven is the shortest coaster in the park and is located just to the left of the front gate, I'd suggest that you hit it up first in the day. While it seems like a bad suggestion to say so when most of the GP is going to have what I call the "Action Zone effect," where everyone runs for the closest ride inside the front gates, I felt that Raven offered the most consistent rides throughout the day. I've heard Voyage and Legend can be very temperamental with the cool morning rides, so by riding Raven first, you're giving the other two time to warm up.

Next, I'd probably hit up any flat rides you might be interested in, possibly such as their flying scooters. Again, this is to allow the other rides to "warm up," though I had no experience with this myself. Better safe than sorry, I suppose! From there, I'd find myself in Legend's queue for a last-row ride. The sound effects at the top of the hill are perfectly timed with your experience in the last car, and the result, again, has got me typing this with cold chills. The ride is just that fun for me, and Holiday World embellishes their rides with "small" touches that have colossal results as well.

Your next destination, of course, is to what's consistently hailed as the holy grail of coaster enthusiasts: Voyage. I can't even begin to describe a back row ride on there, so I'm not going to try. Though I'm not sure the current six-car setup delivers quite the same amount of forces, I'm sure it delivers something close enough to the total package which will be enough to make you want to re-ride. So please feel free to, though you may want to note that- at least as far as I noticed- the ride gets oddly rougher the closer you sit to the middle of the train.

I really don't have anything to offer as far as Splashin' Safari goes; I've never been. Yet. It was also a little chilly on May 8, so I didn't try to get a ride on Pilgrim's Plunge, but the riders' general reactions while exiting the ride were enough to make me determined to ride next time I go!

This is all a little disorganized since it's a little late and I got kind of excited for you while writing this (), but there's my general "let's start the day at Holiday World" plan. Hope it helps, and enjoy your visit!

EDIT: ahaha, Terpy and I just basically contradicted each other. This is a little awkward... You might want to pay a little more attention to his since I'm sure he's been there more than the one time I have, but for what it's worth, this plan of attack generally worked for my cold early May visit.

[Beast79]

When I went the guys from Gravity Group told be to go in order of coasters built which is also the order if you go from front to back. Raven, Legend then Voyage. I wouldn't miss a ride since it's a very nice park!

[The Interpreter]

...Your next destination, of course, is to what's consistently hailed as the holy grail of coaster enthusiasts: Voyage....

EDIT: ahaha, Terpy and I just basically contradicted each other. This is a little awkward... You might want to pay a little more attention to his since I'm sure he's been there more than the one time I have, but for what it's worth, this plan of attack generally worked for my cold early May visit.

a. Terp's quite the appreciator of much of Holiday World, and your first line I quoted made him very happy. Terp's also quite proud to be a park enthusiast, you see...and is not of the "Voyage is the best roller coaster ever" camp. He LOVES Raven with a purple passion, and your description of it made him giddily happy just reading it. As for wooden coasters, there are so many so much better than Voyage (or El Toro) in his opinion...but varying opinions are part of what makes life so fun and interesting! And you will find few other parks with the variety and quality of wooden coasters you find at Holiday World. There is a reason that Holiwood Nights is so popular!

b. Terp's been to Holiday World many, many times over the years...but your advice is also great. One of the best pieces of advice I can offer any park goer is to be flexible and do what makes sense that day...sometimes the public doesn't do what you expect. If you want to get the most done, do what is important to you, and be flexible...A great example is events like Holiwood Nights...one of Terp's best friends used to go to SRM (Stark Raven Mad...HWN's predecessor) with him. Said friend would grab every empty seat he could on Raven, getting literally a hundred rides or more in a day. Terp would patiently wait for the front or back seat, no matter how long it took. Both of us left happy....and neither thought the other's ride strategy ideal for them. Life is too short not to do what it is that brings one satisfaction. Had the two of us not been (and still are) very good friends, I am quite sure one of us would have sacrificed our ride strategy for the other...and that would have been okay too....just last week I spent an entire day in Planet Snoopy, riding the rides and enjoying walking around with a seven year old, a four year old and their mom and dad. I had a ball...without said family, would I have done that? No way. Did I have a blast? Absolutely!

[Guest Millennium]

Ok don't miss Legend and Raven...both are often forgotten because of Voyage but I love them both.

In Holiday World:

Don't miss Eagles Flight, which are basically the flying eagles. It usually has a short wait..but even coaster enthusiasts ride this because it is so good.

Liberty Launch is basically a small Power Tower, I like it, but some would say skip it...

I LOVE the Gobbler Getaway. It is a great dark ride that cannot be missed. It's right next to Voyage. It is MUCH better than Boo Blasters.

Pilgrims Plunge is surprisingly not that popular. It is a huge water ride that basically takes you up an elevator and you go down a huge hill. Very fun and I got a walk on Friday and Saturday at Holiday World.

Scrambler is really fun. It is just how it sounds.

Turkey Whirl is a tilt a whirl that I love..these are only a few rides at HW that can't be missed. It has probably a dozen great rides..

Splashin' Safari:

DO NOT MISS: Wildebeest, Zinga, Zoombabwe (while waiting you can see Legend running through), Jungle Racer, Otorango, Lazy River.

SKIP: Bamboo Chute, Bakuli (a toilet bowl slide that usually has a long wait and it is not worth it), Watubee

[HTCO]

Some say do not ride Voyage first. They say ride Legend, Raven, and then Voyage Last.

[Fear the Four]

I've heard Raven, Legend, then The Voyage. Ride them in the order they opened.

EDIT:Just noticed Beast79 posted that.

[The Interpreter]

And I say ride Voyage, Legend then Raven...

Save the best for last!

[sheikra_rocks]

I am going tomorrow. I can not wait!

[Beast1979]

I must disagree with a lot of people here. Ride Raven, then Legend, then Voyage. Voyage is the kind of ride where if you ride it first, Legend and Raven will seem like nothing afterwards. Not to mention, in my opinion, you'll be doing them in order of each one being better then the last. Of course, that is my opinion, I know there are some here who disagree. All 3 are spectacular rides, each with it's own experience. Don't forget poor old Howler!

• Ride Raven in the back, for the most G-Forces throughout the course. As pretty an element as the turn over lake Rudolph it is, it doesn't to much for the on-ride experience. Watch for the famous 5th drop, it's quite a pleasant surprise!
  
• Ride Legend near the back, same as Raven, for more G's. The way the ride works, whoever sits on the right will end up slamming the rider on the left, and the rider on the left will be squished into the side of the train. The end helix is both similar to Beast, and at the same time very different. Make sure to make your own choice to the superior!
  
• Ride Voyage in the front car, preferably front seat. I rode that ride 6 times (All but 1 were painful experiences) before I discovered 1-1. You'll find that seat to be smooth as glass. The Voyage itself is an absolutely incredible experience, enjoy it! I found myself searching for Pat and Will so I could personally thank them for the ride.
  

As far as non-coaster suggestions, here's what I have to say:

• Unlike Kings Island, don't be afraid to eat in park. My mom and I both had a quality lunch for $13 total. No joke. It is the opposite of Cedar Fair, good food for a reasonably low price.
  
• The park is not to dissimilar to Dollywood in the aspect of there's so much more there then rides and coasters. Feel free to wander around the park and explore, it's a charming place. Stores, restraunts, you can even get your picture taken with Santa!
  
• Be sure not to miss Gobler Getaway, a dark ride by the same company of Boo Blasters (But very different, in a good way); The Lewis and Clark Trail, an antique car ride good for those who miss KI's, though not a good; and Eagles Flight, a set of flying scooters who some say are un-snappable, (I disagree) but would not suggest trying due to their policy on such things.
  
• Their waterpark is very good, the best I personally have been to so far. Great collection of rides, free sunscreen, a live band (Not waterpark related, but a great touch), and they play Beatles!
  

Enjoy your time there, I know I did!

[Pillsberry123]

I don't see any reason to set an order of which coaster to ride first, second, and last. There's only three coasters, and the park usually clears out after lunchtime because families flock to Spashin Safari. You should be able to get in more rides than you'd expect. I can remember last year I rode the Raven 7 times in a half an hour at about 3 o'clock.

The Raven is my favorite ride in the park. It's short, but it's filled with airtime and speed. It's also smooth compared to the other two woodies in the park. If only the ride lasted another 30 seconds it would be my second favorite woodie.

The Legend is my least favorite of the three. It's fun, but it's also the roughest of the three. It's packed with strong laterals and gives a great "out of control" feeling.

The Voyage is a great ride. Amazing airtime, never ending speed, and the triple down in the dark is a wet dream for any coaster enthusiast. It can get rough, which is why it's not my favorite. I don't know if the Timberliners will help the roughness out. I shall see this August.

Kringle's Cafe is in the Christmas section near the entrance. I'm not sure what their entire menu is, but I know they have pizza. There's other food stands around the park obviously, and the food prices are much cheaper than any corporate park you've ever visited. I haven't tried any, but I've heard that the park's Fudge is VERY good.

The park is filled with tons of flat rides, mostly traditional. Liberty Launch is a lot of fun. I haven't ridden a lot of the spinning flats because I'm lame.

[Beast1979]

The Legend is .... also the roughest of the three.

It's rough, but in an out of control sense. I thought Voyage in another seat besides 1-1 was WAY rougher then Legend.

[KYJoe]

I could do the Jungle racer all day, I love that thing. Also on Bakuli the more and or bigger people you ride with the faster you will go. I have a couple amazing rides on that slide, and some real slow ones too.

[sheikra_rocks]

Eagles Flight is hard to snap.... however we hit the trees a few times.

I think all the coasters were great..... we rode Voyage, Legend, then Raven. Each gave it's own unique ride...... and they LOVE their tunnels. All three have tunnels.

Pace yourself. If just go, go, go.... you can easily do the entire dry park before noon.

Take the Plunge early in the day. Today the wait was only 5 minutes when we rode at about 1030am

Drink stands are easy to spot. I drank mostly orange Gatoraide and water.

Food in Thanksgiving is fabulous. A $9 meal which includes meat, 3 sides, a roll or corn bread, and a drink(which are free anyway) will cost nearly $15 or more at Kings Island. I was ready for a nap afterwards....LOL I was satisfied with my meal.

I have only been this once, and by all means I am not an expert on the park. I am just briefly describing what we did today in hopes it may be helpful to you or anyone else who may go.

VOYAGE 1:3 EJECTOR CITY!!!!

[TOPGUN1993]

VOYAGE 1:3 EJECTOR CITY!!!!

Voyage has a row 13? lol

Frightfull falls there log flume is a nice flume, that you don't get soaked on.

[DropZone99]

VOYAGE 1:3 EJECTOR CITY!!!!

Voyage has a row 13? lol

Frightfull falls there log flume is a nice flume, that you don't get soaked on.

I think he meant the third row of the first car. And if he did, he's still wrong, Voyage's trains only have two rows per car.

I still haven't ridden Frightful Falls (or Raging Rapids) this year! I rode both of them in 2000, but obviously don't remember them too well.

[KI Kevin]

I rode Frightful Falls on Saturday- completely and totally skippable. It's a pitch black tunnel, then a slow outdoor section, then a lift and drop. That's it.

[DropZone99]

^Hmmm... I'm still going to try to ride it. I want to ride everything at HW (well besides some of the kids rides I'm too tall for) EXCEPT Hallowswings! I can not ride those! Although I may be willing to give it a try if it's the last thing I ride of the day because I didn't think I could handle Tilt-a-Whirls, but I rode Turkeywhirl and was spinning like crazy and wanted more!

[Guest Millennium]

Completely disagree. IMO the drop is even better than Pilgrims Plunge and it is really fun to start out in pitch dark. But be ready to get drenched if you sit up front, lol.

[KI Kevin]

Completely disagree. IMO the drop is even better than Pilgrims Plunge and it is really fun to start out in pitch dark. But be ready to get drenched if you sit up front, lol.

Eh, I guess I was just expecting some sort of animatronics, it was just a pitch black concrete tunnel.

[sheikra_rocks]

I meant car 1, seat 3 which is in the second row.

[DaveStroem]

That would be 1:2 Right/Left or 1:2 Load/Exit.