Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Triumphs at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari's Recent Victory

In a stunning showcase of family fun and adventure, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana has secured significant victories at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards hosted by Amusement Today. This annual ceremony, held in Austin, Texas, is renowned for celebrating excellence in amusement parks and attractions, making this achievement particularly impressive.

This year proved historic as Splashin’ Safari was awarded the coveted title of Best Water Park in the world while also showcasing its phenomenal rides that clinched the top three spots for Best Water Park Ride. The Mammoth, Wildebeest, and Cheetah Chase were recognized for their thrilling experiences, with the Mammoth claiming the number one position. This marks the sixteenth consecutive year that the water coasters have dominated the rankings, illustrating the park’s commitment to providing exhilarating aquatic adventures.

Highlights of Splashin' Safari

Covering nearly 40 acres within Holiday World’s expansive 125-acre property, Splashin' Safari features a thrilling assortment of attractions including two vast wave pools, a lazy river, and a variety of slides designed to delight visitors of all ages. It's often hailed as the Water Coaster Capital of the World, a title backed by its impressive line-up of water coasters. Guests can enjoy these attractions with perks such as Free Unlimited Soft Drinks, Free Parking, and complimentary Sunscreen during the summer season, making it an inviting destination for families.

Leah Koch-Blumhardt, the park's Director of Communications and fourth-generation owner, expressed her excitement, remarking, "This is a dream come true. When our dad, Will Koch, first opened Splashin’ Safari in 1993, he envisioned creating the best water park in the world. Receiving this Golden Ticket Award confirms his vision was achieved, thanks to our dedicated maintenance and operations teams.”

A Resounding Roller Coaster Triumph

In addition to water rides, the park's famous Voyage wooden roller coaster also reclaimed its title as the #1 Wooden Roller Coaster in the world for the first time in fifteen years. Over the last four years, the park has invested around $2.5 million toward enhancements, including track replacements that total more than 3,000 feet. Lauren Crosby, another fourth-generation owner and Director of Entertainment and Events, stated, "We’ve been anticipating this award for the past decade and are incredibly grateful to our roller coaster maintenance crews and skilled ride operators.”

Looking Ahead

As the park gears up for the 2027 season, it has been selected as the official host park for the Golden Ticket Awards next year, marking the fourth occasion they will have welcomed industry leaders to celebrate excellence in attractions. At present, Splashin' Safari may be closed for the standard season, but it will operate during the weekends for family-oriented events dubbed Happy Halloween Weekends starting September 19, and continues with Friday Night Live! every Friday evening until October 30.

Anticipation is also high for the upcoming Cannonball! Water Roller Coaster, which was announced on July 1, 2026. This groundbreaking attraction represents the largest single investment in the park’s history at $22 million and is scheduled to make its debut in the spring of 2027, promising new thrills for guests.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari’s recent accolades reiterate its status as a premier family entertainment destination, emphasizing its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.