OT: Holiday World tips?

I know a group of y'all recently met there, and it looks like everyone had a great time! My husband is considering taking the girls before Emily starts kindergarten next month...he wants to see how they do there, so just in case (crossing everything!!) we can swing a trip to DISNEY next year, they aren't completely overwhelmed.

Which days of the week are best with lower crowds? Any recommendations on places to stay? We don't have access to camping equipment, so we'd need an inexpensive motel nearby, as it's about a 5 hour drive from here. I don't know that we'd do the waterpark, hubby is quite hairy and generally refuses to go shirtless in public. The girls don't like getting their faces wet, so I think that would be a waste of time...we mainly want to take them on rides and see how they handle an amusement park. They are 4 and 5.

Thanks!! I've lived in Indiana since I was 6, so 30 years this fall, and have never been...we always went to Kings Island or back east to Pennsylvania for vacations.

The water park and amusement park are included in your admission price. They have an area just for little ones in both parks. Sunblock is furnished and lockers are available as well. You can take in a wagon, stroller, etc...If you want to pack a cooler, you can get your hand stamped and go outside of the park to eat and then return when you are done. They have a picnic area next to the parking lot and it is shaded as well as restrooms.  You can also get online and check it out. My daughter has been there almost every year since she was 2 and still loves it!  Its clean, alot of shaded areas and things to do and see!

We're going to HOliday World next week, when are yout hinking of going?

When we went for Matt's company picnic we stayed in Jasper at a Day's Inn for $72 plus tax. That was for a room with two queen size beds. Jasper is about 10 - 15 mins north of the park. That was the cheapest that I found online. 

We stayed mostly in the water park area when we went so I can tell you that there are some very kid friendly age appropriate things for your kids to do there involving little participation from you. There is an are towards the back of the park off the entrance that is nothing but kid friendly with rides and activities. There should be a guide/map as soon as you walk through the entrance - so grab one of those

Good Luck and hope you have lots of fun

Blessings

Jodi 

 

P.S. According to their own website, weekdays tend to be less crowded. We went on a Saturday and didn't have a problems with crowds and long lines till around noon or soo.

 

Hey Amy Im from Logansport, but now live in Southern Indiana. Weve been to HW the past two years.

This year our son who is 3 absolutely loved it. We did the water park though too. Your dh can always keep a shirt on if he doesnt want to take it off. They have lazy rivers and a wave pool.  We did those two things and mostly played at Kyma Bay.

As for just the amusement park. They have a couple areas just for smaller kids and DS even went on spinning rides with hubby. Im not a big fan of  amusement parks, so its really about the water part for us.

As for days, they say early days in the week are good. We have never stayed because we live about 2 hours away and just drive home.

Good luck and have fun.

Thanks everyone!! We are looking at going Sunday August 3...driving down on the 2nd to stay in a hotel with a pool, then spending Sunday at the park and driving home that night.  Since my husband just started a new job at the beginning of June, he can't take any time off until September, so we're stuck with a weekend. 

Right now, the girls are all about RIDES...we went to our county fair today, and dropped $40 on tickets for rides, and could've easily spent double that, so I know we'll get our money's worth if we do just the rides.  If we could do a two day thing, I'd definitely want to take them to SS, and if he doesn't have to work on the 2nd, we might be able to swing it...that's still up in the air. 

I like that we can take our own food (mainly for me!) and eat it outside the park, that's fine by me.  Free Pepsi won't do a thing for me or our younger daughter...all she drinks is water or white milk, but I do like the free parking and free sunscreen. 

Thanks again...here's hoping this works out! A lot depends on our garage sale next weekend and how much $$$ we make. 

Amy

Amy,

We went with the OH group in June and had such a good time.  Every place that has free pop also has free water.  A few places had free unswetened iced tea.  If you don't prefer to take your own food, you can find suitable food there.  We ate lunch at The Alamo, mexican food, in Holiday World.  I got a chicken fajita with a fork, (ask what comes on it and adjust to suit yourself) and Bruce finished what I didn't eat.  It had lots of chicken so was a very good meal for me.

Have fun,

~Bev

 

 

Hello Amy!  I am glad to hear that you are trying Holdiay World.  We do it nearly every year, but last year was the best.  We decided to rent one the there campers.  It worked out the best because they shuttle you back and forth,  and you can bring your own food.  Not to mention that when the kids get tired, you can take them to rest, and then come back for more.

When you check in if you don't want to bring your own food, they give you coupons for area.   My kids liked roasting marshmellows.  It is great fun.  They also have atleast one pool.  Like I said it was great fun.

You can go online and take a tour of the campers through the Holdiay World website.  And since you are going in August it may be cheaper.

Best Wishes,

Kim

Kim

 

 

Hi there I am glad to hear great things about HW. I am taking my daughter and her friend there on August 2 we hae always went to Kings Island so I hope they will enjo the trip. I hope you have fun also.

Hey, Hope you enjoy your trip to HW.  I live 10 minutes away in Ferdinand.   We have a Comfort Inn right by the interstate.  We have season passes and use them a lot.  My husband is an EMT for them part time and actually just loves being there with everyone.  Another option for you to stay would be the Harvest Moon bed and breakfast here in Ferdinand.  I know Ruthie the owner and she is the best cook I know and is super sweet.  Your kids will love it there and the free drinks save you a ton of money.  Have Fun!!!!