Holiday World Set to Open for 75th Year of Fun - A Complete Guide to the Park

Santa Claus, Ind. - Less than 24 hours is all that stands in between Holiday World's "75th Year of Fun" and thousands of eager fans; a week longer for Splashin' Safari.

Park employees are just as excited for Saturday's opening as the public, including Holiday World President Matt Eckert.

"This is a fantastic feeling," Eckert said. "Beyond it being our 75th year, it's a year of celebration. It's a celebration of 'It's time'. After 2020, I think people are really ready to get out, have fun, and create some memories."

As was the case in 2020, the park experience may deviate a bit from the norm - though procedures are headed in a familiar direction. Creating a plan and protocols is a fluid process, says Media Relations Manager Sabrina Jones.

"We are constantly evaluating what makes sense, and obviously we're taking in guidance from our local health department and the CDC," said Jones. "Then also meeting with what makes sense in our park because we want it to make sense and safe for our guests."

For opening day, guests will be required to wear masks at the front gate, as well as indoors in shops and restaurants. Masks will not be mandatory while outside in the park, though social distancing will be encouraged. The latest procedures and protocol can be found at HolidayWorld.com/2021visit.

The COVID-19 precautions are not the only change to the park for year number 75.

"Last year, we had a brand new launched water coaster called Cheetah Chase," said Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Eric Snow. "It's the first of its kind and last year not very many people got to enjoy it."

For the foodies, Director of Food and Beverage Lexi Hartman has worked to bring new items to the park's menu.

"We have tacos," said Hartman. "This year in the water park, we're going to have a Cajun fish taco, a Boom Boom shrimp taco, and a barbeque pork taco."

Not unlike many American businesses, all signs are pointing to a return to normal.

"Everything shows that it is going to be a much improved season over last year," said Eric Snow, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "We think that's really important because the Holiday World experience is such a big part of the tri-state summer."

Holiday World opens the doors on 2021 at 10 a.m., May 15th.