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The worlds first launched Wing Rider Rollercoaster Thunderbird at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana

Being one of the friendliest amusement parks in the the world going to Holiday World has always felt a little bit like going home, before we lived there, especially when we lived there and even now some eight years since we moved away.

The worlds first launched Wing Rider Rollercoaster Thunderbird at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana

Even though there have been more than a few changes, additions and losses to the park throughout the years walking through those gates is like walking into Grandma's house where you are always going to be surrounded by people who treat you like family.

The worlds first launched Wing Rider Rollercoaster Thunderbird at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana

Whether I walk through the gate alone, with Bond or with a gaggle of fellow coaster enthusiasts Holiday World has always set the table for a memorable feast full of world class rides and amazing times. 

The worlds first launched Wing Rider Rollercoaster Thunderbird at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana

If you had asked me the first time I walked through the gates into Holiday World back in 1998 if this little family park which had just hit the 500,000 guest mile mark for the first time ever would one day blow past a million guests a year and add a huge B&M steel coaster I'd ask what you were smoking.

The worlds first launched Wing Rider Rollercoaster Thunderbird at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Indiana

Even last summer if you had asked me what my prediction for the big new coaster for 2015 I was not expecting a worlds first that cost twice as much as Holiday World's prior largest single investment.

Needless to say I was surprised when Holiday World announced a $22 million Wing Coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard.



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Paul B. Drabek