Officials at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus are reporting an increase in customers this year of approximately 13 percent. Public Relations Director Paula Werne says the jump can be mainly attributed to the debut of the park's new water coaster, Wildebeest. Holiday World has also announced plans for more than $5 million in improvements by next summer.

That includes $1 million in parking lot improvements and additional restrooms.

Werne says the decisions on what improvements should be made comes partly from customer feedback, along with the park's long-term planning process.

She also says the debut of a major new ride usually leads to a two-year bump in attendance, allowing the park to focus on important upkeep items such as parking lot improvements and more restrooms.

The park is also planning to restore the town's historic Santa statue in the next year. It was dedicated in 1935.

Source: Holiday World & Splashin Safari & Inside INdiana Business

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=43810

The Wildebeest opened at Holiday World this April as a hydromagnetic water ride that includes seven drops, totaling 178 feet. The $5.5 million project is the second largest investment in the park's 64 years.

Why It Stands Above the Rest: Stretching one-third mile but lasting only 2-1/2 minutes, the Wildebeest is the world's longest water coaster. Wildebeest uses linear-induction motors to power four-person toboggan-style rafts. The technology, which is a common feature in steel roller coasters, makes the Wildebeest stand out as a slide—allowing it to move both downhill and uphill at 36 feet per second.

Source: Popular Mechanics & Inside INdiana Business

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=42657