In there continued mission to be a dominant force in the theme park world, and a must-visit destination every summer for Tri-State families, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari unveiled their newest attraction set to debut in May of 2014.

After honing in their focus on expanding Splashin' Safari with the additions of The Wildebeest and Mammoth water coasters in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and the debut of Hyena Falls earlier this year, the Santa Claus, Indiana based park shifts the focus back to the youngest section of the park, Thanksgiving for their new ride, The Mayflower.

Keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, The Mayflower will be a classic "swinging ship" ride designed to literally swing riders back and forth to give the sensation of zero gravity for a brief moment during the downswing portions of the trip.

As you'll see in the video below, the design is intended to mimic the ships used by the Pilgrims when they came to America nearly 400 years ago.

Park President, Matt Eckert told 14 News The Mayflower won't be the only new attraction fans can expect when they come for a visit next summer. Other improvements to the park include:

  • Friday Night Fireworks (Friday evenings from June 13 through August 1)
  • Extended Splashin' Safari hours
  • Summer Fun Card program, for multi-day summer visits
  • New restaurant and shop in Splashin' Safari
  • Covered-bridge entry to Thanksgiving section
  • More cabanas
  • Additional benches and shade structures
  • Parking lot improvements

The park is currently gearing up for their second annual, Halloween Weekends beginning September 21st. Be listening to 106-1 KISS-FM for your chance to win free tickets!

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