Watercoaster & wood coaster awards boost Santa Claus, Indiana, profile with visitors Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana, Splashin’ Safari Water Coasters and World’s Best Wooden Roller Coaster Attraction The family destination has taken major titles at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, further cementing Indiana’s place as a leading destinations for adventure travellers, families and theme park enthusiasts. Following the Golden Ticket Awards, the Indiana destination cemented its reputation as the global leader in water parks, water coasters, and wooden roller coasters.
Splashin’ Safari was awarded the Golden Ticket as the world’s best water park while three of the top four water park rides were Splashin’ Safari water coasters. Its standout wooden roller coaster The Voyage was ranked number one again after maintenance upgrades.
Holiday World & Splashin Safari Earns Global Recognition Among Theme Parks
Located in southern Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari covers a 125-acre entertainment complex designed for visitors of all ages. The property includes a traditional theme park alongside one of America’s most recognised water parks.
Splashin’ Safari has now achieved the world’s best water park title for the first time at the Golden Ticket Awards. The rankings are determined by experienced amusement industry voters who visit parks worldwide and assess attractions, operations and visitor experiences.
The water park stretches across nearly 40 acres and features:
- Two large wave pools
- Family play zones
- Multiple water slides
- Lazy river attractions
- Three internationally recognised water coasters
The park is also known for including additional visitor benefits such as free parking, unlimited soft drinks and complimentary sunscreen during the operating season.
For travellers planning a summer trip through Indiana, Splashin’ Safari offers a complete day of water-based entertainment without needing to travel to coastal destinations.
Splashin Safari Water Coasters Dominate Global Rankings
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari strengthened its reputation as a leading destination for water ride enthusiasts after its three major water coasters achieved the top three positions in the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards.
The rankings placed:
| Ranking | Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Water Park Ride | Mammoth | Splashin’ Safari, Indiana |
| No. 2 Water Park Ride | Wildebeest | Splashin’ Safari, Indiana |
| No. 3 Water Park Ride | Cheetah Chase | Splashin’ Safari, Indiana |
This achievement continues a long period of success for Splashin’ Safari’s water coaster collection. The park has maintained a leading position in water coaster rankings for 16 consecutive years.
Travellers looking for high-speed water attractions can experience some of the world’s most recognised rides in one location. The combination of powerful water launches, long ride paths and family-friendly design makes the park suitable for both adventure seekers and group travellers.
The Voyage Returns as Worlds Top Wooden Roller Coaster
Alongside its water park success, Holiday World celebrated another major achievement with The Voyage wooden roller coaster reclaiming the global number one position.
The attraction, which marks its 20th anniversary season in 2026, received extensive investment to maintain its performance. The park has spent around $2.5 million over five years replacing more than 3,000 feet of track.
The Voyage remains one of the most popular attractions for roller coaster fans visiting Indiana. Its long track layout, dramatic drops and high-speed sections continue to attract visitors from across the United States and international markets.
For travellers building a theme park itinerary, The Voyage offers a different experience from modern steel coasters by combining classic wooden coaster design with modern maintenance standards.
Traveller Guide: Planning a Visit to Holiday World & Splashin Safari
Visitors planning a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana, should consider the seasonal schedule before travelling. Splashin’ Safari operates during the summer season, while Holiday World continues with special autumn events.
Key visitor information includes:
- Destination: Santa Claus, Indiana, USA
- Main attractions: Holiday World theme park and Splashin’ Safari water park
- Best time to visit: Summer for full water park access
- Family events: Happy Halloween Weekends during autumn
- Upcoming attraction: Cannonball! Water Roller Coaster opening in 2027
The park has additionally revealed a new attraction, Cannonball! Water Roller Coaster, which will open to the public in spring 2027. This new addition will make the attraction even more popular to water park visitors from around the world.
Visitors to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will be able to experience a new season as it is announced that the attraction will also host the 2027 Golden Ticket Awards – welcoming members of the amusement industry from around the world to Indiana.
For families searching for a thrill-filled USA holiday, Santa Claus has the unique lure of award-winning rides, seasonal entertainment and one of America’s best recognised theme park experiences.
SOURCE Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
The post USA Travel: Holiday World Becomes World’s Leading Water Park Adventure appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
