Holiday World Hacks: How to Score Discounted Tickets, Our Complete Review, and More 

If you want an affordable family vacation, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is hard to beat. This one-of-a-kind theme park and water park located in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana, has been delighting visitors with its fun holiday themes and attractions since 1946.

As a family that loves finding deals on amusement parks, theme parks, and water parks, I’ve become a pro at finding ways to save on admission, food, souvenirs, and more at destinations like this.

Holiday World is the perfect example of how you can have an amazing experience without spending a fortune.  

In this article, I’ll share all my insider tips for making the most of your Holiday World vacation while keeping costs in check. You’ll discover strategies for scoring discounted tickets, getting the most value out of meal plans, and uncovering several money-saving tricks. 

By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive game plan for an affordable, memorable family getaway at your fingertips. Let’s dive in!

Overview of Holiday World 

Before we get into the money-saving strategies, let me give you a quick overview of what makes Holiday World so special.

The story begins in 1942 when retired industrialist Louis J. Koch had a vision to create a family-friendly theme park paying tribute to the Christmas season. Four years later, his Santa Claus Land opened its doors in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, that’s really its name!).

Our Review Of Holiday World

We’ll expand on our review throughout this article, But here are some impressions.

Each day we went we carried bags on our back full of food, snacks, and water. The bags were never checked. If you want to save money, then bring your own bag with food. But if they check your bag expect to bring it back to the car.

If you do need to bring it back to your car, be sure to have a cooler ready. There is a picnic area outside of the park that you can eat at.

The free soft drinks you hear about on the radio are real. It’s great actually. There are many kiosks with soft drink stations. We never had a line. This isn’t something where it’s a gimmick. They are plentiful. We brought our own bottles. This was great for the kids.

We were able to use the free drinks as a reward system. We also had them fill up with water between drinks Each time they filled up their soda they could only put a little in their cup. They were also limited in how many times they could do it.

We had the kids carry their own cups. If we carried them then they weren’t allowed a fill up.

We aren’t a soda family, but this was a great perk. We are season ticket holders at Six Flags. We also have visited and written about many amusement parks. We thought the free soft drinks perk would be a headache for us. It was the opposite.

They advertise so heavily about free sunscreen, free parking, and free soft drinks. What they leave out is there is free wifi. We didn’t know this on day 1 and our phone batteries drained while searching for service. But day 2 we realized there was free wifi and we were able to switch our phones to wifi mode.

If you want an amusement park that has diversity, do not go to Holiday World.

It was nice that Holiday World did not have a skip the line pass or a fast pass.

Holiday World is a smaller park than others. It has some hills, but it’s less hilly than many other amusement parks (like Silver Dollar City!)

Holiday World offers a wrist band for kids that says what height they are. Don’t get one, it’s a waste of time. 100% of the time our kids were checked for their height. Oh, and if your kid is close to being the right height, consider thicker shoes. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

They also offer a lost and found wrist band. Now this one is brilliant and we’ve started using it at other amusement parks. We put our names and phone numbers on a wrist band that goes on our kids’ wrists.

Holiday World was very clean. We couldn’t believe there weren’t paper cups or any trash everywhere. It was impressive actually The park was pretty immaculate. That’s such an easy place for them to cut costs, but they didn’t. Holiday World is clean.

Lines at Holiday World get much longer after Splashing Safari closes each day. It’s pretty dramatic, so plan accordingly.

It’s really hard to find discount tickets. We asked so many employees and locals. The consistent answer is “30 Next Day is the best deal. It’s better than Flex.” Many places claim of promo codes (even Holiday Worlds’ newsletter), but it tends to be for $1 off. It must just be for tracking.

The wildcard is that Employees get free tix and sell them in Facebook groups at end of season.

Another observation is that Holiday World missed an easy opportunity to have foods for each of the Holiday Sections. For example, in the Thanksgiving area, a kiosk could offer apple pie and stuffing. It’s an easy win for them.

Expanding Into a Holiday Extravaganza

From those humble beginnings celebrating Christmas, Holiday World has expanded over the decades to encompass four sections themed around different holidays, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween, and of course Christmas. 

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can experience the joy and festivities of multiple holidays in one place.

The Addition of Splashin’ Safari

In addition to the theme park, Holiday World added the incredible Splashin’ Safari water park in 1993.

Consistently ranked among the nation’s top water parks, it features attractions like the world’s two longest water coasters. Splashin’ Safari alone makes Holiday World worth the trip!

What Sets Holiday World Apart

With thrilling roller coasters, dazzling entertainment and décor, and a laid-back vibe focused on family fun, Holiday World truly stands out among theme park destinations.

The The staff is known for their hospitality and for going the extra mile to create a holiday feeling no matter what time of year you visit.

How to Save on Tickets to Holiday World

One of the best ways to make your Holiday World vacation budget-friendly is to focus on saving big on Holiday World tickets. With some savvy strategies, scoring deep discounts is totally possible!

Insider Tip: Holiday World makes it easier for families by not having separate “adult” and “child” pricing. Kids three and under receive free admission, which is great news if you’re bringing along little ones.

Check Holiday World’s Website 

The first step is to always check HolidayWorld.com for special deals and promotions before booking. 

The park regularly offers discounted tickets, package deals bundling admission with hotels or meal plans, and other limited-time offers to help you save.

You can even sometimes find coupons and promo codes for extra savings on these deals.

Take note that Holiday World is now cashless for faster service and increased security. They accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Holiday World Daily Ticket Prices

Pick Your Date Tickets: Discounted from the $74.99 regular one-day general admission price

Any Day Tickets: Discounted from $74.99 for any operating day

Multi-Day Flex Tickets: Discounted from $74.99 per day for multiple visits in the same week

Understand Holiday World’s Tiered Pricing Structure

Holiday World offers a tiered pricing system known as A, B, and C pricing, which helps visitors choose the best times to visit the park based on their budget and schedule.

Here’s a breakdown of how these pricing tiers work for the 2024 season

A Pricing: This is the most affordable option, typically available on weekdays and during off-peak times. For 2024, tickets in this category are priced at $54.99.

B Pricing: Mid-range pricing applies to slightly busier days, often weekends and some holidays. These tickets are priced higher than A days but are still a good value.

C Pricing: The highest price tier applies during peak periods such as summer weekends, special events, and holidays. These tickets are the most expensive due to higher demand.

Holiday World Dates and Prices For A, B, and C tiers.

1. A Pricing Dates: Generally, these dates fall on weekdays during the early and late parts of the season. For example, many Mondays through Thursdays in May, early June, late August, and September might fall into this category.
2. B Pricing Dates: These are usually weekends in the shoulder months (late May, early June, late August, and September) and some non-peak summer weekends. Specific dates will vary but typically avoid major holidays.
3. C Pricing Dates: This category includes peak summer weekends, major holidays (like the 4th of July), and special event days. Most weekends from mid-June to mid-August will fall into this category, along with the entire period from late June to early August when school is out and families are most likely to visit.

Specific Pricing Examples

• Any Day Ticket: $54.99, which can be used on any day regardless of the pricing tier.
• Two-Day Flex Ticket: $99.99, allowing for flexibility across multiple days.
• Three-Day Flex Ticket: $74.99, providing more days at a lower per-day rate.

Holiday World’s flexible pricing structure ensures that families can plan visits that fit their budgets and schedules. For the most up-to-date information on specific dates and pricing, it is best to check Holiday World’s official website or their ticket purchasing page.

Take Advantage of Holiday World Online Deals

Their “Pick Your Date” deals online offer the deepest single-day discounts. For multiple days, the 2-Day and 3-Day Flex tickets sold online provide better value than buying separate single-day tickets. 

If visiting for just one day but wanting to return the next, discounted “Next Day” tickets for $30 each can be purchased at Guest Relations.

Consider a Holiday World Season Pass 

If you live near Santa Claus, IN or plan multiple visits, invest in a season pass. While more expensive upfront than a single-day ticket, season passes quickly pay off after just a few uses and include free parking, food/merchandise discounts, and no blackout dates.

Holiday World Season Pass Options:

Platinum Pass ($161-170): Unlimited seasonal visits, preview party, discounts

Standard Pass: Unlimited visits, discounts, “Bring a Friend” days

Summer Fun Card: ($129.99-139.99): Unlimited May-Sept weekday visits (excluding Saturdays).

Holiday World Freebie Alert

Don’t forget about all the fantastic freebies included with your paid admission! Holiday World tickets include free soft drinks, free sunscreen stations, free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and free parking so you don’t get slapped with those ridiculous lot fees many parks charge. 

Look at Third-Party Vendors

Also check third-party sites like Groupon and Costco Travel, which often offer exclusive Holiday World packages at lower prices than directly from the park. Just compare total costs and read any restrictions.

I just checked and neither Costco or Groupon have any current deals for Holiday World.

Ask About Group Rates

Another way to cut down on admission for larger groups is to take advantage of any special rates for big families, school groups, scouts, seniors, military personnel, and more. Always ask about available discounts based on your group’s circumstances.

Keep an Eye Out for Holiday World Promotions

Finally, watch for special events like Holiday World’s Walk to Cure Diabetes that have included free admission in the past. Local deals blogs and the park’s email list can alert you to these promo opportunities.

Special Holiday World Deals and Offers

Holiday World offers many special deals and package options to help make your visit more affordable. Be on the lookout for these money-saving opportunities and take advantage of the discounts available.

Holiday World Discount Days

Keep an eye on the park’s calendar, as Holiday World frequently offers reduced admission pricing on slower weekdays or around certain holidays and events. These “discount days” provide a great incentive to visit when crowds are smaller.

Holiday World Meal Packages 

For those looking to minimize meal costs, Holiday World sells convenient wristbands and bundles that provide unlimited food, drinks, or snacks from participating park restaurants for one upfront price. 

These all-you-can-eat plans are especially valuable for bigger groups and families who would otherwise spend significantly more purchasing meals and snacks individually.

Can You Bring Food Into Holiday World?

Holiday World has specific guidelines regarding bringing food into the park. While most outside food is not allowed, there are exceptions to this rule. 

You can bring in baby food, formula, and small snacks, as well as sealed non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers (no glass bottles or aluminum cans). 

Medically required foods for special dietary needs are also permitted. Additionally, soft-sided coolers no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep are allowed.

Pro Tip: There are picnic pavilions around the parking areas for guests to use. So, if you pack snacks or a light meal, you can take advantage of these covered seating areas before entering the parks.

We also carried bags of food in each day and they didn’t check our bags.

All-Inclusive Holiday World Resort Packages

One of the best ways to save is to book an all-inclusive vacation package direct from the park. These bundles typically include hotel accommodations near the parks, admission tickets, parking, dining vouchers or plans, and extra perks like merchandise discounts.

Holiday World Group Packages 

For extended family reunions, sports teams, tour groups, or other large parties, Holiday World offers special discounted rates for groups over a certain size threshold. The larger your group, the bigger the per-person savings. Contact their Group Sales department to learn more and book your group’s package.

Volunteer or Participate in Charity Events

Holiday World sometimes provides free tickets as incentives for participating in charity events or volunteer opportunities.

Holiday World Military, Veterans & Gold Star Discounts

In gratitude for their service, Holiday World extends special discounted admission pricing all season long to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in combat. 

Be sure to have your appropriate military ID or documentation when purchasing these honored tickets.

Holiday World First Responder Discounts

The park deeply values the selfless work of first responders and offers discounted admission rates throughout the operating season for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and corrections officers. 

Simply have your service ID or name/agency details ready when buying these discounted first responder tickets.  

Holiday World Nurse Discounts

Nurses can also take advantage of Holiday World’s discounted admission offers by showing their nursing certifications, ID badges, or other proof of RN/LPN status when purchasing tickets.

Holiday World Foster Family Discounts  

As a family-focused destination, Holiday World extends special pricing not just for military, nurses, and first responders, but also for foster families looking for an affordable getaway to make memories together. 

Check with the park about documentation required to receive this discount.

Holiday World Fun Club Exclusives

By joining Holiday World’s free Fun Club, members unlock access to exclusive deep discounts on single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and other special offers throughout the year. It’s free to join and could save you big!

By stacking a couple of these special offers, like discounted tickets plus an all-inclusive resort package or dining plan, you can make your Holiday World adventure much more affordable.

Holiday World Coupons and Discount Codes  

Follow Holiday World Online

First, subscribe to Holiday World’s email list and connect with them on social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The park regularly shares exclusive coupon codes and special offers through those channels.

Search for Online Holiday World Codes

Next, do a quick Google search for phrases like “Holiday World coupon codes” and check sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin, and Groupon for current deals. 

You may find coupon codes for percentages off full-price admission, deals on dining or merchandise, or even printable coupons for discounts on specific items.

I have spent a lot of time looking for Holiday World coupon codes on coupon sites. They are often spammy fake coupons. For some reason “$1 Off Holiday World” coupons are shared on all the top coupon sites. I’m guessing it’s the coupon sites spamming google.

Look for Holiday World Package Deals

To stack your savings, check for online coupons and promo codes specifically when booking things like hotel packages or ordering advance parking. Those deals are often separate from park admission coupon codes.

Local Stores With Holiday World Promo Codes

The following local stores and restaurants have recently shared Holiday World Coupons. They often have QR codes are flyers with Holiday World coupon codes.

• Krogers
• McDonalds
• Culver’s
• Zasxby’s
• Dairy Queen
• Subway

Check for Reciprocal Discounts

Lastly, if you have an annual pass to another amusement park company like Cedar Fair or Six Flags, see if they have any reciprocal discounts or coupons for Holiday World visits. Park chains sometimes extend perks like that to each other’s passholders.  

Holiday World Insider Tips for Additional Savings

Even after scoring discounted tickets and taking advantage of special offers, there are still plenty of insider tricks to reduce your overall vacation costs at Holiday World. From smart timing to packing your own supplies, these tips will help you maximize savings.

Visit During Off-Peak Times

Visit during off-peak times, like weekdays in spring and fall, for reduced admission rates and smaller crowds. Tuesdays through Thursdays are typically less busy than Mondays, Fridays, and the extremely crowded Saturdays. 

Planning a mid-week visit allows you to avoid peak pricing and long lines.

Arrive Early for Rope Drop

Starting your day early at Holiday World allows you to avoid long queues and the midday heat. Mornings are cooler and less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience and the opportunity to enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.

Pack the Essentials Wisely 

Save money by packing reusable water bottles to refill for free, plus your own beach towels for Splashin’ Safari (though they can be purchased or included with Cabana rentals). Don’t forget to bring rain ponchos or umbrellas, too. Ponchos are sold throughout the park if you need one.

Bringing a swimsuit is crucial for enjoying Splashin’ Safari. Lockers are available to store your belongings, allowing you to enjoy the water rides without carrying extra gear.

Arriving prepared with these smart essentials helps you avoid extra costs before even passing through the gates. Every dollar saved is a win!

Watch for Time Zone Changes

The park is located on the border between the Central and Eastern Time Zones, which might affect the time displayed on your devices. Keeping a watch set to the park’s time can help avoid any confusion.

Our hotel was 30 minutes away. We were in a different time zone then Holiday World. It created confusion when we decided in the morning to get there at open.

Pack Your Own Food and Drinks

To avoid spending a ton on food inside the park, pack your own! Holiday World allows outside food and drinks to be brought in as long as they aren’t in glass containers. Load up a small soft-sided cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for the whole family. 

You’ll pay just a few dollars per person, compared to potentially $10 or more per meal inside the park.

More About Holiday World Free Soft Drinks

Holiday World offers free unlimited soft drinks to all its visitors. This is part of their commitment to providing a great value experience for families.

The free drinks include a variety of options such as Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, Starry, Tropicana Pink Lemonade, Mug Root Beer, SoBe Yumberry Pomegranate, Gatorade (various flavors), iced tea, and water. These beverages are available throughout both Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari at multiple self-serve stations​.

Insider Tip! The free soft drinks do not come with lids. You are provided with paper cups, and it is recommended to bring your own spill-proof cup or thermos if you prefer a container with a lid. If you have little kids, like we do, bring cups with lids!

Consider a Dining Plan

If packing your own food isn’t an option, consider Holiday World’s dining plans, which offer unlimited meals for one upfront price or discounted pay-one-price wristband deals for food and drinks. 

These packages can add value, especially for bigger families who would spend a lot buying food a la carte.

Best Time for Meals

For shorter waits, consider eating a bit earlier than most visitors. Try having a meal between 10 am and 11:30 am CDT and dinner between 4 pm and 6 pm CDT. Snack locations, such as ice cream and pretzels, are least busy between 10 am and 2 pm CDT, with increased activity in the evenings.

Don’t Forget the Free Parking and EV Charging

Holiday World offers free parking, including spots with electric vehicle charging stations. This convenience adds value by reducing extra costs and hassle.

The walk from the parking lot to the park is a bit far. Be prepared to get your steps in while you’re at the park.

The park is also hilly. If you have a stroller, be prepared for a workout.

Game Timing

Games are typically less busy before 3 p.m. CDT, offering kids a good opportunity to enjoy them with shorter queues. This is the perfect time to let your little ones try their hand at classic midway games and win fun prizes!

Pet Kennel Options

Holiday World welcomes four-legged family members with open arms. For guests bringing their furry companions along, the park offers pet kennel options to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for everyone. 

You can choose from an air-conditioned kennel ($25 per day) or an outdoor kennel ($15 per day). If you plan to house multiple pets in the same kennel, there is an additional $10 charge per extra pet.

Set a Souvenir Budget  

As for souvenirs, set a reasonable budget beforehand and stick to it. Those plush characters and tee shirts can really add up! Consider picking up some cheaper mementos outside the park, like holiday ornaments or shirts at stores in Santa Claus, Indiana before your visit. 

Score Souvenir Discounts 

If you do want to shell out a small fortune for park merchandise, keep your eyes peeled for discounts and deals. Look for discount racks located throughout Holiday World’s various gift shops. And if you purchased a season pass, you can save 10-20% off your entire souvenir purchase by showing your season pass.

Watch for Merchandise Sales

In addition to discounts, the gift shops frequently run sales like “buy one get one” promotions on shirts, hats, stuffed toys, and more during less busy periods. Following the park on social media can alert you to these special merchandise sales.

Attend Special Events  

Timing your visit for one of Holiday World’s special event days can unlock some fantastic added value at no extra cost. For example, their annual HoliDog Celebration grants free park admission to four-legged family members! 

So your pup could enjoy all the holiday cheer with you. Events like this make your park visit extra memorable without extra expense.

Mobility Accommodations

For guests who require mobility assistance, Holiday World goes the extra mile to ensure an accessible and comfortable experience. The park offers wheelchair and ECV (electric convenience vehicle) rentals, with reservations highly recommended during peak seasons and holidays to guarantee availability.

Take Advantage of the Weather Guarantee  

With the “Worry-Free Weather Guarantee,” stormy forecast days might be the best days to visit! Lines are shorter, and if rides close for 90 minutes or longer due to severe weather, you can use your ticket to visit again that season for free.

Note the Time Zone

Please remember, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is on Central Daylight Time, so plan accordingly if traveling from another time zone.

Review of the Park’s Highlights

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari offers a collection of extraordinary experiences and attractions that set it apart from other theme parks. Ranging from record-breaking coasters to dazzling seasonal events, these unforgettable highlights make this destination truly one-of-a-kind and incredibly special.

The Signature Coasters  

Top of the must-do list has to be the park’s signature wooden roller coasters, which rank among the best on the planet. 

Grab a fresh pair of holiday-themed socks and brace yourself for airtime on thrilling coasters like The Voyage, voted the nation’s #1 wooden coaster for over 20 years! It delivers that perfect blend of speed, intensity, and traditional roller coaster charm.

The Thunderbird steel coaster sets the standard for winged coaster thrills with its immersive loops and near-misses thanks to the unique suspended seating. And Wildebeest, the water coaster at Splashin’ Safari, is a record-breaking aquatic adventure you have to experience!  

Holiday Theming and Atmosphere

Beyond the incredible coasters, don’t miss unique Holiday World traditions like strolling among the park’s dazzling light displays and themed areas like Halloween and Thanksgiving decked out in stunning seasonal decor. It’s like trick-or-treating and watching a holiday parade year-round!  

Live Shows

The live shows are also top-notch and filled with that classic Holiday World heart and humor. Grab a seat for “Hi-Li’ers Variety Show,” a musical comedy revue with singing, dancing, and all sorts of family-friendly jokes and skits. It’s the perfect way to cool off indoors midday.

Family-Friendly Activities

For families, I’d also highly recommend taking the kids trick-or-treating during the Happy Halloween Weekends in the fall (included with admission!) and checking out the free indoor exhibits like the Hoosier History Museum and Christmas in the Park display.

Signature Holiday Events  

And you absolutely can’t skip the park’s nighttime festivities either. Holiday World puts on an award-winning fireworks and fountain show called “Nights of Bright Delights” that will leave you awestruck. The sync to the soundtrack is incredible! Time your visit right to catch the spectacle at its peak.

Explore at Your Own Pace

If your crew has more time, you could fill multiple days just exploring all the different roller coasters, live entertainment, themed areas, water slides, and festive celebrations. But for first-timers or those with just a weekend, make sure to hit those signature rides, shows, and displays first!

Even More Holiday World Tips

Early Season Pass Purchase

Purchasing a season pass early in the sales cycle guarantees the lowest price, with costs rising as the season approaches.

Platinum Season Pass Perks

Platinum Season Pass holders enjoy additional benefits, such as the ability to bring a friend for free on select days.

Holiday World Pre-K Pass

This pass offers free admission all season for children born in certain years, easing the financial burden for families. We just signed up our twin 4 year olds for the Holiday World Pre-K Pass.

Eligibility in 2024 is based on the child’s birth date of 2019 or 2020. When purchasing tickets online, you must add these tickets to your cart. Be prepared to provide proof of age.

Multi-Day Flex Tickets

These tickets provide a cost-effective option for visitors planning multiple days at the park, reducing the daily cost of visits.

Hotel Package Deals

Combining hotel stays with park tickets can offer further financial savings and convenience for longer stays.

Cashless Payment Discounts

Using Holiday World’s cashless system may provide discounts or quicker service inside the park, potentially saving money on in-park purchases.

Your Affordable Holiday World Awaits

There you have it, my complete guide to saving big while still having an absolute blast at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari! Regardless of scoring deep discounts on tickets or making the most of meal packages and insider tips, creating affordable holiday memories here is totally possible.

By timing your visit wisely, stacking promotions, and keeping a keen eye out for coupon codes and deals, you can cut costs dramatically compared to just showing up at the front gate. It takes a little legwork upfront, but those savings add up quickly!  

So don’t assume Holiday World is out of reach just because it’s a major destination theme park. With creativity and these savvy strategies, you can give your family an unforgettable vacation without blowing a hole in your budget. 

Just think of how delighted the kids will be when they get to celebrate all their favorite holidays in one amazing place. 

Start planning your cost-effective Holiday World getaway today! Keep this guide handy and you’ll be making magical memories without breaking the bank. 

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