Pouring on the Fun: Good Gravy! Becomes a Family Favorite

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Lou P. Rider

🖼️ Photo by Alex C., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Santa Claus, Indiana—A quirky and innovative attraction is taking the amusement park world by storm.

Good Gravy!, a Thanksgiving-themed roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, has captured the hearts of thrill-seekers and families alike. Recently crowned Best New Theme Park Attraction of 2024 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, this ride combines immersive storytelling with broad appeal, redefining the way families enjoy amusement parks. For those logging their rides in a theme park app like Loopr, Good Gravy! offers an unforgettable experience to track and cherish.

An Immersive Adventure Through Grandma’s Kitchen

Good Gravy! delivers a whimsical journey like no other. The experience begins at Stuffing Springs, part of the Thanksgiving section of Holiday World. Guests discover Grandma Gracy’s kitchen is out of gravy on Thanksgiving Day. To help solve the crisis, riders board a massive gravy boat that’s pulled backward through the station before launching forward into a series of twists and turns.

The journey takes riders past oversized kitchen accessories, including a towering can of cranberry sauce, a rolling pin, and a chicken-shaped kitchen timer. The highlight? A pause atop a seven-story spike before the train reverses, sending riders back through the course for double the fun.

With a top speed of 37 miles per hour and a minimum height requirement of 38 inches, this ride is perfect for younger children while still delivering excitement for adults. Families can track their experiences on Loopr, the ride tracking app built to capture every thrilling moment.

A Fan-Favorite for All Ages

Since its opening in May 2024, Good Gravy! has been a hit among park visitors, thanks to its thoughtful design and family-friendly appeal. Its unique theme immerses guests in a 1960s kitchen, complete with nostalgic details like a vintage Sears catalog and a rotary phone. These small touches add charm and character, creating a ride experience that sticks with visitors long after their day at the park.

Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications and a fourth-generation owner of Holiday World, has emphasized the ride’s wide appeal. “Good Gravy! isn’t just a coaster—it’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy,” she said. For families logging rides on Loopr, this attraction is sure to become a standout memory.

Award-Winning Design and Recognition

Good Gravy! has garnered widespread acclaim, earning some of the highest accolades in the amusement park industry. In addition to its win as the Best New Theme Park Attraction of 2024, it was named Best Theme Concept at the 2024 Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards. It also ranked as the #2 Family Coaster in the World and was a finalist for both Best New Coaster and Best New Attraction Installation.

The success of Good Gravy! underscores the importance of innovative design and immersive storytelling in creating memorable attractions. For fans who use ride tracking apps like Loopr to catalog their experiences, these award-winning details make the ride even more special.

A $10 Million Investment in Family Fun

Good Gravy! is part of a $10 million expansion at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a park known for its rich history and family-friendly charm. Originally opened as Santa Claus Land in 1946, it was the first-ever theme park in the United States. Over the years, the park has expanded to include themed sections for Christmas, Halloween, the 4th of July, and Thanksgiving.

The addition of Splashin’ Safari in 1993 brought world-class water coasters, further solidifying the park’s reputation as a premier destination for families. The Good Gravy! roller coaster builds on this legacy by combining nostalgia with cutting-edge fun. It’s a standout attraction that fans will undoubtedly log as a highlight in their theme park adventures.

The Future of Family Entertainment

The success of Good Gravy! reflects the growing demand for immersive, multi-generational attractions. Today’s families are seeking experiences that everyone can enjoy, from kids on their first roller coaster to grandparents reliving cherished memories.

This trend is also evident in the rise of theme park apps like Loopr, which allow families to track their rides, compare stats, and build digital memories of their visits. Attractions like Good Gravy! are perfectly suited for this era of connected, experience-driven entertainment.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Holiday World is preparing for an even more exciting 2025 season, with an expanded operating calendar offering more days of fun than ever before. Families can take advantage of the Free Pre-K Pass, available for children born between July 1, 2019, and October 26, 2021.

The park’s Worry-Free Weather Guarantee also ensures peace of mind for visitors. If rides are closed for more than 90 minutes due to severe weather, ticket holders can return for free later in the season. With tools like Loopr to enhance their planning and ride tracking, families can make the most of their visits.

Why Good Gravy! Matters

Good Gravy! is more than just a roller coaster; it’s a testament to the power of creativity, nostalgia, and innovation in the theme park industry. By combining a quirky concept with immersive storytelling and broad accessibility, Holiday World has created a ride that resonates with guests of all ages.

Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or a parent planning your next family outing, attractions like Good Gravy! are paving the way for a new era of theme park fun. And with theme park apps like Loopr making it easier to log and relive these experiences, there’s never been a better time to embrace the thrills.