Holiday World Announces New “Cannonball!” Water Coaster
Visualization: Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
(eap) The US amusement and water park Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Indiana has announced its largest-ever single investment in an attraction. In May of next year, “Cannonball!”, a new water coaster from Mack Rides, is set to open. A total of 22 million US dollars (around 19.3 million euros) will be invested in the new water coaster, which is expected to feature not only record-breaking ride elements, but also special theming.
Thematically, Cannonball! will revolve around a fictional Fourth of July community center pool party with a longstanding cannonball dive competition and thus fit perfectly into the park’s “Fourth of July” themed area. “This ride is dedicated to every kid who had to work up the courage to climb the tall diving board at their community pool,” says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, fourth-generation Owner and Director of Communications. “And it’s a tribute to every small town with a quirky annual tradition. There’s something special about the way we come together to celebrate our independence as a nation, and we hope Cannonball! conveys that magic.”
The plans for the new water coaster include a track length of more than 1,000 feet (over 300 meters). After a 90-foot (27-meter) lift hill, the ride is set to begin with a drop of almost 75-foot (around 23-meters) – the tallest drop on a water coaster in the US, according to the park. In total, the attraction is expected to feature five drops as well as various curves and changes of direction before, in line with the storyline, the boats plunge into the “Boulder Canyon Community Pool”. With a top speed of 45 mph (approx. 72 km/h), Cannonball! is also set to become the fastest water coaster in the United States.
Guests from a height of 42 inches (one meter) will already be able to ride when accompanied by an adult; from 48 inches (1.20 meters), they will be allowed to ride alone. Riders will take their seats in one of seven vehicles, each designed as a colorful, quirky inner tube. “Our vision is to be every family’s home for the holidays,” adds Koch-Blumhardt. “We’re laser-focused on young families here at Holiday World, so we love to build rides that the whole family can ride together. Cannonball! is going to be the perfect step between ‘Good Gravy!’ and the rest of our high-thrill roller coasters.” ■
