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Smooth Flight on Thunderbird

Posted on April 23, 2015



So today is one of those days where I can’t help but love my job! Various companies offer unique perks. I get that, but on days like today I think I get one of the best job perks ever. I got to start my day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari with a ride on the nation’s first launched wing roller coaster – Thunderbird. I had a cup of coffee on my way to the park but soon realized I had enough adrenaline running through my veins that I didn’t need my usual kick start! Maybe this is how I should start each day? I wouldn’t complain, not one bit. So I rode Thunderbird. And then I rode it again. Hours later, I just cannot get over how smooth the ride was and simply amazing. I waited to ride in the front car – I mean why not, right? I got to ride with David from WFIE 14 and we had a blast. After saying he wasn’t a screamer before we got going, I’m pretty sure I heard a few from his seat, but I won’t tell. In fact, check out this video the news site posted. It shows David and his point of view through all of the twists, turns, and upside-down rolls, and you may hear some extra screaming from his right… that would be me. It was an incredible ride – so smooth, nice and fast… but the launch was probably my favorite part. The announcer warns, “It’s launch time!” and the coaster rolls forward into a mist of fog with the first major loop looming beyond. It’s fast, very fast. But the ride is just so insanely smooth. Once wasn’t enough so I was able to get VP Eric to ride with me the second time. Eric is also the president of our county tourism commission and had already ridden several times. In fact, I learned he’s keeping a chart of the seats he’s ridden on so far – how fun! “It’s launch time!” And so we launched. There was more screaming, and even some laughter, as we took Thunderbird’s breathtaking flight. This ride was in the front again but on the other side… I think I prefer the first side – the left. It’s just astonishingly smooth throughout the entire ride. (See? I can’t get over it!) For fewer crowds and fantastic spring weather, visit early this summer. Here's a link to our site with everything you need to plan your trip to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana.