Holiday World Reigns Supreme as the Water Coaster Capital of the World

When it comes to theme parks, few destinations can lay claim to global dominance in a specific ride category. But nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has done just that—earning the undisputed title of “Water Coaster Capital of the World.”

While Holiday World has long been known for its classic wooden coasters with The Voyage, The Legend, and The Raven, it’s the park’s trio of world-class water coasters—Wildebeest, Mammoth, and Cheetah Chase—that have propelled the park into international acclaim.

These groundbreaking attractions, housed within Splashin’ Safari and included with park admission, collectively span more than a mile of track and deliver unmatched thrills, innovation, and fun.

A Legacy Built on Innovation

Holiday World’s reign in the water coaster world began in 2010 with Wildebeest, a ProSlide HydroMagnetic Rocket model that instantly turned heads. At 1,710 feet long and lasting nearly two and a half minutes, Wildebeest was, at the time, the longest water coaster in the world. What made it truly revolutionary, though, was its use of linear induction motors (LIMs) to propel four-person rafts uphill—eliminating the traditional reliance on gravity alone and allowing for a roller coaster-style ride in a water park setting.

The innovation didn’t stop there. Just two years later, Holiday World doubled down with Mammoth, an even more massive LIM-powered water coaster that stretched 1,763 feet and sprawled over three acres. With six-person circular boats, seven drops, six uphill launches, and unpredictable spinning motion—often in total darkness—Mammoth delivered a chaotic, thrilling experience that no other park had matched. It quickly earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s longest water coaster and continues to be a crowd favorite.

Then came Cheetah Chase in 2020, the world’s first launched water coaster. Utilizing high-powered water jets instead of LIMs, this ProSlide RocketBLAST model added a competitive twist to the mix, sending two three-person rafts racing side by side through tight turns and high-speed dueling zones. Cheetah Chase’s head-to-head format and forward-facing water launch redefined what guests expect from a water park ride.

More Than Just Record Holders

Together, Wildebeest, Mammoth, and Cheetah Chase don’t just push the limits of what’s technically possible—they redefine what water coasters can be. Each ride offers a distinct experience.

Wildebeest is the speedster, offering sharp airtime hills, helix turns, and a relentless pace that keeps riders grinning from start to finish. Mammoth, by contrast, is a soaking, sprawling journey through a course that whips boats in every direction. And Cheetah Chase delivers pure adrenaline, combining launch technology with racing elements that bring a sense of urgency and excitement to every turn.

All three water coasters have earned widespread industry recognition. Mammoth was named the 2023 Water Park Ride of the Year by Amusement Today. Wildebeest earned the top honor in 2024, marking the 13th time one of Holiday World’s water coasters has claimed that distinction. It’s held the title for over a decade.

Experience That Goes Beyond the Slides

Holiday World’s water coaster supremacy isn’t just about statistics and records. It’s part of a broader commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Splashin’ Safari, included with admission to Holiday World, is one of the largest water parks in the country. Despite its scale, the park remains affordable and guest-friendly, offering complimentary soft drinks, sunscreen, parking, and inner tubes.

The rides themselves in both the main park and water park are expertly maintained, with an operations team that places safety and comfort at the forefront.

The park’s cleanliness, family focus, and Midwestern hospitality consistently earn it high marks in industry surveys and guest reviews alike.

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