Holiday World’s Thunderbird has Updated height requirement

Santa Claus, IN – Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari announced in a humorous video today that Thunderbird will have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, down from 52 inches.

Thunderbird opened in May 2015 as the first launched wing coaster in North America. The 3,000-foot-long steel roller coaster features four inversions and a Linear Synchronus Motor-powered launch that takes riders from 0 mph to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. A second launched wing coaster from the same manufacturer opened this past weekend in Virginia and has a 48-inch minimum height requirement.

“Not long after the new launched wing coaster’s construction was announced, we received word that we would be able to lower our minimum height requirement thanks to updated testing,” says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications and Fourth-Generation Owner. “We strive to choose attractions the whole family can ride together, so this was exciting news.”

The new height requirement now matches all of the major wooden roller coasters at Holiday World.

“We’re so thrilled for all the children who will be 48 inches tall this year–Thunderbird is a blast and they get to experience it even sooner!” adds Koch-Blumhardt. “However, we do apologize to all the parents who were planning to use the 52-inch height requirement as motivation for their children to eat their veggies this year. We know that will be a tough adjustment.”

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari recently received nine nominations from USA Today’s 10BEST Readers Choice Awards, including for Best Theme Park and Best Outdoor Water Park.

2025 will be the longest season in recent history for the parks. Holiday World opens for select Season Passholders during the weekend of May 3, and opens to the public on May 10. Splashin’ Safari opens May 17, and both parks are open daily beginning May 23. Fan-favorite events, such as Holidays in the Sky, Friday Night Live! And Happy Halloween Weekends are all returning for the 2025 season as well.