originally posted on 6/16/2025
Photo: Robert Smith. View full-sized image.
Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Bee… oh right, guess, it’s best to stop there. 2025’s installment of HoliWood Nights was themed to the aforementioned ghostly wise guy, and his presence was appreciated and prolific throughout the event. Enthusiasts from around the country and multiple clubs enjoyed the annual event hosted by Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, in Santa Claus, Indiana, on the last two days of May. Even though HoliWood Nights has been going strong since 2006, it is notoriously hard to score a ticket, so the experience is strongly coveted — and for good reason.
Attendees were able to enjoy two full days at the park. The schedule allowed for the luxury of absolutely packed days or the option to sleep in a bit and leisurely start the day at their own pace. The event ticket was an all-day ticket for Friday and Saturday, but official event happenings did not start until 2 p.m., allowing for some freedom in how attendees structured the day. A separate line to pick up credentials was ready to go at park opening on Friday but was available all day, allowing for a later arrival if needed. It was a great time to check out rides not on the ERT schedule, catch one of the shows or simply wander the park and get one’s bearings.
Every HoliWood Nights event has a theme, and 2025’s Beetlejuice references were expectedly pervasive.
Photos: Kim Graber. View full-sized image.
Shortly before 2 p.m., the group started to gather at Christmas Plaza, catching up with old friends or possibly making new friends from other enthusiast groups, for a walkback of The Legend and Raven. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not playing nice and forced a few severe weather delays. Eventually, the walkback happened, snacks were eaten, and in a classy move the park announced that its rain check policy would apply to all attendees for a future date. At 6:45 p.m., those brave enough to submerge themselves in some very chilly water (thanks to the Midwest’s cool and rainy spring) were rewarded with short waits for the park’s three famous water coasters and wave pool. What followed was billed as hors d’oeuvres but was legitimately a small meal. Afterward, ERT occurred on all six coasters and a selection of flat rides as well as pizza in the Picnic Grove and a silent auction for experiences. The first-night party went until 11 p.m., but that was only day one!
Holiday World’s whimsical park mascots made an appearance at Saturday night’s dinner.
Photo: Robert Smith. View full-sized image.
On Saturday, everyone showed up to do it all again. This time the afternoon activities included trivia, a totcho (nachos with potato tots) bar and an auction for physical items. At 8 p.m., as the park closed to the general public and was cleared out, all attendees were treated to a full Thanksgiving dinner in the Picnic Grove with lots of appearances by the park mascots. Once the park was cleared, around 9 p.m., attendees had almost three full hours for coasters, some flat rides and a local band that performed lots of familiar songs and a very fun parody of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” entitled “Pour Some Gravy on Me.” This included the shooting of a music video that all attendees were invited to be in if they chose. The Plymouth on the Rocks bar was also open during part of ERT both nights for adult beverage purchases, and the famous unlimited free soft drink stations were kept going until the very end.
ERT on Good Gravy! — Holiday World’s 2024 addition — was included as part of the event.
Photo: Robert Smith. View full-sized image.
Holiday World has a great coaster and ride lineup, but the undisputed stars of the event were the famous untrimmed night rides on The Voyage — the park’s award-winning Gravity Group woodie. With its Philadelphia Toboggan Coaster trains and some recent track work by Gravitykraft, fans of The Voyage will tell you it’s running in a realm unmatched by most other coasters. It’s not hyperbole to say that some riders were shedding actual tears of joy as they came in from their runs. The ride operators for the coaster deserve every accolade for pumping up the crowd and creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the station. In fact, all the park employees rose spectacularly to the occasion.
As is typical, HoliWood Nights gave attendees opportunities to step behind the scenes for close looks at Raven and The Legend.
Photos: Robert Smith. View full-sized image.
Holiday World and HoliWood Nights should certainly be on the radar for anyone who has never felt the rumble of Thunderbird, cried “cacaw, cacaw” on Raven, rung that bell on The Legend, helped Grandma Gracy finish the gravy or rowed that boat right out of The Voyage station.
— Kim Graber
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