When families choose a theme park getaway, roller coasters, water slides and entertainment usually get most of the attention. But the way guests are treated can shape the entire trip.

That’s why Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s latest recognition stands out.

The family-owned destination in Santa Claus, Indiana, placed No. 40 in the Forbes Best Customer Service rankings, making it the highest-ranked entertainment company on a national list that includes recognizable brands such as Chick-fil-A, Costco and Amazon.

For travelers, the honor highlights something that doesn’t always appear on a theme park’s list of attractions: an experience built around hospitality and value.

Why This Ranking Matters for Families

Theme park trips can become expensive quickly, particularly when parking, food, drinks and other extras are added to the price of admission.

Holiday World has long taken a different approach.

Parking is free. Soft drinks are free. Sunscreen is free.

Those perks can make a noticeable difference during a long day at the park, especially for families managing vacation costs.

But amenities are only part of the equation.

Holiday World says its guest satisfaction ratings are higher than ever, crediting its employees and a renewed focus on operations.

“As a family-owned and -operated business, we’re astonished to see Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari listed among these huge national mega-brands,” said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Holiday World’s director of communications and fourth-generation owner. “But at the same time, we’ve had our sights set on delivering exceptional operations for the last several years. This is a testament to how friendly and excellent our Team Members truly are.”

A great roller coaster might be the reason a family chooses a park. The overall experience often determines whether guests want to return.

Holiday World Is Having Quite a Run

The Forbes recognition follows two other notable honors.

Splashin’ Safari was recently named the No. 1 water park in the world by Amusement Today, while Holiday World’s Happy Halloween Weekends was voted the best theme park Halloween event in the Midwest by USA Today readers.

Together, the awards highlight the destination’s appeal across summer vacations and seasonal getaways.

Its location adds to that appeal.

Holiday World is within a few hours’ drive of Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville and Columbus, making it a convenient weekend road-trip destination. It also attracts visitors from farther away, including Chicago, Atlanta and Kansas City.

Fall Is One of the Best Times to Experience It

Travelers don’t have to wait until next summer to visit.

Holiday World is open Saturdays and Sundays for Happy Halloween Weekends, which has taken a prehistoric turn in 2026 with a dinosaur theme and a 12-acre Dino Corn Maze Adventure.

Saturday evenings feature Dinos Soar in the Sky, a spectacular 500-drone show.

The park is extending its Saturday operating hours until 10 p.m. through Oct. 24, giving guests additional time to enjoy the fall atmosphere after dark.

Friday Night Live! offers another reason to visit, with live music, drink specials and nighttime rides on Holiday World’s collection of roller coasters and other attractions from 5 to 10 p.m.

For coaster enthusiasts, experiencing the park’s rides after sunset can be a highlight of a fall getaway.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Holiday World is already preparing its next major attraction.

Cannonball! Water Roller Coaster, a $22 million addition scheduled to open at Splashin’ Safari in spring 2027, is expected to be the first ride of its kind in the Midwest.

Platinum Season Pass holders will receive early-entry access to the attraction during June and July.

It’s another significant investment for the family-owned destination, but the Forbes recognition demonstrates that building memorable experiences involves more than introducing new rides.

Sometimes it’s the little things.

A friendly employee. A free drink on a hot afternoon. Feeling like a vacation delivered what was promised without constantly reaching back into your wallet.

There are bigger theme park resorts with larger budgets and more recognizable names. But Holiday World’s latest national recognition offers families another compelling reason to consider Santa Claus, Indiana, for their next getaway.

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(Photos and video courtesy Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)