Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari earned several of the top honors in the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, with Splashin’ Safari named the world’s Best Water Park, The Voyage reclaiming the title of Best Wooden Roller Coaster, and the park’s three water coasters sweeping the top three spots for Best Water Park Ride.
The awards, presented by Amusement Today and determined by a panel of experienced voters who visit amusement parks around the world, marked several milestones for the Santa Claus, Indiana, park.
It was Splashin’ Safari’s first time winning Best Water Park, while The Voyage returned to the top of the wooden coaster rankings for the first time in 15 years. Splashin’ Safari also swept the Best Water Park Ride category for the first time, with Mammoth taking first place, Wildebeest second, and Cheetah Chase third.
The water park spans nearly 40 acres of Holiday World’s 125-acre property and includes two wave pools, a lazy river, children’s play areas, and dozens of water slides.
“This is a dream come true,” said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, director of communications and fourth-generation owner. “When our dad, Will Koch, first opened Splashin’ Safari in 1993, he had big dreams of building the best water park in the world. We’ve been ranked #1 on plenty of lists, but now that we hold the Golden Ticket Award, we can truly say he did it. This is a testament to how incredible our maintenance and operations teams are at keeping the rides moving, the walkways clean, and the free soft drinks stocked.”
The Voyage, which is celebrating its 20th season, returned to the top of its category after Holiday World invested about $2.5 million in the ride over the past five years, replacing more than 3,000 feet of track.
“We’ve had our sights set on bringing this award home for the last decade,” said Lauren Crosby, director of entertainment and events and fourth-generation owner. “We couldn’t have done it without our roller coaster maintenance teams and outstanding ride operators.”
Splashin’ Safari is currently closed for the season, but Holiday World is open Saturdays and Sundays for Happy Halloween Weekends beginning Sept. 19. Friday Night Live! events will continue from 5-10 p.m. each Friday through Oct. 30.
The park also announced in July that Cannonball!, a water roller coaster, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2027.
By Phoenix Stevens The Owensboro Times