Holiday World opens for its 2027 season Saturday, May 8, with more July hours. Platinum passholders get the first rides on Cannonball, a $22 million water coaster, a week earlier.
Holiday World has its 2027 calendar out, and the Santa Claus, Ind., park is promising more summer for your money.
The park opens to the public Saturday, May 8, 2027, and the new schedule adds operating days and later closing times in July, the Dubois County Free Press reported Tuesday. President and CEO Matt Eckert said the park has "expanded operating hours significantly."
"The fans have asked, and we listened," Eckert said.
The other headline is Cannonball!, the park's new water coaster. Platinum Season Passholders get an exclusive preview Saturday, May 1. All season passholders get a ride day Sunday, May 2.
What is Cannonball at Holiday World?
A $22 million water coaster built by Mack Rides, WBIW reported. It stands 90 feet tall and hits 45 mph, which park officials told WBIW makes it the fastest water coaster in the United States.
"Cannonball! construction is moving quickly," Eckert said. The park recently set giant inflatable swans at the construction site. Nobody has explained the swans to us yet. We're choosing to trust the process.
Platinum Season Passholders and guests at the park's Santa's Cottages also get Early Entry for first rides on Cannonball and select Splashin' Safari attractions in June and July.
When does Splashin' Safari open in 2027?
Saturday, May 15, according to Holiday World's online calendar. Here's how May shakes out:
May 1: Platinum passholder preview. Holiday World only.
May 2: All-passholder ride day.
May 8: Opening day for everyone.
May 12 to 14 and 19 to 21: Weekdays for school groups only.
May 15: Splashin' Safari opens.
May 22: Both parks start running every day.
Happy Halloween Weekends return in the fall. Dates aren't posted yet.
How much is a Holiday World 2027 season pass?
Holiday World is knocking $40 off each pass through Jan. 1, 2027, according to its season pass page.
Platinum Season Pass: $220. Includes the May 1 preview, two Bring A Friend tickets a month, 20% off food and merchandise, and Cannonball Early Entry.
Season Pass: $180. Includes the May 2 ride day, 12 Bring A Friend tickets a year and 10% off food and merchandise.
Summer Fun Card: $140. Good Sunday through Friday through Labor Day 2027. No Happy Halloween Weekends.
Pre-K Pass: Free for kids born July 1, 2021, through Nov. 1, 2023.
Easy Pay plans start at $45 a month. Military members, first responders, nurses and teachers get discounted passes, too.
How do you get the free Pre-K Pass?
Sign up online by June 30, 2027. Then bring a government-issued document that shows your child's age to Guest Relations the first time you visit, the park says. The pass has to be processed by Sept. 6, 2027. By our math, that covers kids who will be roughly 3 to 5 years old during the 2027 season.
Does Holiday World have Black Friday ticket deals?
Yes. Starting Nov. 23, the park is selling 2027 tickets in three waves, and the price climbs each week. Holiday World posted these on its blog Monday:
Black Friday (Nov. 23 to 29, code BLACKFRIDAY): Any Day ticket $49.99, 2-Day Flex $79.99, 3-Day Flex $94.99.
Cyber Week (Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, code CYBERWEEK): $54.99, $84.99 and $99.99.
Holiday Sale (Dec. 5 to Jan. 5, code HOLIDAYSALE): $59.99, $89.99 and $104.99.
The Black Friday Any Day ticket is $35 off the 2027 gate price, so that's the one to grab. You can buy up to eight tickets per checkout.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Dubois County Free Press (Nov. 10, 2026), opening day, expanded hours, passholder days, Early Entry and Matt Eckert's quotes
WBIW (Nov. 10, 2026), Cannonball's cost, builder, height and speed, and the inflatable swans
WWBL The Bullet (Nov. 10, 2026), calendar and Pre-K Pass details
Holiday World (Nov. 9, 2026), Black Friday, Cyber Week and Holiday Sale ticket prices
Holiday World (Nov. 2026), season pass prices and perks, Pre-K Pass rules and the May 2027 calendar
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