S5, E036 President & CEO of Holiday World, Matt Eckert talks about 2026!

This episode of "The Attractions Group Podcast" features an interview with Matt Eckert, the President and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, who stops by to talk about 2026. Hosts, David and Clete, begin by discussing recent roller coaster rankings from USA Today, sharing their own strong (and sometimes humorous) opinions on the list. The conversation then shifts to Holiday World's recent accolades, including its high rankings for water coasters and guest service. Matt Eckert shares insights into the park's unique culture—focusing on the "four prongs" of guest interaction—and discusses upcoming events like "Rubber Duck Days" and a major announcement planned for July 1, 2026.   Video Timestamps [00:34] – Introduction and banter between hosts David and Clete. [04:43] – Discussion of the USA Today Top 10 Roller Coaster rankings. [14:14] – The hosts' personal "snubs" and favorite coasters not on the list. [21:44] – Matt Eckert joins the show. [23:22] – Holiday World's performance in the USA Today rankings (Water Coasters and Water Park). [26:50] – The philosophy behind custom-designed water attractions and using the park's topography. [30:34] – Update on Santa’s Cottages and the park's expansion into lodging. [33:07] – Managing the longest operating season in the park's history and staffing challenges. [41:48] – In-depth look at Holiday World’s hospitality training and staff culture. [44:57] – The "Look at me, Smile at me, Talk to me, Thank me" guest service philosophy. [53:14] – How Holiday World differentiates itself through value (free parking, soft drinks, and sunscreen). [01:00:33] – Teasing a major announcement for 2027, coming on July 1. [01:02:18] – Details on "Rubber Duck Days" and the six-story tall rubber duck visiting the park.   The gates open this Saturday. The coasters will be roaring, as the 2026 Summer Season at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari is officially here! In this exclusive season-opener episode of the Attractions Group Podcast, we are joined by park President and CEO Matt Eckert to pull back the curtain on what makes this "little park in a cornfield" a consistent powerhouse in the global attractions industry. Why Holiday World is Dominating the 2026 Rankings Matt discusses the park's recent sweep of the USA Today 10Best Awards, where they ranked in nearly every category they were nominated for—including Wildebeest reclaiming its throne as the #1 water park attraction and Splashin' Safari being named the #2 water park in the entire nation. The Philosophy of Value: More Than Just Rides In an era of rising costs, Matt explains why Holiday World doubles down on its legendary "Free" model. From free unlimited soft drinks and Gatorade to free parking and free sunscreen, we explore the psychology of guest service and how removing "financial friction" allows families to focus on what matters most: making memories. What’s New for 2026? This year marks the longest operating calendar in the park's 80-year history! We discuss the expansion of Friday Night Live, the massive 500-drone Summer Sky Spectacle (now featuring over 50 pyrotechnic elements), and the debut of Rubber Duck Days, featuring a staggering six-story tall rubber duck and her son, Timmy, taking over the water park. Looking Toward the Future Beyond the 2026 season, Matt drops a massive "breadcrumb" for coaster enthusiasts. If you want the scoop on the July 1st announcement for the 2027 season, speculation abounds!    Holiday World 2026, Matt Eckert Interview, Splashin' Safari, Best Water Park in USA, Santa Claus Indiana Attractions, Cheetah Chase Water Coaster, Mammoth Water Coaster, Wildebeest Airtime, Theme Park Marketing, Family Vacation Ideas Midwest, Free Parking Theme Parks, Theme Park Podcast, Attractions Group, 2027 Roller Coaster Rumors, Drone Show 2026, Holiday World Early Entry, Santa's Cottages.   Are you Team #Wildebeest or Team #CheetahChase? Tell us in the comments! Also, what do you think the big July 1st announcement is for the 2027 season? 🎢✨   The Attractions Group Website: www.theAttractionsGroup.com LinkedIn: Attractions Group Professional Network: / 12649603 the Attractions Group on LinkedIn: / attractions-group Facebook: @TheAttractionsGroup X: https://x.com/attractions_grp Podcast Feed: https://theattractionsgrouppodcast.po... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UfVPf5...   #HolidayWorld #SplashinSafari #ThemePark #CoasterEnthusiast #TravelIndiana #Summer2026 #WaterCoaster #Podcast #AttractionsGroup #FamilyTravel