CoasterRadio.com #116 - Independent Parks

If you're a theme park enthusiast, you definitely know names like Disney, Universal, Six Flags, Paramount, Busch and Cedar Fair. They are the companies behind the major theme park chains in the United States. They also account for most of the profit made in the amusement park industry. However, when it comes to customer service, cleanliness and value, most of those parks can't compete with America's Independent Parks. There are dozens of family-owned parks that strive to give their guests a feeling of welcome and the knowledge that their park is a place people can call home. Parks like Kennywood, Knoebels, Indiana Beach, Lake Compounce and Holiday World are excellent examples of parks that are known throughout the world for their hospitality, attentive staff and a collection of rides that vary from classic to modern. On this week's show, we'll talk about many of these parks and how they differ from the corporate themers. We give specific details about prices, attractions and the unique aspects of each park. We'll also be joined by Will Koch, the president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus Indiana. Holiday World is recognized as an industry leader because of their innovations in hospitality and the overall guest experience. They shocked the amusement park industry a few years ago when they began giving way free soft drinks as part of the regular admission fee. They also are home to The Raven and The Legend, two of the top wooden roller coasters in the world. We'll talk with Will about the the family history of Holiday World, the secret behind its success, and we'll find out as much as we can about their new record-breaking wooden coaster for 2006 - The Voyage. We'll also tell you who won our SOUNDWAVE contest and we'll have another edition of Theme Park Trivia. Next week, we're putting you in charge of the show. Head to our dedicated forum topic to let us know what you want to hear. It's our way of saying thanks for listening to the show in 2005. Don't forget to vote in our 2005 CoasterRadio.com Awards!