By Don Steen
Workers hoisted the last section of track onto Holiday World’s newest roller coaster, Good Gravy! The near vertical segment was fastened into place early Friday morning, with Old Glory flying atop.
Starting in May, guests will embark on a giant gravy boat that will be pulled backward uphill before soaring through the station on cranberry-colored track, reaching a maximum speed of 37 miles per hour. As the train races along, it will pass through a colossal cranberry jelly can and narrowly dodge towering kitchen utensils, including a 20-foot-tall whisk and an 18-foot-tall rolling pin.
The gravy boat will coast to a brief stop at the pinnacle of the 72-foot-tall spike completed on Friday, then proceed to fall backwards and repeat its journey back to the station. All told, the coaster covers more than 1,500 feet of track.
With a 38-inch height requirement, the new coaster offers a family-friendly experience, allowing children as young as three years old to ride with their parents. In addition to the coaster, the expansion includes the Stuffing Springs section, featuring a children’s play area, comfortable benches, and shaded spots for guests to rest. There is also a Dippin’ Dots stand nearby, creatively crafted from a refurbished 1964 Airstream Camper.
Park owner Leah Koch-Blumhardt said Good Gravy! provides a much-needed middle ground between coasters fit only for small children or adults. The new attraction offers a section where all family members can either participate in the ride, or enjoy the other amenities on site.
The concept for the coaster began in 2021, and came together relatively quickly.
“That’s a rather short turnaround for a roller coaster,” said Koch-Blumhardt.
Holiday World and Good Gravy! will open to Season Passholders May 4 and 5 and open to the public May 11.
For more information about Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and the upcoming Good Gravy! attraction, visit www.holidayworld.com.
