The Fun, Joyous Experience of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari with Ashley Blankenbaker

Summary

In this episode, Evan J. Cholfin speaks with Ashley Blankenbaker, Director of Marketing at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, about the unique family experiences and innovative marketing strategies that set the park apart in the theme park industry. They discuss the park's origins, its commitment to creating memorable family moments, and the challenges of standing out in a competitive market. Ashley shares insights on the park's attractions, marketing strategies, and future goals, emphasizing the importance of guest experience and family connections.

Takeaways

Holiday World started as Santa Claus Land in 1946.
The park offers free unlimited soft drinks, parking, and sunscreen.
Creating a conflict-free experience is a priority for families.
The park intentionally avoids using an app to encourage disconnection.
Family memories are a key focus for the park's marketing.
Unique attractions like Good Gravy cater to multi-generational experiences.
Maintaining cleanliness and friendliness is crucial for guest satisfaction.
Marketing strategies include influencer partnerships and radio endorsements.
The park aims to increase season pass sales and attendance.
Future expansions will focus on immersive and interactive experiences.

Sound Bites

"We want this to be a day with no conflict."
"We are always looking to increase revenue."
"We want to immerse you in a new world."

Chapters

00:00 The Origin of Holiday World
02:09 Innovative Family Entertainment Strategies
02:59 Creating Memorable Family Experiences
05:45 Attractions and Rides Overview
09:40 Challenges in Visitor Growth
11:48 Standing Out in a Competitive Market
13:51 Attendance and Revenue Goals for 2025
14:50 Enhancing Park Experience
16:11 Expanding Visitor Demographics
18:30 Acquiring New Visitors
20:06 Trends in Family Entertainment
20:43 Impact of Economic Changes
21:42 Ensuring a Great Guest Experience
22:52 Measuring Success in the Coming Year

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/e5MoKQWtI5E