Santa Claus - Holiday World & Splashin' Safari announced plans Tuesday for a new 135-foot-high water that the southern Indiana amusement park says will be the tallest of its kind in the world.
The Pilgrim's Plunge, set to open next spring at a cost of $4.3 million, will use an open elevator to lift 10-passenger boats into the air and send them down a chute for a 45-degree angle descent.
When the boat hits the water at up to 50 mph, it will then create a wall of water that will splash 45 feet high, said Will Koch, Holiday World's president.
"This is a high-capacity, classic family ride with a modern twist," he said.
The 2-minute, 40-second ride will cover an area the size of two football fields. It is being designed by Intamin Ltd. of Switzerland.
On the way back to the themed station, the already-wet riders will be sprayed by geysers.
Koch also announced that the theme park about 40 miles east of Evansville will start a free HoliWatch program next year for park patrons. Guests will use a wristband-style radio frequency identification service to locate relatives or groups that become separated during their visit.
"When parents can't find their small child, even for a few minutes, it's enough to ruin their day," Koch said.
Pilgrims Plunge
(Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This story may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.)
