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Thanksgiving-Themed Roller Coaster Promises To Be The ‘Graviest’ Ever

Author Phil Harris
If you love Thanksgiving, this new roller coaster is for you! “Good Gravy! Family Coaster” is a 1,500-foot Thanksgiving-themed ride that will seat passengers in gravy boats. It's coming to Indiana's Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in May 2024. (Photo by bhofack2/Getty Images)

I haven’t been on a roller coaster in years, but I’m willing to end my hiatus for this one. You’ve heard me say that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, right? Well, there’s a theme park in Indiana that is turning Thanksgiving dinner into a thrill ride.

Sure, depending on the family drama in a given year and how much wine is consumed by certain relatives, Thanksgiving dinner can be enough of a thrill ride on its own. But the newest roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana looks like it’s going to be a lot more fun than screaming about politics with Uncle Ed. It’s already being billed as “America’s graviest coaster.”

According to Attractions Magazine, “Good Gravy! Family Coaster” is a 1,500-foot Thanksgiving-themed ride that will seat passengers in gravy boats. A news release explained, “This year for Thanksgiving, the unthinkable happens: the family runs out of gravy! It’s up to you to help Grandma make more Good Gravy and save Thanksgiving dinner.” I love it!

You’ll travel along at a brisk 37 mph past ginormous kitchen utensils as part of your mission to help Grandma salvage Thanksgiving. The coaster takes you forward up a 77-foot spike and then backward to make more gravy. Along the way, you’ll zip through a giant cranberry jelly can, pass a 20-foot-tall whisk, and narrowly avoid a 18-foot-tall rolling pin. Even the tracks are cranberry colored. It’s endearingly corny.

Holiday World is located about 140 miles south of Indianapolis. The theme is divided into sections representing different holidays, including Christmas, Halloween, and the Fourth of July. “Good Gravy! Family Coaster” is scheduled to open in the Thanksgiving section in May of 2024. The Midwest is the perfect place for this ride and I’m already planning my trip.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

10 Best Amusement Parks in America

America doesn’t lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you’re a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.

One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.

The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That’s not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today’s theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it’s obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.

Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What’s your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.

  • 10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

    Dollywood is a favorite that’s located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it’s named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you’re a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren’t a huge country music listener, it’s a great, traditional amusement park.

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  • 9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio

    Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it’s a great park. It’s known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.

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  • 8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California

    Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You’ll find a Legoland Water Park, too.

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  • 7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

    Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I’ve been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I’ve never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.

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  • 6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California

    Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott’s Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.

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  • 5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)

    Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What’s cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.

  • 4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California

    If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you’re much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka “Disneyland,” than you are to Disney World. I’ve actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it’s more classic than Disney World.

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  • 3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

    If you’re in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey’s legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.

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  • 2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

    There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid’s right of passage to go here. I’m fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.

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  • 1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

    Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you’re looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it’s not as pricey as some of the major parks.

    Cedar Point Amusement Park

    Cedar Point is A Place Like No Other™ in Sandusky. For more than 150 years, families have chosen the Lake Erie resort as their destination to connect with each other and create new memories.

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Author Phil Harris
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