King's Island or Holiday World

[Chim Chiminy]

I am considering taking my kids to one of these parks this summer, just as a day trip.

I am wondering a couple of things. Tried searching through some fan sites, but they weren't very helpful. Mostly people talking about the best seats for roller coasters.

First, I am wondering how size friendly they are. I never have an issue on any Disney rides, but can remember having to squeeze onto rides at Six Flags, Knoebels, Hersheypark, etc.
I don't want to be embarrassed or cause one of my kids to miss out on a ride after waiting in line for a while.
I am about a size 22.

Second, not sure which would be better for my kids.
They are soon to be 10 and 15.
Holiday World looks like they probably have more kiddie type rides, but the waterpark looks promising.
Kings Island looks like more thrills, but their waterpark looks a bit wimpy.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[ICF]

I can't answer the 1st part, but have been to both parks many times so I might be able to help on the 2nd.

Holiday World is very nice...free parking, free drinks, reasonably priced food. They have a nice water park and usually aren't very crowded. They also have a lot of shade, so it doesn't feel as hot as in KI which is mostly blacktop and few trees. However, they don't have a lot of "thrill" rides. They have a few nice coasters, but not near the thrill rides of KI. Right now they all have a promo going where if you bring in 2 cans of food, they'll give you a $5 voucher to use in the park (for pretty much anything...food, games, gift shop stuff).

If you want coasters, and lots of them, then go to KI. If you want a more relaxing and probably cheaper day with a lot of time in the water park then you should go to Holiday World.

 

[Antrotter]

I would pick Holiday World- we are going in 3 wks. As far as rides I'm not sure How big they are. I can't/won't be able to ride this year bc i'm Pregnant.
They also have some new rides since we were there last.

 

[Inigo]

Just an FYI for those who are planning a trip to Santa Claus land AKA Holiday World. (It was Santa Claus land when I first started going there 42 years ago.)

Stop at a southern IN grocery store on your way and grab a loaf of Bunny Bread. There's a coupon on the bag for a discount on tickets. I think you can also print the coupon off their website.

Holiday World has a great water park, but the rides are better at King's Island. There are several great roller coasters at Holiday World, but the majority of the rides are geared to younger kids, and not those who want more of a thrill out of the rides. Holiday World is most definitely the friendliest theme park in existence, and is also the cleanest. You get free sunscreen, free soft drinks, and free parking. There are a lot of shady areas to rest.

King's Island is bigger and has more thrills, and the water park is smaller. In addition, since it's in a more urban area, it gets a lot more guests. At Holiday World, the lines are never too long.

 

[mumom95]

I've had season passes to KI for many years, so I know it well.

Went last year to Holiday World for the first time. Spent a day at the waterpark and a day at the amusement park.

First, let me say we LOVED Holiday World's waterpark. My whole family thinks it is so much better than KI's waterpark. We may go back this summer and just do two days at the waterpark. We went in July last year on a Saturday, and there were long lines at the waterpark. If you go, I'd recommend a weekday.

I agree with what other posters have said that KI is much better when it comes to thrill rides. Holdiay World has three roller coasters. All of them are rough. My kids (they love roller coasters) enjoyed them, but not as much as the roller coasters at KI (the new Diamondback roller coaster is awesome).
We enjoyed our day at Holiday World's amusement park, but we prefer KI's rides.

Holiday World is a much better bargain. Free drinks all day throughout the park and free sunscreen. Plus, their food is reasonably priced. I remember we ordered a large sausage pizza to feed the four of us, and with the free drinks, dinner cost less than $20 for the four of us. At KI, 4 soft drinks alone will cost you $20. The food at KI is very expensive. I think a large pizza is $30.

As for size issues, I don't think you'll have any problem at KI. I don't really know about Holiday World since I've only been once.

Holiday World has a big campground next to it. We had three families go and each family rented one of their luxury RV's in the park. It was by no means a luxury, but it was air conditioned and had a shower and a good price. We had a really good time at night hanging out by the fire.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

Thanks for the info so far.

Bumping back up so maybe someone can help with the size issue.

 

[chisnpeke]

I work at Kings Island. I see very large people going in there. Someone I knew who is bigger just sat in a car on a rollercoaster by themself. I don't think you would have a problem on most rides.

Be prepared to spend money when you go to KI. Do NOT buy tickets at the gate. Either buy them online or at Kroger or Meijer. It's $15 cheaper at both of those places than at the gate. There are also coupons out there that make the price even cheaper at the gate so just be on the lookout.

The waterpark is ok, there is another waterpark up an exit called The Beach so that is an option as well.

 

[BirdLegsRed]

As far as the size issue...I haven't ridden on any of the rollercoasters, but the other rides I had no problem with and I am a 26.

 

[jme829]

We're orignally from Toledo, Oh...and we LOVE Kings Island. IMO the Beast is the best roller coaster ever...and their waterpark is awesome... We love the funnel water slide and the wave pool, we've been the t he Beach waterpark that a pp mentioned but honestly for the money we think the one at KI (that is included with admission) is just as good if not better.

I agree though to get your tickets elsewhere...Its been a few years since we've been but we were able to get at our credit union 2 day tix for KI for the price of a one day Cedar Point ticket (and CP doesn't include the water park) so we would always make the 3 1/2 hr drive to Cincy rather than the hour drive to Sandusky.

Never been to Holiday World so not sure what that is like. I have seen brochures and they used to (not sure if they still do) provide free pepsi products all day.

 

[chrissyt27]

My parents always took us to Holiday World, even when it was Santa Clause Land. I think you guys will have lots of fun. They have 3 Roller Coaster, The voyage is AWESOME! It was built a few years ago, it's like a 5 minute ride. They also have a Buzz Light Year type ride back there in Thanksgiving Land. The other 2 roller coasters are wood and kind of beat you up, once is enough for me. They have bumper cars and boats and lots of kid rides. We like to see the shows, we love the Dive Show. You can visit with Santa.
The Water Park is AWESOME! They have 2 wave pools and 2 lazy rivers and a lots of slides. If it's not too busy they don't make you get out of the lazy river, I could spend all day in there.
The drinks are free and like every 25 feet. The food is good, we love to get wraps in the water park. Everyone is super nice and it's very clean. Dh's family lives near by, we go 2-3 times a summer, we haven't been this year yet, but it is way less busy in May and June.
The only ride DH had issues with was the "Hellavator" type ride, I don't think it's called that, it's in July 4th town. he had to get off, buy his mom and I did it and I was in a 22 last summer.

I can't wait to ride the new ride, it's a shoot the chute ride and it looks really cool. Pilgrams Plunge, they lift a log ride type car up an elevator and then launch you down, you can watch it on their website.

 

[JDUCKY]

Not sure on the size issue but, ride-wise, I found the coasters at Kings Island are getting rough and not enjoyable. The water park is quite spreadout.

Holiday World's wooden coasters ROCK! And the water park has two sections. I prefer the one near the back corner. It's newer and things are closer together.