SANTA CLAUS — Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has officially pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated 2027 attraction, announcing plans to construct a massive new water roller coaster named Cannonball!.
At a price tag of $22 million, the ride represents the largest single-attraction investment in the theme park’s history. Scheduled to make its grand debut in May 2027, Cannonball! will hold the title of the first water roller coaster of its kind in the Midwest and the fastest water coaster in the United States.
A Record-Breaking Engineering Marvel
Designed by the world-renowned ride manufacturers at Mack Rides in Waldkirch, Germany, Cannonball! is built to deliver massive thrills.
The high-speed attraction will lift riders an incredible 90 feet into the air before launching them down a track spanning more than 1,000 feet. Reaching top speeds of 45 mph, the ride will weave through five distinct, stomach-dropping plunges before culminating in a giant, soaking splashdown.
To ride, thrill-seekers must meet a height requirement of at least 42 inches when accompanied by an adult, or 48 inches to brave the coaster alone.
Nostalgic Small-Town Theming
While Holiday World is already globally recognized as a premier destination for water coasters—housing award-winning giants like Wildebeest, Mammoth, and Cheetah Chase—Cannonball! introduces a heavy dose of nostalgic, story-driven charm to the park’s Fourth of July section.
The attraction is deeply themed around a fictional, quirky Fourth of July community pool party and an annual cannonball diving competition in the small town of Boulder Canyon, USA. Guests will board unique boats designed to look like colorful novelty inner tubes, floating past backyard barbecue scenes before ascending the towering lift hill and splashing into the “community pool” finale.
“This ride is dedicated to every kid who had to work up the courage to climb the tall diving board at their community pool,” said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Holiday World’s fourth-generation owner and director of communications. “And it’s a tribute to every small town with a quirky annual tradition.”
Construction Already Underway
Park officials have confirmed that heavy construction is already actively moving forward at the park site. Coaster enthusiasts and families alike can look forward to hearing the first official whistle—and joining in on shouting “Cannonball!”—when the record-shattering attraction opens to the public in May 2027.
