Thunderbird was the first launched wing coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard.
The ride's theme is centered around a legendary fire bird that periodically appears near the town.
During the launch, the train accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.
The coaster integrates extensively with the park's natural topography, dipping through trees and rock formations.
Riders experience multiple inversions, including a 125-foot Immelmann loop.
The coaster track length measures exactly 3,035 feet.
Thunderbird is a launched wing coaster located at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. It features a zero-to-60 mph launch in 3.5 seconds using LSM technology. The ride includes a 140-foot vertical loop and several near-miss elements, such as crashing through a barn and flying through keyholes. As a wing coaster, the seats are positioned on either side of the track, leaving riders with no floor or ceiling above them. The layout covers approximately 3,000 feet of track through a wooded area. It is currently the only launched wing coaster in the United States. The ride maintains a focus on low-to-the-ground maneuvers and high-speed banked turns.
The path near the ride's launch track offers the best angle to capture the train as it accelerates past the themed barn structure.
Choose a seat on the outer edges for a more intense experience with the near-miss elements.
Visit during the early afternoon when lines are typically shorter while other guests are in the water park.
Secure loose items in the provided bins on the station platform before boarding.
Waiting in long lines during the middle of the day if a water park is open, as guests often migrate to the dry rides later in the afternoon.
Operates seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months.
Secure all loose articles, including glasses and hats, before riding. Wear appropriate park footwear that will not fall off during high-speed maneuvers.
