Santa's Village (Illinois)
Encyclopedia
Santa's Village AZoosment Park is a theme park in East Dundee, Illinois
. It was built by Glenn Holland
, who also built two other Santa's Villages, in California
; one located in San Bernardino County and the other in Santa Cruz County
. The Illinois park, the third to be built, was projected to be the hub of a chain of Santa's Villages across the country. However, parks planned for Richmond, Virginia
and Cherry Hill, New Jersey
, were never built, and the park in East Dundee became the last of its kind.
Originally the park was just named Santa's Village from 1959 to 2006. It was closed until 2011 when it reopened under new management. For a short time in 1972 the park was named Worlds of Fun. Because of confusion with other parks with similar names, the name was changed again to Three Worlds of Santa's Village.
One addition to the park, opened in 1963, was the "Polar Dome" which provided an ice skating and hockey venue under a forced-air supported dome. On November 28, 1966, a strong wind caused the "Polar Dome" to collapse.[1] The dome was then replaced by a flat cedar roof.
During the 1960s, the park featured short Amphicar
rides, which simply drove the riders about 100 feet (30.5 m) to the edge of a small lake, then out about another 100 feet, circling a pier, and returning to land.
In 1983 the park owners added Racing Rapids Action Park to the north end of Santa's Village.
Although the parks were connected, there were separate admission gates to either one. A combination ticket was available at either park that would permit you to enter both parks that day. Both parks had separate parking lots.
Initially, rides were purchased individually with colored coins that allowed riders so much time on the attractions. Admission to the park was free. This was eventually abandoned for a one price entry/access to all rides a model that continued until the end of the parks life.
Renamed it again to the Three Worlds of Santa's Village.
In August 2006, the park announced its permanent closure. Most of the rides and fixtures were auctioned in October 2006.
Additionally, Azoosmentpark opened on May 27th on the original Santa's Village property. They feature various attraction rides while also providing exotic pets on exhibit.
According to the website http://www.santasvillagedundee.com, the park will now include two rides from the now-closed Chicago Kiddieland Amusement Park
. Those rides are the Midge-O-Racers and the Kiddie Whip Ride. Some of the original Santa's Village rides have also been restored to working order. The water park is reopening with the Go Kart Track.
East Dundee, Illinois
East Dundee is a village in Kane County with a small section in Cook County. The population was 2,955 at the 2000 census.-Geography:East Dundee is located at ....
. It was built by Glenn Holland
Glenn Holland
Harold Glenn Holland was a developer from Arcadia, California who established the first franchise of amusement parks, Santa's Village.-Early life:...
, who also built two other Santa's Villages, in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
; one located in San Bernardino County and the other in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County, California
Santa Cruz County is a county located on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California, on the California Central Coast. The county forms the northern coast of the Monterey Bay. . As of the 2010 U.S. Census, its population was 262,382. The county seat is Santa Cruz...
. The Illinois park, the third to be built, was projected to be the hub of a chain of Santa's Villages across the country. However, parks planned for Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
and Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cherry Hill is a township in Camden County, New Jersey, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a population of 71,045, representing an increase of 1,080 from the 69,965 residents enumerated during the 2000 Census...
, were never built, and the park in East Dundee became the last of its kind.
Originally the park was just named Santa's Village from 1959 to 2006. It was closed until 2011 when it reopened under new management. For a short time in 1972 the park was named Worlds of Fun. Because of confusion with other parks with similar names, the name was changed again to Three Worlds of Santa's Village.
About the park
The buildings were modeled on what an average child might imagine Santa's Village would look like. When it opened, it was a very prominent theme park. Over the park's history more than 20 million people passed through the front gates.One addition to the park, opened in 1963, was the "Polar Dome" which provided an ice skating and hockey venue under a forced-air supported dome. On November 28, 1966, a strong wind caused the "Polar Dome" to collapse.[1] The dome was then replaced by a flat cedar roof.
During the 1960s, the park featured short Amphicar
Amphicar
The Amphicar is an amphibious automobile, the first such vehicle mass-produced for sale to the public starting in 1961. The German vehicle was designed by Hanns Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group at Lübeck and at Berlin-Borsigwalde. Its name is a portmanteau of "amphibious" and "car". The...
rides, which simply drove the riders about 100 feet (30.5 m) to the edge of a small lake, then out about another 100 feet, circling a pier, and returning to land.
In 1983 the park owners added Racing Rapids Action Park to the north end of Santa's Village.
Although the parks were connected, there were separate admission gates to either one. A combination ticket was available at either park that would permit you to enter both parks that day. Both parks had separate parking lots.
Initially, rides were purchased individually with colored coins that allowed riders so much time on the attractions. Admission to the park was free. This was eventually abandoned for a one price entry/access to all rides a model that continued until the end of the parks life.
Three Worlds (1972-2006)
In 1972 a group of gentlemen called the Medina Investors purchased the park and renamed it Worlds of fun. Because of confusion with other park names, theyRenamed it again to the Three Worlds of Santa's Village.
- Santa's World This was the original area and focal point of the park. It was located north of the Polar Dome. It had attraction such as Santa's House, where you can get a picture with Santa, The North Pole, a Live Theater, Frog Hopper, Balloon Ride, Snowball Ride, Giant Slide, Convoy, Train, And the Dragon Coaster.
- Old McDonald's Farm This replaced the Reindeer Barn and consolidated all of the roaming animals to one spot in the park. It ha attraction such as the Pony Ride, Petting Zoo, and Animal Pins where the animals were stored at night. The animals were sold in 2004 before the park closed in 2006.
- Coney Island This was the southern area of the park and last to be developed. It had many attractions such as Tilt-a-whirl, The Yo-yo, Himalaya, Galleon Ship, Bumble bee, and the Magic Show. This area is now occupied by Paintball Explosion.
Water Park (1983-2006)
The water park Racing Rapids was the water park attached to the north side Santa's Village. When it opened, it was one of the first in the midwest and the largest in Illinois. It was closed with the park in 2006, but has plans to reopen as of 2011.| Ride | Year opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Twister Tube Slide | Two-person tube slide | |
| Slidewinder's Slides | One-person body slides | |
| Bumper Boats | located in a medium size pool which had fountain in the center of it. | |
| Lazy River | A continuous 450 feet (137.2 m) 42 inches (1,066.8 mm) pool | |
| Go-Karts |
Closure (2006)
The unsuccessful launch of the "Typhoon" roller coaster, decreased attention to the aesthetics of the park and a decline of patrons eventually prompted the corporation to sell. The sale did not proceed as smoothly as hoped and with many setbacks and unmet deadlines the park had to shut its doors.In August 2006, the park announced its permanent closure. Most of the rides and fixtures were auctioned in October 2006.
Re-Opening (2011)
Paintball Explosion opened on the site of the original Santa's Village, its field include some of the old buildings and decorations. It opened on April 30th 2011.Additionally, Azoosmentpark opened on May 27th on the original Santa's Village property. They feature various attraction rides while also providing exotic pets on exhibit.
According to the website http://www.santasvillagedundee.com, the park will now include two rides from the now-closed Chicago Kiddieland Amusement Park
Kiddieland Amusement Park
Kiddieland Amusement Park was an amusement park located just west of Chicago at the corner of North Avenue and First Avenue in Melrose Park, Illinois. It was home to several classic rides including the Little Dipper roller coaster, which opened in 1950...
. Those rides are the Midge-O-Racers and the Kiddie Whip Ride. Some of the original Santa's Village rides have also been restored to working order. The water park is reopening with the Go Kart Track.
Rides & attractions
| Ride | Year opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon Race Balloon Race (ride) The Zamperla Balloon Race is a tilting, circular motion amusement park ride manufactured by Antonio Zamperla S.P.A. The ride makes its way up a structure, and at a certain height, it starts tilting.-Car designs:... |
1992 | A Balloon Race ride Balloon Race (ride) The Zamperla Balloon Race is a tilting, circular motion amusement park ride manufactured by Antonio Zamperla S.P.A. The ride makes its way up a structure, and at a certain height, it starts tilting.-Car designs:... by Zamperla Zamperla Zamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.... . Formerly located at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a smaller family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure, it remained one of the largest parks in the region... . |
| The Convoy | 1988 | A Convoy Ride by Zamperla Zamperla Zamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.... . |
| Deer Feeding Area | ||
| Dragon Coaster | 2011 | A Powered roller coaster by Wisdom Rides. Formerly located at Go Bonkers Now as Rexo Coaster (2000-2010). |
| Exotic Animal Show | ||
| Hand Cars | Hand powered train cars by KidSteam | |
| Horse Sleigh Ride | 1959 | Formerly known as Candy Cane Sleigh (1959-2006). |
| Kiddie Ferris Wheel | 2011 | Formerly located at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a smaller family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure, it remained one of the largest parks in the region... . |
| Kidbuck$ Gameshow | A interactive Game show where kids win tokens that they can use in the arcade. Hosted by Balster Magic Productions. Formerly known as Santa's Snowstorm Game Show | |
| Kiddie Whip Ride | 2011 | Roto-whip ride Formerly located at Kiddieland Amusement Park Kiddieland Amusement Park Kiddieland Amusement Park was an amusement park located just west of Chicago at the corner of North Avenue and First Avenue in Melrose Park, Illinois. It was home to several classic rides including the Little Dipper roller coaster, which opened in 1950... as Whip (????-2009). |
| Kiddie Swing | Formerly located at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a smaller family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure, it remained one of the largest parks in the region... . |
|
| Koi Pond | Formerly known as Silver Slipper Pond (1959-????) and Magic Pond. | |
| Balster's Sheer Magic Show | 2011 | Magic show hosted by Balster Magic Productions. Formerly known as Christmas Magic Review. |
| Midge-O-Racers | 2011 | A Carousel ride by Eyerly Aircraft Company Lee Eyerly Lee Ulrich Eyerly was an American civil aviation pioneer and amusement ride manufacturer.-Early life:Eyerly was born February 22 1892 in Cuba, Illinois, and raised in Canton. In 1909, his family moved to the Judith Basin area of Montana to take advantage of the Homestead Act. Because he was... Formerly located at Kiddieland Amusement Park Kiddieland Amusement Park Kiddieland Amusement Park was an amusement park located just west of Chicago at the corner of North Avenue and First Avenue in Melrose Park, Illinois. It was home to several classic rides including the Little Dipper roller coaster, which opened in 1950... as Race-A-Bouts (????-2009). |
| Petting Zoo | 2011 | Formerly known as Reindeer Barn (1959-1971), Old McDonald's Farm (1972-2006) |
| Pony Rides | ||
| Reindeer Ridge | ||
| Santa's House | 1959 | Where you can meet and take pictures with Sants |
| Santa's Slide | 1959 | Formerly known as Tree House Slide |
| Sea Dragon Pirate ship (ride) A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum.... |
2011 | A pirate ship ride Pirate ship (ride) A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum.... by Chance Morgan. Formerly located at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a smaller family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure, it remained one of the largest parks in the region... . |
| Scales and Tails | 2011 | Formerly known as Mill Wheel Workshop |
| Star Jets | ||
| Tilt-A-Whirl Tilt-A-Whirl Tilt-A-Whirl is one of the best-known flat rides, designed for commercial use at amusement parks, fairs and carnivals in which it is commonly found. The rides are manufactured by Sellner Manufacturing of Faribault, Minnesota... |
Flat ride by Sellner Manufacturing Sellner Manufacturing Sellner Manufacturing is the Faribault, Minnesota manufacturer of the Tilt-A-Whirl and other amusement park rides. Started by Herbert Sellner in 1926 and still family owned.-History:Herbert Sellner made lamps, toys and library tables... . Formerly located at Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo was a smaller family amusement park located in Angola, Indiana, USA. Although it was small in comparison to parks in neighboring states, such as Cedar Point and Michigan's Adventure, it remained one of the largest parks in the region... . |
Other Venues
| Venue | Year opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arcades | 1959 | Formerly known as Christmas Around the World Post Office |
| Birthday Party & Ticket Reception Room | ||
| Face Painting & Tattoo | ||
| Frozen North Pole | 1959 | Frozen Pole of ice located by Santa's House. Originally located in the North Pole Plaza |
| Main Stage | ||
| Midway Games |
Food & beverages
| Venue | Year opened | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Picnic Area | Formerly known as Reindeer Glen Picnic Grove. | |
| Artic Circle Ice Cream Shop | 2011 | Formerly known as Mrs. Claus's Candy Kitchen (1959-????). |
| Picnic Pavilion | ||
| Ginger Bread Cafe | 2011 | Formerly known as The Gingerbread House (1959-????). |
| Hoffbrau House / Beer Garden | Formerly known as Wee Puppet Theater |
List of former attractions
| Ride | Year Opened | Year Closed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Room | 1967 | Lounge in the Polar Dome. | |
| Amphicar Amphicar The Amphicar is an amphibious automobile, the first such vehicle mass-produced for sale to the public starting in 1961. The German vehicle was designed by Hanns Trippel and manufactured by the Quandt Group at Lübeck and at Berlin-Borsigwalde. Its name is a portmanteau of "amphibious" and "car". The... |
Amphibious Car that went though the pond. | ||
| Antique Cars | 1962 | 2005 | Antique car ride |
| Astro-liner | Motion Simulator by Wisdom Industries. A rocket ship that simulated a space mission. | ||
| Bumble Bee ride | |||
| Bumper Cars | Had 2 types of Bumper cars | ||
| Burro Ride | 1959 | Children could ride on a live burro through the forest. | |
| Candy Cane Coaster | 1964 | 1966 | |
| Candy Cane Slide | Circular slide. | ||
| Cannon Ball | 1986 | Roller Coaster replaced by the Dragon Coaster. | |
| Chapel of the Little Shepard | 1959 | A small all faith chapel that reflected on children’s bible stories through small exhibits. | |
| Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach | 1959 | A life-size coach that guests could ride in that was pulled by miniature white ponies. The turn-a-round area contained a static display of Prince Charming’s Castle. | |
| Christmas Around the World Post Office | 1959 | A large building that house many an exhibit and services such as an actual post office, letter writing to Santa, exhibit windows of the celebrations of Christmas around the world, a souvenir counter, guest services, and rest rooms. Offices were located on the second floor. | |
| The Christmas Tree ride | 1959 | 1992 | A giant whirling tree tee cup ride where guests could ride in a Christmas ornament that would go up and down with the pull of a lever. Replaced by the Balloon Ride. |
| Circus Wagon | Trolley Ride | ||
| The Doll House | 1959 | Doll shop with dolls from around the world. | |
| The Easter Bunny's Hut | 1959 | Large egg shaped house where kids could take pictures with the Easter Bunny. | |
| Dragon Coaster | 1986 | 2006 | A Powered roller coaster by Zamperla Zamperla Zamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.... . Also known as Dracor, the Dragon Coaster (1986-1994). Now located at Vertical Endeavors in Warrenville, IL. |
| English Rotor | Spinning Rotor Ride | ||
| Fire Truck Ride | 197? | 2006 | Trolley pulled by a fire truck. Riders use working fire hoses to put out fires along the route. |
| Fire Chief | 2006 | Crazy Bus ride | |
| Frog Hopper | 2006 | Drop Tower | |
| Galaxi Galaxi Galaxi is the common name of a series of mass-produced roller coasters manufactured primarily by Italian company S.D.C, which went bankrupt in 1993... |
1987 | 1996 | Roller Coaster by S.D.C. Sold to a park in Mexico. |
| Galleon Pirate ship (ride) A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum.... |
2006 | A pirate ship ride Pirate ship (ride) A pirate ship is a type of amusement ride, consisting of an open, seated gondola which swings back and forth, subjecting the rider to various levels of angular momentum.... by Zamperla Zamperla Zamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.... . |
|
| Gas powered tractors | 1959 | Actual small tractors that children could drive. | |
| Giant Slide | |||
| Gingerbread House | 1959 | An actual working bakery that featured gingerbread cookies and baked goods. Large windows allowed guests to watch as “Pixies” made the sweet treats. The Gingerbread House was also home to the “Good Witch” and the “Lollipop Lady.” Right behind the outside fireplace, children could accompany the “Lollipop Lady” and pick a sucker from the lollipop tree. | |
| Great Wheel | 1995 | 2006 | Ferris Wheel bought by Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. |
| Hampton Ride | 2006 | ||
| The Himalaya | 2006 | ||
| Igloo | 1959 | A small concrete igloo that originally served small ice cream novelties. | |
| Kiddie Kars | 2006 | ||
| Jack in the Box | 1959 | A snow cone stand that looked like its’ name. | |
| Lil' Stinger | 2006 | ||
| The Magic Train | 1959 | 1961 | A small train ride around a fairy tail themed area. Removed for Antique Cars. |
| Merry-Go-Round | 1966 | 2006 | |
| Mill Wheel Workshop | 1959 | An artisan’s shop that also sold manufactured toys. | |
| Mrs. Claus’ Candy Kitchen | 1959 | A large building that was a candy shop that sold hand-dip chocolates and hard candies. Mrs. Claus was on hand each day to supervise. | |
| Old Engine 99 | 1964 | 1966 | |
| Paddle Boats | Paddle boats in the pond | ||
| Pixie Pantry | 1959 | The Park’s largest eating facility that served sit down meals cafeteria style in the main section and hamburgers, hotdogs, and typical fast food through a walk-up window. | |
| Pixie Press | Trained animals working a printing press. Children could subscribe to the news print and have it delivered to their homes. | ||
| Polar Dome | 1963 | 2006 | Ice Skating Rink. Originally had a dome roof that measured 87 feet from the ice surface. The dome was replaced by a flat roof in 1966 after a storm damaged it. |
| Pony Carts | 1966 | 1987 | Replaced by the Convoy Ride. |
| Reindeer Barn | 1959 | Santa’s reindeer actually lived in the barn. There were eight stalls and at the north end of the barn, "Inky" the reindeer, along with his friends "Peck" the chicken and "Hunt" the duck printed the Park’s official newspaper, The Pixie Press. | |
| Rock Spin 'N Roll | 2006 | ||
| Rollo Plane | A Roll-O-Plane Roll-O-Plane The Roll-O-Plane also known as the Bullet is an amusement park ride that originated in America. It was invented by the Eyerly Aircraft company of Oregon as an updated and more exciting version of the Loop-O-Plane. The ride is commonly nicknamed the "Salt and Pepper Shakers".The ride consists of a... by Eyerly Aircraft Company. Nicknamed the Salt and Pepper Shakers. |
||
| Santa's Express | 1962 | 2006 | Train ride added in 1962 to replace the The Magic Train. Replaced the CP Huntington Train with a new Amtrack Train in 1994. |
| Santa’s Gift Shop | 1959 | One of the largest buildings in the Park, the shop was divided into three sections, toys for children, gifts for mom and dad, and a Christmas shop. | |
| Skyliner | 2006 | Chair lift | |
| Snowball Express | 1985 | Roller Coaster by Allan Herschell Company. Located at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is an American amusement and water park located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The park features nine roller coasters, other adult and children's rides, and a waterpark, Wildwater Kingdom.... in Allentown, Pennsylvania as Steel First until 2010. |
|
| Snowball Ride | 1962 | 2006 | Teacup ride now located at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. |
| Space Ships | 2006 | ||
| Storybook House | 1959 | A small shop that handled children’s books and souvenirs. | |
| Swiss Toboggan | 1971 | Roller Coaster by Chance Morgan. | |
| Tarantula | Spider ride | ||
| The Toy Soldier | 1959 | A giant toy drum with a tall toy soldier on top that was actually a “duck pond game” with little toy boots instead of rubber ducks. | |
| Typhoon | 1997 | 2006 | Roller Coaster by Top Fun. Bought by Ray Cammack Show company a traveling carnival operator based in Arizona for $250,000. |
| Wee Puppet Theatre | 1959 | Daily hand and marionette puppet shows in an indoor theatre. | |
| Wipeout | 1992 | 2006 | Spin ride |
| Wishing Well | 1959 | A small outdoor seated area where folks could relax and children could drop pennies in to a well for a secret wish. | |
| Woodanimals | 1959 | Large wood log sculptures that children can sit and climb on. | |
| Worlds Largest Christmas Stocking | 1959 | A large stocking that was raffle off. | |
| The Yo-yo | 1990 | 2006 | Swing Ride Chance Morgan |
External links
- Santa's Village Official Site
- Santa's Village Official Facebook Site
- Image of Americas - Santa's Village
- Santa's Village Fan Page
- Santa's Village at RCDB