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September 2018 | Vol. 22 • Issue 6.2 www.amusementtoday.com hosts 21st annual Golden Ticket Awards Missouri theme park excels as first-time host BRANSON, Mo. — Nothing says “Welcome” more than a day at Silver Dollar City. The mid-America theme park has enchanted guests since 1960. With cen- tered around the late 1800s, the park has often used the tagline: “You’ve got a great past ahead of you.” Even with Silver Dollar City opened its gates and arms modern thrillers added to the to welcome Golden Ticket Awards attendees. ever-growing lineup of world- The Showboat Branson Belle (above) played class attractions, they all find host to the awards ceremony. their place in the storyline that COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY; AT/TIM BALDWIN makes Silver Dollar City unique. Attendees to the 21st event. “After a hectic summer, Entertainment without Marvel “I am excited and hon- Lake for an exclusive voyage annual Golden Ticket Awards I am hopeful that attendees Cave. The vast Cathedral ored to be presenting for dedicated to the Golden Ticket found much to keep them busy. will be able to take a much Room entrance (tall enough for the first time this year at the Awards and its attendees on “The Networking Event of the needed break, relax and enjoy a 20-story building to stand in!) Golden Tickets Awards at the evening of September 8. Year” provided opportunities all that the Ozark Mountains along with the other natural Silver Dollar City,” said Pete “Gary Slade and the for behind-the-scenes tours have to offer. This is a special beauty and a cool 65-degree Barto, director of sales, S&S Amusement Today fam- that highlighted the park’s place filled with special peo- temperature provides a unique Worldwide, heading into the ily are always working hard strengths: culinary expertise, ple. It is our sincere pleasure 55-minute experience not event. “Herschend Family to make each Golden Ticket craft-making experiences and to welcome industry leaders to available in most any other Entertainment is a top-notch event a special celebration,” the park’s world-renowned our hometown.” theme park.” operator, and I look forward said Thomas. “The Showboat Christmas festival. In addi- September 7 was a day Located in the Ozark to being in Branson for one of Branson Belle provided a tion, all the customized one- to enjoy the park or area Mountains, Silver Dollar City’s the best industry networking unique environment – we had of-a-kind attractions were on attractions. Facilities shar- sloped topography has con- events of the year.” a taste of Showboat entertain- offer. PowderKeg, Run ing the welcoming hospitality tributed to the signature rides “Come hungry, walk and ment, enjoyed a meal togeth- and Fire in the Hole delighted were Branson , at the park. “Built in 2013, sample,” said Thomas. “Stop er, and celebrated this year’s industry professionals, as well Bigfoot Fun Park, Ripley’s was a great into Sullivan’s Mill for warm Golden Ticket recipients, all as the innovative new-for-2018 Believe It Or Not and ground-breaker for Silver cinnamon bread or watch them while cruising Table Rock Lake Time Traveler, built by sponsor Runaway Mountain Coaster. Dollar City as well as Rocky make peanut brittle or hand- and enjoying some of the . According to Thomas, Mountain Construction,” said dipped chocolates at Brown’s sights along the 900 miles of “We are excited to wel- a “Don’t Miss” list for Silver Thomas. The wooden coaster Candy Factory.” Several attend- shoreline.” come our friends from around Dollar City would include: Time dives into the valleys of the ees also checked out the park’s A full recap of the event the amusement industry to Traveler, Home of American hillside. The park promoted famous big-skillet dishes. weekend will be featured in Branson and to Silver Dollar Craftsmanship, Culinary & it as the World’s Most Daring For the first time ever, the the Nov I/Pre-IAAPA issue. City,” Park President Brad Craft School, Outlaw Run and Coaster, and it won the Golden awards ceremony was held on Thomas told Amusement . “There would Ticket Award for Best New water. The Showboat Branson All stories this issue Today leading up to the be no Herschend Family Ride that year. Belle set out on Table Rock by Tim Baldwin

 Amusement Views...Page 3  Publisher's Picks...Pages 5  Best Parks...Pages 8-19 Dated material. material. Dated  Best Rides...Pages 20-33  Best New Rides for 2018...Pages 34-39 NEWSPAPER POSTMASTER:

PLEASE ! September 10, 2018 Mailed Monday,  Food, Cleanest, Friendliest, Landscaping...Pages 40-41

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT INSIDE:

FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT.  Shows, Seasonal Events...Pages 42-43

PAID US POSTAGE US  Steel Roller Coasters...Pages 44-45

PRSRT STD PRSRT  Wooden Roller Coasters...Pages 46-53 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint A Golden 'Thank You' Each year Amusement Today's staff works hard alongside our host facility to make sure our attendees have a wonderful two-day event. As the event continues to grow we must acknowledge that AT and our host facilities could not continue to offer this free event without the financial support Slade of our sponsors. We would like to take this moment to recognize them once again for their generous contributions:

Mack Rides GmbH & Co. Rocky Mountain Construction S&S Worldwide

We must also say thank you to Brad Thomas, Lisa Rau, Martha Bohner and Dalton Fischer at Silver Dollar City and Casey Robertson at the Showboat Branson Belle for their hard work to showcase these two unique facilities to the industry. Not to be forgotten, AT would like to send a thank EDITORIAL: Tim Baldwin, [email protected] you to the board of directors for both AIMS International Family forever and the National Museum & Archives for I feel very blessed to be in this industry. riding partner was not about to raise his continuing to conduct their annual meetings the day before This role allows me to see so much that is hands, but his screams had that magical the GTA event kickoff. Thanks for the continued support! happening in the business of fun, for which I blend of joy and terror. We high-fived on • feel fortunate. the , and I felt honored to be a Replacement Golden Tickets offered: if your park or However, great as that is, traveling from part of his experience. facility has won a previous Golden Ticket Award and that park to park by yourself can at times get a bit Likewise, on the next day, I was award has faded — or is beginning to fade — Amusement lonely. I’m sure that is why enthusiast groups queuing with a family behind me who Today would like to replace the artwork for you at no change. thrive. Shared connections among friends are Baldwin were neither American or British, but We know your facility is proud of your Golden Ticket awards irreplaceable. speaking English. I was intrigued enough On a recent international trip, I was thoroughly to eventually ask where they were from. They as we see them on display throughout the park industry. embracing the park I was visiting, but I couldn’t shared their family history with me and (again) were There was a three-year time period when printing shake my longing to share the experience with surprised that I had traveled from Texas. methods were different. Some of the awards produced someone. Two accidental family moments were I was reminded of my family trips when I was during that time have begun to fade. We want our Golden highlights of my trip. a school-age boy. My oldest memory is of my first Tickets looking 'Golden' for your visitors so let us help make As I boarded the back row of my favorite roller coaster ride at the age of six. It was on a fam- then new again. But if you don't contact us, we don't know coaster at the park, I joined a young teen. His par- ily vacation, and, ironically, that coaster still runs what to replace. ents were in front of us. In the brief time from the just a couple of minutes away from the Amusement Please email Savannah Breen at sbreen@ station to the first drop, we had those exhilarating Today offices. I still enjoy every ride I take on it. amusementtoday.com. Include the CATEGORY WIN NAME moments to discuss our adventure. They thankfully As I boarded the boat with that family, we yelled of the Golden Ticket Award and the YEAR. spoke English and were impressed that I had trav- and laughed together. I immediately felt connected. eled all the way from Texas. As it turned out, I was They purchased the on-ride photo and told me I was AT plans to compile a list of replacement art through riding along with the young lad on his very first big now linked with them forever. What an honor. the IAAPA show and reprint all replacement awards in roller coaster. What a thrill! Having been on more This industry creates family memories that last December. You will receive just the newly printed artwork than 1,000 coasters, it is easy to forget that extreme a lifetime. I hope we never lose sight of the impor- for replacement in your existing acrylic brick. mix of fear and excitement that I once had. My tance of what we do each day.

Call (817) 460-7220 for advertising, circulation or editorial inquiries

Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder & Publisher Managing Editor Production Manager owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Dean Lamanna • (817) 460-7220 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Editorial Monthly Contributors Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Trademarked 2018 by Amusement Today Inc., all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager, Circulation Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 x4 Association Memberships Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 x5 [email protected] ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] • (717) 650-8330 PAPA, PACE, TTIA, WWA Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, B. Derek Shaw [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Advertising Industry Affiliated Charities Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018

Golden Ticket Awards frequently asked questions

Amusement Today often receives numerous questions about the industry’s most sought-after awards. Here’s a brief overview. Is the voting panel the same every year? No. AT has never had the exact same panel each year. New people are brought on as others are retired. The common thread is to find the most experienced, well- traveled park fans out there. 3 How many ballots are sent out? 2 AT reaches out to around 500 voters each year, and the response is strong. To help keep things balanced, an equal 1 number is divided among four geographical regions of the U.S., and an international segment is also represented. Does Amusement Today select nominees? No. Staff members, as well as park employees and man- ufacturer representatives are not able to vote. Any qualified park, ride or event for that category can receive votes. 4 Can anyone vote? Amusement Today is looking for enthusiastic park fans who visit several parks a year and have had several years of experience. We are always seeking new candidates for our panel. If you feel your experience is high and are actively visiting numerous parks and attractions each year, contact Tim Baldwin at [email protected] to inquire if you are a good fit for next year’s panel. 5 ­– International Surveys Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 2018 Publisher's Picks receives first-ever Silver Dollar City pushes for a greater future Anyone remotely familiar with

Innovation of the Year Publisher’s Pick Branson, Missouri, is undoubtably aware 2018 of Silver Dollar City. The two have Like any industry, the business of GOLDEN TURNSTILE intertwined histories that go back more TICKET AWARD providing entertaining rides to amuse- 2018 than half a century. As the theme park AWARD ment parks around the world takes PRESENTED TO GOLDEN INNOVATION V.I.P. has continued to grow since its origins in SILVER DOLLAR CITY more than just “doing what we’ve TICKET AWARD AWARD 1960, one thing has stayed consistent — always done.” Innovation has always O PRESENTED T been a driving force in the amusement V.I.P. CHANCE RIDES a commitment to a quality experience. industry, and with it comes more than From extraordinary tours of Marvel Cave to the addition of unique, custom just thrills. rides, the park has also found success with lively entertainment and a passion- Chance Rides debuted its all-electric C.P. Huntington earlier this sea- ate and friendly staff — the citizens of the City — that bring back guests year son. The Landry’s Company was the first to climb aboard with an installation after year. at the Downtown Aquarium — Houston. It would be easy to sit back and rest on one’s laurels, but that is not the As Chance views it: The Electric C.P. Huntington Train is changing the way case here. Considering Branson’s relatively remote location, the beautiful area the industry evolves in terms of environmental impact, reliability, operator in the Ozark Mountains works hard to bring tourists into town. Silver Dollar City satisfaction and guest experience. The electric drive system has proven to be is not hesitant to take risks. effective in dealing with varying loads and conditions and allows the train to With the announcement of Time Traveler in the summer of 2017, the park respond to changing conditions, environments and demands that are not avail- also doubled down and brought in Christmas in Midtown last fall. The park’s able with a gasoline or diesel engine. holiday festival, An Olde Time Christmas, has always been popular. Park manage- With the development of lithium-ion batteries, this advancement was ment pushed themselves, both in developing a brilliant in-house creation of the brought to the attention of some of the industry’s biggest players. The tech- beyond-dazzling scenes as well as ingeniously storing the sets. The result? Magic. nology was used on floats at Disney and Universal, with successful results. Silver Dollar City saw an 18 percent increase in attendance at An Olde Chance Rides embraces green technologies and invested in the development Time Christmas. The addition of Christmas in Midtown took the holiday festival of this first-of-its-kind, lithium-ion battery powered train. According to the com- to the next level, setting a record for more than 500,000 people during that pany, the future of transportation will be built around green, electric-powered time period. drive systems. The dual charging station capability combined with regenerative With Time Traveler, again, the park took risks. The investment on this new braking has allowed the battery system to run in its “sweet spot” day after day. attraction more than doubled any previous ride installation. On top of that, In terms of going “green,” there are multiple benefits: the park didn’t hesitate to debut something groundbreaking. Driving roller •Reduced maintenance and operation costs coaster innovation with new technology from Mack Rides, the park debuted •Zero emissions and Eco-friendly operation the world’s tallest, fastest and steepest spinning coaster. Many industry insid- •Virtually no fuel cost ers questioned the park’s course. But Time Traveler has delivered in no uncer- •Recharge for pennies tain terms. The coaster has thrilled more than 500,000 riders thus far and has •Safe, quiet, programmable all-day train operation opened to rave reviews from the public to enthusiasts alike. •Parks can step away from storing hazardous fuels The new addition, along with the accompanying gift shop and restaurant, The fact that the innovation is perfect for indoor/outdoor applications is has created 40 new jobs. And at the same time, the park has stayed true also noteworthy. Previously internal combustion powered trains could only be to their story. In fact, following on the heels of Outlaw Run celebrating law located outdoors. This not only broadens a customer base but does so with enforcement and Fireman’s Landing being dedicated to volunteer firemen, a safety and efficiency in mind. new message with Time Traveler has been Dream Big, Do Good. Chance has delivered more than 400 installations of the C.P. Huntington. Clearly, Silver Dollar City has. Now the company has moved toward taking their most successful product into Attendance is up from all 14 of the park’s key feeder markets, and projec- the future. tions are on course for another record-setting year. The level of interest has been exceptional in the industry. That is an indica- For its commitment to excellence, the willingness to push themselves and tion that such a step forward is needed. When entertainment is combined with the courage to take risks, Amusement Today is proud to acknowledge Silver efficiency and safety, it’s the right direction for business. Dollar City with the Publisher’s Pick TURNSTILE AWARD. Amusement Today honors Chance Rides for its green initiatives with the first INNOVATION OF THE YEAR Publisher’s Pick.

Silver Dollar City has boosted attendance with both its Christmas in Midtown expansion and the innovative new Time Traveler roller coaster, both in the past ten months. Attending the unveiling of the Electric C.P. Huntington Train at Landry's COURTESY Downtown Aquarium in Houston were (from left) Roger Berry of Lithionics; SILVER DOLLAR CITY; Steve Howe, director, Landry's Downtown Aquarium — Houston; and Dick AT/TIM BALDWIN Chance, Chance Rides. COURTESY CHANCE RIDES 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018

2018

INNOVATION GOLDEN AWARD TICKET

AWARD TO PRESENTED

V.I.P. CHANCE RIDES Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Europa-Park makes it five in a row; undefeated In the category of BEST PARK, Europa-Park takes the Golden Ticket for the fifth time. After a dominance that lasted 16 years, could have been con- sidered unstoppable. For a park outside the U.S. to unseat the giant should have been unthinkable. However, Europa-Park inched its way up the chart of finalists year after year before taking the top spot.

“We are proud, but at the same time humbled. This honor pushes us to do more for the guests. We feel obligated to be better and top two contenders. BEST PARK: better,” said Michael Kreft, Then things change from Europa-Park (above) representative to the board, there. BEST CHILDREN'S PARK: Europa-Park. Knoebels Amusement Idlewild & SoakZone (right) Currently the German Resort rises a spot to the No. AT/TIM BALDWIN; theme park is building its sec- 3 position. The family-owned, COURTESY IDLEWILD ond gate, Rulantica, as well as free-admission park continues ates the ideal success formula its sixth resort hotel. to receive accolades for its for both voters and guests. Power player Cedar Point offerings and value to local Still placing among the holds the No. 2 spot and con- families as well as tourists. upper elite is . tinues to reign as the top park Busch Gardens Holding the No. 5 finalist posi- in the U.S. With the addition of Williamsburg returns to the tion, the Tennessee themer , the park’s lat- Top Five finalists. A blend of echoes the Busch Gardens Golden Ticket Awards in 1998, PARK, with the award having est-and-greatest roller coaster, world-class coasters, great blend with great food, rides, only two categories have gone been taken by Schlitterbahn. the Ohio mega-park worked at food, fantastic landscaping hospitality and entertainment. undefeated for all 21 years. The one-of-a-kind feel of the closing the gap between the and solid entertainment cre- Since the creation of the One of them is BEST WATER New Braunfels, Texas, prop- erty, poised on the banks of the natural spring-fed Comal River, not to mention an abun- dance of innovative rides, has made the park a leader in the industry. Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind., entered the list of finalists in 2001 in third place and has taken the No. 2 spot since 2002. The water park is known for its big slides and boundary-pushing water coasters. , in just less than two years, has snagged the No. 3 position two times since its 2017 debut. The ultra- themed resort found its niche by offering all daily guests BEST WATER PARK: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels BEST WATER PARK No. 2: Splashin' Safari AT/TIM BALDWIN AT/TIM BALDWIN 4See PARKS, page 10 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 PARKS to the No. 2 position. The all-inclusive park, welcoming Continued from page 8 guests regardless of physical reserved ride times during abilities, makes it great play their visit. It is Orlando’s high- for every family. est-rated water park. A new finalist at No. 3 Dollywood’s Splash emerges this year. Sesame Country stays on at No. 4. Place in Langhorne, Pa., lands The wooded setting and nat- on the chart rather impres- ural ambience of the water sively. The park just added its park offer a relaxing feel. second coaster, Oscar’s Wacky New on the charts is Taxi. in Orlando (No. 5). climbs For this season, the park intro- a notch to the No. 4 position duced the award-winning Ray and Storybook Land in New Rush. Jersey hangs on to its status A perennial winner is also as a finalist, rounding out the found with BEST CHILDREN’S Top Five. PARK. Taking the Golden In the category of BEST Ticket now for nine years, SEASIDE PARK, three parks Idlewild & SoakZone pro- have arm-wrestled for the vides fairy tales, fun rides and rankings. Taking the Golden Daniel Tiger from Mr. Rogers’ Ticket again is Santa Cruz Neighborhood in a day filled Beach Boardwalk. with family fun. “We are proud to have After a No. 4 debut last played a unique role in the BEST PARK No. 2: Cedar Point year, Morgan’s Wonderland AT/TIM BALDWIN in , Texas, climbs 4See PARKS, page 12

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2018 () BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2018 (Water Park)

Steel Vengeance Cedar Point 33% Ray Rush Aquatica Orlando 23% Time Traveler Silver Dollar City 29% Breaker's Edge 21% 6% Whitecap Hersheypark 12% Oscar's Wacky Taxi TIE 5% Rock Wheel Chimelong Water Park 11% Wicker Man TIE 5% Raja Noah's Ark 9%

BEST PARK BEST SEASIDE PARK Europa-Park Rust, 25% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 33% Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 20% Morey's Piers Wildwood, N.J. 22% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 8% Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 20% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 7% Gröna Lund Stockholm, Sweden 19% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 6.5% Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, Texas 4%

BEST WATER PARK BEST KIDS’ AREA Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Texas 51% Mason, Ohio 23% Splashin' Safari Santa Claus, Ind. 20% Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 13% Volcano Bay Orlando, Fla. 8% , the 10% Dollywood's Splash Country Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 5% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 9% Aquatica Orlando Orlando, Fla. 4% Romsey, England 8%

BEST CHILDREN’S PARK CLEANEST PARK Idlewild & SoakZone Ligonier, Pa. 16% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 25% Morgan's Wonderland San Antonio, Texas 11% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 12% Sesame Place Langhorne, Pa. 10% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 11% Legoland Florida Winter Haven, Fla. 8% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 9% Storybook Land Egg Harbor Twp., N.J. 7% Tokyo DisneySea Tokyo, Japan 8%

BEST MARINE LIFE PARK BEST SHOWS SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 56% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 42% SeaWorld San Diego, Calif. 13% Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 14% SeaWorld San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 9% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 9% Orlando, Fla. 7% Disney's Animal Kingdom Orlando, Fla. TIE 5% TIE 6% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. TIE 5% Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. TIE 6% BONUS COVERAGE www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Seaside Park and lucky to be place, Morey’s Piers stays Kemah Boardwalk at No. ing a notch — SeaWorld San PARKS part of an amazing industry ahead of Blackpool Pleasure 5 completes the finalists. Antonio (No. 3). Continued from page 10 full of incredible parks and Beach (No. 3). Gröna Lund in Three SeaWorld parks Discovery Cove slips one long and rich history of Santa attractions and talented Sweden keeps its No. 4 posi- dominate BEST MARINE LIFE rung this year to No. 4. Cruz,” Marq Lipton, vice people. Winning the Golden tion but makes great strides PARK. SeaWorld Orlando eas- A tie for our last final- president of marketing and Ticket makes living and work- toward the upper challengers. ily swept all others to take the ist spot is seen between sales, told Amusement Today. ing in Santa Cruz, California, Second through fourth place Golden Ticket. It is followed Ocean Park in Hong Kong “We are honored to have won even better.” were separated by just a few by the original, SeaWorld and California’s Six Flags 11 Golden Tickets for Best In a battle for second percentage points. San Diego (No. 2), and — ris- Discovery Kingdom.

BEST SEASIDE PARK: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk BEST MARINE LIFE PARK: SeaWorld Orlando COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK AT/TIM BALDWIN

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST FOOD BEST LANDSCAPING Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 22% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 34% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 20% Gilroy, Calif. 16% Orlando, Fla. 14% Efteling Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands 12% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 13% Gardens , Denmark 9% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 8% Disney's Animal Kingdom Orlando, Fla. TIE 6% Europa-Park Rust, Germany TIE 6% BEST WATER RIDE (PARK) Valhalla 22% BEST EVENT Dudley Do-Right's Falls Universal's Islands of Adventure 18% Universal Studios Orlando Orlando, Fla. 28% 10% Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 22% 9.50% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 13% Timber Mountain Knott's Berry Farm 9% Kings Island Mason Ohio 6% West Mifflin, Pa. TIE 5% BEST WATER PARK RIDE San Antonio, Texas TIE 5% Splashin' Safari 29% Splashin' Safari 16% BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT The Falls Schlitterbahn 11% Dollywood Piegeon Forge, Tenn. 35% Master Blaster Schlitterbahn 10% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 14% Krakatau Aqua Coaster Volcano Bay 9% Anaheim, Calif. 8% Kings Island Mason, Ohio TIE 6% BEST INDOOR COASTER Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. TIE 6% Universal Studios Orlando 25% Space Mountain Disneyland 12% FRIENDLIEST PARK TRON Lightcycle Power Run TIE 11.5% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 29% Winja's Fear and Force Phantasialand TIE 11.5% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 19% Black Diamond Knoebels Amusement Resort 11% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 15% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 12% BEST Farmington, Utah TIE 4% Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney's Hollywood Studios 13% Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. TIE 4% Harry Potter … Forbidden Journey Universal's Islands of Adventure 12% Haunted Mansion Knoebels Amusement Resort 11% BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION Pirates: Battle for the Sunken Treasure Shanghai Disneyland 10% Noah's Ark Kennywood 34% Harry Potter … Escape from Gringott's Universal Studios Orlando 9% Frankenstein's Castle 13% Ghost Ship Morey's Piers 12% BEST Gasten Ghost Hotel 11% Knoebels Amusement Resort 43% Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund 10% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Looff Carousel 17% Six Flags Over Gerogia Riverview Carousel 8% BONUS COVERAGE Efteling 6% Universal's Islands of Adventure Caro-Seuss-El 5% www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018

THANKS FOR BEING THE BEST SHOWCASE IN THE WORLD 2018

PRESENTED TO EUROPA– GOLDEN BEST PARK TICKET PARK

V.I.P. AWARD

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS

THANKS FOR BEING AN OUTSTANDING PARTNER 2018 GOLDEN TICKET TURNSTILE AWARD AWARD

PRESENTED TO V.I.P. SILVER DOLLAR CITY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Favorite rides keep their lock on Golden Ticket wins Getting a Golden Ticket of the attraction is coming in a ride category is tough to Orlando in 2021.) Tying enough. Keeping it for multi- for third is Winja's Fear ple years is a bigger challenge. and Force at Germany’s In the category of BEST Phantasialand. DARK RIDE, a few legend- Completing the list is ary rides have snagged the Black Diamond at Knoebels. prize. In one of the more BEST FUNHOUSE/ recent overthrows, Disney’s WALK-THROUGH Hollywood Studios took ATTRACTION keeps its the reins two years ago with top five finalists with only its Twilight Zone Tower of minor changes. Noah’s Ark Terror — and takes it again at Kennywood makes it for a third year. Disney recent- nine years after taking the ly converted a similar attrac- Golden Ticket for the first tion at Disney California time in 2010. Adventure to a storyline Indiana Beach’s themed to Guardians of the Frankenstein’s Castle (once Galaxy. Are fans indirectly a Golden Ticket winner) and telling the company not to Ghost Ship at Morey’s Piers touch this one? Possibly. (No. 3) duke it out for second Regardless, this longtime and third, and another slight favorite has been scaring the margin determines the flip of BEST CAROUSEL: Grand Carousel, Knoebels Amusement Resort bejeebers out of its guests positions this year. COURTESY KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT since 1994. Gasten Ghost Hotel at Holiday World & Splashin’ Braunfels, Texas, and are and Phantasialand’s Chiapas Liseberg (No. 4) and Lustiga Safari for winning this pres- both previous Golden Ticket (No. 4) switch positions for Huset at Gröna Lund (No. tigious award for the ninth Winners — the former for 2018, but by a razor-thin vot- 5) keep their positions from time!” cheered Ray Smegal, Best New Ride and the latter ing margin. last year. VP of design and product for Best Water Park Ride. Completing the list of In the ride categor- strategy for the maker of the Krakatau Water Coaster finalists is a returning con- ies, two winners have been In the No. 2 spot is Harry award-winning ride, ProSlide at the new Volcano Bay in tender, Timber Mountain undefeated since the cre- Potter and the Forbidden Technologies. “Wildebeest Orlando lands on the charts Log Flume at Knott’s Berry ation of their awards. Journey at Universal’s set a new benchmark for water for the first time. Farm. BEST KIDS AREA Islands of Adventure. coasters when it opened in Only two rides have held BEST INDOOR debuted in 2001. Not only For many years, the same 2010. It’s the longest in-line the Golden Ticket for BEST COASTER finds famil- was Kings Island the first Universal park had a lock on water coaster in the world, WATER RIDE. Both still hold iar faces with a new player winner of this category, but this category with its Spider- with non-stop action from the top two slots. added to the mix. Universal the park and Man-themed ride. start to finish. It’s fast and Valhalla at Blackpool Studios Orlando has taken have refused to let go of it — Knoebels’ Haunted smooth, utilizing ProSlide’s Pleasure Beach takes the the category since 2008 with carrying it for the 18th time. Mansion (No. 3) keeps its patented Linear Induction award for a sixth time. The Revenge of the Mummy, Keeping their respective hold as a top finalist. While Motor [LIM] technology — water ride was supplied by a coaster from Premier positions from last year, many voters appreciate the driving high speeds, capacity and has multiple Rides. Disneyland’s Space Seuss Landing at Islands of huge budgets behind the and performance.” indoor scenes. And tons of Mountain also keeps its No. Adventure comes in at No. theme park giants, many also Behind it is another drenching water. 2 position. 2 and at hail the traditional park’s old- Splashin’ Safari hit, Islands of Adventure’s A new attraction zips Efteling in The Netherlands school version as a nostalgic Mammoth. This six-passen- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw on the scene here. TRON holds on to No. 3. classic. ger hydromagnetic water Falls, a 12-time winner, stays Lightcycle Power Run at Finding a place back on A new player enters coaster was a popular fol- strong in its No. 2 position. Shanghai Disneyland is a the list of finalists is Kings the finalist board. Shanghai low-up to Wildebeest. The whimsically themed flume sought-after coaster by Dominion in Virginia, where Disneyland has wowed The Falls (No. 3) and ride was built by Mack Rides. enthusiasts everywhere. Planet Snoopy (like the guests during its first year of Master Blaster (No. 4) are Magic Kingdom’s It debuts on the chart at operation with Pirates of the both at Schlitterbahn in New Splash Mountain (No. 3) No. 3. (Of note, a version 4See RIDES, page 25 Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It arrives at No. 4. Amusement Today predicts this is one to watch. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Orlando, with its combination dark ride mixed with coaster moments, winds down the finalists. Want to get ? Whether in a park or water park, both our champions have taken over top prize at some point. Wildebeest at Splashin’ Safari has now held the Golden Ticket for BEST WATER PARK RIDE since 2010. BEST FUN HOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION: BEST DARK RIDE: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney's “Congratulations to Noah's Ark, Kennywood AT/TIM BALDWIN Hollywood Studios AT/TIM BALDWIN Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 was built in 1913 and pur- RIDES chased by the Knoebel family Continued from page 20 in 1941. Grand Carousel, with Golden Ticket winner) has its historic band organ and also found favor with voters. classic brass ring dispenser, Staying on the list of is nothing short of timeless. finalists is England’s Paultons Anyone catching a brass ring Park, where the popular gets a free ride. It is the envy Peppa Pig World is loved by of any park owner. kids and parents alike. Those same attributes What started out as a are found in the No. 2 pos- rotating category on a ition. Santa Cruz Beach three-year cycle eventually Boardwalk prides itself on plete the finalists is Caro- became a recurring category. its Looff Carousel that dates Seuss-El at Universal’s Islands BEST CAROUSEL appeared back to 1911. It is a National of Adventure. in 2001 and 2004 before Historic Landmark. being added as an annual BEST WATER RIDE: distinction in 2007. In each remains in third with its pre- Valhalla, Blackpool instance, like the previous served Riverview Carousel in Pleasure Beach (top left) category, there has only been a beautiful pavilion. BEST KIDS' AREA: a single winner — Knoebels Efteling moves up a Planet Snoopy, Amusement Resort. The per- notch to No. 4. The park’s Kings Island (top right) ennial winner has now taken Stoomcaroussel also boasts BEST WATER PARK RIDE: the award for the 14th time. more than 100 years of his- Wildebeest, Many industry aficion- tory and is situated in what Splashin' Safari (right) ados refer to the carousel is often referred to as the COURTESY ALEX RIGSBY; as the heart of any park. Carousel Palace. AT/TIM BALDWIN Knoebels’ beloved classic Making a return to com-

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Ride Entertainment 1-410-643-9300 rideentertainment.com [email protected] 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Best New Rides offer boundary-pushing thrills New investments are always a risk, but when that certain attraction resonates with guests, a bona fide hit brings visitors back again and again. Often, people come from across the country or from around the globe to experience world-class thrillers.

Four years in the planning and two years in the construc- tion process, Steel Vengeance takes the Golden Ticket Award for BEST NEW RIDE – PARK. In a year that was fierce with com- petition, rave reviews poured in for Cedar Point’s new legacy ride. “Steel Vengeance has so many awesome features, its single best attribute is its BEST NEW RIDE: Steel Vengeance, Cedar Point AT/TIM BALDWIN relentlessness. From start to finish the ride delivers one between it and the No. 2 con- ness compared to its former 2 and No. 3 slots with two six lanes of competitive thrills thrilling moment after another,” tender. Time Traveler at Silver life. new additions for 2018. Both with double tunnels. Jason McClure, VP and gen- Dollar City finished strong. Two wooden coasters com- from ProSlide Technology, Completing the top five eral manager of Cedar Point, Fans were praising its innova- plete our list of finalists. Oscar’s Breaker’s Edge and Whitecap are Rock Wheel at Chimelong told Amusement Today. “My tion, smooth ride and beautiful Wacky Taxi at Sesame Place in Racer makes a major statement Water Park in China, the out- favorite part of the ride is the aesthetics. introduced its first at Hesheypark’s Boardwalk. landish rotating Ferris wheel- second half, when you spend “Time Traveler is a must- roller coaster in 20 years. Not Breaker’s Edge is an uphill meets-waterslide supplied by so much of the ride experience do!” said Brad Thomas, park losing sight of its young audi- water coaster that incorporates Weigand, and Raja at Noah’s inside the wooden structure. president. “Our friends at ence, the wooden coaster by ProSlide’s captivating saucers, Ark in Wisconsin Dells, manu- The structure disguises what is Mack Rides created a fun and packs solid while Whitecap Racer features factured by Polin. coming around the corner; the unique ride experience. It’s the fun into a diminutive stature. transitions happen so fast that tallest, fastest spinning coaster Tying for fourth is Wicker Man you lose of whether you in the world. It features two at Alton Towers. Created by are in a banked curve, upside launches and three inversions, Great Coasters International, down or right side up. The and quickly became a guest Inc., the highly themed woodie bonus is that while intense, the favorite.” races through a 60-foot central ride is so smooth that you are In third place is Twisted effigy multiple times, making it ready to ride it again.” Timbers at Kings Dominion. appear to burst into flames as Rocky Mountain As with Steel Vengeance, Rocky the trains pass through. It is the Construction was the manufac- Mountain Construction took an first for turer of the ride. aging wooden coaster and cre- the park. As outrageously popular as ated a steel track layout that BEST NEW RIDE – WATER Steel Vengeance is, taking the features dramatic maneuvers, PARK saw several innovations prize was no piece of cake. A an abundance of airtime, inver- as well. hard-fought battle took place sions and a remarkable smooth- Taking the Golden Ticket is Ray Rush at Aquatica Orlando. The ride was a project from WhiteWater West. BEST NEW RIDE, No. 2: Time Traveler, Silver Dollar City “Our guests are raving COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY about the three-in-one thrills of Ray Rush. The combination of the Master Blaster, AquaSphere and Manta slide elements seam- lessly blended into one attrac- tion creates a ride experience that is both thrilling and family- friendly,” said David Heaton, vice president, Aquatica. “We are incredibly honored to be the recipients of this year’s Golden Ticket.” Right on its heels — or BEST NEW RIDE (WATER PARK): fins — was Breaker’s Edge Ray Rush, Aquatica Orlando at Hersheypark. In fact, BEST NEW RIDE, No. 3: Twisted Timbers, Kings Dominion COURTESY ORLANDO Hersheypark placed in the No. AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 Golden Ticket Winners show off their accomplishments

Throughout the globe, winners of the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards have showcased their victories in publica- tions, signage, park maps and promotional materials. Seen here are the entrance to Europa-Park (top) and fanfare for Kings Island’s Planet Snoopy. AT/TIM BALDWIN; COURTESY DON HELBIG 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Knoebels and Dollywood continue tug-of-war with Best Food “Last year, Dollywood raised the bar. We’re hoping our waistlines don’t show that we’ve spent the time since then taste testing to figure out how we can regain the top spot,” Dick Knoebel told commitment to beauty is evi- Amusement Today. dent at the highest level. And so it goes. The two Gilroy Gardens in parks have wrangled for the California (No. 2) and Efteling Golden Ticket for BEST FOOD in the Netherlands (No. 3) for several years now. For have not faltered in their 2018, it is back in the hands dedication to beautiful land- of Knoebels Amusement scaping and keep their places Resort. The combination of from 2017. taste, value and variety of For the first time, Tivoli comfort foods makes eating at Gardens jumps onto the Knoebels a popular pastime. charts this year in fourth The other finalists hold place. The Copenhagen land- fast in their claimed spots mark is known for its blend of from last year. Epcot (No. 3), gardens, food eateries and Silver Dollar City (No. 4) and fun rides. Busch Gardens Williamsburg Disney’s Animal (No. 5) have found favor with Kingdom (No. 5) keeps its voters as well. place as a finalist in this cate- For BEST gory. Animal Kingdom dazzles LANDSCAPING, Busch with lush tropical landscap- BEST LANDSCAPING: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg AT/TIM BALDWIN Gardens Williamsburg remains ing throughout the park and the undefeated champ. The incorporates natural beauty ning landscaping throughout park is blessed with natural with extraterrestrial flora in its many themed areas. beauty, but lush landscaping the Pandora section, some of Holiday World has and color is plentiful through- which glows in the nighttime long felt pride for claiming out the park. From the moment hours. The fifth-place posi- CLEANEST PARK. Park man- guests walk from their cars to tion is tied by Europa-Park, agement has continuously all areas surrounding attrac- Germany’s most popular impressed the importance tions and walkways, the park’s theme park, known for stun- of cleanliness in the park. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has claimed this cat- egory since 2000. “We stress to all our employees — both full-time and seasonal — that it’s every- one’s job to keep our parks clean,” said Matt Eckert, president and CEO, Holiday World. “When we talk to new BEST FOOD: Knoebels Amusement Resort hosts and hostesses, we ask COURTESY KNOEBELS that they treat our parks like their home. When you have finalist three times previously.) Dollar City (No. 2) and Holiday friends over, you don’t want Dollywood (No. 3) and World (No. 3) swap places for them to think you live in a Europa-Park (No. 4) return as 2018, with the Branson park dump, right? It’s the same finalists in 2018. New to the — a one-time winner in this at Holiday World & Splashin’ list is Tokyo DisneySea, com- category — climbing a notch Safari — we want our guests pleting the Top Five. back toward the top rung. to have fun and feel comfort- Dollywood returns as Knoebels takes the No. 4 able when they visit.” FRIENDLIEST PARK in 2018. spot, as it did last year. CLEANEST PARK: Busch Gardens It is the seventh time for the Two finalists tie for the Holiday World Williamsburg was the very first park to take the Golden Ticket No. 5 spot. Newcomers & Splashin' Safari FRIENDLIEST PARK: park to claim this category and, in this category, which it first Lagoon and Magic Kingdom COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD Dollywood this year, it rises two places to claimed in 2012 after numer- now stake their claims on the & SPLASHIN' SAFARI AT/TIM BALDWIN the No. 2 spot. (It has been a ous years as a finalist. Silver charts. Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Dollywood makes it ten years even for Best Shows As entertainment contin- ues to be a key part of a day at a theme park, shows not only give park visitors a relax- ing break, but also rejuvenate families in a fun, invigorating way. With a 2018 win for BEST SHOWS, Dollywood has now taken this category for 10 years. This follows a 10-year run previously held by Six Flags Fiesta Texas before Dollywood snatched the gold.

“Dollywood was built on entertainment. In every show we produce, we strive to live up to Dolly’s level of excel- lence and creativity,” said BEST SHOWS: Dollywood — 's performance influence helps the park take home its tenth consecutive win in the Pete Owens, vice president category. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD of marketing and public rela- tions, Dollywood. “It is incred- Disney’s Animal expansion in 2017, the 4, tying with Magic Kingdom Universal Studios ible to think this is 10 years Kingdom and Silver Dollar Branson theme park gathered at . Orlando and Knott’s Berry in a row winning the BEST City feature crowd-pleasers more of the vote, but not Even more parks are intro- Farm are the only two parks SHOWS Golden Ticket. It is for all ages and tie for the No. enough to topple Ms. Parton’s ducing holiday events this to take the gold for the cat- humbling, but it emphasizes 4 spot. perch at the top. season. Christmas is the new egory of BEST HALLOWEEN the consistent quality our per- Dollywood takes anoth- Despite many new parks Halloween. EVENT. Both continue to formers exhibit every day.” er Golden Ticket for BEST introducing expanded sea- And speaking of score strong, with Universal Fiesta Texas continues to CHRISTMAS EVENT. The sons with Christmas events, Halloween, the holiday is still Studios Orlando wrapping hold the No. 2 spot, maintain- park remains undefeated Disneyland remains in the scaring up strong attendance its talons around the Golden ing its record of outstanding in this category since it was third position. However, Kings numbers. Unquestionably one Ticket for the 11th straight show quality. introduced in 2008. Sister park Island’s Winterfest returned of the hottest trends of the year. Knott’s is a close second. Moving back into the Silver Dollar City moved into last season and found great last century, fall fright events The haunted train ride finalists is Busch Gardens second place last year, and praise with voters and guests designed to terrify guests are and car ride at Knoebels Williamsburg in the No. 3 with the addition of the daz- debuting on the chart for the seeing greater investment Amusement Resort boast position. zling Christmas in Midtown first time in this category at No. each season. legions of fans. The park remains in the No. 3 spot in the Halloween category. As with Christmas, Kings Island lands on the chart for the first time with Halloween as well, also in fourth place. Tying for fifth are two regional favorites, Kennywood and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Both parks have numerous haunted houses in addition to scare zones. Fiesta Texas also thrills and chills audiences with multiple Halloween shows featuring BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT: Dollywood ­­— Dollywood remains live musicians and perfor- Universal Studios Orlando the undefeated champion in wishing guests a Merry Christmas. mances featuring a gigantic COURTESY UNIVERSAL RESORT AT/TIM BALDWIN cast. Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Newcomer upsets Top Five Steel, remains on top For a new coaster to debut in the Top Ten is a laudable goal. From there, its challenge is to inch to the top, as most No. 1 coasters have done.

For a third year in a row, Fury 325 has snagged the Golden Ticket Award for BEST STEEL COASTER. Vice President and General Manager Pat Jones, said, “We’re thrilled that Fury 325 has been named No. 1 Steel Coaster in the World for the third time, and recog- nize that it was up against some tough competition. This is valida- tion that Fury 325 continues to BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 3: deliver the heart-racing adrena- BEST STEEL COASTER: Fury 325, Carowinds , Cedar Point COURTESY KRIS ROWBERRY line rush our guests crave. Fury AT/TIM BALDWIN 325 marked the beginning of an both. Steel Vengeance, which able attributes. “I love dropping five years. Top Ten of the respective lists. exciting wave of transformation has taken the Golden Ticket for into the second half. It pops you Apollo’s Chariot (No. 6) at Intamin completes the Top for Carowinds, one that contin- BEST NEW RIDE this year, makes out of your seat and then takes Busch Gardens Williamsburg Ten with Cedar Point’s Maverick ues into 2019.” a remarkable debut at No. 3. you into the jungle of wood. It’s moves several notches upward moving up one notch to take the Fury 325 is the tallest non- A creation of Rocky Mountain nonstop.” to return to the Top Ten. Built No. 9 spot. launched roller coaster in the Construction, it is the fourth Climbing a notch, by Bolliger & Mabillard in 1999, Steel Vengeance’s stunning world and, as its name indicates, time that RMC has taken the Expedition GeForce moves up it was the Swiss firm’s first foray debut not only gave Cedar Point stands 325 feet tall. It was a BEST NEW RIDE award. Paired to No. 4 and refuses to release into the genre. a good year, but also bragging 2015 Golden Ticket winner for with Millennium Force, it is a its grasp on the title of Europe’s (No. 7) at Six rights of having three coasters BEST NEW RIDE and took the one-two punch for Cedar Point. highest-rated coaster. Built at Flags Fiesta Texas maintains its in the Top Ten and five of the 25 top prize on the STEEL charts a “Debuting at No. 3… that’s Holiday Park in Germany by Top Ten status. The wood-to- coasters on the chart. year later. It was manufactured crazy! That’s, wow… not just an Intamin in 2001, the airtime-filled steel RMC transformation of the Silver Dollar City’s new by Bolliger & Mabillard. honor… but, I just didn’t expect steel coaster has been a destina- 1992 record-breaking woodie Time Traveler debuts at No. The previous Golden Ticket that high of a debut,” said Jake tion ride for enthusiasts around took place in 2013. 18, the only other new-for-2018 holder, Millennium Force Kilcup, COO of Rocky Mountain the globe. Leviathan at Canada’s coaster to crack the charts. at Cedar Point, continues to Construction. When asked : The Ride at Wonderland (No. 8) and The oldest roller coaster hold fast at No. 2. The origi- by Amusement Today about is also Diamondback at Kings Island on the charts is the legendary nal 300-footer, built by Intamin, his favorite moment on Steel known for its negative Gs. It is (No. 10) are two more top-tier Schwarzkopf Mind Bender debuted in 2000. Vengeance, Kilcup shied away the third coaster by Intamin in rides from Bolliger & Mabillard. at Six Flags Over Georgia. It New competition challenges from the coaster’s more market- the Top Five. This ride, which Of note, Kings Island is the only debuted in 1978. was called for a period of park in the world to feature a See the Top 50 at time, held the Golden Ticket for wooden and steel coaster in the GoldenTicketAwards.com.

BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 3: BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 4: BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 5: Steel Vengeance, Cedar Point Expedition GeForce, Holiday Park Superman: The Ride, Six Flags New England AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON COURTESY ALEX DICKEY AT/TIM BALDWIN Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 THE LIST 2018 TOP 25 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION SUPPLIER YEAR TOTAL

1 Fury 325 Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. B&M 2015 1222

2 Millennium Force Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Intamin 2000 1156

3 Steel Vengeance Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Rocky Mountain 2018 829

4 Expedition GeForce Holiday Park Hassloch, Germany Intamin 2001 540

5 Superman: The Ride Six Flags New England Agawam, Mass. Intamin 2000 535

6 Apollo's Chariot Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. B&M 1999 522

7 Iron Rattler Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas Rocky Mountain 2013 483 BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 3: Millennium Force, Cedar Point , Ontario, 8 Leviathan Canada's Wonderland B&M 2012 410 AT/TIM BALDWIN Canada 9 Maverick Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Intamin 2007 390

10 Diamondback Kings Island Mason, Ohio B&M 2009 347

11 Nitro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. B&M 2001 345

12 Kings Dominion Doswell, Va. Intamin 2010 344

13 Phantom's Revenge Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. Morgan/Arrow 2001 324

14 Magnum XL-200 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Arrow 1989 300

15 Phantasialand Brühl, Germany Intamin 2016 283

16 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Intamin 2003 278

17 SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. B&M 2016 251

18 Time Traveler Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. Mack 2018 248

19 Europa-Park Rust, Germany Mack 2009 244

20 Alton Towers Staffordshire, England B&M 1994 238

21 Helix Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden Mack 2014 234

22 Intimidator Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. B&M 2010 233

23 Arlington, Texas Rocky Mountain 2011 222

24 Twisted Valencia, Calif. Rocky Mountain 2015 212

25 Mind Bender Six Flags Over Georgia Austell, Ga. Schwarzkopf 1978 211 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Knoebels' rises as the new No. 1 wooden coaster Coaster fans have kept things fluid in the Golden Ticket Awards. During this past decade, all four of the Nos. 1 – 4 wooden coasters have held the top spot at one point. Jockeying for position appears and my heart is happy.” to be the rule of thumb. For “What it went through to 2018, the venerable Phoenix stay alive is pretty amazing,” has finally taken top spot for said Tom Rebbie, president the BEST WOODEN COASTER of Philadelphia Toboggan Golden Ticket. Coasters, Inc. “To go from a A success story since 1985, closed park to a world-recog- Phoenix was a triumph of pres- nized park is remarkable. The ervation when Dick Knoebel of Knoebel family takes care of it Knoebels Amusement Resort and keeps the nostalgia part of rescued The Rocket after it alive. Phoenix is just a great Park in San Antonio, ride that everyone in the family Texas, locked its gates for can go on.” good. Paying no attention to The BEST WOODEN naysayers who said the move COASTER category has had shouldn’t be done, Knoebel res- more winners than any other urrected the ride and made it recurring category. Phoenix is better than ever. the seventh ride to hold the title. “Knoebels needed Rocket El Toro at Six Flags Great just as badly as Rocket needed a Adventure, the Golden Ticket BEST WOODEN COASTER: BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 2: new home,” said Knoebel. “We winner from 2012 and 2017, is Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure AT/TIM BALDWIN AT/TIM BALDWIN looked on with excitement as strong in the No. 2 position. It Rocket began to rise as Phoenix, was built by Intamin. placed. At 7,359 feet, it is still er installation by The Gravity double dip has been thrilling still not fully realizing what this The Voyage at Holiday the longest wooden roller Group, while at visitors for close to a century. coaster would mean to us and World, which enjoyed a five- coaster in the world, a record California’s Great America Holiday World, one of the generations of park guests. The year run in the No. 1 spot, plac- it has held for 40 seasons. (No. 9) and Dollywood’s rare parks to operate three or happiness it brings makes it es third in 2018 — one notch up Phoenix and The Beast are the Thunderhead (No. 10) are more wooden coasters, finds seem as if it’s doing what it can from last year. The 6,442-foot- only two wooden coasters to both by Great Coasters all three of its collection on to repay us for providing a sec- long ride was created by The place in the Top Ten every year International and all maintain the chart. In addition to The ond chance to thrill riders. Gravity Group. for the 21 years Amusement their top ten status. Voyage, The Raven (No. 18) “Phoenix isn’t the tallest, BoulderDash at Lake Today has polled for the Golden Interestingly, all coasters and The Legend (No. 23) land fastest or longest roller coaster, Compounce comes in at the Ticket Awards. in the Top Ten of the Golden in the Top 25. but it sure does have heart. No. 4 spot. This ride opened as Rod at Ticket Awards chart are the The largest jump was by We’re ecstatic knowing riders part of the Class of 2000 from Dollywood (No. 6) and Outlaw same, yet not a single one main- ’s Renegade, which love Phoenix every bit as much Custom Coasters, Inc. It held Run at Silver Dollar City (No. tains its position from 2017. rolled into the No. 52 spot in as we do. Thanks to that love, the No. 1 spot in 2004, 2014, 7) are two Rocky Mountain The oldest roller coaster 2017 and climbed to No. 26 this a design that can withstand the 2015 and 2016. Construction coasters to place in the Top 25 is year, just shy of charting. test of time and our team’s In the No. 5 spot is The in the Top 10 wood. at Kennywood, in the No. 20 The complete list of meticulous care of the coaster, Beast at Kings Island, the Ravine Flyer II at position. Designed by John Top 50 can be seen at Phoenix has risen to the top, highest the coaster has ever Waldameer (No. 8) is anoth- Miller in 1920, the ride’s famous GoldenTicketAwards.com.

BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 4: BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 3: BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 5: Boulder Dash, The Voyage, Holiday World The Beast, Kings Island COURTESY LAKE COMPOUNCE AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT AT/GARY SLADE Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 THE LIST 2018 TOP 25 WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION SUPPLIER YEAR TOTAL

1 Phoenix Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. Dinn-PTC/Schmeck 1985 1330

2 El Toro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. Intamin 2006 1197

3 Voyage Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Gravity Group 2006 1086

4 BoulderDash Lake Compounce Bristol, Conn. Custom Coasters 2000 982

5 Beast Kings Island Mason, Ohio KECO 1979 781

6 Lightning Rod Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Rocky Mountain 2016 691

7 Outlaw Run Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. Rocky Mountain 2013 573

8 Ravine Flyer II Waldameer Erie, Pa. Gravity Group 2008 560

9 Gold Striker California's Great America Santa Clara, Calif. Great Coasters Int. 2013 497

10 Thunderhead Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Great Coasters Int. 2004 477

11 Timbers Kings Island Mason, Ohio Great Coasters Int. 2017 465

12 Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. Great Coasters Int. 2000 329

13 GhostRider Knott's Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. Custom Coasters 1998 307

14 Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden Intamin 2003 289

15 Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. Vettel/Miller 1968 260

16 Wodan Europa-Park Rust, Germany Great Coasters Int. 2012 236

17 Wildfire Kolmården Norrköping, Sweden Rocky Mountain 2016 232

18 Raven Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Custom Coasters 1995 229

19 Gurnee, Ill. Rocky Mountain 2014 215

20 Jack Rabbit Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. Miller 1920 211

21 - tie Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. Prior & Church/Looff 1924 206

21 - tie Michigan's Adventure Muskegon, Mich. Custom Coasters 1998 206

23 Legend Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Custom Coasters 2000 201

24 White Lightning Fun Spot Orlando, Fla. Great Coasters Int. 2013 196

25 Troy Sevenum, Netherlands Great Coasters Int. 2007 183 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 Golden Ticket Awards September 2018 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2018