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September 2017 | Vol. 21 • Issue 6.2 www.amusementtoday.com and Quassy host 20th Golden Ticket Awards parks Today staff have repeatedly been told that being able to visit and welcome GTA network in a social environment guests for first time has been extremely beneficial and enjoyable. BRISTOL and MIDDLEBURY, In preparation for the event, Conn. — New England is rich park management was eager to with parks, ranging from the mod- showcase the attributes that make ern to the nation’s most historic. Lake Compounce special. Attendees to Amusement “Obviously, Boulder Dash Today's 20th annual Golden Ticket is a ‘can’t miss’ attraction,” said Awards visited the oldest, contin- Jerry Brick, general manager. uously-operated “But a revamped and in the U.S., Lake Compounce. On Ghost Hunt are on the list as well. Sept. 9, park owners and opera- Phobia (Phear Coaster) should be tors, manufacturers and industry great for the real thrill-seekers.” professionals gathered at “The Brick is no stranger to Golden Networking Event of the Year,” Ticket Awards ceremonies. “I culminating in the awards cer- think I am always impressed with emony that honored The Best of the team members at the events,” he told Amusement Today. “Our the Best. Held in the park’s his- Two of the last remaining toric Starlight Theater, the cer- seasonal team is excited about trolley parks, Lake emony acknowledged winners hosting the event, and I know Compounce (above) and interspersed between musical they will do a good job. I hope showstoppers provided by spon- everyone attending the event will sor RWS Entertainment. be impressed with the team.” (right) hosted the 2017 With daytime hours dedicat- Lake Compounce opened in Golden Ticket Awards. ed to enjoying all the park had to 1846 and boasts the distinction COURTESY LAKE COMPOUNCE; offer, including the award-win- of being the oldest continuously- QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK ner Boulder Dash wooden roller operating park in America. Spread coaster, the schedule also featured among the 332 acres is the water Prior to the event’s day at behind-the-scenes tours of rev- park, Crocodile Cove, numerous Lake Compounce, a Friday eve- enue areas, maintenance areas rides and the park’s namesake ning social at Quassy Amusement and the setup for the Haunted lake. The park’s Wildcat roller Park set the celebration in motion. Quassy was elevated more into Quassy on Friday evening. It’s Graveyard, which gave attendees coaster, dating back to 1927, cel- Quassy is one of only 11 parks the big leagues with the addi- been a pleasure working with opportunities to share and discuss ebrates its 90th anniversary not in existence that started off as a tion of Wooden Warrior, a roller everyone at Amusement Today and best practices. only with some structural refur- — parks placed at the coaster from , Jerry Brick at Lake Compounce Following the ceremony, the bishments, but also new trains end of trolley lines decades ago to which delivers a lot of action in a to coordinate the very special event concluded with a post-par- provided by Great Coasters encourage passenger business compact, mid-sized structure. event,” said Eric Anderson, ty at the Croc Pot located near International. on the weekends. An established Quassy Amusement Park and president, Quassy Amusement & the Starlight Theater and on the “Hopefully our visitors will stop in 1908 between Waterbury Lake Compounce are just 14 miles Waterpark. edge of the park’s , see the history and tradition of and Woodbury, the park gets its from each other, which made for A full recap of the weekend Crocodile Cove. Live music, des- Lake Compounce blended with name from Lake Quassapaug. a good New England pairing for event will be featured in the Nov serts, an open bar and fire pits the new and innovative,” said While houses and clubs adorn this year’s event. Both parks were I/Pre-IAAPA issue. made for a fitting ending and Brick. “We have 100-year-old much of the land surrounding the eager to welcome industry profes- All stories this issue showcased the hospitality from rides and buildings and obviously lake today, the park continues to sionals from around the world. Lake Compounce. As the Golden newer toys. It is really interesting thrive, much due to the success of “We’re excited and extremely by Tim Baldwin Ticket event has evolved in the how we have been able to blend the Splash Away Bay water park delighted that the Golden Ticket unless otherwise noted new millennium, Amusement it.” included with admission. In 2011, Awards kickoff will be here at

 NewsTalk...Page 3  Publisher's Picks...Pages 4-6  Best Parks...Pages 7-17 Dated material. material. Dated  Best Rides...Pages 18-31  Best New Rides for 2017...Pages 32-39 NEWSPAPER POSTMASTER:

PLEASE ! September 11, 2017 Mailed Monday,  Food, Cleanest, Friendliest, Landscaping...Pages 40-41

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT INSIDE:

FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT.  Shows, Seasonal Events...Pages 42-44

PAID US POSTAGE US  Steel Roller Coasters...Pages 45-47

PRSRT STD PRSRT  Wooden Roller Coasters...Pages 48-51 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 NEWSTALK

EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint A Golden 'Thank You'

Each year Amusement Today's staff works hard along side our host parks 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 parks could not offer this free event without the financial support of our many sponsors. We would like to Slade take this moment to recognize them once again for their generous donations: PLATINUM: Allied Speciality Insurance; Martin & Vleminckx The Ride Companies; Pepsi and RWS Entertainment Group. GOLD: Dippin' Dots; , Inc. and Ride Entertainment Group/ SILVER: The Gravity Group; Montgomery Inn Barbecue Sauce; ProSlide Technology, Inc.; Rides 4U and Uremet Corp. BRONZE: Baynum Painting, Inc.; Bob Space Racers; Lagotronics Projects; NEAAPA; Rhode Island Novelty and . SUPPORTING SPONSORS: American Paper Optics; JTM; Lamb Weston; NXT Capture; Orlando Bakery and Unilever. As special Thank You goes to Ryan Stana and the entire staff at RWS Entertainment Group for the countless hours, hard work and EDITORIAL: Tim Baldwin, [email protected] support they put into the Golden Ticket Awards show performance. American Top 40 Their team, a previous Golden Ticket award-winner, has shown why they are the "Best of the Best" for show production in our industry! Now in its 20th year, the Golden Ticket Many people have commented to Awards have focused a spotlight on what’s pop- Amusement Today that they have planned Finally, thank you to Jerry Brick and Sara Frias at Lake ular, what’s new and what’s the best. If you were trips around trying to get to the rides and Compounce and Quassy's Eric Anderson, George Frantzis II and to line up the annual charts, one after another, parks that appear on our charts. Clearly, Ron Gustafson for their hard work as our Host Parks to showcase it would remind me somewhat of the American these people know they are bound to have these two great traditional trolley parks to the industry. Top 40 charts. a good time when they see what has gar- • In my younger years, I would either listen nered the attention of well-traveled park Replacement Golden Tickets offered: if your park or facility each week, or find a publication that listed the experts. Our panel is never the same year has won a previous Golden Ticket Award and that award has song charts and see which songs and artists were Baldwin to year as new people are added and some faded — or is beginning to fade — Amusement Today would moving up and which had peaked. How long are dropped, but it is always comprised of like to replace the artwork for you at no change. We know your could the No. 1 song stay at the top? Several weeks? people who truly treasure what the industry does. Their facility is proud of your Golden Ticket wins as we see them on Or just this once? comments indicate that what amusement parks, water display throughout the park industry. While the Golden Ticket Awards are annual and parks and theme parks do each day honestly matters to We realize there were a few years when printing methods not weekly, there is still that similar sense of excitement. visitors — and thank heavens it does. Perish forbid the Who is moving up on the top notch? Who has landed day ever arrives when people stop caring. That’s why changed that have caused about a three-year window of the on the charts for the first time? While there are always the Golden Ticket Awards are great at keeping us on awards printing to begin to fade. We want our Golden Tickets huge congratulations to the park, ride or company that our toes, always helping to push toward a greater goal. looking "Golden" for your visitors so let us help make then new has taken the Golden Ticket, it is equally as inspiring More than anything else in the comparison of AT’s again. But if you don't contact us, we don't know what to replace. to see who made it into the list of finalists. Each year, charts to those of American Top 40 are the roller coast- Please email Savannah Breen at sbreen@amusementtoday. different finalists move in and out of the charts. AT’s ers. Be it park or manufacturer, to see who has multiple com. Include the CATEGORY WIN NAME of the Golden Ticket coverage of our 2017 results are detailed in the pages rides on the charts and how far they have climbed is Award and the YEAR. throughout this issue. exciting. Fans lament a decline in their favorites or AT plans to compile a list of replacement art through the Explore it. This accumulation of opinions of the cheer on the up-and-coming newer kids on the block. IAAPA show and reprint all replacement awards in December. largest collection of experienced park-goers is like a It’s great fun. You will receive just the newly printed artwork for replacement in fine-tuned research document. People are noticing As you read through these pages, put on your your existing acrylic brick. what they like about a park and what each park is doing. favorite song and be inspired by both.

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

Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Special Projects & Editorial Monthly Contributors owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Andrew Mellor, per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow 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 Social Media & Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 Dean Lamanna Desktop Edition Production and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] [email protected] Website Maintenance Trademarked 2017 by Amusement Today Inc., John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager Editorial [email protected] Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 Tim Baldwin Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] [email protected] Association Memberships 76005-5427, USA AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/ Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, Advertising B. Derek Shaw • (717) 650-8330 iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, Arlington, Texas 76011, USA [email protected] PAPA, PACE, TTIA, WWA Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 [email protected] Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Industry Affiliated Charities Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, [email protected] Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com National Museum & Archives 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 2017 Publisher's Picks: Supplier, Park celebrates 50 years of innovation Morgan’s Wonderland grows its special message For most people in the industry, it is Life doesn’t always go as planned.

2017 2017 hard to imagine a time when high-profile PRESENTED AS Sometimes, the right person with the right PRESENTED AS rides were in short supply. A half century GOLDEN SUPPLIER vision turns an unfortunate situation into GOLDEN PARK OF THE OF THE ago, that was quite the case. With a mere TICKET YEAR something glorious. TICKET AWARD AWARD YEAR

handful of theme parks in existence, the PRESENTED TO In 2005 Gordon Hartman made an PRESENTED TO

V.I.P. V.I.P. demand wasn’t there. By the late 1960s, Six INTAMIN observation. While vacationing with his MORGAN’S WONDERLAND Flags had opened its second theme park, wife Maggie and daughter Morgan, the and a third wasn’t far off in development. family enjoyed some relaxation time at the Before long, the country, if not the world, hotel pool. Morgan was eager to play with was in the theme park boom. the other children who were on vacation, “By 1970, the park had matured. We but they did not want to interact with her. had already put in all the shelf product that Morgan had special needs. She was differ- was available,” said Errol McKoy, industry ent. At that moment, Gordon resolved to veteran and former Over Georgia do something to make a difference. There general manager. “We were put in a posi- needed to be places where people with and tion to innovate.” without disabilities could play together, not Intamin, a company formed by Robert only to have fun, but have a further under- Spieldiener and friend Ali Saiko (later to When the industry was looking standing that all people are different, and at be joined by Robert’s brother, Reinhold for new, innovative rides, Intamin the same time, have much in common. Speildiener), had already begun providing stepped in to supply new Five years later, Morgan’s Wonderland a few rides to the Six Flags parks. Robert’s attractions. COURTESY INTAMIN opened its doors in . With the belief that the company could continue to engineer and produce rides was proven park being completely wheelchair acces- correct. Six Flags and the fledgling theme park industry needed a company just like sible, there were numerous activities to Intamin — one that was ready to innovate new ideas. engage people with and without cognitive During the past five decades, many iconic rides — from towers to parachute rides or physical challenges — rides, fishing, — and industry staples such as the rapids ride have come from the minds at Intamin. role play, musical instruments, car rides, Morgan’s Wonderland opened its While flat rides and towers started the company, thrill rides and water rides playground equipment, a and gates to guests of all abilities in soon became the company's calling card. Intamin’s product line is virtually every- more. Parents were visibly moved when 2010. where around the globe, and the company’s contributions can’t be overstated. seeing their children participate in activities AT/TIM BALDWIN Rapids rides, Shoot-the-Chutes and rides became absolute essentials in the they never believed would be possible. theme park market. The park readily admits that they conveyed the concept of accessibility a little Just glancing at the top of the charts in this very issue, one too firmly in the early years, and many people believed that only visitors with special can see that Intamin has found enormous success building roller coasters as well. needs could come. But the vision of the park is for people of all abilities to enjoy time Having had partners and engineering talent that would eventually strike out on together. In time, the message was clear and everyone felt welcome to come. their own, Intamin continued to innovate and found spectacular acclaim with sleek Growth continued and many sensory attractions and rides continued to fall into new thrillers that pushed boundaries for steel roller coasters and even wood. Fan place, as well as an amphitheater entertainment space. favorites across the U.S., Europe and beyond solidify Intamin’s importance in the For this season, the park tackled a big problem. Texas can be hot. With more than theme park industry. two years in development and construction, Morgan’s Inspiration Island welcomed With such a diverse catalog of product and hundreds and hundreds of rides pro- visitors to get wet. With slides, spray areas, water activities and a boat ride (all sup- viding thrills and smiles to all parts of the world, Intamin’s success story couldn’t be plied by WhiteWater West), the all-inclusive water park allows guests to beat the more well-deserved. Amusement Today congratulates Intamin, on the company’s 50th heat. The park has even provided waterproof wheelchairs for its guests, all at no anniversary, as the Publisher’s Pick Supplier of the Year. charge. The themed areas and colorful buildings create a water oasis. [See full cover- age of Morgan’s Inspiration Island in AT’s October issue.] In just a few short years, this special non-profit park has welcomed more than a million guests from all 50 states and 67 other countries. For those with physical or cognitive special needs, admission is free. Nominal admission charges apply only to family and friends, as well as the general public. With its ongoing mission to provide a safe, clean and beautiful environment free of physical and economic barriers that all individuals can enjoy, Amusement Today is honored to acknowledge Morgan’s Wonderland as Park of the Year.

Roller coasters, water rides and numerous variations of tower rides have provided Intamin with half a century of iconic attractions. This year’s addition was an incredible all-access splash park called Morgan’s COURTESY INTAMIN; AT FILE PHOTO Inspiration Island. AT/TIM BALDWIN Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 2017 Publisher's Picks: Person Jerry Brick keeps Lake Compounce's rich tradition alive and well On October 6, 1846, Samuel Botsford, an in- fluential Bristol scientist, persuaded property owner Gad Norton, an original settler descendant, to let him conduct "a series of beautiful experiments in electricity." Well publicized, the event drew thou- sands of spectators who witnessed the demonstra- tion amidst the beauty of the woods and water. Although the final experiment of "blowing up from shore, two huge jugs of gunpowder tied under a raft in the middle of the lake" failed, it did inspire Nor- ton to action. He put a path around the lake, set up picnic tables, allowed public swimming and row- ing on the lake and built a gazebo for lakeside band concerts. Lake Compounce had officially opened to the public as a picturesque "picnic" park. The Lake Compounce history is a rich one with many names and companies having their hand in its long-standing success. Fast forward to 2009. That's when Lake Com- Jerry Brick's (above) passion for Lake Compounce pounce was acquired by has kept the park a seemless blend of a modern (part of the group) — its current amusement facility and a traditional park. caretaker of this heirloom attraction. Their commit- COURTESY LAKE COMPOUNCE ment to the park is simple: to maintain a top-notch no more than 100 yards in the park without being family entertainment venue, as well as providing stopped and a conversation started up with a total turned to Martin & Vleminckx Rides to do a ma- superior guest service, all while continuing to intro- stranger or someone he knows locally from church, jor rebuild of the classic Wildcat and touch up duce new product for the guests to enjoy. the kids' sports practices, an upcoming school func- work on the ranked Boulder Dash coaster. Not stop- Jerry Brick began his career with Lake Com- tion or the neighbor down the street who came out ping there, Jerry turned to Great Coasters Interna- pounce in 1996 as the park's director of revenue, to the park for the day. tional for new Wildcat trains and had a new safety then director of operations. He became the park's Jerry's passion for the park has led to a tremen- control system installed. general manager in 2004 and oversaw the transition dous growth of state-of-the-art roller coasters and Lake Compounce may be the nation's oldest of the park to today's ownership. a supporting mix of family rides. He has overseen amusement park, but it is far from that once inside Anyone who has even met Jerry or been on a the expansion of the popular Crocodile Cove wa- the gates as the mix of old and new blend in a seam- stroll with Jerry will tell you of his love, and knowl- ter park and added Bear Creek Campground, a re- less environment. edge, of the park's rich history and desire to make it quest by guests in their exit survey polls. Jerry Brick's passion, and his commitment to a the "Best of the Best." What I noticed during multi- Last year saw the addition of the Phobia launch quality, thrilling and safe facility, catering to the New ple walks through the park with Jerry over the years coaster from Premier Rides, giving the park an ul- England family audience makes him Amusement To- is his sense of people and community. One can walk tra-modern unique steel coaster. This year, the park day's pick for 2017 Person of the Year.

Amusement Today uses balanced regions for voting Since Amusement Today introduced the Golden Ticket Awards in 1998, we continue to seek out the most experienced park enthusiasts to participate in our survey. AT follows a and balanced proto- col of dividing our ballots between four geograph- 3 2 ical regions (see color map at right) of the United States. In addition to the hundreds of surveys sent to American enthusiasts, international fans are also 1 sought out and we invite such fans to contact us for participation in future years. Amusement Today thanks the hundreds of voters who helped form this year’s panel of experts and make the 2017 Golden Ticket Awards a reality. Are you a qualified candidate? Con- 4 tact Golden Ticket Awards Commu- nications Coordinator Tim Baldwin at [email protected] and we’ll see if you would make a good representative for your region on next year’s new panel. Of note, park employees, manufacturers, and Amusement Today staff were not eligible to be on the 2017 panel. 5 ­– International Surveys 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 New finalists challenge winners in park categories Not all the Golden Ticket Awards categories have been around since the begin- ning. Over the course of two decades, only a handful have gone unchallenged. Sometimes a lock is assumed and then — to the surprise of the industry — change takes place.

One undefeated catego- ry is BEST WATER PARK. in New Braunfels, Texas, is the undisputed champ. ​"Every year around this time we hold our breath because are well aware of what a blessing it is to have been given this honor BEST PARK: for 20 years," said Terri Adams, two have formed a stronghold, Europa-Park (above) COO, Schlitterbahn Waterparks. and several challengers over the BEST PARK No. 2: "We earn our business every years have rotated through the (right) year, and given the growing tal- finalists. A new contender rises COURTESY EUROPA-PARK; ent and beautiful facilities in the this year. , after AT/TIM BALDWIN industry, we never consider this only two months of operation, award a given. We rely on every ranked No. 3 and outscored As an example of never member of our team — from its Orlando brethren. The lush, counting a victory as granted, bottom to top — to deliver the high-capacity park has become Europa-Park didn’t just over- kind of experience that will add the new must-do in the Central take the top spot overnight. For us to a family's cherished sum- region. almost a decade, the mer memories." ’s Splash theme park climbed rung-by- Splashin’ Safari in Santa Country moves down a notch rung up the BEST PARK cat- Claus, Ind., has held the No. 2 to No. 4 and Typhoon egory. Eventually it unseated position for 16 years. The top returns to the chart at No. 5. the 16-year reigning champ and took the Golden Ticket in 2014. For a fourth year in a row, Europa-Park snags the prize. “The Mack Family is con- tinually investing in the park to continue their tradition of excellence,” said Roland Mack, founder. “Awards like this con- firm we are doing the right thing for our guests. We are very pleased and deeply honored to receive the Golden Ticket Award for Best Park 2017.” This year, Europa-Park BEST CHILDREN'S PARK: Idlewild & SoakZone installed its single biggest invest- COURTESY IDLEWILD ment in an attraction, Voletarium. Cedar Point continues to Tickets and finalist placements BEST PARK charts (No. 5) is boast top park in the U.S. at than any other park — and the original , often No. 2. Also maintaining 2016 Knoebels Amusement Resort referred to as The Happiest BEST WATER PARK: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels positions are Dollywood at No. at No. 4. AT/TIM BALDWIN 3 — which claims more Golden Finding itself back on the 4See PARKS, page 10 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 PARKS Continued from page 7

Place on Earth. BEST SEASIDE PARK has long been a close race. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (No. 1), Morey’s Piers (No. 2) and Pleasure Beach (No. 3) have had neck-and-neck - tles for several years and the Golden Ticket has been a tug- of-war the past few. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk takes the gold BEST WATER PARK No. 2: Splashin' Safari (above) again this year. With new rides BEST MARINE LIFE PARK: SeaWorld Orlando (right) and an enhanced entrance, the AT/TIM BALDWIN seaside favorite looks better than ever. Morey’s Piers moves since the category was intro- first time in 2015, maintains a up a notch regaining ground duced in 2004, the small wood- hold on the No. 2 spot. Story trying to reach the top as it did ed park in Ligonier, Pa., has Land in Glen, N.H., made its in 2015. grabbed the gold since 2010, debut in this category in 2013 Gröna Lund continues its with this year making it eight and ranks No. 3 in 2017. New on place on the charts. The Swedish years in a row. the charts is first timer Morgan’s seaside gem places at No. 4. The finalists, however, Wonderland in San Antonio, In the category of BEST create a lot of movement and Texas. This all-inclusive CHILDREN’S PARK, Idlewild activity. Storybook Land in Egg park welcomes children and & SoakZone Harbor Township, N.J., which keeps its hold on 4See PARKS, page 12 the Golden Ticket. A finalist appeared on the charts for the

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2017 (Amusement Park) BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2017 (Water Park)

Mystic Timbers 45% Thunder Rapids 47% Flight of Passage Disney’s Animal Kingdom 15% Krakatau Aqua Coaster Volcano Bay 31% Mine Blower Fun Spot America 8% Point Plummet 7% (tie) InvadR Williamsburg 7% Miss Adventure Falls Typhoon Lagoon 7% (tie) Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster SeaWorld San Antonio 6% Ko’okiri Body Plunge Volcano Bay 4%

BEST PARK BEST SEASIDE PARK Europa-Park Rust, Germany 27% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 31% Cedar Point Sandusky, 18% Morey’s Piers Wildwood, N.J. 26% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 11% Blackpool, England 25% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 10% Gröna Lund Stockhom, Sweden 12% Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 6% BEST KIDS’ AREA BEST WATER PARK Kings Island Mason, Ohio 23% Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Texas 57% Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 13% Splashin’ Safari Santa Claus, Ind. 17% Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands 10% Volcano Bay Orlando, Fla. 6% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 9% Dollywood’s Splash Country Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 4% Romsey, England 8% Typhoon Lagoon Lake Buena Vista, Fla, 3% CLEANEST PARK BEST CHILDREN’S PARK Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 86% Idlewild & SoakZone Ligonier, Pa. 19% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 17% Storybook Land Egg Harbor Twp., N.J. 11% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 9% Bartlett, N.H. 9% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 7% Morgan’s Wonderland San Antonio, Texas 8% Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 6% Gilroy, Calif. 7% (tie) Carlsbad, Calif. 7% (tie) BEST SHOWS Winter Haven, Calif. 7% (tie) Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 46% Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 18% BEST MARINE LIFE PARK Branson, Mo. 5% (tie) SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 58% SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 5% (tie) SeaWorld San Diego, Calif. 10% Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 4% Orlando, Fla. 8% SeaWorld San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 7% Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. 6% BONUS COVERAGE www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 PARKS (Carlsband) and Legoland Continued from page 10 Florida (Winter Haven). SeaWorld Orlando has held families of all abilities and has tight to the BEST MARINE just opened a new water park LIFE PARK since AT introduced this season accommodating all the category in 2006. visitors. This special park comes “At SeaWorld Orlando, we in at No. 4. Completing the are proud to offer our guests results is a three-way tie for fifth up-close animal encounters, place: Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy, thrilling attractions, and unique Calif.), Legoland California events all year. Through innova- tion and creativity, we continu- ally seek new ways for families to learn more about our natural world while making memories BEST SEASIDE PARK: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk that last a lifetime,” said Jim COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK Dean, SeaWorld Orlando park president. SeaWorld San Diego, the original, hangs on to the No. 2 spot. That park opened in 1964. Coming up two notches in the standings is Discovery Cove, the animal interactive experi- ence in Orlando. SeaWorld San BEST MARINE LIFE PARK Antonio (No. 4) and Six Flags No. 2: SeaWorld San Diego Discovery Kingdom (No. 5) fill BEST SEASIDE PARK No. 2: Morey's Piers BEST CHILDREN'S PARK No. 2: AT/TIM BALDWIN out the chart. AT/TIM BALDWIN Storybook Land AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST FOOD BEST EVENT Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 25% Resort Orlando, Fla. 26% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 23% Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 20% Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 17% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 10% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 11% West Mifflin, Pa. 6% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 5% Tampa, Fla. 5% (tie) Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 5% (tie) BEST (PARK) Universal Studios Hollywood Hollywood, Calif. 5% (tie) Valhalla Blackpool Pleasure Beach 24% Dudley Do-Right’s Falls Universal’s Islands of Adventure 18% BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT 8% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 47% Magic Kingdom 7% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 9% Jurassic Park River Adventure Universal’s Islands of Adventure 6% Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 7% (tie) Magic Kingdom Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 7% (tie) BEST WATER PARK RIDE Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. 5% Splashin’ Safari 47% Splashin’ Safari 18% BEST CAROUSEL The Falls Schlitterbahn New Braunfels 14% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 41% Master Blaster Schlitterbahn New Braunfels 8% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 20% Massiv Schlitterbahn Galveston Island 6% Austell, Ga. 7% Gurnee, Ill. 6% BEST INDOOR COASTER Efteling Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands 5.5% Universal Studios Orlando 24% Disneyland 11% FRIENDLIEST PARK Winja's Fear & Force Phantasialand 10% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 39% Black Diamond Knoebels Amusement Resort 9.5% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 16% BEST Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 11% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 10% Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney’s Hollywood Studios 16% Bessemer, Alabama 5% Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal’s Islands of Adventure 10% Haunted Mansion Knoebels Amusement Resort 9.5% Amazing Adventures of -Man Universal’s Islands of Adventure 9% BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION Harry Potter / Escape from Gringotts Universal Studios Orlando 8% Noah’s Ark Kennywood 32% Ghost Ship Morey’s Piers 18% BEST LANDSCAPING Frankenstein’s Castle 12% Gasten Ghost Hotel 11% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 31% Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund 10% Gilroy Gardens Gilroy, Calif. 15% Efteling Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands 12% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 8% BONUS COVERAGE Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 6% www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 Winners showcase their Golden Ticket Awards

Proud industry winners have dis- played their Golden Ticket acknowl- edgements in numerous ways. showcases 's at its queue entrance, as does Cedar Point's Maverick (right). Below, PTC's awards greet vistors to its front lobby. COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON; AT/JOHN ROBINSON; AT/GARY SLADE 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Ride categories showcase crowd-pleasers Ride categories: Disney keeps win following sudden takeover

As the Golden Ticket Awards were being formed and categories were finding their footing, BEST DARK RIDE originally started as Best Indoor Attraction in 1998. As simulators fell out of favor, ple of what traditional dark the focus shifted specifically to rides of yesteryear were at dark rides, although that cat- their very best. egory itself is painted with a Universal claims three of broad brush today. Numerous the five finalists with Amazing types of conveyances take rid- Adventures of Spider-Man ers through various scenes. returning to the charts at Examples can reside in small No. 4, and Harry Potter and traditional parks to mega the Escape from Gringotts theme park giants. appearing on the chart for the Universal Studios first time at No. 5. Orlando led the charge for 18 For a third year in a row years, beginning with Back (and fifth overall), Valhalla BEST WATER PARK RIDE: Wildebeest, Splashin' Safari to the Future: The Ride to a at Blackpool Pleasure Beach COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI long run with the Amazing is awarded BEST WATER Adventures of Spider-Man RIDE. Enhanced with scenes River Adventure, also at it is the authentic band organ. tions from 2016. once Islands of Adventure of , props, fog, Islands of Adventure. It is the Grabbing for the brass ring New to the list of finalists opened in 1999. The Florida waterfalls and fire, the drench- first time in GTA history for is key. All of this adds up to is Kennywood and the park’s resort topped itself with the ing journey stimulates multi- the latter attraction to place as BEST CAROUSEL. Knoebels’ (No. 4). Built opening of Harry Potter and ple senses. The attraction was a finalist. Grand Carousel not only in 1926 and installed at the the Forbidden Journey. A dra- supplied by Intamin. Splashin’ Safari’s has the brass ring, but also park in 1927, the Dentzel car- matic coup took place last year Still at No. 2 is Dudley Wildebeest continues to has been the only carousel to ousel features music from with a photo finish revealing Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls wow water park voters. hold the Golden Ticket in this an authentic 1916 Wurlitzer Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Universal’s Islands of Since debuting in 2010, the undefeated category. Military Band Organ. nudged out Universal for the Adventure. The Mack flume ProSlide hydromagnetic Santa Cruz Beach A tie for fifth place puts two Golden Ticket with Twilight draped in cartoon whimsy water coaster has thrilled Boardwalk (No. 2) and Six previous finalists in a head-to- Zone Tower of Terror. Disney held the Golden Ticket for guests with its drops and Flags Over Georgia (No. 3) sit has run further with it this 12 years, often playing tug- speedy uphill sections. comfortably in the same posi- 4See RIDES, page 25 year with a greater lead. of-war with winner Valhalla. “In a word? Air-time,” Harry Potter and the The two attractions are the said Paula Werne, director of Forbidden Journey stands at only water rides to hold the communications. “Wildebeest No. 2, followed by a close con- Golden Ticket in the 17 years simply doesn’t let up. And for tender, of the category. many of us, Wildebeest is a at Knoebels Amusement Rounding out the top five sentimental favorite, as it was Resort. Voters have voiced are finalists Chiapas (No. 3) Will Koch’s final project. And their opinions that the at Germany’s Phantasialand, Will loved air-time!” park has main- Splash Mountain at Magic Right behind it is the tained a quintessential exam- Kingdom (No. 4) and Jurassic park’s Mammoth. Splashin’ Safari installed it two years fol- lowing Wildebeest. Mammoth features six-passenger rafts in a round-seating configura- tion. Like it’s older sibling, the attraction features fast LIM technology uphill sections. BEST CAROUSEL: Grand Carousel, Knoebels Amusement Rounding out the top five Resort COURTESY KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT finalists are a trifecta from Schlitterbahn properties. The Falls, which took Best New Ride (Water Park) in 2011, has been a crowd favorite. Located at the original park in New Braunfels, the 22-minute ride (one circuit) experience fea- tures multiple sections of rap- ids and an aquaveyor to keep the fun continuous. At the same park, Master Blaster, a former Golden Ticket holder for many years, scores No. 4; and the world’s tallest uphill water coaster, Massiv at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, completes the Top Five. BEST DARK RIDE: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney's Maybe it is the historic, BEST WATER RIDE: Valhalla, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Hollywood Studios AT/TIM BALDWIN carved wooden horses. Maybe AT/ TIM BALDWIN Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 RIDES Continued from page 18 head battle to remain on the charts: Efteling (Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands) and Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, ). Noah’s Ark at KENNYWOOD maintains a charming sense of nos- talgia with simple fun. It keeps the Golden Ticket for BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK- THROUGH ATTRACTION. In contrast to many such attractions that go for scares, BEST KIDS' AREA: Planet , Kings Island BEST FUN HOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION: Noah's Noah’s Ark delights everyone AT/TIM BALDWIN Ark, Kennywood COURTESY KENNYWOOD with smiles. Ghost Ship at Morey’s ing areas and bright colors has spaces, but still on the charts, Piers (No. 2) holds its position. long resonated with voters. is Paulton’s Park (No. 5) and The final three finalists are in Despite that, the list of its Peppa Pig World. a close race, with only a bal- finalists over the years has Little has changed, at lot or two keeping them sepa- been ever-changing. The least for now, in regard to rate. Frankenstein’s Castle at rest of the 2017 list varies BEST INDOOR COASTER. Indiana Beach (No. 3), Gasten greatly in comparison to last Revenge of the Mummy at Ghost Hotel at Liseberg (No. year. Universal’s Islands of Universal Studios Orlando 4), and Lustiga Huset at Gröna Adventure not only hops back still has people screaming, Lund (No. 5) all claim their on the chart, but does so all the and it takes the Ticket. Space devoted fans. way up to No. 2. Efteling (No. Mountain at Disneyland Kings Island, the sole pos- 3) slips a notch, while Europa- places No. 2. The only change sessor of the Golden Ticket for Park finds itself on the charts from last year is a tie for third BEST KIDS’ AREA since the for the first time with both its between Space Mountain at category was created in 2001, new Ireland section combined Magic Kingdom and Winjas does it again for a 17th straight with the park’s Grimm’s at Phantasialand. Black BEST : Revenge of the Mummy, win. The mix of children’s Enchanted Forest placing at Diamond (No. 5) at Knoebels Universal Studios Orlando coasters, small rides, splash- No. 4. Dropping a couple of completes the finalist list. COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Kings Island and Six Flags Fiesta Texas take Best New Rides

Kings Island is no strang- er to the Golden Tickets. As one of the earliest hosts for the awards ceremony, the Ohio themer has collected many an award over the years. One particular award ing and memorable. It’s a eluded the park in 2009, and ride our guests just can’t get this year turned out to be the enough of. Timbers opportunity for Kings Island is very reminiscent of how it to get its due. was back in 1979 when The In 2009, the park debuted Beast debuted. As soon as the the incredible Diamondback ride ends, our guests want to hyper coaster. Although get right back in line to ride the voting for the Bolliger it again.” & Mabillard steel giant was pushed strong, sister park Worlds boundaries for a wooden of Fun took BEST NEW coaster by adding a show RIDE for the Great Coasters element produced by International-built . Holovis at the ride’s fina- In 2014, Kings Island built le with alternate endings its second B&M high-profile prompting riders to wonder coaster. Again, the park wit- what creatures they may see nessed a strong showing, but on that particular trip. BEST NEW RIDE: Mystic Timbers, Kings Island COURTESY KINGS ISLAND still a second-place win for Disney’s Animal . With the addition Kingdom truly came into its of its own new GCI wooden own as a full-day park with coaster, Kings Island takes the the introduction of Pandora Golden Ticket this year for this season. The big attraction Mystic Timbers. anchoring the new land is “After Prowler at Flight of Passage. The multi- edged out sensory, movie-meets-flying Diamondback for Best New simulator has drawn huge Ride in 2009, we knew we crowds. The heavily themed needed to add a modern day attraction places at No. 2. by Mine Blower, supplied Great Coasters International by The Gravity Group, to our lineup – a ride that exploded onto the scene would appeal to both thrill mid-summer at Fun Spot in seekers and families,” said Kissimmee. The ride is the Don Helbig, area manager, only wooden track coaster to digital marketing. “Mystic go upside down in Florida Timbers isn’t the tallest or and charts at No. 3. fastest roller coaster, and it InvadR (No. 4) at Busch doesn’t break any records. Gardens Williamsburg is The ride experience it deliv- another GCI creation and is BEST NEW RIDE (WATER PARK): Thunder Rapids, Six Flags Fiesta Texas ers, however, is fun, thrill- the first woodie at the award- COURTESY SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS winning beautiful theme park. Wave Breaker (No. 5), supplied by Intamin, puts SeaWorld San Antonio on the list of finalists. In the water park side of the industry, Six Flags Fiesta Texas takes the gold with Thunder Rapids. Built by ProSlide, the attraction is the largest Rocket Blast water coaster ever built. Park President Jeffrey Siebert felt the fact that it was the first of its kind in America resonated with voters. "Thun- BEST NEW RIDE, No. 2: Flight of Passage, der Rapids is the perfect way housed inside the new environment of to combat Texas' extreme Pandora, Disney's Animal Kingdom BEST NEW RIDE, No. 3: Mine Blower, Fun heat. The guest response has AT/TIM BALDWIN Spot America COURTESY FUN SPOT been...wow...epic. The thrill- ing appeal of our new water Krakatau Aqua Coaster (No. magnetic water coaster, and Miss Adventure coaster rivals that of its dry 2) and Ko’okiri Body Plunge Ko’okiri is the tallest drop Falls, a family raft ride at BEST NEW RIDE (WATER counterparts," he said. (No. 5). Both are notable for capsule slide in the world — Typhoon Lagoon, and Point PARK), No. 2: Krakatau Volcano Bay, Orlando’s the massive size for each type. both of which partially reside Plummet, a drop capsule Aqua Coaster, Volcano Bay new kid on the block scored Krakatau Aqua Coaster is an inside the park’s heavily slide at Cedar Point Shores AT/TIM BALDWIN two finalists in this category: exceptionally long hydro- themed volcano. tie for third place. Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Dollywood a finalist in four cornerstones; wins two Golden Tickets

It’s a given that high- profile rides and a multitude of park experiences are the big highlights of a park visit. But equally important are the industry cornerstones of cleanliness, friendliness, great ists is a huge honor. Whether food options and beautiful you eat their pierogis or pizza, landscaping that enhance they make great food and they what is a complete daily guest are tough competition!” experience. Epcot (No. 3) and Silver It’s not hard to say that Dollar City (No. 4) maintain Dollywood has this down. the same positions from 2016. The park is a finalist on all Returning to the charts is these Golden Ticket catego- Busch Gardens Williamsburg ries, claiming two wins among (No. 5). the bunch. Cleanliness is a goal In somewhat of a throw every park attempts to down, both Dollywood and achieve. Faced with thou- Knoebels Amusement Resort sands of guests on property have been wrestling for the every day, it is a challenge. To bragging rights for BEST stand out, parks must really FOOD for several years. Both show dedication. have claimed the prize and Holiday World and also created an exact tie in Splashin’ Safari have been BEST LANDSCAPING: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS 2013, the only tie for a Golden on a mission for many, many Ticket in AT’s history. This years. Long recognized as a undefeated categories, BEST of the categories on this page. third park to take the Golden year, Dollywood takes it once park that places a big impor- LANDSCAPING contin- Positions 2, 3 and 4 are respec- Ticket in this category in 2012. again, keeping the back-and- tance on cleanliness, Holiday ues to be claimed by Busch tively held by the parks on the This is the sixth year in a row forth battle intact. Knoebels World instills this among Gardens Williamsburg. 2016 charts: Gilroy Gardens, to do so. is at Ms. Parton’s heels with a its staff and has once again “We are fortunate to Efteling and Dollywood. Familiar finalists have close second place finish. taken the Golden Ticket for have such a tremendously Brand new on this list of elites their spots from last year. “We are thrilled to be CLEANEST PARK. talented landscape team is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Holiday World (No. 2), recognized for our food pro- Dollywood (No. 2) and here in Williamsburg,” said at No. 5. It’s worth noting Silver Dollar City (No. 3) gram,” Pete Owens, direc- Europa-Park (No. 3) land David Cromwell, president. that this newcomer wowed and Knoebels (No. 4) are tor of communications, told on the charts with the same “They take great pride in audiences with a blend of known for outstanding cour- Amusement Today. “Our guests rankings from last year, while creating experiences that authentic landscaping and tesy. New for 2017 is finalist love the big skillets we have Busch Gardens Williamsburg matter for our guests and otherworldly flora in its new Alabama Splash Adventure. across the park and especially moves up a notch climbing bring our parks to life by Pandora section. Pat Koch (of Holiday World our cinnamon bread. Many to No. 4. Completing the cultivating visually distinct Dollywood once again has fame), lovingly known as tell us it is their reason to visit. rankings is a return of Magic environments.” the prize in FRIENDLIEST “The General,” has impressed “Winning this year over Kingdom at No. 5. Of note, Busch Gardens PARK. The theme park in this value upon the workers Knoebels and the other final- In one of AT’s very few is a noticeable finalist of three Pigeon Forge, Tenn., was the at the park.

CLEANEST PARK: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari FRIENDLIEST PARK: Dollywood BEST FOOD: Dollywood COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN' SAFARI COURTESY DOLLYWOOD COURTESY DOLLYWOOD Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41

BEST FOOD: Dollywood COURTESY DOLLYWOOD 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Festivals and shows keep guests entertained If one is to examine the amusement industry and trends that mold how parks operate, it isn’t actu- ally that long ago when the core season was considered Memorial Day to Labor Day. A three-way tie com- Nowadays, countless parks pletes our group of finalists. are finding some of its most Busch Gardens Tampa clings attended days long after onto the chart, but shares Labor Day has passed. the space with new blood, Halloween is huge. It’s if you will, with Six Flags undeniable. Haunted festi- Fiesta Texas and Universal vals at parks get more elabo- Studios Hollywood. Some rate each year and crowds fans have become rather are eating it up. loyal to USH comment- Forging ahead at full ing that Orlando shouldn’t is Universal Studios receive all the love. Orlando. The park’s In sharp contrast, once blood, gore and mayhem are has taken the Golden Ticket taken down, it is quickly for BEST HALLOWEEN replaced with joy and mer- EVENT for many years. riment. With each season, “Guests come to new festivals are appearing BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: Universal Studios Orlando COURTESY UNIVERSAL RESORT Halloween Horror Nights around the country as parks at Universal Orlando from are extending their calen- spot and rising up a notch visit. Whether it is song and With both of these across the state, the region dars even further. creates a tie for third, and it dance, night extravaganzas, renowned parks at the top, and beyond to experience The finalists in BEST is all things Mickey magic. animal shows or something other parks are challenged what we have created,” CHRISTMAS EVENT Disneyland and Magic much more, many parks take to be noticed. Making said Rich Costeles, senior are similar to last year, Kingdom have successful- show product seriously. our charts are SeaWorld VP of Resort Operations, if not slightly jumbled. ly captured the Christmas For BEST SHOWS, Orlando and Silver Dollar Universal. “It is the per- Dollywood remains the spirit. Kennywood (No. 5) Dollywood has now made City tied at third and new- fect blend of content, scare undefeated champ when it rounds out the finalist list. it a nine-year run. Coming comer Disney’s Hollywood and entertainment to share comes to all things merry. Often a good show will in second is Six Flags Fiesta Studios following, making with your friends or family. Inching up is sister park let guests cool off and reju- Texas, which held the Golden for five finalists. Many of our guests tell us Silver Dollar City into the venate, but in a few cases, Ticket win for a full decade. they come to Central Florida No. 2 spot. Moving down a it is a primary purpose for a because of Halloween Horror Nights — and that it has become an annual tra- dition for them. That helps motivate us to make it better every year.” At No. 2 is Knott’s Berry Farm. It also claims legions of fans and is famous for its Halloween Haunt. The park has also taken the Golden Ticket twice in the past. On a more regional level, two Pennsylvania parks are having a howling good time. Knoebels (No. 3) brings in many people for its spooky offerings, and Kennywood (No. 4) has experienced suc- BEST SHOWS: Dollywood — Dolly Parton's performance in- BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT: Dollywood ­­— Dollywood remains cess with its Phantom Fright fluence helps the park take home its ninth straight in the the undefeated champion in wishing guests a Merry Christmas. Nights. category. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD COURTESY DOLLYWOOD Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 Carowinds' Fury 325 widens lead as Best Steel Coaster Long-time champ at Cedar Point was slightly outpaced in the 2016 balloting. After holding the Golden Ticket for ten years as BEST STEEL COASTER — more than any screams and laughter from other coaster — Millennium guests vowing to conquer Force found a new challeng- North America’s longest steel er at sister park Carowinds, coaster gives us a sense of which barely nudged in the gratification. The Carowinds lead last year. In 2017, Fury team would like to give a vir- 325 has sprinted significantly tual high-five to all who voted out in front. Built in 2015 by for Fury 325. Winning the Bolliger & Mabillard, Fury 325 award for the second year in raced to the top in short time. a row is the icing on the cake.” “Our goal at the concep- The top three posi- tion of Fury 325 was to build a tions remain the same with new giga coaster that was not The Ride at Six BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 2: BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 4: just a taller ride than Cedar Flags New England holding Millenium Force, Cedar Point , Six Flags Fiesta Texas Point’s Millennium Force, but firmly in third place. AT/TIM BALDWIN AT/GARY SLADE we were wanting to lower the But it stops there. None ride profile after the drop. The of the steel coasters remaining concept gave B&M the oppor- in the Top Ten are in the posi- tunity to maintain inertia tions they were in 2016. throughout the ride to maxi- The biggest leap came mize airtime and deliver sen- from Six Flags Fiesta Texas sational high- elements,” and its signature ride, Iron said Rob Decker, senior vice Rattler. Always a solid con- president of planning and tender, the wood-steel hybrid design, . “The posi- coaster slithered into the tioning of the ride, especially Top Ten in a big way at the the fly over/fly under element No. 4 position. Iron Rattler positioned directly in front of is now the highest-rated the park entrance was deliber- coaster for Rocky Mountain ate to generate excitement for Construction. our guests upon their arrival Expedition GeForce at by replicating the powerful Germany’s Holiday Park has BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 3: BEST STEEL COASTER, No. 5: movements of stock car racing long been the highest rated , Expedition GeForce, Holiday Park COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND COURTESY HOLIDAY PARK on the high banked turns — a coaster, wood or steel, outside nod to the roots of racing in of the U.S. Ranking at No. 5, it Returning to the Top Ten coasters and four in the Upper at the Carolinas. We are thrilled gives Intamin three coasters (No. 9) is RMC’s New Texas 25, the only park to do so. Of has moved up to No. 16, with the guest reaction to the within the Top Five. Giant, a Golden Ticket winner note, with the inclusion of Iron at Phantasialand jumps ride, the high capacity and Climbing up one step fur- for when Rattler and Maverick, roller 11 places up to No. 21, and reliable delivery from B&M, ther, Leviathan at Canada’s it debuted as BEST NEW RIDE coasters that go upside down ’s plac- which is, of course, stellar.” Wonderland places at No. 6. in 2011. have now made a return to es on the chart at No. 24. [The “Fury 325 has given more Combined with Nitro at Six Rounding out the Top Ten the Top Ten after an absence full chart of 50 can be seen at than 4.6 million rides and Flags Great Adventure (No. is Cedar Point’s Maverick, last year. GoldenTicketAwards.com.] counting,” says Pat Jones, 7) and Diamondback at Kings which is the highest the coast- Three roller coasters have On the complete list of 50, Carowinds’ vice president and Island (No. 8), it makes three er has ever ranked. It gives now moved up into the Top 13 coasters operate outside of general manager. “The smiles, in a row for B&M. Cedar Point two Top Ten steel 25 chart. Twisted the United States.

BEST STEEL COASTER: Fury 325, Carowinds at Six Flags Magic Mountain made the highest jump to AT/GARY SLADE land into the Top 25. AT/TIM BALDWIN 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 THE LIST 2017 TOP 25 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION SUPPLIER YEAR TOTAL

1 Fury 325 Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. B&M 2015 1354

2 Millennium Force Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Intamin 2000 1129

3 Superman The Ride Six Flags New England Agawam, Mass. Intamin 2000 705

4 Iron Rattler Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas RMC 2013 657

5 Expedition GeForce Holiday Park Hassloch, Germany Intamin 2001 575 , Ontario, 6 Leviathan Canada's Wonderland B&M 2012 481 Canada 7 Nitro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. B&M 2001 442

8 Diamondback Kings Island Mason, Ohio B&M 2009 381

9 Six Flags Over Texas Arlington, Texas RMC 2011 379

10 Maverick Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio B&M 2007 375

11 Apollo's Chariot Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. B&M 1999 374

12 Phantom's Revenge Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. Morgan 2001 344

13 Doswell, Va. Intamin 2010 330

14-tie Six Flags Over Georgia Austell, Ga. B&M 2006 291

14-tie Six Flags New England Agawam, Mass. RMC 2015 291

16 Twisted Colossus Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, Calif. RMC 2015 284

17 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Intamin 2003 276

18 Europa-Park Rust, Germany Mack 2006 272

19 Intimidator Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. B&M 2010 261

20 Staffordshire, England B&M 1994 254

21 Taron Phantasialand Brühl, Germany Intamin 2016 253

22 Banshee Kings Island Mason, Ohio B&M 2014 244

23 Magnum XL-200 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio Arrow 1989 238

24 Skyrush Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. Intamin 2012 235

25 X2 Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, Calif. Arrow 2002 217 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 El Toro makes a surprise return as Top Wooden Coaster

Much like an unforeseen election upset, El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure returns to the No. 1 position in AT’s BEST WOODEN COASTER category. Built in 2006, the Intamin giant had claimed top billing once before on the charts in 2012 and has been a Top Ten staple for the past decade.

“The industry recognition for El Toro is well deserved for BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 3: a ride this spectacular,” said Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce Park President Neal Thurman. COURTESY LAKE COMPOUNCE “Wooden coasters are a special breed within the amusement com- munity and there is a lot of com- petition out there. This honor just goes to prove that El Toro is, without a doubt, the best wood- en coaster in the world. We are grateful for and encouraged by all those who voted.” Holding strong in its No. 2 position is at Knoebels. Last year, this 1985 woodie — BEST WOODEN COASTER: one of only two to rank in AT’s El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure Top Ten for 20 years — reached AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT its highest placement yet. For decades, the wooden coaster has said Dick Knoebel, owner. “This to the fact that a well-designed served as one of the purest tri- includes safety, maintenance, wooden roller coaster, coupled umphs for preservation, and in an staff friendliness, and overall with meticulous maintenance, can era when many parks are giving ambiance. Keeping a 68-year- be timeless.” up on wooden coasters, it stands old champion roller coaster in Boulder Dash at Lake as a vivid example as to what fine tip-top condition is a challenge, Compounce (No. 3) and The maintenance can do. but one that we can and wish Voyage at Holiday World (No. "Our team at Knoebels is ded- to do for our guests. The praise 4), both of which have held the icated to maintaining a superla- Phoenix receives from riders both Golden Ticket for five years each tive environment for our guests,” old and young is a testament (the most any wooden coaster has held the award) are still among the top elite. In fact, the top three rankings are all within 70 points of each other. BEST WOODEN COASTER, BEST WOODEN COASTER, Rod at Dollywood No. 4: The Voyage, No. 5: Lightning Rod, has leaped into the Top Five after Holiday World Dollywood its No. 11 debut last year. It has AT/DAN FEICHT COURTESY DOLLYWOOD passed the other wooden coaster at the park, Thunderhead (No. 8), The highest leap for perhaps 16) by a hair. In the complete and makes Dollywood the only any coaster ever is Boardwalk chart containing the full 50, 11 park with two wooden coast- Bullet at Kemah Boardwalk. international coasters can be ers in the Top Ten. Which poses Last season, it barely made it to found within the wooden roller two questions: Can Lightning the chart at No. 50. This year it coaster rankings. Rod enter that tight race for first jumps an impressive 36 slots to Two parks not only boast next year, and can another park place at No. 14. three wooden roller coasters, but find two woodies in the Top Ten? Several other coasters made Holiday World has all three in the Kings Island claims a Top Ten considerable strides. Two coast- Top 25: The Voyage (No. 4), The Woodie — The Beast — at the ers — White Lightning at Fun Raven (No. 23) and The Legend No. 6 spot., but also the new Spot America and (No. 24); Six Flags St. Louis has all Mystic Timbers makes its first- at Alabama Splash Adventure three listed in the Top 50: The Boss year debut at No. 11, just out- — each rose 16 spaces putting (No. 28), American Thunder (No. side that Top Ten mark. Mystic them firmly in the upper 25. 40) and Screamin’ Eagle (No. 43). Timbers is also the only new- Knott’s Berry Farm now places The oldest coaster on the for-2017 coaster to chart, at least its Great Coasters International- charts — Kennywood’s Jack for this year. rejuvenated Ghost Rider back in Rabbit — still thrills at No. 26, The Top Ten is completed the upper 25 after it jumped up and the 1927 Cyclone at Luna with Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer 11 spots. Europa-Park’s Wodan Park now returns to the Top 25 (No. 7), Run at 2018 GTA climbed up eight notches to now at No. 22. BEST WOODEN COASTER, No. 2: host Silver Dollar City (No. 9) be the highest ranking interna- A complete list of 50 Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort and at California’s tional wooden coaster (No. 15), coasters can be seen at AT/TIM BALDWIN Great America (No. 10). passing at Liseberg (No. GoldenTicketAwards.com. Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 THE LIST 2017 TOP 25 WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION SUPPLIER YEAR TOTAL

1 El Toro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. Intamin 2009 1241

2 Phoenix Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. Dinn-PTC/Schmeck 1985 1212

3 Boulder Dash Lake Compounce Bristol, Conn. Custom Coasters 2000 1171

4 Voyage Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Gravity Group 2006 1113

5 Lightning Rod Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Rocky Mountain 2016 710

6 Beast Kings Island Mason, Ohio KECO 1979 666

7 Ravine Flyer II Waldameer Erie, Pa. Gravity Group 2008 612

8 Thunderhead Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Great Coasters Int. 2004 560

9 Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. Rocky Mountain 2013 541

10 Gold Striker California's Great America Santa Clara, Calif. Great Coasters Int. 2013 489

11 Mystic Timbers Kings Island Mason, Ohio Great Coasters Int. 2017 345

12 Lightning Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. Great Coasters Int. 2000 276

13 Goliath Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Ill. Rocky Mountain 2014 269

14 Kemah Boardwalk Kemah Boardwalk M&V/Gravity Group 2007 236

15 Wodan Europa-Park Rust, Germany Great Coasters Int. 2012 223

16 Balder Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden Intamin 2003 221

17 Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. Vettel/Miller 1968 220

18-tie GhostRider Knott's Berry Farm Buena Vista, Calif. Custom Coasters 1998 219

18-tie Troy Sevenum, Netherlands Great Coasters Int. 2007 219

18-tie White Lightning Fun Spot America Orlando, Fla. Great Coasters Int. 2013 219

21 Rampage Alabama Splash Adventure Bessemer, Ala. Custom Coasters 1998 218

22 Cyclone Luna Park , N.Y. Keenan/Baker 1927 217

23 Raven Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Custom Coasters 1995 214

24 Legend Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. Custom Coasters 2000 198

25 Michigan's Adventure Muskegon, Mich. Custom Coasters 1998 197 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 Golden Ticket Awards September 2017 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards September 2017