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September 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 6.2 www.amusementtoday.com , hosts 2015 Golden Ticket Awards Amusement Today presents awards in 29 categories CITY, N.Y. — "New York, own way. Most of the older parks shuttered New York...a wonderful town!" Or so the lyr- their gates due to fires, neglect or chang- ics go from "On the Town." Or perhaps it ing times. No one would deny that the area is the voice of Frank Sinatra singing, "Start needed sprucing up, to put it mildly. spreading the news..." that helped get at- While the city of debated what tendees energized. Make no mistake, The to do with the area and if the amusement 2015 Golden Ticket Awards weekend has concept even had a future, the minds behind hit The Big Apple. Hosted by Zamperla, this Zamperla had fresh ideas. In an extremely celebratory and industry-networking event short time frame, efforts were made in mere featured the best of New York, including weeks to open what would be the new Luna a stop to the revamped and re-electrified Park. Located adjacent to Deno's Wonder Luna Park at . Visiting Vic- Wheel Park, Coney Island's makeover had torian Gardens in Central Park and taking begun. Today, the Coney Island area has guided tours on double-decker buses made seen a new life and vibrant atmosphere cre- for an authentic New York experience. ating the latest chapter for this Brooklyn leg- One of the focal points of the weekend end. was time spent at Coney Island. This area has It is only fitting that a ceremony that ac- seen as many ups and downs as a true roller knowledges the achievements and success Zamperla will welcome coaster. In the beginning back in the mid of such a famed industry is held in one of 2015 Golden Ticket 1880s, there was a public outcry to maintain America's most treasured sites. The Golden Awards attendees the beach and preserve a natural setting by Ticket Awards and — a great to New York City not building any structures. However, the fit. amusements: Luna Park amusement demand kept afloat the various AT asked Zamperla their thoughts on (above), B&B vendors, barkers, ride operators and amuse- hosting the Golden Ticket Awards. "We are (left) and Victorian ment facilities. honored!" says Ramon Rasario, self-ap- Gardens (below). Those origins continued to evolve. The pointed "super galactic hero" at Zamperla. AT FILE/GARY SLADE four miles of real estate took on a life of its "We love the fact we were able to breathe own. Coney Island is forever draped in New life into an icon that was needing resuscita- York history, often noted by the dotted land- tion. mark icons that still stand along the peninsu- Looking toward to the future, Rosario la. LaMarcus Thompson solidified his claim adds, "Going forward, it's making us better to fame by opening the Switch Back Railway manufacturers. The Operations side is mak- in 1884, the first documented successful roll- ing us think beyond the factory. We continue er coaster. to improve." The early half of the 20th century found When asked what attendees can expect, Coney Island in its heyday. Electric lights set he says, "We are introducing five new rides the park aglow. Newer, bigger roller coasters at the event. We are looking forward to the were built and all the pleasures of a modern response of the audience. It goes back to a Americana could be found at Coney Island. time where Coney Island used to be a place Following the wars, times changed and to introduce new rides. This landmark event the Coney Island area took on a different lets us do it again." character. No longer the playground of the affluent, the famed stretch of shoreline that All stories this issue once housed Dreamland, Luna Park, Stee- AT/Tim Baldwin plechase Park and survived in its unless otherwise noted

 NewsTalk...Page 2  Best Parks...Pages 4-15  Food, Cleanest, Friendliest, Landscaping...Pages 16-19 Dated material. material. Dated  Best New Rides for 2015...Pages 20-23 SUBSCRIBE TODAY!  Voter Regions...Page 24

NEWSPAPER  Publisher Pick's...Pages 28 & 29 POSTMASTER: September 14, 2015 Mailed Monday, PLEASE !

 Best Rides...Pages 30-37

INSIDE:

PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT (817) 460-7220 FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT.  Shows, Events...Pages 38 & 39

PAID 

US POSTAGE US Wooden Roller Coasters...Pages 40-47 PRSRT STD PRSRT  Steel Roller Coasters...Pages 48-51 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 NEWSTALK CARTOON: Bubba Flint EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] Crunch time To all the amusement industry professionals who attend the Golden Ticket Awards each year, we say "Thank You" for your continued support of what we believe has become a great networking event. Slade Just as any park has its crunch time in the month, week and days that lead up to the new season opening day, the staff of Amusement Today feels the same crunch with the short timeframes involved in both the Golden Ticket print issue and all the details that go into the GTA event and awards ceremony. The parks have just concluded their 90-day summer season and now have a chance to breath a bit. Amusement Today's 90-day crunch season begins with the Golden Ticket Awards. The staff returns from the fun event in New York to face a very short deadline before our October water parks issue EDITORIAL: Tim Baldwin, [email protected] is due at the printer. Nail biters Next up are three issues (November Pre-IAAPA, Although tabulation has Two races in particular — Best Seaside Park November Convention issue and December) that progressed from the manual and Best Children's Park — were the most must all complete production and printing prior hand-written calculations of the down-to-the-wire this year. Talk about nail bit- to our arrival in Orlando for the annual IAAPA early years of the Golden Ticket ers. The numbers were so close, it was anyone's Awards to electronic surveys, a game as to what final votes would tip the scales. Attractions Expo. random look here and there lets But being one who sees the results in their So if you catch one of the AT staff members in me keep in touch with how the entirety, I get to be the one behind the scenes the next 90 days and we seem a little winded, you vote is progressing. that silently champions that park that has risen Baldwin will know why. It's our version of your park's daily This year I didn't get a peek to sixth place, hoping they can nudge their way summer operation. until midday on the last day of onto the list in the years ahead. voting. I was shocked at the number of abso- And for all the parks and rides that are new • lutely down-to-the-wire races. If any voters hap- faces on our lists of finalists, I celebrate you the I would like to give a special thank you to Alberto pen to be reading this column, please know, most. Obviously taking the Golden Ticket is like Zamperla, Valerio Farrari and Ramon Rosario and your vote is indeed very important. It wasn't an Olympian reaching that gold medal. But I find their staffs for all their hard work to make the 2015 until about 18 hours later that I learned the fi- the finalists even more rewarding. These are the Golden Ticket Awards weekend a reality in New nal results. While I don't own a park that had parks and attractions trying hard to be better, bragging rights at stake, still, I was riveted. Who hoping that their quality of work continues to York. Team Zamperla showcased their hard work would win? be noticed. Thankfully it has. Keep up the good in fine fashion. I hope the amusement industry is as Amusement Today has never utilized the ex- work. Over time AT has seen just such parks proud of the Coney rebirth as we are. Additional act same panel each year. Experienced veterans climb from relative obscurity to world renowned thanks goes to Ryan Stana, RWS Associates for their are mixed with new travelers to make up a col- prominence. What can possibly be more reward- help with the show entertainment during the GTA lection of hundred and hundreds of voices. The ing? sheer number of countries that appear in our A little nail biting keeps everyone on their ceremony, and to Deno's Park. lists of finalists is astonishing. toes.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder, Publisher and Editor Editorial Print Issue & Extra Extra owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 x3 Tim Baldwin Desktop Edition Production per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 5427, Arlington, 76005. Print issues are [email protected] $50.00 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Dean Lamannna • (310) 795-2734 Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 x1 [email protected] Website Maintenance and its related web sites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] Stacey Childress Trademarked 2015 by Amusement Today Inc., Scott Rutherford • (704) 497-4557 [email protected] all rights reserved. Advertising [email protected] Sue Nichols • (615) 662-0252 Association Memberships Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas [email protected] Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 AIMS International, IAAPA, IISF, IRT/iROC, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, Deliveries: 2012 E. Randol Mill Road #203, PACE, TTIA, WWA Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Special Projects & Editorial Phone: (817) 460-7220 Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 Monthly Contributors Industry Affiliated Charities Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] Dan Feicht, Bubba Flint, Andrew Mellor, Give Kids the World Village, Web Sites: www.AmusementToday.com, Richard Munch, B. Derek Shaw, Morgan's Wonderland, www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Janice Witherow National Museum & Archives Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3

The Networking event of the year!

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Thank You from Zamperla and Amusement Today to all who attended the 2015 event. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Tight races bring a new win for Morey's Piers

Last year, Europa-Park as- tonished the industry by rising to the top of the charts. Climb- ing a rung at a time during the past decade, the most attended theme park in all of took the Golden Ticket for BEST SIDE PARK was seen this year. PARK. Europa-Park's grasp is The top three parks were sepa- strong as it holds the award for rated by a very minor percent- a second year. age of ballots — the competi- Long-running champ Cedar tion was that fierce. Point continues to boast top- Morey's Piers sees a first- rated park in America at the No. time win in this category, eeking 2 spot. The park is known for its out the top prize from long-run- spectacular collection of roller ning winner Santa Cruz Beach coasters and resort facilities. It Boardwalk (placing at a close held the prize for an amazing 16 No. 2). Pleasure years. Beach also upped its game and Knoebels and made for a three-way photo fin- duke it out (as those two parks ish. The seaside prop- have been known to do) with a erty comes in at No. 3. reversal of positions this year. "We dedicate and celebrate Knoebels slots in at No. 3 with this honor with all of our staff, its traditional park atmosphere; designers, and guests whom ap- Dollywood's showmanship and preciate unique environments, BEST SEASIDE PARK: Morey's Piers extraordinary environment is genuine service and the fine art COURTESY MOREY'S PIERS No. 4. of taking 'tacky' to new heights," from nothing with nearly zero Completing the top five is smiles Jack Morey, second gen- experience and in doing so the benchmark measurement to eration co-partner (along with proved that experience can be all theme parks, Walt Disney's brother Will). "We dedicate the a negative in rapidly changing Anaheim original, . honor to our founders, whom environments." He laughs, "And The strongest battle for initially had the wisdom and be sure to watch out for the taking the Ticket for BEST SEA- gumption to start something tram car between piers!" The only other seaside venue to amount a substantial vote was 's Gröna Lund. This park is full of character and charm, often witnessed by ferry boats that arrive throughout the day right alongside the park. Our park categories see yet another stiff competition. BEST CHILDREN'S PARK is a cat- egory in which contenders are No. 2: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk not only putting forth a better AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT product and value for families, (not to be con- park continues to perform. Even but are finding more and more fused with Storybook Land) stays among its sister properties, this exposure to our voters. strong on the charts at the No. makes for a tough Idlewild & SoakZone holds 3 spot. In 2014, it was the park one to beat. the Golden Ticket once again, that shot up to second place. Placing at No. 2 is Splash- for a sixth time. However, an- Windsor is also in' Safari, Holiday World's BEST CHILDREN'S PARK: Idlewild & SoakZone other tight race has newcomer a newcomer that has found fa- water park. From its humble COURTESY IDLEWILD & SOAKZONE Storybook Land making an vor with our voters. Within clear beginnings in 1993, the water outside run and coming in at a view of Windsor Castle, one of park has grown in gargantuan close second place. Events that the residences of Queen Eliza- proportions, building not only brought a spotlight to this facil- beth, this Legoland park fea- huge rides, but cutting-edge ity have helped Storybook Land tures an impressive Mini-land of rides. Even the park agrees that share its strengths. so many worldwide monuments Splashin' Safari is a primary at- "That's fantastic!" exclaims constructed from Legos, but a tendance driver. Park Manager Jessica Fricano. wide range of fun and unique at- Dollywood's Splash Coun- "We've been pushing to get on tractions geared to the younger try places No. 3. Nestled into the list for years. That's great." set. It comes in at No. 4. its Smoky Mountain setting, the When AT asked Fricano In a tie for fifth, we see water park combines beauty what people take with them af- two other Legoland proper- with family fun. ter a visit to the charming facil- ties: Legoland (once Differentiating from last ity, she says, "It's traditional. We the Golden Ticket holder) and year's finalists, in Or- have a lot of people that came . lando jumps onto the chart, as kids. Now they bring their On the watery side of landing at 4th place. Adjacent own kids. It takes them back." things, BEST WATER PARK to SeaWorld, this facility shares She adds, "But we're a modern goes to in New its philosophy of combining the park. We have that charm and Braunfels. The proven formula love and preservation of animals No. 2: STORYBOOK LAND we're personal. I think that's of producing attractions that AT/TIM BALDWIN something people notice." are outside the box of any other 4See PARKS, page 8 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015

PARKS Continued from page 4 into its ride attractions. Keeping its No. 5 spot is Typhoon . One of two highly-themed water parks at . BEST INDOOR WATER PARK showcases the five final- ists as last year, with Schlitter- bahn Galveston Island still tak- ing top prize. Its adjustable roof BEST PARK: Europa-Park BEST MARINE LIFE PARK: SeaWorld Orlando can be retracted to bring in the COURTESY EUROPA-PARK AT/TIM BALDWIN sunshine in a matter of minutes, the No. 3 position. Both of these It's visual impact is unmistak- , last year's Golden dolphins park comes in at No. 3. or it can be used for shade and facilities offer an African-themed able. Ticket Awards host, stays in the Rounding out our finalists is keeping unsuitable weather at experience, complete with au- Splash Landing at Alton No. 2 spot. a flip flop of our last two spots. bay. thentic art and artifacts through Towers retains its No. 5 posi- The interaction with the ma- This year, SeaWorld San Anto- The No. 2 spot is still held the resort. tion. rine life plays an important role nio comes in at the No. 4 spot. by Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Slipping a notch to No. 4, In the category of BEST at , making for Discovery Kingdom, . It is the sister property, in West Ed- MARINE LIFE PARK, SeaWorld a notably unique experience. with its mix of rides and marine Kalahari Wisconsin Dells, that monton Mall still delivers the Orlando maintains its heavy lead Located in Orlando, with limited life close out the park categories jumps up a notch to overtake goods on an impressive scale. taking the No. 1 spot. SeaWorld attendance, this swim-with-the- at No. 5.

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2015 () BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2015 (Water Park)

Fury 325 27% Dive Bomber 15% Cyclone Six Flags 14% Slidezilla 14% Twisted 13% Aqua Rocket Raging Water San Dimas 13% (tie) Cú Chulainn 10% Slideboarding Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas 13% (tie) Thunderbird Holiday World 9.5% Anaconda Kalahari Resort - Poconos 10% BEST PARK BEST SEASIDE PARK Europa-Park Rust, Germany 24% Morey’s Piers Wildwood, N.J. 27% Sandusky, Ohio 14% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 26.5% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 11% Blackpool, England 26% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 9% Gröna Lund Stockhom, Sweden 12% Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 7% Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 5% (tie) BEST INDOOR WATER PARK Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 5% (tie) Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Galveston, Texas 28% Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 4.5% Kalahari Resort Sandusky, Ohio 17% Staffordshire, England 4% (tie) Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 12% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 4% (tie) World Waterpark West , Alb., 11% Orlando, Fla. 4% (tie) Splash Landings Staffordshire, England 6% Disney Sea Tokyo, 4% (tie) BEST KIDS’ AREA BEST WATER PARK Mason, Ohio 27% Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Texas 52% Kaatsheuvel, the 10% Splashin’ Safari Santa Claus, Ind. 19% Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 9.5% Dollywood’s Splash Country Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 6% Doswell, Va. 8% Aquatica Orlando, Fla. 5% Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 6% (tie) Typhoon Lagoon Orlando, Fla. 4% Universe Bloomington, Minn. 6% (tie) BEST CHILDREN’S PARK CLEANEST PARK Idlewild & SoakZone Ligonier, Pa. 21% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 25% Storybook Land Egg Harbor Twp., N.J. 20% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 14% Story Land Glen, N.H. 9% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 11% Legoland Windsor Windsor, England 8% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 9% Carlsbad, Calif. 7% (tie) Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 8% Legoland Florida Winterhaven, Fla. 7% (tie) BEST MARINE LIFE PARK BEST SHOWS SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 55% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 42% SeaWorld San Diego San Diego, Calif. 10% , Texas 11% Discovery Cove Orlando, Fla. 9% Branson, Mo. 8% SeaWorld San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 8% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 7% Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. 7% Disney California Adventure Anaheim, Calif. 6% Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9

BEST WATER PARK: Schlitterbahn BEST INDOOR WATER PARK: Schlitterbahn Galveston Island COURTESY SCHLITTERBAHN COURTESY SCHLITTERBAHN

PARK AND RIDE WINNERS Ranked by percentage of votes cast

BEST FOOD BEST LANDSCAPING Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 23% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 29% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 20% Gilroy, Calif. 17% Orlando, Fla. 16% Efteling Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands 11% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 9% Alton Towers Staffordshire, England 9% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 7% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 7%

BEST (PARK) BEST EVENT Valhalla Blackpool Pleasure Beach 28% Resort Orlando, Fla. 28% Dudley Do-Right’s Falls Universal’s Islands of Adventure 19% Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 18% Magic Kingdom 9% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 11% Mountain Slidewinder Dollywood 7% West Mifflin, Pa. 8% Knott’s Berry Farm 6% Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa, Fla. 5%

BEST WATER PARK RIDE BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT Splashin’ Safari 25% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 40% Splashin’ Safari 18% Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 10% Master Blaster Schlitterbahn 14% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 9% The Falls Schlitterbahn 9% Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 6% Verrückt Schlitterbahn Kansas City 8% Europa-Park Rust, Germany 5.5% BEST INDOOR COASTER BEST CAROUSEL Universal Studios Orlando 23% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 42% Space Mountain Disneyland 12% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 23% Winjas 11% Gurnee, Ill. 6% Black Diamond Knoebels Amusement Resort 10% Efteling Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands 5% (tie) 7% (tie) Six Flags Over Austell, Ga. 5% (tie) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Disney’s Hollywood Studios 7% (tie)

BEST FRIENDLIEST PARK Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey Universal’s Islands of Adventure 13% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 35% Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney’s Hollywood Studios 12% Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 18% Harry Potter / Escape from Gringotts Universal Studios Orlando 9% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 12% Amazing Adventures of -Man Universal’s Islands of Adventure 8.5% Adventure Island Southend-on-Sea, England 9% Haunted Mansion Knoebels Amusement Resort 7% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 8%

BEST OUTDOOR SHOW PRODUCTION BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION IllumiNations Epcot 24% Noah’s Ark Kennywood 27% Disney California Adventure 15% Ghost Ship Morey’s Piers 23% Fantasmic! Disney’s Hollywood Studios 12% Gasten Ghost Hotel 12% Fantasmic! Disneyland 11% Frankenstein’s Castle 10% Lone Star Nights Six Flags Fiesta Texas 9% Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund 8% 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Knoebels and Dollywood play tug-of-war for Best Food It's on! The fight for win- ning BEST FOOD is the lat- est tug-of-war battle in re- cent Golden Ticket Awards history. For years, Knoebels was the perennial favorite in and Europa-Park's diverse this category. In 2012, Dol- collection of restaurants lywood snagged it. The fol- holds at No. 5. lowing year, AT saw its first Among the repeat tie ever for a Golden Ticket win for Dollywood in the with a tie between the two FRIENDLIEST PARK cate- parks. Last year, Dollywood gory, we find familiar faces. reigned victorious again. Holiday World (No. 2) and This year Knoebels steals it Knoebels (No. 3) know their back. way around this category. "How lucky are we to New, however, is Ad- have Dollywood in the in- venture Island at England's dustry to push us to im- Southend-On-Sea. Numer- prove our food?" says Dick ous voters commented on Knoebel, president. "When the tremendous enthusiasm voters informed us that an- for their job displayed by other park had better sat- the staff to all the guests at isfied their appetites, this this seaside facility. BEST FOOD: Knoebels was clear indication that Silver Dollar City's COURTESY KNOEBELS we needed to step up our amazing citizens and town- game." folk complete the top five. its No. 2 spot. Known for a Aside from the scuffle BEST LANDSCAPING wide variety of plants and for the top rung, the other had a close finish in 2014, the incredible Circus Trees, three places on our finalists but Busch Gardens Wil- Gilroy Gardens is a paradise remain unchanged. Epcot, liamsburg regained a com- for horticulture lovers. with its international cuisine fortable lead once again to Efteling in the Nether- remains in the No. 3 spot, take the Golden Ticket. lands has long been firmly Silver Dollar City's fine Gilroy Gardens, the big planted on AT's charts in home cookin' takes No. 4, challenger last year, keeps this category. The beautiful park takes third place. A new park to surface for their landscaping is Al- ton Towers. The manicured bushes and sunken gardens of the massive estate cap- tured many voters. The park FRIENDLIEST PARK: Dollywood takes the No. 4 position. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD No stranger to this cat- egory, Dollywood keeps its ground lush and beautiful for its guests year round. The Tennessee themer clos- es out the five finalists. Of all categories, this next one may be the tough- est of all. CLEANEST PARK is something every amuse- ment facility strives to pro- vide each and every day. Most parks do a good job, so to get particular atten- tion by our voters is certain- ly high praise. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari add an- BEST LANDSCAPING: Busch Gardens Williamsburg other Golden Ticket to their COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS collection. Bragging rights land on to take the No. 3 place this ing on the industry corner- Dollywood for being a final- year. The Cleanest Park cat- stones and leading the way ist in all four categories pre- egory is regular territory for in customer service. It holds sented on this page. This is the beautiful theme the No. 4 spot. Disneyland a major achievement for a park. (No. 5) celebrates its Dia- park and one that hopefully Closing out the cat- mond Jubilee this year. For every park manager strives egory are true originals in 60 years, it has served as a to attain. Dollywood rests at their own right. Europa-Park blueprint of how all parks CLEANEST PARK: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari the No. 2 spot. is such a driving force in should be operated and the AT/GARY SLADE Busch Gardens Wil- Germany and continues to level of quality each guest liamsburg moves up a notch grow and evolve by focus- deserves. Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Carowinds, Six Flags White Water win Best New Rides

Perhaps the most eagerly awaited categories are the Best New Rides. This category cham- pions those parks who push boundaries, reach new heights, or just delight with sheer thrills. Never in the history of this Gold- en Ticket category has the com- petition been this fierce...and it's always tough. Innovations this year saw BEST NEW RIDE (WATER PARK): No. 2: major new dark ride attractions Dive Bomber, Six Flags White Water SlideZilla, Elitch Gardens at the regional theme park lev- COURTESY SIX FLAGS WHITE WATER COURTESY ELITCH GARDENS el, transformed hybrid coasters The 325-foot mega-coaster that will forever define the sky- England now offers a one-two a second time wasn't ingenious (one with an amazing interac- graced the Carolina theme line at Carowinds and Charlotte. steel punch with the pairing of enough, when timed correctly tion between trains), never-be- park's new entrance making for We're very proud of what we this new thriller with top rated two trains of riders interact with fore-done attributes applied to a stupendous moment of "wow" have achieved together." . each other, inverting upside coaster genres and other indoor on arrival. Two hybrid transforma- at Six down on two occasions. When attractions. It was a great year to "I've logged more than tions followed to take the No. Flags Magic Mountain boasts it comes to "wow" factors, this be in a theme park. 100 rides on this thrill machine, 2 spot and No. 3 spot: Wicked the fact that it is the longest one ranks among the best. Taking the Golden Ticket and I'm hoping to ride with my Cyclone and Twisted Colossus hybrid coaster on the planet. Cú Chulainn at Tayto Park for BEST NEW RIDE in the son for the first time if he's tall respectively. With this transformation, Rocky makes a remarkable showing PARK category is at enough by the end of the sea- Of the two, Wicked Cy- Mountain Construction has by drawing numerous voters Carowinds. This is the second son. Fingers crossed," jokes clone delivers the out-of-control taken a dual track coaster and to check out this new wooden time B&M has reached beyond Mike Fehnel, vice president and wilder ride with stunning aero- created a single track master- coaster, despite the ride being the 300-foot mark and this time general manager of Carowinds. batic maneuvers on all levels. It's piece that laps the coaster's lay- located in Ireland. Tremendous around it soared even higher. "Fury 325 is a signature coaster nonstop action. Six Flags New out twice. If taking the first drop 4See NEW RIDES, page 21 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 NEW RIDES Continued from page 20 , heavy banking and ample airtime have helped this newest wooden installation by Gravity Group receive rave reviews. Completing the top five fi- nalists — and keeping at bay nu- merous other worthy contend- ers — Thunderbird at Holiday World sees a new twist on the most recent product in the B&M catalog. It is the first time that B&M has used an LSM launch on one of their coasters; even more amazing, it is a . On the water park flip side of this category, Six Flags White Water near unveiled Dive Bomber, which takes the Golden Ticket for BEST NEW RIDE in the WATER PARK sec- tor. BEST NEW RIDE (PARK): No. 2: Wicked Cyclone, Here, Six Flags has taken Fury 325, Carowinds the popular trap door style at- AT/GARY SLADE AT/TIM BALDWIN traction, provided by ProSlide, Dale Kaetzel, park president. Also supplied by ProSlide, this Las Vegas. lighted rings in the tubes. The and created the tallest attraction "Its massive drop has provided six-story tower combines a Be- Aqua Rocket is the new- thrill here is to be top score and the park has ever built. Standing riders with hours of summertime hemoth Bowl with a est hydromagnetic uphill water for season pass holders to try at more than 100 feet tall, Dive fun and we look forward to more Wave element that swallows coaster, and the first in Califor- to improve their game over the Bomber drops riders close to 90 of those moments for years to four riders in cloverleaf tubes at nia. course of the year. degrees straight down allow- come. It's an honor to have the a time. This design won an IAA- Slideboarding is the latest Completing the five finalists ing them to reach speeds of 44 tallest slide at Six Flags White PA award last year. venture by WhiteWater West is Anaconda at the new Kalahari mph. Water as Best New Ride in a Wa- At No. 3, the finalists have a in which the concept of gaming Resort in the Pocanos of Penn- "We're delighted with the ter Park." tie: Aqua Rocket at Raging Wa- is introduced as riders are chal- sylvania. This uphill water coast- reaction from guests who have SlideZilla at Elitch Gardens ters in San Dimas, California and lenged to push buttons on their er is one of numerous attractions experienced Dive Bomber," says in takes the No. 2 spot. Slideboarding at Wet 'n' Wild handgrips that correspond with provided by ProSlide.

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20152015 BESTBEST NEWNEW RIDERIDE ##22 ##33 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015

Our panel of experts 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 protocol of divid- ing our ballots between four geographical regions (see col- or map at right) of the United 3 States. In addition to the hun- 2 dreds of surveys sent to Ameri- can enthusiasts, international fans are also sought out and we 1 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 2015 Golden Ticket Awards a reality. Are you a qualified candi- 4 date? Contact Golden Tick- et Awards Communications 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 5 ­– International Surveys Today staff are not eligible to be on the panel. Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 2015 Publisher's Picks: Park, Renaissance Lagoon makes amusement a true family affair Huck Finn's wins Renaissance In 1886, initially on the shores Barely more than 60 days. That’s all

of Utah’s Great Salt Lake and — 10 2015 two brothers had to give new life to a 2015 AS PRESENTED multi-generational keepsake. By defini- years later — a few miles away at its GOLDEN PARK GOLDEN RENAISSANCE present site in Farmington, north of TICKET OF THE tion, Renaissance means a rebirth or re- TICKET AWARD AWARD YEAR vival. In finding a fitting candidate for this AWARD

Salt Lake City, Lagoon established PRESENTED TO PRESENTED TO V.I.P. itself as a place for family fun. V.I.P. LAGOON AMUSEMENT PARK new Publisher’s Pick designation, none is HUCK FINN’S PLAYLAND Activities such as bowling, danc- more worthy than Huck Finn’s Playland ing and swimming preceded the outside Albany, N.Y. After 62 years of operating Hoffman’s Playland, Dave and opening of the amusement park’s Ruth Hoffman deservedly retired last Sep- first ride, Shoot-the-Chutes, in 1899. tember. Talk and proposals from interested A Victorian-era Herschell-Spillman parties helped address the community’s carousel arrived in 1906. And after its desire to keep the property going, but it was still-operating, John Miller-designed the bid of Jeffrey Sperber, along with his roller coaster was built in 1921, Lagoon became a magnet for thrill-seek- brother Reid Sperber, that brought the next ers. chapter of this park into a reality. It was clear Hard times befell the park during World War II. To its rescue came that it wasn’t a matter of “someone should brothers David, Dan, Robert and Peter Freed, who, just home from the do it,” but rather “someone could do it.” war, saw potential in the property and signed a long-term lease on it. Being owners of Huck Finn’s Ware- Led by ride enthusiast Robert Freed, the clan spruced up and reopened house, a well-known family-friendly furniture Lagoon in 1946 and added nine new attractions for 1947. The Freeds’ store six miles away in North Albany, the pair was on a roll. of gentlemen acquired neighboring land. Jeff and Reid Sperber Disaster struck in 1953, when a fire devastated half the park. Bob Sperber acknowledges that it was not only the support of the local government, Freed personally trained water on the carousel to save it. With renewed but actually the sheer appreciation from them that made it all click. It was the an- determination, the Freeds rebuilt Lagoon rapidly for the 1954 season — nouncement that the Hoffmans had found no acceptable solution that caused the commencing several decades of growth and success leading to the fam- Sperbers to act, keeping the rides from going to auction. It was important to keep ily’s 1983 purchase of the property and the richly landscaped, attraction- this part of the local community alive and well. packed park we know today. Starting on April 17, they amazingly re-located everything adjacent to their Immortalized by The Beach Boys in their 1965 tune “Salt Lake City,” furniture warehouse. But it wasn’t just a matter of setting up rides. A brick mid- way, landscaping, shade structures and other bits of attention to detail are what Lagoon has maintained its family-driven tradition through second and truly spoke to the revival of the former Hoffman’s facility. Over the fall and winter, third Freed generations — including Peter’s children David Freed, now in the rides had been lovingly restored, piece by piece, and stored for their new his 22nd year as park president, and Kristen Freed-O’Bagy, vice presi- home. Restoring the integrity of the rides was a large hurdle, according to Jeffrey dent. Peter Freed himself, at age 94 the last surviving original brother Sperber, along with the difficulty involved in the physical move. Each week pre- and Bob’s immediate successor as Lagoon’s president, still reports to work sented a new challenge, each one taken on. But in that two-month time period, it as chairman. all came together. This season, on the eve of Lagoon’s 130th year, the Freeds again dem- In addition to saving this family tradition, the park has brought new jobs to onstrated their commitment to one of America’s oldest amusement parks the area and has rehired many staff from the original location. Huck’s also contin- by introducing Cannibal, a stunning, state-of-the-art steel diving coaster ues to push redevelopment of what was once a gritty warehouse district into more designed largely in-house and costing in excess $26 million. of a vibrant community. Their website and pages are testimony to this “Our philosophy has always been that we try and improve Lagoon,” inspirational work. Bricks can be purchased to line the midway with messages. Dave Freed told AT earlier this summer. “We always felt like we were the These funds support Ronald McDonald House and Albany Police Athletic League keeper of the asset.” charities. For the longtime dedication of the Freed family and its staff in pre- Huck Finn’s has always been a business that caters to families. “For over 50 serving Utah history and a national treasure, Amusement Today honors years, we have been filling people’s homes with great values on home furnish- Lagoon with its 2015 Park of the Year award. ings,” says Jeffrey Sperber. “Now we are filling their hearts.” To this,Amusement Today is honored to select Huck Finn’s Playland as the first ever Golden Ticket Renaissance Award.

The former Hoffman's Playland reopened on June 18, 2015, as the $1.8 Continuing the Freed family’s long history of Lagoon operation and owner- million Huck Finn's Playland. The new four-acre park is just six miles from ship, which began in the mid-1940s, are park president David Freed (cen- it's previous location. All of the 17 rides were relocated in just 60 days from ter), his sister Kristen Freed-O’Bagy, park vice president, and his daughter Hoffman's to Huck Finn's and are surrounded by beautiful landscaping and Julie Freed, director of special events. COURTESY LAGOON bricked walkways. COURTESY HUCK FINN'S PLAYLAND Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 2015 Publisher's Picks: Turnstile, Person(s) Quassy mixes tradition with the new Zamperla, Ferrari save historic Coney Island George Frantzis II and Eric An- Coney Island, the birthplace of

derson have both spent most of their 2015 American amusements. For decades, 2015 PRESENTED AS lives at Americans flocked to Coney Island, not GOLDEN TURNSTILE GOLDEN PERSON located in Middlebury, Conn. Frantzis TICKET AWARD only for the beach, but for the thrills TICKET OF THE AWARD found at the various parks. But those AWARD YEAR grew up at the lakeside facility as a O TO

PRESENTED T PRESENTED

V.I.P. V.I.P. third-generation member of his family- QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK & WATERPARK thrills began to shrink in numbers when ALBERTO ZAMPERLA owned business – his grandfather the parks and area fell in disrepair dur- purchasing the park in 1937. ing the last several decades. Anderson came to work at the When Astroland closed on Sept. 7,

2015 park at age 11 and learned the arcade 2008, New York City Mayor Michael PRESENTED AS Bloomberg knew it was time for Coney GOLDEN PERSON and games business under the mentor- TICKET OF THE ship of Quassy owner John Frantzis. Island to reinvent itself. It was then, at AWARD YEAR

PRESENTED TO the 2008 IAAPA Attractions Expo that V.I.P. Today, both George Frantzis II and VALERIO FERRARI Anderson oversee daily operations of the NYC Economic Development Corp. the park and have been credited with (EDC) exhibited to promote a revitalized the rebirth of the property and devel- Coney Island. Enter the team of Alberto Zamperla and Valerio Ferrari who met with the EDC to opment of its new Splash Away Bay water park. gather information. The two seasoned park owners set the stage in 2002 to rebuild itself as Mayor Bloomberg sends a letter on May 14, 2009 to the property was looking old and tired. It needed more than paint, it needed the Coney Island Amusement Advisory Panel, and it sparks a fresh look and new, modern rides. A $6 million multi-year re-development the interest of Ferrari — who is serving on the panel. That plan was outlined that would include yearly enhancements as well as two letter made him believe that Zamperla could make a park major anchor attractions that the park desperately needed. a reality. With Alberto's blessing, a business plan was cre- In 2003 the park built the first phase of a new water park, Saturation Sta- ated and would be ready once the city's RFP went public. tion with the Tunnel Twisters waterslide complex making its splash in 2006. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 was the date Mayor The two owners have admitted the immediate success of the water park not Bloomberg officially announced that Zamperla's Central Valerio Ferrari only helped save the park, it generated all new interest in the facility and Amusement International (already operators of the highly added to park's bottom line that allowed for the re-development to con- successful summer-only Victorian Gardens in Central Park) had been selected to tinue. lead the Coney Island redevelopment. CAI and Zamperla swiftly pulled together The plans included the addition of many new flat rides to keep the guests all of their expert resources, from both sides of the ocean, to make the new Luna coming back for repeat visits. Not overlooking their long history, the rebuild- Park a reality, opening to the public May 29, 2010. In that 100 day span, these ing of their 50-foot, four-abreast became a priority, new two men, and their dedicated teams installed 19 new rides, built a restaurant, trolley themed ticketing and a park entrance was built and an all new staff office, five food outlets and trained 230 new employees that would host station now greets train riders — successfully mixing the new with the old. guests on this new 3.3-acre site. Then in 2011 the park introduced Wooden Warrior, the first junior coaster The planned Luna Park, with supporting parks and attractions that have fol- from (, Ohio) and the first coaster in North lowed, didn't come without risk and investment. To date, more than $45 million America to run a Timberliner train from Gravitykraft – sister company of The has been pumped into these facilities managed by CAI. To ensure that original Gravity Group. As a junior coaster, Wooden Warrior appears annually in the ride deliveries could be made, Alberto Zamperla committed to ride production, Golden Ticket rankings. Attendance and revenues continue to climb. long before Mayor Bloomberg made it official. It was a huge risk for Zamperla This season, Quassy added eight new slides to the water park kicking off the company, but one that did payoff. the second $6 million multi-year reinvestment plan. At the close of the 2010 opening year, Mayor Bloomberg announced that Without their vision, Quassy – in operation since 1908 – could have met Luna Park drew more than 450,000 visitors, who took more than 2.5 million rides the fate of many New England parks of yesteryear and ceased to exist. But for what was deemed a highly successful summer. Today, with the operation of George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson did not let that happen. They reinvest- the Cyclone, B&B Carousel, Place to Beach and the newly-built , ed and rebuilt to bring record revenues to Quassy, thus keeping the turnstile visitation to the boardwalk is at an all time high with 3.5 million visitors taking the turning. For their vision and dedication, Quassy Amusement & Waterpark subway to Coney Island each year. takes the Publisher's Pick for the 2015 Turnstile Award. The vision, strength and dedication of Alberto Zamperla and Valerio Ferrari started the rebirth of Coney Island, and for that, AT is honored to name these two titans of the industry our 2015 Persons of the Year.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark owners George Frantzis II (left) and Eric New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (left) takes a ride with Zamperla Anderson committed to a long range plan in 2002 to rebuild and re-invest owner Alberto Zamperla on Luna Park's opening day, May 29, 2010. Central in the Middlebury, Conn facility that dates back to 1908. That plan has led Amusement International opened the park 100 days after being awarded to renewed success and record attendance. COURTESY QUASSY the development contract by the mayor. COURTESY ZAMPERLA 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Blackpool's Valhalla takes Best Water Ride A great mix of rides cre- ates a full day of fun and va- riety. Here's what our voters found to be outstanding in this year's balloting. The category of BEST WATER RIDE sees a new of the Mummy at Univer- winner for 2015. Actually, sal Studios Orlando. Final- this consistent finalist took ists are: Space Mountain, home the gold in 2003 once Disneyland (No. 2); Win- before. Valhalla at Black- jas, Phantasialand (No. 3); pool Pleasure Beach is an Black Diamond, Knoebels extraordinary water ride (No. 4); and Mindbender (as in drenching) that mixes at Galaxyland ties Rock 'n' the wet component with Roller Coaster for the fifth a dark ride setting featur- position. ing an audio soundtrack, The players remain the fire, waterfalls and dramatic same, but the order does theming. Its one-of-a-kind not for BEST FUNHOUSE/ sensory overload rates it at WALK-THROUGH. Taking No. 1 this year. The Pleasure the top spot is Kennywood's BEST WATER RIDE: Beach worked with Noah's Ark. This attraction Valhalla, Blackpool Pleasure Beach on this attraction. has delighted guests since COURTESY CHERI ARMSTRONG Dudley Do-Right's Rip- 1935. saw Falls at Universal's (No. 4); and Timber Moun- were supplied by ProSlide. finalists. Moving up to the No. Islands of Adventure, our tain , Knott's Schlitterbahn in New BEST INDOOR COAST- 2 position is Ghost Ship at long-running winner in this Berry Farm (No. 5). Braunfels controls the next ER stays relatively un- Morey's Piers. The eerie, category, splashes in to the In the BEST WATER two places. Master Blaster, changed from last year, marooned ship on the Mari- No. 2 spot in 2015. The wa- PARK RIDE category, a former Golden Ticket win- except that loyal fans have ner's Landing pier is inhabit- ter ride, whimsically themed Splashin' Safari has brag- ner, comes in at No. 3, while voted enough to bring pre- ed by various souls just wait- by Universal, was supplied ging rights to the top two the extremely long rapids vious Golden Ticket winner ing to give you the willies. by . water park rides. Taking the ride, The Falls, is at the No. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Also moving up a notch Three perennial favor- Golden Ticket for the sixth 4 position. Disney's Hollywood Stu- is Liseberg's chilling Gasten ites round out the top five: year, Wildebeest has fans Sister park Schlitter- dios to tie for the No. 5 Ghost Hotel. This elaborate Splash Mountain, Magic from all over. Its cousin, the bahn Kansas City and its spot. walk-through has a repu- Kingdom (No. 3); Mountain six-person Mammoth moves record-setting , Taking the gold this year tation for being superbly Slidewinder, Dollywood up to the No. 2 spot. Both Verrückt, close out the five is the long-running Revenge done. Once a Golden Ticket winner, Frankenstein's Cas- tle at Indiana Beach keeps the old-school thrills still popular among our voters at the No. 4 spot. Of all the finalists, Gröna Lund's Lustiga Huset keeps the laughs coming with one interactive physical stunt af- ter the other. It takes fifth place. BEST DARK RIDE gives Harry Potter and the For- bidden Journey a Golden BEST WATER PARK RIDE: BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK-THROUGH: Ticket for the fifth year in Wildebeest, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Noah's Ark, Kennywood a row. Its younger sibling, COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD COURTESY KENNYWOOD Harry Potter and the Es- cape from Gringotts places at No. 3. Both are at the Uni- versal resort in Orlando. Sandwiched between those two is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Stu- dios in second place, also in the Orlando Mecca of theme parks. Amazing Adventures of Spider-man at Universal's Island of Adventure and Knoebels' Haunted Man- sion take the No. 4 and 5 BEST DARK RIDE: BEST INDOOR COASTER: spots, respectively. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, Universal Studios Orlando Universal's Islands of Adventure AT/RICHARD MUNCH COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO 4See RIDES, page 36 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015

RIDES Continued from page 30 Lightening things up, BEST CAROUSEL finds its brass ring favorite at Knoe- bels in the No. 1 spot once again. This carousel has nev- er been defeated in this cat- egory. In addition to the ring dispenser, it is also adorned with classic band organs giv- ing the entire attraction a nostalgic authenticity. BEST KIDS' AREA Santa Cruz Beach Planet , Kings Island Boardwalk's carousel con- AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON tinues to hold its No. 2 po- sition. It also features a ring first-time finalist, while Six Efteling stays at the No. dispenser and multiple band Flags Over Georgia's his- 2 spot. Universal's Islands of organs. toric grand Riverview Car- Adventure moves back to Six Flags Great Ameri- ousel makes a return to the No. 3 and Kings Dominion ca has a hold on the No. 3 charts after temporarily slip- resurfaces on the list at No. spot. Its double-decker stat- ping off. 4. A tie for the No. 5 position ure at the park's entrance is A great collection of locks newcomer Blackpool beautifully displayed with a children's attractions clus- Pleasure Beach with regular reflecting pool. tered in one area makes for finalist Nickelodeon Uni- The final slots of the a convenient and sought- verse at Mall of America. In category see some change. after location for both kids an ironic twist, Blackpool's BEST CAROUSEL Tying for the No. 4 spot, and parents. Kings Island kids' area is also themed to Grand Carousel, Knoebels Amusement Resort Efteling in The Netherlands keeps its undefeated grasp Nickelodeon characters. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD makes an appearance as a on BEST KIDS' AREA. Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015

BEST SHOWS: Dollywood has kept high quality performances as a top BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT: Dollywood's Christmas event rings in the holidays priority. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD in spectacular fashion. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD Festivals and shows keep the audiences entertained Spooks and snowflakes give great extended Silver Dollar City (No. 3) and Europa-Park operating days to a park's season, but they also (No. 4) switch positions in comparison to last provide guests with fresh park experiences in year's charts. comparison to the summer season. Completing our five finalists is Disney Califor- Universal Studios Orlando, one of only two nia Adventure. parks to ever take the Golden Ticket, snatches it In the category of BEST OUTDOOR PRO- once again for BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT. Hal- DUCTION, the two Disney juggernauts still rule loween Horror Nights has become a hugely at- the top two spots. To the surprise of many indus- tended event many -seekers do year after try insiders, Epcot still keeps Disney California year. Adventure at bay from taking the Golden Ticket Knott's Berry Farm, a previous winner, comes from Orlando. IllumiNations (No. 1) has enthralled in at the No. 2 spot. Californians make annual pil- Dollar City at No. 3 and Magic Kingdom at No. 4. guests for more than 15 seasons, while World of grimages to attend this fall event. A newcomer to the category is Europa-Park. Color (No. 2) has mesmerized young and old alike, Knoebels Amusement Resort keeps its No. 3 Its winter celebration finds it at the No. 5 ranking. magically transforming the sister park to Disney- position and Kennywood stays at No. 4, as well. Many parks around the globe continue to ex- land at the California resort. New "blood," if you will, is Busch Gardens plore the magic of the holidays to bring in more Fantasmic! is a hit on both coasts. This year, Tampa at the No. 5 finalist position. and more people. The winter holidays also let the Florida version at Disney Hollywood Studios In most instances, parks are finding the Hal- parks creatively explore new imaginative direc- (No. 3) has surpassed the votes for the original at loween mystique as a bankable way to significant- tions for their venues. Disneyland (No. 4). ly increase revenues. Many parks use this festival It's show time! Six Flags Fiesta Texas boldly stands as the to close out their seasons. For others... For a seventh year in a row, Dollywood takes only non-Disney park to rise to the charted lists BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT goes to Dolly- the category of BEST SHOWS. With in this category. Since the park opened in 1992, wood, the only park to find this Golden Ticket in as the park's namesake, it is no surprise that qual- the multi-media shows including lasers, fireworks Santa's stocking. ity entertainment comes naturally. and projections on the park's quarry walls has en- The next three parks keep their respective Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a ten-year winner of tertained for more than two decades. Lone Star positions from 2014: Disneyland at No. 2, Silver this category, still rates highly in the No. 2 spot. Nights continues that tradition.

BEST OUTDOOR NIGHT PRODUCTION: Epcot's long running "Illuminations" BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: Universal's has reached still boasts multitudes of fans since it was introduced around the turn of the legendary proportions among park goers. millennium." COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS/KATIE ROMMEL-ESHAM COURTESY UNIVERSAL Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Wooden coasters stand the test of time With coasters on the charts dating back to the 1920s, wooden coasters still have the power to thrill. A different type of animal in comparison to the steel genre, a good wooden Boulder Dash at Lake coaster requires tender care Compounce takes BEST to remain viable on this list WOODEN COASTER for a of the elite. It is common third year in a row. Of the to see new stars rise, only top five, four of them have to see their popularity fade held the No. 1 spot at some over the years. Usually this is point. Ironically, due to lack of maintenance at Knoebels has been one instead of a rush of flashier, of two coasters that has newer kids on the block. been on every top ten list This has some coaster Amusement Today has fans a bit concerned. In the printed since the inception past few years, theme parks of the Golden Ticket Awards have been retiring wooden in 1998. (Kings Island's The coasters at an eyebrow- Beast at No. 6 is the other.) raising rate, or converting However, Phoenix has yet them into glitzier new steel to snare that No. 1 spot. track hybrids. Business is Spot on loving care keeps BEST WOODEN COASTER: Boulder Dash, business, but the whispers the beloved woodie high on COURTESY LAKE COMPOUNCE concerning the future of the charts, this year rising a wood is palpable. notch to No. 3. Golden Ticket in 2012; The (No. 5) which held the title sibling some challenging This chart celebrates The remaining top Voyage at Holiday World in 2005 and 2006. With the competition. Stay tuned for wooden hits that continue to five are El Toro at Six (No. 4) had a five year announcement of 2016's that drag race. be stars at their respective Flags Great Adventure run from 2007-2011; and Lightning Rod, Dollywood Other woodies in the parks. (No. 2), which snared the Thunderhead at Dollywood seems to be giving its top ten are Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer (No. 7); Silver Dollar City's Run, rising a notch to No. 8; and at California's Great America at No. 9. A returning favorite is 's Lightning , bringing the highest ranking racing coaster back to complete the top ten. Compared to steel, newer wooden coasters are much more sparse. Still, Cú Chulainn, particularly given its isolated Ireland location, makes a tremendously impressive debut at No. 18. Coaster fanatics that have made it to Tayto Park have No. 2: El Toro, Six Flags Great Adventure No. 3: Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort given the new-for-2015 AT/TIM BALDWIN AT/TIM BALDWIN woodie rave reviews. A joyous return to the chart is at 's Splash Adventure. Re-opening last fall, this rejuvenated park has brought a well-respected wooden coaster back from the great beyond. Enthusiasts and preservationists both celebrate this valiant effort. Rampage's return is found on the chart at No. 28. Five coasters not listed last year sneak on the tail end of the charts for 2015: Twister at Gröna Lund returns to the charts at No. 44. In a tie for the No. 45 spot, Zippin Pippin No. 4: The Voyage, Holiday World No. 5: Thunderhead, Dollywood AT/DAN FEICHT COURTESY JOEL STYER 4See WOOD, page 42 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 WOOD Continued from page 40 at Bay Beach returns again, this time alongside Hersheypark's , a first time appearance (ever) this year also happens on AT's charts. T-Express to be another Blackpool at in South Korea favorite. , one also makes a return (No. 47). of the handful of wooden Blackpool Pleasure Beach wild mouse coasters on the features three woodies this planet continues to receive year; lands on newfound love from coaster the charts for a first time at fans, virtually doubling its No. 48. points from last year which The biggest climber pushes it up to No. 26.

Above, since winning the management contract for the , Zam- perla has continued numer- ous improvements for the ride and it has moved up the charts. Left, the re-opened Rampage at leaps back onto the charts. Right, Blackpool's Wild Mouse is a fan favorite. CYCLONE AT/GARY SLADE; RAMPAGE COURTESY ALEX DICKEY; WILD MOUSE COURTESY CHERI ARMSTRONG Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 THE LIST 2015 TOP 50 WOOD ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION YEAR SUPPLIER POINTS

1 Boulder Dash Lake Compounce Bristol, Conn. 2000 Custom Coasters 1625

2 El Toro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson,N.J. 2006 Intamin 1464

3 Phoenix Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 1985 Dinn - PTC/Schmeck 1301

4 The Voyage Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 2006 Gravity Group 1184

5 Thunderhead Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 2004 Great Coasters Int. 904

6 The Beast Kings Island Mason, Ohio 1979 KECO 740

7 Ravine Flyer II Waldameer Erie, Pa. 2008 Gravity Group 722

8 Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 2013 Rocky Mountain 637

9 Gold Striker California’s Great America Santa Clara, Calif. 2013 Great Coasters Int. 560

10 Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. 2000 Great Coasters Int. 421

11 Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden 2003 Intamin 391

12 The Raven Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 1995 Custom Coasters 286

13 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 1924 Prior & Church/Looff 278

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

15 Thunderbolt Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa 1927 Vettel/Miller 265

16 Cyclone Luna Park/Coney Island Brookyn, N.Y. 1927 Keenan/Baker 242

17 Kansas City, Mo. 2009 Great Coasters Int. 231

18 Troy Sevenum, the Netherlands 2007 Great Coasters Int. 229

19 Cú Chulainn Tayto Park Ashbourne, Ireland 2015 Gravity Group 228

20 ’s Adventure Muskegon, Mich. 1998 Custom Coasters 219

21 (tie) Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 2013 Knoebels 211

21 (tie) Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. 1920 PTC/Miller 211

23 Colossos Soltau, Germany 2001 Intamin 207

24 Comet The Great Escape Lake George, N.Y. 1994 PTC/Schmeck 198

25 The Legend Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 2000 Custom Coasters 193 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 THE LIST 2015 TOP 50 WOOD ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION YEAR SUPPLIER POINTS

26 Wild Mouse Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 1958 Wright, Blackpool 185

27 Oakwood Pembrokeshire, Wales 1996 Custom Coasters 171

28 Rampage Alabama’s Splash Adventure Bessemer, Ala. 1998 Custom Coasters 167

29 Wodan Timbur Coaster Europa-Park Rust, Germany 2012 Great Coasters Int. 158

30 Playland Wooden Coaster Playland at the PNE Vancouver, B.C., Canada 1959 Phare 157

31 Hades 360 Mount Olympus Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 2005 Gravity Group 156

32 Silverwood Athol, Idaho 1999 Custom Coasters 152

33 Kentucky Rumbler Beech Bend Bowling Green, Ky. 2006 Great Coasters Int. 149

34 Grand National Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 1935 Paige 140

35 (tie) Blue Streak Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 1964 PTC/Hoover 133 SPOTLIGHT:Merlin opens 35 (tie) Blue Streak Conneaut Lake, Pa. 1938 Vettel 133 OrlandoPage Eye 50 37 El Toro Lengenfeld, Germany 2009 Great Coasters Int. 132

38 Wooden Warrior Quassy Amusement Park Middlebury, Conn. 2011 Gravity Group 130

39 American Thunder Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, Mo. 2009 Great Coasters Int. 123

40 White Lightning Fun Spot America Orlando, Fla. 2013 Great Coasters Int. 115

41 Twister Knoebels Amusement Resort www.amusementtoday.comElysburg, Pa. 1999 Fetterman/Knoebels 98

42 The Boss Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, Mo. 2000 Custom Coasters 91

43 Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, Texas 2007 M&V/Gravity Group 88

44 Twister Gröna Lund Stockholm, Sweden 2011 Gravity Group 83

45 (tie) Comet Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. 1946 PTC/Schmeck 78

TM & ©2015 Amusement45 (tie)Today, Inc. Zippin Pippin Bay Beach Green Bay, Wis. 2011 M&V 78

47 Everland Yongin-si, South Korea 2008 Intamin 74

June 2015 | Vol.48 (tie) 19 • Issue 3Big Dipper Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, England 1923 Busch GardensPTC/Miller 70 debuts Tempesto 48 (tie) Tonnerre de Parc Asterix Plailly, 1997 SeeCustom story, Coasterspage 22 70

50 Racer Kennywood West Mifflin,Exciting Pa. times!1927 PTC/Miller 69

SPOTLIGHT: 2015 Park Preview Pages 6-9

TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc.

May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Knoebels welcomes Europa-Park celebrates four decades Carowinds unveils ✫ of success with new attractions Visit digital.amusementtoday.com AT: Tim Baldwin B&M Fury 325 [email protected]

RUST, Germany — Call it iPad coaster a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made it a celebration. On March 28, Roland SPOTLIGHT: Mack, the Mack family, the 2015 mayor (burgermeister) of Rust Park Preview See story, page 24-26 Pages 6-9 and special guests opened the

park with a ribbon-cutting TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. amid a flurry of showering confetti, balloons, and songs May 2015 | Vol. 19 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Holiday World of celebration. The ceremony Europa-Park celebrates four decades included a welcome from co- Carowinds unveils ✫ founder Roland Mack that of success with new attractions B&M Fury 325 (email address) reflected not only on how the AT: Tim Baldwin Sign-in with your username [email protected] park had changed over four RUST, Germany — Call it a birthday, call it an anniversa- launches into its decades, but the European ry, but Europa-Park has made community as well. Relation- it a celebration. On March 28, Roland ships across borders back in Mack, the Mack family, the 1975 were a far cry from what mayor (burgermeister) of Rust and special guests opened the SPOTLIGHT:SPOTLIGHT: 2015 they are today. It is that in- park with a ribbon-cutting 2015 ParkPark Preview Preview future... amid a flurry of showering PagesPages 6-9 6-9 vigorated sense of European confetti, balloons, and songs TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. connectivity that has helped of celebration. The ceremony TM & ©2015 Amusement Today, Inc. included a welcome from co- Germany’s largest theme park MayMay 2015 2015 | | Vol. Vol. 19 19 • • Issue Issue 2 2 www.amusementtoday.comwww.amusementtoday.com founder Roland Mack that Europa-Park celebrates four decades reflected not only on how the Europa-Park celebrates four decades CarowindsCarowinds unveilsunveils find astounding success. The park had changed over four ofof successsuccess withwith newnew attractionsattractions AT: Tim Baldwin B&M Fury 325 AT: B&M Fury 325 decades, but the European [email protected] Baldwin mayor presented the park [email protected] RUST, Germany — Call it RUST, Germany — Call it community as well. Relation- a birthday, call it an anniversa- a birthday, call it an anniversa- ry, but Europa-Park has made with a special gift for its 40th: ships across borders back in ry, but Europa-Park has made See story, page 30 it a celebration. it a celebration. On March 28, Roland 1975 were a far cry from what On March 28, Roland Mack, the Mack family, the Mack, the Mack family, the a framed site permit drawing mayor (burgermeister) of Rust they are today. It is that in- mayor (burgermeister) of Rust and special guests opened the and special guests opened the park with a ribbon-cutting vigorated sense of European park with a ribbon-cutting from when the park opened in amid a flurry of showering The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- amid a flurry of showering connectivity that has helped confetti, balloons, and songs confetti, balloons, and songs of celebration. The ceremony of celebration. The ceremony 1975. Appearing in flash mob Germany’s largest theme park included a welcome from co- ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. included a welcome from co- founder Roland Mack that founder Roland Mack that find astounding success. The reflected not only on how the reflected not only on how the style, costumed entertainers, park had changed over four COURTESY EUROPA-PARK mayor presented the park park had changed over four ✫ decades, but the European decades, but the European community as well. Relation- community as well. Relation- with a special gift for its 40th: ships across borders back in as well as staff from the vari- ships across borders back in 1975 were a far cry from what a framed site permit drawing 1975 were a far cry from what they are today. It is that in- they are today. It is that in- Create a 4-digit password Having vigorated sense of European ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into from when the park opened in vigorated sense of European The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- connectivity that has helped connectivity that has helped Germany’s largest theme park 1975. Appearing in flash mob Germany’s largest theme park ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. find astounding success. The New attractions find astounding success. The park and the resort got the dozens of construction proj- mayor presented the park style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK mayor presented the park Activate Your Digital Edition Account TODAY! with a special gift for its 40th: with a special gift for its 40th: as well as staff from the vari- a framed site permit drawing a framed site permit drawing crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of from when the park opened in from when the park opened in The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into 1975. Appearing in flash mob The Dream Dome showcases the beauty of Europe in a relax- 1975. Appearing in flash mob ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. style, costumed entertainers, ing high-definition film experience for Europa-Park guests. style, costumed entertainers, COURTESY EUROPA-PARK for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- as well as staff from the vari- COURTESY EUROPA-PARK as well as staff from the vari- ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into ous departments within the ment. “light” year blossomed into crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- park and the resort got the New attractions dozens of construction proj- ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of crowd clapping and energized For what was supposed ects. Jakob Wahl, director of for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We for the opening. The official to be a “light” year in terms communications, reports, “We ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 ribbon cutting sent the crowds of investments, following the had days with more than 2,000 running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare running forward. Germany’s enormous expenditures of contract workers on site dur- largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare largest theme park was open 2014, the park still had lots of ing the off-season to prepare Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26 for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26 for the 2015 season. new things to offer, as well as all the new additions.” Amusement Today was on enhancements for guest satis- New attractions for hand to experience the excite- faction. Quite surprisingly, the 4See EUROPA, page 4 4See Story – page 26

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 Steel Coaster chart sees lots of up and downs The importance of good roller coasters cannot be stressed enough in being a viable theme park destina- tion. With more than 3,000 steel coasters in the world, making it onto the Golden Ticket Chart is a major ac- Everything changes complishment. there as Carowinds' Fury " and 325 makes an astonishing our Lake Erie beach repre- debut at No. 4, the highest sent Cedar Point's historical debut of any coaster in nine legacy; but world class roller years. Even with that pow- coasters represent modern erful premiere, Six Flags day Cedar Point," says Ja- Great Adventure's Nitro son McClure, vice president holds strong to its No. 5 po- and general manager for sition. Cedar Point. "Coasters are The remainder of the integral to the Cedar Point top ten is a jumble in com- experience. While there are parison to last year's chart. too many renowned experi- No. 6 is Apollo's Chariot at ences to list them all, Mil- Busch Gardens Williams- lennium Force remains our burg (up a spot); Intimida- BEST STEEL COASTER: , Cedar Point crown jewel. But we won't tor, Carowinds' other mega- AT/TIM BALDWIN rest upon our laurels. Ce- coaster (No. 7, giving the dar Point will build upon our park two coasters in the top Other than Fury 325, two zarro (No. 44) makes a dra- stay viable as points are legacy in 2016. will- ten); Leviathan at Canada's other new-for-2015 steel matic return after years off spread among a much larger not just be another jewel for Wonderland (No. 8) and coasters grace the charts. the list, and Six Flags Mex- herd. the crown, but a new crown at Six Wicked Cyclone at Six Flags ico's Medusa Steel Coast- Thirteen roller coasters all unto itself." Flags Over Texas at No. 10. New England places at No. er's jump on the charts (No. on the steel lists are found Millennium Force snags But, something fasci- 23 and Six Flags Magic 49) places all of RMC's proj- in parks outside the United the Golden Ticket for BEST nating happens. For the Mountain's Twisted Colos- ects on the boards. States. STEEL COASTER for a sixth first time since 2003, Alton sus lands at No. 28. Both are In contrast to wood Intamin claims the top consecutive year. Overall, Tower's breaks by Rocky Mountain Con- coasters, where numbers of three coasters on the charts, Cedar Point has five roller back into the top ten at No. struction. installations are rather flat or as well as a total of 9 in the coasters on AT's charts. 9. Not only is the creative- Other steel coasters not barely decreasing due to the list. B&M boasts a total of 23 The top three remain un- ly-themed B&M inverted on the list in 2014 to land on removal of a few wooden in the mix, and Rocky Moun- changed with Six Flags New coaster making a wildly pop- the 2015 charts: The Swarm coasters or the transforma- tain now has all their coaster England's venerable Bizarro ular comeback, but it is also at England's tion of wood over to steel projects on the charts, both (No. 2) still claiming legions the first time that any steel impressively places at No. 30 track, steel coasters are on wood and steel. of fans, and Holiday Park's coaster that travels upside (which features two rows of thriving with big numbers of Arrow, Chance, Mack, Expedition GeForce (No. 3) down has graced the top ten backward facing seats), Al- new installations each year. Morgan, Schwarzkopf and holding as Europe's highest in the Golden Ticket Awards ton Tower's Air (No. 39), Six This makes the steel chart also find their prod- ranking coaster. in seven years. Flags Great Adventure's Bi- even more challenging to ucts on the steel list.

No. 2: Bizarro, No. 3: Expedition GeForce, No. 4: Fury 325, No 5: Nitro, Six Flags New England Holiday Park Carowinds Six Flags Great Adventure AT/JEFF SEIFERT COURTESY ALEX DICKEY AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD AT/TIM BALDWIN Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015 THE LIST 2015 TOP 50 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION YEAR SUPPLIER POINTS

1 Millennium Force Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 2000 Intamin 1205

2 Bizarro Six Flags New England Agawam, Mass. 2000 Intamin 929

3 Expedition GeForce Holiday Park Hassloch, Germany 2001 Intamin 714

4 Fury 325 Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. 2015 B&M 671

5 Nitro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. 2001 B&M 650

6 Apollo’s Chariot Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 1999 B&M 597

7 Intimidator Carowinds Charlotte, N.C. 2010 B&M 499

8 Leviathan Canada’s Wonderland , Ontario, Canada 2012 B&M 491

9 Nemesis Alton Towers Staffordshire, England 1994 B&M 462

10 New Texas Giant Arlington, Texas 2011 Rocky Mountain 450

11 Diamondback Kings Island Mason, Ohio 2009 B&M 440

12 Goliath Austell, Ga. 2006 B&M 427

13 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 2003 Intamin 408

14 Phantom’s Revenge Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. 2001 Morgan 405

15 Magnum XL-200 Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 1999 Arrow 355

16 Kings Dominion Doswell, Va. 2010 Intamin 315

17 Megacoaster Europa-Park Rust, Germany 2009 Mack 302

18 Behemoth Canada’s Wonderland Vaughan, Ontario, Canada 2008 B&M 301

19 Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 2013 Rocky Mountain 294

20 (tie) Kings Island Mason, Ohio 2014 B&M 275

20 (tie) X2 Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, Calif. 2002 Arrow 275

22 Maverick Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 2007 Intamin 257

23 Wicked Cyclone Six Flags New England Agawam, Mass. 2015 Rocky Mountain 251

24 Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa, Fla. 1996 B&M 238

25 Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. 2012 Intamin 219 Golden Ticket Awards 2015 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 THE LIST 2015 TOP 50 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

RANK NAME PARK LOCATION YEAR SUPPLIER POINTS

26 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 1997 B&M 207

27 Mind Bender Six Flags Over Georgia Austell, Ga. 1978 Schwarzkopf 200

28 Twisted Colossus Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia, Calif. 2015 Rocky Mountain 193

29 Black Phantasialand Brühl, Germany 2006 B&M 183

30 The Swarm Thorpe Park Churtsey, England 2012 B&M 154

31 (tie) Raging Bull Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Ill. 1999 B&M 138

31 (tie) Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 2012 B&M 138

33 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 2007 B&M 136

34 Helix Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden 2014 Mack 127

35 Lisebergbanan Liseberg Gothenburg, Sweden 1987 Schwarzkopf 114

36 Goliath La Ronde Montreal, , Canada 2006 B&M 110

37 Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa, Fla. 2011 Intamin 109

38 (tie) Air Alton Towers Staffordshire, England 2002 B&M 108

38 (tie) Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa, Fla. 1993 B&M 108

38 (tie) Louisville, Ky. 2014 Chance 108

41 Shock Wave Six Flags Over Texas Arlington, Texas 1978 Schwarzkopf 107

42 SheiKra Busch Gardens Tampa Tampa, Fla. 2005 B&M 105

43 Manta SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 2009 B&M 101

44 Bizarro Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. 1999 B&M 96

45 Dorney Park Allentown, Pa. 1998 Morgan 92

46 Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Ill. 1976 Schwarzkopf 90

47 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 2006 Vekoma 89

48 Olympia Looping owner: R. Barth & Sohn KB (traveling) 1989 Schwarzkopf 86

49 (tie) Six Flags Great Adventure Jackson, N.J. 2005 Intamin 83

49 (tie) Six Flags , Mexico 2014 Rocky Mountain 83 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY Golden Ticket Awards 2015