2009 Golden Ticket Awards Theme Park

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GOLDEN TICKET BONUS ISSUE

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Vol. 13, Issue 6.2 SEPTEMBER 2009 $5.00

P R S R T S T D

U S P O S T A G E

P A I D

F T . W O R T H T X

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N E W S P A P E R

P O S T M A S T E R : D a t e d m a t e r i a l .

P L E A S E R U S H !

M a i l e d T h u r s d a y , S e p t . 1 0

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Parks seeking gold head west

Southern California hosts AT’ s 2009 Golden Ticket AwardTim Baldwin

Amusement Today

For 12 years, AmusementToday has presented industryawards to “The Best of theBest.” In 2001 Holiday World approached AT with the pros-pect of announcing the results

live. And so, a ceremony was born. For the first time, theGolden Ticket Awards arehosted by the land of gold,the West coast and sunnySouthern California. The 2009 host park,Legoland California , hasdominated the Best Children’sPark category since its intro-duction. The eclectic mix ofkid-friendly rides, imagina-tive activities, and inspira-tional family experiences havehelped this park grow into aunique destination. Attendeesat this year’s Golden TicketAwards ceremony will get toexperience firsthand this cre-ative property catering to chil-dren and all of its charms. However, even the cer-emony has continued to growover the years. In 2003 SixFlags Fiesta Texas offered anadd-on day of enjoyment byco-hosting award winnerswho had traveled to the cer-emony at Schlitterbahn. Overthe past years, this has devel-oped into a pre-event partythe night before. This year,that festive occasion is hosted

by Knott’s Berry Farm. Holiday World added

their own spin in 2006 bytransforming the ceremonyinto an Oscar-style productionwith presenters taken fromthe industry – from parks tomanufacturers. As the GoldenTickets have evolved, it has become one of the year’s mostpleasurable networking eventswithin this amazing industry.

Last year’s host park,Give Kids The World Village ,near Orlando, Florida, treatedGolden Ticket attendees to avery memorable event, com-plete with their own version ofthe “Red Carpet.” So, “Go West!” honoredwinners. Enjoy the characterand ambience of SouthernCalifornia. Santa Cruz BeachBoardwalk , our repeat win-ner of Best Seaside Park, has

a shorter journey to the south, but they already know the

many pleasures of the GoldenState. This year it just happensto be the Golden Ticket State. As this celebrationacknowledges The Best of theBest, Amusement Today thanksits host venues both past andpresent, as well as the eventsponsors, and congratulatesall winners on their hard-earned accolades. Amusement Today wouldlike to thank our two eventparks, Knott’s Berry Farm andLegoland California , as wellas our many sponsors whohelp make our event possible:Larson International, LeisureLabs LLC, Mack Rides,Montgomery Inn, William H.Robinson Inc. and Zamperla.We would also like to thankKay Park Recreation for their

support and the Nocturnes for the musical talents.

PHOTO COURTESY LEGOLAND CALIFO

Legoland California (above) takes the category for

Children’s Park and serves as host for the 2009 Go

Ticket Awards ceremony. Knott’s Berry Farm (below

hosts with an industry reception the night before

ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY RIC TU

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIAHost Park

2009 Golden Ticket Awards

September 10, 2009

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A WA R DS B EST O F TH E B E ST!

Join us next year for the 2010 Golden Ticket Awards a

COMING IN OCTOBER’S ISSUE: POST GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS COVERA


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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS September 2009

Tim Baldwin

Baldwin

Being in competition with all theother parks in the amusement indus-try is a sizable challenge. Each parkshares similar goals and customer ser-vice cornerstones which makes the taskput before our voters an even tougherone. So often park fans come up to meand say “It’s so hard to choose justone!” Indeed. This difficulty in choosing is aresult of the countless parks out there strivingto do not just a good job, but an outstandingone. By exceeding goals and building uponthem, parks continue to offer a fantastic valuefor guests and offer a diverse range of enter-tainment not available from any other indus-try. It’s no wonder that family vacations areplanned around visiting parks, and so manyTV specials focus on the amusement industry.Even in today’s tough economic climate, ourindustry still offers what people crave. It is also exhilarating to see the hugefan base all the parks have created. Loyaltyis deeply felt through the many enthusiastgroups that form around this industry. Like

avid sports fans, amusement parcionados deeply feel the pride offavorite parks, be they local or the twelve countries from arounworld represented in the Golden Tcharts. The unquenchable desire to all the parks out there continudrive the enthusiasts to spend

hard earned dollars on travel, admissionsouvenirs. Their support is felt and voicthe industry. It is their expertise collectedone enormous round of applause that cthe Golden Ticket Awards for AmusToday each year. We here at AT never fhow important this fan base is, and grateful we are that they accept our chall So, for every enthusiast that tells ustough the job is we have given them, Ipride in the fact that so many favorites

been created. To all the parks that make ithe charts — congratulations. It is a hugepliment. And for those still garnering vyou also are to be commended. Thankcontinuing to make it a tough challengeafter year.

A challenge

Gary SladeFounder and Publisher

[email protected]

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When IAAPA elected to cancel their long standingSummer Meeting event for the 2009 year, many in theindustry turned to Amusement Today asking if we wouldkeep the tradition alive. While we are no strangers to hosting events likeour Golden Ticket Awards each year, hosting a summercelebration event is a little different as more activities areneeded which in turn takes more advance planning. AT , with the help of William H. Robinson, Inc. andour Golden Ticket event coordinator Janice Witherow,was able to take our annual awards event and expand itinto a Summer Celebration, open to all professionals inthe amusement industry.

Thanks to our great host parks, Knott’s Berry Farm

and Legoland California, we were able to put a nicetwo-day agenda together that we hope all attendees wereable to enjoy. We have already learned much from thisevent that will be planned into our future events, and wewelcome your input on what you would like to see or doin the future. The last several years have been good to the GoldenTickets as we were able to conduct our event in year-round facilities that allowed for a meeting date after theLabor Day holiday. That date is always important as itallows more travel time for the small park owners whonever leave their facility when they are open. The next two event years are all set with our hostpark sites and both sites returning to seasonal parks,

beginning with Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2010.

Our question to the industry is when would youmost like to visit Busch Gardens next year for ourSummer Celebration event? Before or after the LaborDay holiday, and is it necessary that the park be in fulloperation when you visit? We thank all of you who attended, or participated,in the event, but most of all we thank our 2009 eventsponsors, who with their financial contributions, helpmake our fun event possible for all to enjoy. —Gary Slade

A new beginning


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September 2009 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS AMUSEMENT TODA


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2009 park winners showcase the Best of the BeCedar Point, Schlitterbahn both make an even dozen years with an award

Tim Baldwin Amusement Today

Cedar Point and Schlitterbahn have made it aneven dozen. Since the inception of the Golden TicketAwards in 1998, these two parks have stayed at the

tops of their mountainous peaks showing no mercyto the up-and-coming parks below. Their grasp onBest Park and Best Waterpark seems inescapablytight. Rising in the category of Best Park is KnoebelsAmusement Resort to the No. 2 spot. This off-the- beaten-path gem has charmed all who visit duringthe summer season, as well as our experienced vot-ers. Disneyland and all its magic places third, andGermany’s magnificently themed Europa Park tieswith Universal’s Islands of Adventure in fourthplace to create a top five. Along with the other note-worthy parks in our list of top 10, millions of guestseach year have been delighted by their experiences atthese great parks.

Taking the second place position in BestWaterpark again is Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari.Already poised with a huge investment for 2010, thispark continues to grow in huge proportions. Rounding out the top five includes the delight-fully themed Blizzard Beach at the Walt DisneyWorld complex; Wisconsin Dells’ Noah’s Ark , one ofthe largest waterparks in the world; and the recentlyopened Aquatica in Orlando, a newcomer to ourcharts. Best Children’s Park is taken for the sixth year in 4See PARKS, pa

a row by Golden Ticket host Legoland CalifThe diverse rides, activities, and unique family actions have continued to impress our voters. Second place once again is nabbed by Idlethe backwoods treasure trove tucked awaLigonier, Penn. Here young ones continue to d

to the notably unique Mr. Rogers Neighorhoodley ride. Completing the category of Best Children’sis Dutch Wonderland , also in Pennsylvania;Sommerland in Saltum, Denmark; and the beKiddieland outside Chicago, sadly closing aft2009 season. Its absence will be a major loss focity. A waterfront setting often makes for a ftic atmosphere. Earning the Golden Ticket foSeaside Park once again this year is Santa Beach Boardwalk. Its Giant Dipper, the oldest er on our charts, has delighted riders for 85 and the park has been a staple of Northern Calientertainment for more than a century.

Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 27%Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 13%Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 8%Europa Park Rust, Germany 7% (tie)

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 7% (tie)Pleasure Beach Blackpool Blackpool, England 6.5%Tokyo DisneySea Tokyo, Japan 6%

Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 5.5%Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 5% (tie)Holiday World Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 5% (tie)

BEST PARK

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Texas 60%Splashin’ Safari Santa Claus, Ind. 14%Blizzard Beach Orlando, Fla. 9%

Noah’s Ark Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 5%

Aquatica Orlando, Fla. 4.5%

Legoland California Carlsbad, Calif. 37%Idlewild Ligonier, Pa. 26%Dutch Wonderland Lancaster, Pa. 11%

Fårup Sommerland Saltum, Denmark 7%Kiddieland Melrose Park, Ill. 6%

SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 61%SeaWorld San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 11%Discovery Cove Orlando, Fla. 9% (tie)

SeaWorld San Diego San Diego, Calif. 9% (tie)Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. 5%

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif.

Pleasure Beach Blackpool Blackpool, England Morey’s Piers Wildwood, N.J.

Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, Texas

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Galveston, Texas

Kalahari Resort Sandusky, Ohio Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells, Wis. World Waterpark Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Splash Landings Staffordshire, England

Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind.

Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. Beech Bend Bowling Green, Ky.

Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Disneyland Anaheim, Calif.

Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla.

Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, Fla. 10%

SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 10%

BEST WATERPARK

BEST CHILDREN’S PARK

BEST MARINE LIFE PARK

BEST INDOOR WATERPARK

FRIENDLIEST PARK

CLEANEST PARK

BEST SHOWS

Park and Ride WinnersRanked by percentage of votes cast

BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2009 (Amusement Park)

Prowler Worlds of Fun 35% Diamondback Kings Island 30% Manta SeaWorld Orlando 12%

Terminator Salvation Six Flags Magic Mountain 7% Monster Mansion Six Flags Over Georgia 4% (tie) Pilgrims Plunge Holiday World 4% (tie)

BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2009 (Waterpark)

Congo River Expedition Schlitterbahn 67 Wahoo Racer Six Flags St. Louis 11

UpSurge! Alabama Adventure 10 Maximum Velocity Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix 5 Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror Splish Splash 4

BEST SEASIDE PARK


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Park and Ride WinnersRanked by percentage of votes cast

Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls Universal’s Islands of Adventure 27%

Valhalla Pleasure Beach Blackpool 16%Splash Mountain Magic Kingdom 12%

Mountain Slidewinder Dollywood 8%Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Universal’s Islands of Adventure 7%

Master Blaster Schlitterbahn 35%Zoombabwe Holiday World 15%

Deluge Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom 9% (tie)Dragon’s Revenge Schlitterbahn 9% (tie)Summit Plummet Blizzard Beach 8%

Kings Island Kings Mills, Ohio 41%Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 17%

Nickelodeon Universe Bloomington, Minn. 10%Efteling Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands 6% (tie)

Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 6% (tie)

Epcot Orlando, Fla. 41%Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 19%

Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 16%Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, Fla. 11% (tie)Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 11% (tie)

Universal Orlando Resort Orlando, Fla. Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa.

Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 30%Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 25%

Epcot Orlando, Fla. 13%Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 11%Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 7%

BEST FOOD

BEST WATER RIDE PARK

BEST WATERPARK RIDE

BEST KIDS’ AREA

BEST OUTDOOR SHOW PRODUCTION

BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT

BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT

BEST CAROUSEL

BEST INDOOR COASTER

Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo.

Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. Hersheypark Hershey, Pa.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. Six Flags Over Georgia Atlanta, Ga

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla.

Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Ill.

Revenge of the Mummy Universal Studios Orlando Rock ‘N Roller Coaster Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Space Mountain Disneyland Mindbender Galaxyland Space Mountain Magic Kingdom

BEST FUNHOUSE/WALKTHROUGH ATTRACTION

Frankenstein’s Castle Indiana Beach Noah’s Ark Kennywood Hotel Gasten Liseberg

Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund Spok Huset Gröna Lund

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. Efteling Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands Gilroy Gardens Gilroy, Calif.

Epcot Orlando, Fla. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 5%Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 5%

BEST LANDSCAPING

Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Universal’s Islands of Adventure 32%Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney’s Hollywood Studios 16%

Haunted Mansion Knoebels Amusement Resort 12%Indiana Jones...Temple of Forbidden Eye Disneyland 8%Journey to the Center of the Earth Tokyo DisneySea 5%

BEST DARK RIDE

PHOTO COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

Capitalizing on the wonderful California beach atmosphere, Santa

Beach Boardwalk wins again for Best Seaside Park. Its classic G

Dipper is the oldest wooden coaster on our charts and is designate

ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.

PHOTO COURTESY LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA

Legoland entertains children and families of all ages with its wide array

of activities. Many amazing sculptures built out of LEGOs were created

with thousands of manhours.


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Focus on friendliest, food, landscaping and cleanest accent guest experienSilver Dollar City wins coveted Golden Ticket Award for first time

“It’s all about our people— our Citizens of Silver DollarCity,” says Brad Thomas,general manager of SilverDollar City Attractions. “Sincewe opened in 1960 with 17employees, the heart and soulof Silver Dollar City has for-ever been defined by thosewho give their own hearts, asfamily, to our culture, to oneanother, and to our guests.” The 1880s theme park seesits first win of a Golden Ticket,

as Silver Dollar City snagsFriendliest Park Staff. Boosted by a convention of amusementpark enthusiasts, Silver DollarCity was finally given theexposure to showcase theiroutstanding guest service andfriendly atmosphere, in addi-tion to their world class them-ing and attractions. “We lovewhat we do, and we believe inone another,” shares Thomas. Very close behind wasHoliday World with theirrenowned commitment tofriendly service. Dollywood

also made a strong showing,making for a true competitionwithin the top three. Rounding out the top fiveis Knoebels in fourth andBeech Bend in fifth. The quest for the award ofBest Food also involved someof the same principal play-ers from the former category.Knoebels Amusement Resort held onto the prize, as it hasfor many years. Silver DollarCity rushed into a strong sec-ond place with their downhome cookin’, and Epcotplaced third. Dollywood and

Busch Gardens Williamsburgcomplete the five finalists. As so many parks havesuch a diverse range of guests,many visitors are occupiedadmiring the beautiful land-scaping at many parks. Ourperennial winner, BuschGardens Williamsburg ,continues to hold on to BestLandscaping.

Efteling in TheNetherlands garners a sec-ond place position with

Gilroy Gardens taking third.Keeping things in bloom areEpcot in fourth place and a tiefor fifth being shared betweenDisney’s Animal Kingdom and Silver Dollar City.

Keeping the top spot inCleanest Park is HolidayWorld for a tenth year ina row. The park’s commit-ment to cleanliness is so wellknown, guests comment on it

to the park management. Taking secondplace is Busch GardensWilliamsburg , which compli-ments their landscaping witha clean environment. Third

place goes to DollywWrapping up the finalissister parks Disneylanfourth and Magic Kinin fifth, showcasing clness on both coasts.

PHOTO COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY PARK

Silver Dollar City boasts “Citizens” of the City instead of

simply employees. The park’s extraordinary 1880s hos-

pitality has awarded them Friendliest Park Staff, the first

Golden Ticket for Silver Dollar City.

PHOTO COURTESY DAN FEICHT PHOTOGR

Year after year, visitors come back to Knoebels to

its many tasty foods from pizza to teaberry ice crea

many dining options. Knoebels has taken the awar

Best Food for 10 years in a row.

PHOTO COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

The lush gardens spread throughout Busch Gardens

Williamsburg have let this park remain the sole winner

of Best Landscaping in the entire history of the Golden

Ticket Awards.

PHOTO COURTESY HOLIDAY W

Cleanliness is taken very seriously at Holiday World

the park prides itself on its spotless reputation.

guests have come to expect such conditions with Ho

World’s long run as Cleanest Park.



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Worlds of Fun, Schlitterbahn win Best New RideTim Baldwin

Amusement Today

Great CoastersInternational, Inc. is beamingover their new woodie com-ing in on top for Best New

Ride. GCII’s Jeff Pike says,“The guys at Cedar Fair wereexcited about keeping a wood-en coaster under the treeline— very close to the ground,shrouded in mystery, relent-less in speed and dynamics.”Pike adds, “Their input reallyhelped create a very uniquecoaster for GCII.” Frank Wilburn, generalmanager of Worlds of Funagrees. “Immediately follow-ing my first ride on Prowler , Iknew — wow — we have some-thing very special.” The suc-cess of this new wooden coast-

er is also reflected from theguests, says Wilburn. “Guestscontinually approach me witha handshake to express theirpleasure with the ride and topass on what they feel it addsto the park.” He adds theyare most impressed with it atnight when it pounces throughthe woods with only moon-light to illuminate the journey. Coming in a close secondplace for Best New Attractionin an Amusement Park is KingsIsland’s Diamondback. Themonstrous new steel coaster

by B&M just might overtake

the popularity of the park’slegendary Beast. Coming in at230 feet, Diamondback is thetallest coaster ever built at thepark. Other finalists in this cat-egory are B&M’s Manta atSeaWorld Orlando that combines a sleek flying rollercoaster brilliantly with gor-geous below-ground aquari-ums. The ride’s noted specta-tor moment is the “wing dip”where the coaster cars appearto slice through the surface ofthe water. Six Flags Magic

Mountain’s new TerminatorSalvation : The Ride , also built by GCII, places fourthand a tie for fifth betweenSix Flags Over Georgia’s re-doof Monster Plantation intoMonster Mansion by GaryGoddard Entertainment andHoliday World’s new record-setting Pilgrims Plunge fromIntamin complete our finalists. On the wet side, Best NewWaterpark Ride overwhelm-ingly went to Schlitterbahn.Never content to just dosomething off the shelf,

Schlitterbahn spectacularlytransformed two underuti-lized attractions into thefiendishly clever Congo RiverExpedition. Now guests arelining up in droves to jour-ney down a river of mysteryenshrouded in fog, animatedfigures and jungle creaturesand a terrifying drop into adark mine shaft. It is the most

creative thing to hit the water-park industry in ages. New Jersey enthusi-ast Robert Derman vis-ited Schlitterbahn in NewBraunfels calling the rideinnovative. “You could goall over a park to ride a lazyriver, dark ride, flume, andrapids ride,” says Derman, “oryou could go to Schlitterbahn

and ride the Congo Expedition!” Six Flags St. Louis ssecond place with itsWahoo Racer , a multracing slide, and AlaAdventure unleaUpSurge! , a slide that and turns and drops into a halfpipe. This attraction comes in third

Rounding out thefinalists are MaxiVelocity , an uphill duwaterslide at Wet ‘n’ Phoenix and Dr. Von DTunnel of Terror at SSplash in Long Island. Already several attractions for 2010 haveannounced which shouldour panel of experts s bling to experience the and greatest in both wparks and amusement next year.

AT PHOTO / GARY S

Prowler, Worlds of Fun’s amazing new wooden coaster provided by Great Coa

International, Inc., has taken Best New Attraction (Amusement Park) for 2009. It

first win for Worlds of Fun. Prowler is the 8th roller coaster at the park.

AT PHOTO / GARY SLADEClockwise from top lef

Diamondback at KingsIsland gave a strong chtoward the gold, plac-ing at a solid No. 2 postion. Manta at SeaWorOrlando (No. 3) combinthe thrill of a flying coawith amazing belowground aquariums. ThMonster Mansion re-dSix Flags Over Georgiafor fifth place with HolWorld’s record-settingPilgrims Plunge.

AT PHOTO / GARY SLADE

PHOTO COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA


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Schlitterbahn’s creative brilliance scored in a runaway victory with our voters hailing

Congo River Expedition as Best New Attraction (Waterpark).

PHOTO COURTESY S. MADONNA HO

Wahoo Racer, above, placed second in the Best

Attraction category and helped Six Flags St. Louis g

beat the summer heat. Below, Maximum Velocity (N

propelled riders along the dual watercoaster at the

Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix.

AT PHOTO / GARY


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Ride On!Ride category winners hold onto awards until the Golden Tickets come to a complete st


At least for one more

year, perennial favorites reignsupreme in our ride catego-ries. Best Water Ride (amuse-ment park) stays withUniversal’s Islands ofAdventure. The drenchingDudley Do-Right’s RipsawFalls combines the excitementof a log flume along withthrilling theming and whimsi-cal storytelling. Other finalists in this cat-egory are Valhalla at PleasureBeach Blackpool , which main-tains its second place foothold,and Splash Mountain at Magic

Kingdom in Florida hangsonto third. New on the charts forthis category is MountainSlidewinder at Dollywood ,a hugely popular (and wet!)homemade water toboggandown the hillside. Popeye andBluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, alsoat IOA, completes the top five. For Best Waterpark Ride,Master Blaster atSchlitterbahn has remained dominant forclose to a decade, winning theaward for eleven out of the12 years Amusement Today has

bestowed Golden Tickets. Zoombabwe at Splashin’Safari places second, andDeluge at Six Flags KentuckyKingdom closes out the topthree.

Other finalists are Dragon’sRevenge, also at Schlitterbahn,and Summit Plummet, the ski-themed plunge at Walt DisneyWorld’s Blizzard Beach. On the dryer side, butgoing indoors, Best Dark Ridecontinues to go to Islandsof Adventure’s AmazingAdventures of Spider-Man.IOA has seemed to have a lock

on this category for some time, but next year, the strongestcompetition might come fromthemselves. Other finalists areTwilight Zone Tower ofTerror at Disney’s HollywoodStudios , Haunted Mansion atKnoebels , Indiana Jones andthe Temple of the ForbiddenEye at Disneyland , and newon the chart this year, Journeyto the Center of the Earth atTokyo DisneySea.

Keeping inside, BestIndoor Coaster once again goesto Revenge of the Mummy atUniversal Studios Orlando.This indoor coaster took thisaward for the first time lastyear and continues scaringriders day after day. The other finalists are Rock‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’sHollywood Studios , SpaceMountain at Disneyland

in California, Mindbenderin Canada at Galaxyland within the West EdmontonMall, and Space Mountain at

Walt Disney World’s MagicKingdom. The Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attractioncategory introduced in 2008maintains its same winner, but once again in a very closerace. Frankenstein’s Castleat Indiana Beach narrow-ly beats out Noah’s Ark atKennywood. The remainder of the cat-egory is dominated by Europewhere they know how to do

4See RIDES, page 19

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORL

Voters “want their mummy” when rating Best In

Coaster. Revenge of the Mummy at Universal St

Orlando takes a win for the second year.


There is no escape from getting wet on Dudley Do-Right’s

Ripsaw Falls at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, a peren-

nial winner in the Best Water Ride category.

AT PHOTO / TIM BAL

In a close race once again, Indiana Beach creeps in

second year win in one of AT’s newest categories —

Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction.

AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN

The innovative Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn has been

one of the most popular rides at the park, and in the

world, since it was built in 1996.

AT PHOTO / GARY S

Kings Island’s delightful mix of kids’ coasters, water a

tions and children’s rides have scored the park with

Kids’ Area since the category was introduced.


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RIDESContinued from page 18

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such things quite well (andhaven’t let the lawyers scare

these attractions away fromthe parks, which has sadlyhappened in the U.S.). HotelGasten, a frightening andelaborate mansion haunted bylive (or are they?) characters atLiseberg is the highest ratedEuropean contender. LustigaHuset (a hilarious funhouse)and Spok Huset (a hauntedwalk-through) both reside atGröna Lund and wrap up thecategory. Attracting children to begin enjoying a park at ayoung age is certainly a logi-

cal philosophy. Many parentsfind a respite during the day by landing in a children’s sec-tion of the park. As the solewinner for this category eversince it has been introduced,Kings Island once again takesthe Golden Ticket for BestKids’ Area.

Following KI’s stronglead is Universal’s Islands ofAdventure in second place andits delightful Seuss Landing.Rising up two notches thisyear is Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, Minnesota,now placing third. This category is complet-ed with a tie. Efteling , with itshuge fairy tale area offeringmuch more than just rides,

ties with Knott’s Berry Farmand its very popular CampSnoopy. Finally, Best Carousel isonce again recognized as theGrand Carousel at KnoebelsAmusement Resort. Park fansknow the nostalgic thrill of being able to catch the brass

ring while riding. At Knoebels,such an experience is high-lighted by an authentic bandorgan. Reaching for the ring isalso available at Santa CruzBeach Boardwalk , one of veryfew places that remain in theUnited States where this ispossible. This carousel comesin second. Closing out the category

is Six Flags Over Georgia and its century old RiversideCarousel in third place,Islands of Adventure with itscustom-designed Caro-Seuss-el in fourth place, and the double decker Columbia Carouselat Six Flags Great America infifth.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

The multi-sensory overload of Universal’s Islands ofAdventure’s Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man has rid-

ers (and voters!) coming back for more. It retains its Best

Dark Ride win. PHOTO COURTESY DAN FEICHT PHOTOGR

Above, reaching for the brass ring is fun for no

gia buffs and young children alike. Knoebels takes

Carousel for another year. Below, Six Flags Over Geo

Riverside Carousel (No. 3) has amused patrons for

than 100 years.

PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS OVER GE


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21/40



22/40


Our panel of experts

1

23

4

5 – International Surveys

Since Amusement Today intro-duced the Golden Ticket Awardsin 1998, we continue to strive tofind the most experienced enthu-siasts to participate in our surveyand AT follows a fair and bal-anced protocol of dividing our ballots between four geographi-

cal regions of the United States.In addition to the hundreds ofsurveys sent to American enthu-siasts, international amusementpark fans are also sought out andwe invite such fans to contact usfor participation in future years. AT thanks the hundreds of vot-ers who helped make the 2009Golden Tickets a reality.

2010 - A look ahead With what has beenannounced for next year already,2010 could be a big year with a lotof our categories seeing signifi-cant new contenders. Major newsteel coasters, innovative dark

rides, outdoor night productions,waterpark attractions and waterrides are all seeing major installa-tions being introduced. Our panelof experts should have a tremen-dous amount of fun discoveringthe “Best of the Best” for 2010.It should prove to be one of ourmost exciting years ever.


23/40


Shows and seasonal events diversify year-round entertainmeDollywood strikes gold with a ticket win for shows


Dollywood and Six FlagsFiesta Texas have continuedto wrestle for top honors in the

category of Best Shows overthe past years. 2009 provedto be a real nail-biter onceagain as the outcome camedown to the final day of ballottabulation. Both parks offera superb show product, andDollywood couldn’t be morethrilled to take the prize thisyear. “Dollywood and espe-cially Dolly herself continu-ally encourage us to make ourshows the best they can be,”says Paul Couch, director of

entertainment. “Pleasing ouraudience is the ultimate goal.This Golden Ticket is a won-derful indication we are doing just that.” Six Flags Fiesta Texas,

having claimed the GoldenTicket for the past decadecomes in at a close secondthis year. Silver Dollar City rises into third place, and a tiefor fourth is shared betweenDisney’s Hollywood Studios and SeaWorld Orlando. Since introducing the cat-egory in 2005, both UniversalOrlando and Knott’s BerryFarm have been engaged in atug-of-war, taking the awardfor best Halloween Event fromeach other back and forth.

However, Universal hangsonto the prize for a secondyear in a row with a deathlygrip this year. Spooky. Following these toptwo leaders are Knoebels scaring up third place andKennywood in fourth. Christmas seems to bea growing festival seasonas more and more parksaround the globe tap intothe goodwill and merrimentof the December yuletide.Dollywood once again stays

on top this year with its sis-ter park Silver Dollar City placing second. Both of theseparks have been noted in themedia for the tremendouslight displays that truly define

breathtaking. Walt Disney World’sMagic Kingdom jingles intothird place on the charts withits sister park Disneyland also placing right behind.Completing the top five is thelong running Christmas eventat Hersheypark. Ending the day at a parkwith one final “Wow!” is apopular trend. Outdoor NightShow Productions can helpkeep the guests in the parkinto the late hours. Epcot has

taken top honors in thiegory for several yearsremains perched in the spot.

Disneyland’s Fantstill enthralls visitors

places in second. Six Fiesta Texas has dazzledvisitors with The LoneSpectacular since the opened in 1992. The lpyrotechnic/multi-mextravaganza lands in Finishing the top fivDisney’s Hollywood Stand Magic Kingdom.

With Disney’s CaliAdventure putting the fing touches on the nexthing, all this Disney reprtation might find a newlenger next year from wi

PHOTO COURTESY DOLLYWOOD

Dollywood, winner of Best Shows, prides itself on top show talent and

great venues throughout the season.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORL

Universal Orlando Resort keeps a death-grip on Best Halloween Eve

a two-year win. Be afraid.

PHOTO COURTESY WALT DISNEY WORLD - EPCOT

Epcot’s sound/laser/pyrotechnic spectacular dazzles guests night after

night and wins Best Outdoor Night Show Production.

PHOTO COURTESY DOLLYW

Voted Best Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Chris

brings holiday joy to visitors during the November/December seaso


24/40


No mater he season, hank you for making

Dollywood he mos eneraining park in he world.

Dollywood.com


25/40


Starting out as a show de-signer at Walt Disney Imagi-neering in 1970, Gary Goddardhas moved on outside of Dis-ney to form several entertain-ment companies, includingGary Goddard EntertainmentDesign in 2002. Since his job as an enter-tainment design consultanton the Georgia Aquarium thatsame year, Gary has gone on to produce conthe Broadway musical Hair, Crossroads of the Wmega mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, and a megacalled Atmosphere at the FX Lifestyle Center, a Jakarta. Closer to home, Gary oversaw the Grammyseum in Los Angeles and the Hershey Story munear the entrance to Hersheypark. But it is two of his newest creations for Sixthat are capturing the buzz in the parks and ointernet.

The Glow in the Park parades debuted lasat Six Flags parks in Mexico, New Jersey andEngland. This year the parades wowed the gueSix Flags Over Texas and Six Flags St. Louis. But Gary Goddard Entertainment’s biggeof the year has been the complete makeover popular dark ride at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Now transformed into the Monster ManGoddard went back to the ride he created in and brought it back to life better than ever withanimation, lighting, fog, special effects and a whcal audio track that leaves guests wishing for m AT salutes Gary Goddard Entertainment a2009 Supplier of the Year for its thematic excell

Some thingswere just made togo together andsometimes thosematching bookendscan be found in thepeople behind thescenes, running an amusement park. Such is the case for Dick and Barbara Knoebel.Two people made for one another. Two people, whonot only work 100-hour weeks to keep the KnoebelsAmusement Resort in Elysburg, Pa. running in tiptop shape, but recently battled the odds to keep eachother running in tip top shape. In the spring of 2008 Barbara was diagnosedwith cancer and many tests later was found to havecancerous spots in four other parts of her body. Che-motherapy led to many complications that left herill, mentally exhausted and completely drained.

With Dick by her side every step of the way,Barbara underwent radiation therapy and later acompletely different kind of chemo. Through all thisshe managed to read the stafng sheets for catering,the schedules for ticket sellers and correspondencewith suppliers. Although she is not cancer free, hermost recent CAT scan did not show cancer in two ofthe previous areas. Great news!

During the winter months, Dick fell down anice-covered stairway and broke his ankle. Refusing

a cast, he opted for a bandage and crutches so hecould continue his duties at the park and his dutiesat home with Barbara. Dick and Barbara Knoebelare a match made for one another and AmusementToday’s selection as our 2009 Persons of the Year.

Founded in1951 as Kiddieland by Paul and AletheaRoads, this WestTexas amusementpark would growfrom three kiddierides and a ticket booth, made out of the crates used to ship the ridesin, to a full blown amusement park that Amarilloresidents are proud to have. Overseeing the duties of the park now are daugh-ter Paula, husband Paul Borchardt and their daugh-ter Rebecca Parker. Wonderland Park has always been a family park.It’s run by a caring family and it caters to families.With an annual attendance of more than 200,000guests, there are no long lines here, just simple thrills,food and fun, all at an affordable price. While the park has grown to include everythingfrom a miniature train ride, a classic dark ride andeven the high tech thrills of a double looping rollercoaster, it wasn’t until this year that the park saw itsrst multi-ride expansion in a new area. Three rides, a Chance Yo-Yo, a Vekoma familycoaster and a Moser drop tower, were all purchasedused. The Wonderland team then totally refurbishedthe rides in house over a three year period. The re-sult is the new West End, a big hit for guests and for

the park, proving good things do come to those withdedication, drive and patience. The park’s marketing campaign plays on theWOW factor, also known locally as the World ofWonderland. Now Wonderland Park has somethingelse to be wowed over, as AT’s selection for 2009 Parkof the Year.

Park, individuals, supplier each recipients of 2009 Publisher’s Pi

AT PHOTO/GARY SLADE

Wonderland Amusement Park in Amarillo, Texas

expanded this season with a new section, the

West End, featuring three relocated rides, all

refurbished in-house.

AT PHOTO/SUE NICHOLS

The matching book ends that keep Knoebels

Amusement Resort going are Dick and Barbara

Knoebel. Recently, the two have had to keep

each other strong.

Rating among the finalists, even when sta

against big new coasters, was the wonderful r

bishment and theming job done by Gary God

on Six Flags Over Georgia’s Monster Mansion

PHOTO COURTESY

Texas’ Wonderland Park

traces roots back to1951, expands in 2009

Dick and Barbara Knoebel

work through healthissues, keep park strong

Gary Goddard’s creativi

for show production,theming good for guests

Gary Godd

V . I . P . 2

0 0 9

GOLDEN

TICKET

AWARD

WONDERLAND PARK

PRESENTEDAS

PARK

OF THE

YEARPRESENTED TO V

. I . P . 2

0 0 9

GOLDEN

TICKET

AWARD

DICK & BARBARA KNOEBEL

PRESENTEDAS

PERSONS

OF THE

Y EARPRESENTEDTO V

. I . P . 2

0 0 9

GOLDEN

TICKET

AWARD

GARY GODDARD ENTERTAINMENT

PRESENTEDAS

SUPPLIER

OF THE

Y EARPRESENTEDTO


26/40


27/40


Amarillo, Texas

V . I . P .

2 0 0 9

G O L D E N

T I C K E T

A W A R D

W O N D E R

L A N D P A

R K

P R E S E

N T E D

A S

P A R K

O F T H E Y E A

R

P R E S E N

T E D T O

We’re honored to be

Park of the Year!

Thank You


28/40



29/40



30/40


Steel coasters battle for top spot!Six Flags New England changes No. 1 coaster, keeps Golden Tick


In a move that hadenthusiasts gasping in sur-

prise, Six Flags announcedlast year that they would bechanging Superman Ride ofSteel at their New Englandpark. Having won Best SteelCoaster for four years in arow, fans were shocked and bewildered why the parkwould fiddle with coaster per-fection. Changing the name ofthe ride to Bizarro , Six FlagsNew England re-introducedthe ride this past spring. Newtrains, a new paint job, andspecial effects throughout theride such as fog, lighting, and

sound have accented the rideexperience. Donna Piper, an assistantregional representative for theAmerican Coaster Enthusiastsstill raves over her local coast-er. “Superman was alwaysgreat, but Bizarro blasts it into

overdrive!” Noting theeffects, Piper adds, “Bizanight brings it on full for Melissa Pinkerton, prelations manager for SixNew England, adds “Thtrains are more comfoand allow for a smootheeter ride which lets you the on-board audio thtracked precisely to eachand turn.” Cedar Point’s 31Millennium Force scoreagain in the second place

Since both it and Supedebuted in 2000 in the tothe two rides have battlethe top spot since 2001makes the fifth year in that New England’s cohas been declared chHowever, the gap betwas much slimmer thisBoth coasters were buIntamin. The top five is round by a trio by B&M. Nitro Flags Great Adventure on to third place. SisterSix Flags Over Georgia the top five with Goliath

tinuing to gain momemaking for three Six parks in the top five. ApChariot completes the trio of hyper coasters.one debuted at Busch GaWilliamsburg in 1999. B&M has seen a stron base this year in additioncoasters in the top five. Island’s new Diamondmade an impressive in the top ten at No. 7year’s Behemoth at CanWonderland leapt upcharts from No. 29 in 20

the No. 12 spot this yemore than doubling its pB&M boasts 20 of the 50 ers listed on our charts, ining SeaWorld Orlando’szling new Manta at No. Of note, one coaste be saying goodbye afteyear. By the time this goes to print, Busch GaWilliamsburg will havepatched the last train oBad Wolf , celebratin25th anniversary this

4See STEEL, pa

PHOTO COURTESY SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND

Sound and new effects keep the former No. 1 Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags New

England still on top as Best Steel Coaster, now called Bizarro.

PHOTO COURTESY DAN FEICHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Millennium Force enjoys its tenth year of operation at the

No. 2 spot once again.


Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure gives the park a No. 3 steel

coaster in addition to the same rating on the wooden charts.

PHOTO COURTESY RICH KOPPELMAN

Georgia’s Goliath has climbed up the charts every year

since debuting in 2006, this year making it to No. 4.

PHOTO COURTESY ADRIAN LLOYD

Busch Garden’s Apollo’s Chariot (No. 5) races through a very

secluded setting out of view from the rest of the park.


31/40


_


32/40


PARK YEAR POINTSLOCATIONRANK NAME SUPPLIER

The List2009 TOP 50 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

Bizarro

Millennium Force

Nitro

Goliath

Apollo’s Chariot

Expedition GeForce

Diamondback

Phantom’s Revenge

Magnum XL - 200

Top Thrill Dragster

Montu

Behemoth

X2

Raging Bull

Maverick

Mind Bender

Dueling Dragons

SheiKra

Alpengeist

Nemesis

Powder Keg

Raptor

Steel Force

Big Bad Wolf

Goliath

2000

2000

2001

2006

1999

2001

2009

2001

1989

2003

1996

2008

2002

1999

2007

1978

1999

2005

1997

1994

2005

1994

1997

1984

2006

Six Flags New England

Cedar Point

Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags Over Georgia

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Holiday Park

Kings Island

Kennywood

Cedar Point

Cedar Point

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Canada’s Wonderland

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Great America

Cedar Point


Universal’s Islands of Adventure



Alton Towers

Silver Dollar City

Cedar Point

Dorney Park


La Ronde

1245

1192

785

662

584

541

432

431

423

348

282

280

263

251

230

227

219

182

181

180

171

169

161

160

148

Agawam, Mass.

Sandusky, Ohio

Jackson, N.J.

Atlanta, Ga.

Williamsburg, Va.

Hassloch, Germany

Kings Mills, Ohio

West Mifflin, Pa.

Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio

Tampa Bay, Fla.

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

Valencia, Calif.

Gurnee, Ill.

Sandusky, Ohio

Atlanta, Ga.

Orlando, Fla.

Tampa Bay, Fla.

Williamsburg, Va.

Staffordshire, England

Branson, Mo.

Sandusky, Ohio

Allentown, Pa.

Williamsburg, Va.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Intamin

Intamin

B & M

B & M

B & M

Intamin

B & M

Morgan/Arrow

Arrow

Intamin

B & M

B & M

Arrow

B & M

Intamin

Schwarzkopf

B & M

B & M

B & M

B & M

S & S

B & M

Morgan

Arrow

B & M


33/40


PARK YEAR POINTLOCATIONRANK NAME SUPPLIER

The List2009 TOP 50 STEEL ROLLER COASTERS

Griffon

Kumba

Ride of Steel

Incredible Hulk Coaster

Mamba

Kingda Ka

Tatsu

Goliath

Shock Wave

Superman Ride of Steel

Expedition Everest

Titan

Manta

Storm Runner

Goliath

Volcano

Xcelerator

Euro Mir

Superman Krypton Coaster

The Pepsi Max Big One

Steel Eel

Whizzer

Mindbender

Space Mountain

Katun

2007

1993

1999

1999

1998

2005

2006

2000

1978

2000

2006

2001

2009

2004

2002

1998

2002

1998

2000

1994

1999

1976

1985

1977

2000



Darien Lake

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Worlds of Fun




Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags America

Disney’s Animal Kingdom


SeaWorld Orlando

Hersheypark

Walabi World

Kings Dominion

Knott’s Berry Farm

Europa Park

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Pleasure Beach Blackpool

SeaWorld San Antonio


Galaxyland

Disneyland

Mirabilandia

144

139

119

118

115

111

109

107

105

103

99

97

85

85

81

80

75

58

53

52

51

50

47

45

44

Williamsburg, Va.

Tampa Bay, Fla.

Darien Center, N.Y.

Orlando, Fla.

Kansas City, Mo.

Jackson, N.J.

Valencia, Calif.

Valencia, Calif.

Arlington, Texas

Largo, Md.

Orlando, Fla.

Arlington, Texas

Orlando, Fla.

Hershey, Pa.

Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands

Doswell, Va.

Buena Park, Calif.

Rust, Germany

San Antonio, Texas

Blackpool, England

San Antonio, Texas

Gurnee, Ill.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Anaheim, Calif.

Savio, Italy

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38 (tie)

38 (tie)

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

B & M

B & M

Intamin

B & M

Morgan

Intamin

B & M

Giovanola

Schwarzkopf

Intamin

Vekoma/WED Imag.

Giovanola

B & M

Intamin

Intamin

Intamin

Intamin

Mack

B & M

Arrow

Morgan

Schwarzkopf

Schwarzkopf

WED Imagineering

B & M

V . I . P .

2 0 0 9

G O L D E N T

I C K E T

A W A R D S

B E S T O

F T H E B

E S T !

congratulations

From the designers of AT & the 2009 Golden Ticket Awards.

To all the winn ers!

Communica

[email protected]

(817) 564-3843

Publication & Ad Des

Point-of-Purchase Materials Des

Logos, posters, fi

Web & Flash Des

TV & Ra


34/40


TOP 10 STEE

COASTER

NITRO

VOTED

#3

TOP 10 WOODEN COASTERS

EL TORO

VOTED

#3

TH A NK Y OU A MUSEMEN

T T OD A Y!

SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.®, TM and © 2009.

STEELContinued from page 30

With this huge loss, not justto coaster fans, but also loyalBusch Gardens guests, theUnited States will only claimthree remaining Arrow sus-pended coasters. If ever therewas a product just waitingto see a re-emergence, this

is it. Hopefully some coastermanufacturer will update thistruly exciting ride experience.Big Bad Wolf ended its life-long career at No. 24. Another interesting twistto the chart this year is thatfor the first time in GoldenTicket history, the steel topten list does not contain a sin-gle coaster that goes upsidedown. Montu at BuschGardens Tampa Bay is thehighest ranked looper, thisyear placing at No. 11. Another big climber thisyear is Silver Dollar City’sPowder Keg , enjoying somequality exposure from ACE’sCoaster Con XXXII thispast June. Powder Keg wasunleashed by S&S Power in2005 and climbs from No. 49last year to No. 21 this year. Steel coasters fromsix countries comprise the

chart in 2009. Katun fromMirabilandia (Italy) debutson our list (No. 50); HolidayPark’s Expedition GeForce ,our highest rated international

coaster (No. 6) joins EuropaPark’s Euro-Mir (No. 43) inrepresenting Germany; GreatBritain is showcased withNemesis at Alton Towers(No. 20) and The Big One at Pleasure Beach Blackpool(No. 45); Walibi World in TheNetherlands boasts Goliath atNo. 40; and Canada has threetop-rated rides: Behemoth,Goliath at La Ronde (No.25), and Mindbender atGalaxyland at West EdmontonMall (No. 48). Kings Dominion hasalready announced a new300-foot contender for 2010,in addition to Carowinds andKennywood unleashing newsteel coasters as well. Nextyear looks to be a forceful battle to shake up the steelcharts, and potentially the top10 once again.

PHOTO COURTESYBUSCH GARDENS

Powder Keg, above,

makes the highest

jump on the steel

charts. Above right,

Expedition GeForce

is the highest rated

international

coaster. At right,

Big Bad Wolf, a

hugely popular ride

with guests and

coaster fans alike,

ended its career

this Labor Day.

AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN PHOTO COURTESY HOLIDAY


35/40


Wooden it be fun!Holiday World stays on top while the top five shuffles


Out of all the categoriesfeatured in the Golden Ticket

Awards, Best Wooden Coasterhas had more winners thanany other category. HolidayWorld’s Raven held the titlethe longest for four years(2000 - 2003). Holiday World’samazing woodie, The Voyage,takes the prize for the thirdyear in a row. Its strong fan- base could help the coastereasily tie its sibling’s record in2010. The nonstop drops, high banked curves, airtime, andtunnels have left riders (andvoters) breathless since TheGravity Group designed thisthriller in 2006.

The rest of the top fivehas seen a bit of a jugglingact in comparison to lastyear’s chart. Boulder Dashat Lake Compounce has seena surge in popularity sincea significant refurbish job byGreat Coasters International,Inc. took place last sea-son. Roller coaster historianMatt Crowther commentedin 2008, “Can the re-do ofBoulderDash count as BestNew Attraction?” This wood-ie leaps solidly into secondplace. BoulderDash claimed

the No. 1 spot in 2004. Completing the Win-Place-Show positions is ElToro , rising a notch up to thirdplace. Standing at 181 feet tall,Six Flags Great Adventure’sstar woodie is among the

world’s tallest and delivers asmooth and wild ride, withsome deliciously insane air-time. Completing the top five isKnoebels’Phoenixat No. 4 andDollywood’s Thunderhead atNo. 5.

Phoenix is regarded as oneof the greatest preservationstories in roller coaster his-tory. The ride dates back to the1940s when it was designedand built by PTC at Playlandin San Antonio. Rescued by

Dick Knoebel and given newlife, Phoenix was reborn in1985 and has enthralled rid-ers and enthusiasts ever sinceas perhaps the quintessentialwooden roller coaster. Great CoastersInternational has some brag-

ging rights this year. In addi-tion to their handiwork help-ing BoulderDash rocket high-er and Thunderhead placingin the top five, their brandnew Prowler at Worlds of Fundebuts in the top ten and won

Best New Attraction. Also,last year’s Evel Knievel atSix Flags St. Louis more thanquadrupled its points from itsdebut year to vault from No.44 to No. 13 this season. Itwas the biggest leap over lastyear’s tallies.

Waldameer’s RavineFlyer II also jumps into thetop ten after barely missing itlast year. This coaster by TheGravity Group lands at No. 6this year after taking Best NewAttaction in 2008.

One coaster most to be missing off next ycharts is Texas Giant (NAfter 20 seasons, the re breaking woodie will besilent this fall. Six FlagsTexas will not operatecoaster during their 50thson next year, but insteainvest millions in somethat will prepare the smoother version for the pand chain’s 50th annivein 2011. Coaster fans across the country are ex

ed to take some final at an event this SepteTexas Giant took Best WoCoaster for the first twoof Amusement Today’s GTicket Awards. Ten of the 50 coasteour chart come from national destinations. Lethe way is Colossos at HPark, Germany (No. 18), Bat Liseberg, Sweden 21); Megafobia at OakLeisure Park, Wales (NoCoaster at Playland aPNE, Canada (No. 26); G

National at Pleasure BBlackpool, England (NoThunderbird at PowerFinland (No. 34); TroToverland, The Nether(No. 35), Tonnerre de ZParc Asterix, France (NoT Express at Everland, Korea (No. 46); and AsNara Dreamland, Japan47). Incidentally, Coat Playland was just dnated an ACE Roller CoLandmark this past suma designation currently swith four other coasters ochart.

PHOTO COURTESYLAKE COMPOUNCE AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN

PHOTO COURTESYDAN FEICHT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESYRICH KOPPELMAN

AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN

Among the longest on the planet, The Voyage at Holiday World sails in as Best Wooden

Coaster for a third year in a row.

From left, Boulder Dasat Lake Compounce le

into second place. El

Toro at Six Flags Great

Adventure is known fo

its incredibly smooth

ride and extreme airtim

Knoebels Phoenix is co

sidered one of the maj

triumphs in coaster pr

ervation. Thunderhead

Dollywood has been in

top ten since its debut

2004.


36/40



37/40


38/40


The List2009 TOP 50 WOODEN ROLLER COASTER

PARK YEAR POINTSLOCATIONRANK NAME SUPPLIER

The Voyage

Boulder Dash

El Toro

Phoenix

Thunderhead

Ravine Flyer II

The Beast

Prowler

Hades

Shivering Timbers

The Raven

Lightning Racer

Evel Knievel

Cyclone

The Legend

Hellcat

Kentucky Rumbler

Colossos

GhostRider

Tremors

Balder

Giant Dipper

Thunderbolt

Cornball Express

Megafobia

2006

2000

2006

1985

2004

2008

1979

2009

2005

1998

1995

2000

2008

1927

2000

2004

2006

2001

1998

1999

2003

1924

1968

2001

1996

Holiday World

Lake Compounce


Knoebels Amusement Resort

Dollywood

Waldameer

Kings Island

Worlds of Fun

Mt. Olympus Theme Park

Michigan’s Adventure

Holiday World

Hersheypark

Six Flags St. Louis

Astroland

Holiday World

Timber Falls

Beech Bend

Heide Park

Knott’s Berry Farm

Silverwood

Liseberg

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Kennywood

Indiana Beach

Oakwood

1250

1049

948

929

899

617

604

502

487

475

418

415

239

227

223

194

191

187

176

173

167

153

141

133

124

Santa Claus, Ind.

Bristol, Conn.

Jackson, N.J.

Elysburg, Pa.

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Erie, Pa.

Kings Mills, Ohio

Kansas City, Mo.

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Muskegon, Mich.

Santa Claus, Ind.

Hershey, Pa.

Eureka, Mo.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Santa Claus, Ind.

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Bowling Green, Ky.

Soltau, Germany

Buena Park, Calif.

Athol, Idaho

Stockholm, Sweden

Santa Cruz, Calif.

West Mifflin, Pa.

Monticello, Ind.

Pembrookshire, Wales

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Gravity Group

CCI

Intamin

Dinn/PTC-Schmeck

GCII

Gravity Group

KECO

GCII

Gravity Group

CCI

CCI

GCII

GCII

Keenan/Baker

CCI

S & S

GCII

Intamin

CCI

CCI

Intamin

Prior & Church/Looff

Vettel/Miller

CCI

CCI


39/40


PARK YEAR POINTLOCATIONRANK NAME SUPPLIER

The List2009 TOP 50 WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS

Coaster

Grand National

Rampage

The Comet

Viper

Twister

Texas Giant

The Boss

Thunderbird

Troy

Ozark Wildcat

Boardwalk Bullet

Tonnerre de Zeus

Jack Rabbit

Screamin’ Eagle

Hurricane

Timber Terror

Terminator Salavation: The Ride

Georgia Cyclone

Renegade

T Express

Aska

Blue Streak

Giant Dipper

Excalibur

1958

1935

1998

1994

1995

1999

1990

2000

2006

2007

2003

2007

1997

1921

1976

2000

1996

2009

1990

2007

2008

1998

1964

1925

1998

Playland at the PNE

Pleasure Beach Blackpool

Alabama Adventure

The Great Escape


Knoebels Amusement Resort


Six Flags St. Louis

PowerPark

Toverland

Celebration City

Kemah Boardwalk

Parc, Asterix

Kennywood

Six Flags St. Louis

Boomers

Silverwood



Valleyfair!

Everland

Nara Dreamland

Cedar Point

Belmont Park

Funtown Splashtown U.S.A.

121

113

112

108

104

102

101

100

91

76

72

64

63

59

58

57

52

49

48

46

44

42

42

39

38

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Blackpool, England

Bessemer, Ala.

Lake George, N.Y.

Gurnee, Ill.

Elysburg, Pa.

Arlington, Texas

Eureka, Mo.

Alaharma, Finland

Sevenum, The Netherlands

Branson, Mo.

Kemah, Texas

Plailly, France

West Mifflin, Pa.

Eureka, Mo.

Dania Beach, Fla.

Athol, Idaho

Valencia, Calif.

Atlanta, Ga.

Shakopee, Minn.

Yongin-si, South Korea

Nara, Japan

Sandusky, Ohio

San Diego, Calif.

Saco, Maine

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47 (tie)

47 (tie)

49

50

Phare

Paige

CCI

PTC-Schmeck

Starkey/Six Flags

Fetterman/Knoebels

Dinn/Summers

CCI

GCII

GCII

GCII

M&V/Gravity Group

CCI

PTC-Miller

PTC-Allen

Coaster Works

CCI

GCII

Dinn/Summers

GCII

Intamin

Intamin

PTC-Hoover

Prior & Church

CCI


40/40


. I . P .

2 0 10 W I N N E R SB U S C H G A R D E N S W I L L I A M S B U R G D I C K & B A R B A R A K

N O E B E L C E D A R P O I N T D O L L Y W O O D E P C O T G A R Y G O D D A R D E N T E R T A I N M E N T

H O L I D A Y W O R L D & S P L A S H I N ’ S A F A R I

I N D I A N A B E A C H J A C K K R A N T Z K I N G S I S L A N D K N O E B E L S A M U

S E M E N T R E S O R T L E G O L A N D C A L I F O R N I A

S A N T A C R U Z B E A C H B O A R D W A L K S C H L I T T E R B A H N

S C H L I T T E R B A H N G A L V E S T O N I S L A N D

S E A W O R L D O R L A N D O S I L V E R D O L L A R C I T Y

S I X F L A G S N E W E N G L A N D

U N I V E R S A L ’ S I S L A N D S O F A D V E N T U R E

U N I V E R S A L S T U D I O S O R L A N D O

W O N D E R L A N D P A R K W O R L D S O F F U N

V . I . P .

2 0 0 9

G O L D E N T I C K E T A W A R D S

B E S T O F T H E B E S T !

Salutes the Winners

of the

2009 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDSfor being

The Best of the Best

in our industry!

Thank You!

for your hospitality in hosting the

Summer Celebration and the

2009 Golden Ticket Awards ceremony

&

KAY PARK RECREATION for their Legends Series park

bench contribution.

Rick Bastrup and Richard Ferrin,

R&R Creative Designs, for their

musical talents, the Nocturnes.

We thank our sponsors:

Documents

2009 Golden Ticket Awards Theme Park