Networking Event of the Year stretches over two states

Carowinds hosts Amusement Today's 2025 Golden Ticket Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Opening in 1973, Carowinds has had more than five decades of theme park history. The park’s big claim to fame is that it was built crossing a state line. From a marketing standpoint, that’s a cool feature; however, it can present some quirks when operating in two states. Still, many guests love to straddle the line and have their picture taken standing “in two states” at the front gate. Traditions such as those make for multigenerational memories.

On September 5 and 6, the amusement industry enjoyed the park and all it has to offer. As host of the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, Carowinds welcomed attendees from around the globe.

“It is such an honor to host the Golden Ticket Awards. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the finest from our industry to the Carolina state line for a celebration of our shared passions and commitments,” said Brian Oerding, park manager and vice president, prior to the event. “Our team is planning a great weekend, full of unique experiences, collaborative networking and Carolina hospitality. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event.”

The Friday evening reception took place in the park’s award-winning Aeronautica Landing, a relatively new section inspired by the spirit of innovation that made history in the Carolinas. Within the section is a complement of new rides supplied by Zamperla. Aeronautica Landing opened in 2023.

“I think the receptions are such an integral part of the Golden Ticket weekend,” said Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade. “We like to think of it as the ‘Networking Event of the Year.’ Conversations shared are really a benefit of the weekend. The amusement industry is like family.”

New for 2025 was an expansion of the children’s section. Camp Snoopy brought in two new rides. A water battle from Mack Rides called Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast is an interactive way for riders and spectators to have fun and keep cool. For the younger set, Snoopy’s Racing Railway is a family launched coaster just the right size for budding enthusiasts. It was manufactured by ART Engineering.

Beyond that, attendees were able to experience the park and enjoy various behind-the-scenes tours.

“I love it when industry professionals get to enjoy seeing what their colleagues are doing,” said Golden Ticket Awards Communication Coordinator Tim Baldwin. “Everyone learns from each other. Connections are important, and it is awesome just to have fun together! We need that.”

A visit to Carowinds wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the park’s award-winning Fury 325, the towering Bolliger & Mabillard coaster that dominates the front entrance and park skyline.

The official awards were given out in a ceremony in the Carowinds Theater the evening of September 6. Full coverage of the weekend event will appear in the November I issue of Amusement Today.

All stories this issue by Tim Baldwin

unless otherwise noted

Boom!

AMUSEMENT VOICE: Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards Communications Coordinator

As with most everything in life, things can find a groove, and oftentimes, it is easy to feel that things can be somewhat predictable. Then something unexpected happens, and we realize that life can be surprising.

The Golden Ticket Awards have never seen such a shakeup as they have in 2025.

Most of this can be attributed to the bold debut of Universal Epic Universe. With so many years in the making, seeing the park emerge complete and over-the-top spectacular, it is no surprise to industry professionals, enthusiasts or day-to-day guests that something truly special has happened.

With multiple wins and landing on numerous finalist lists, Epic Universe has made its impact. When someone or some place commits to pushing boundaries and going beyond what is done, then … Boom! The financial scope in Orlando is evident, but I’ve been a big believer that high cost has never been a requirement of creativity. You just need to see things in new ways. Moving forward, is there a way to introduce new attractions that surprise guests? Are there better ways to tell new stories? Are there ways to refresh existing attractions to elevate the guest experience in ways they weren’t expecting?

Amidst all this shakeup, the final undefeated original Golden Ticket category (from 1998) slipped to No. 2 by the thinnest of margins. While bittersweet, it is also a time to reflect on the spectacular achievement that record-setting run was. And does it inspire all properties as they look ahead?

2025 is an amazing year. The lists of finalists are always interesting as parks and attractions find their places in the top five. When new entries are seen, it’s an accomplishment — it’s a triumph! Making it to the chart is an achievement not to be understated. All recognition is a victory of doing things right.

Things are improved by change.

Nothing is predictable moving forward.

Free of the suit and tie

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

Networking. It's the cornerstone of all business and, without a doubt, the most essential cog in the amusement industry. Innovation, inspiration and perspiration are what get things done and take them to new levels. But networking ... that's what makes all of those truly possible.

Who you spend time with helps you see what needs to be improved or innovated. Who you know helps inspire your ideas. Who you reach out to in order to get the work done to bring ideas into reality is as crucial as each nail, each note on a blueprint, each link in the chain.

And, all too often, networking is reduced to expos, convention halls and educational seminars ... the places where everyone is acting as the utmost professional, clad in a suit-and-tie and shaking hands alongside a near plastic smile. It's making business acquaintences from living, breathing brochures with a hearbeat.

However, networking can — and should — be so much more than that. And that's one of the greatest treasures of the Golden Ticket Awards.

Gone are the cold showfloors. Instead, it's new faces alongside familiar ones along the midways of our beloved attractions and parks. Booths and banners give way to roller coasters and warm friends. Faux smiles give way to genuine interaction and getting to know the people alongside us in the industry.

The Golden Ticket Awards have been dubbed "The Networking Event of the Year," but they are anything but a classic networking event. The Golden Ticket Awards are a celebration of the industry, where suppliers and operators can get to know the real people behind it all while commemorating the success of the season. The Golden Tickets are a networking event that opens the real roads to friendships, growth and the inspirations that will grow the industry.

Seize the moment. Have a cocktail, share a smile, scream alongside someone new on a coaster. Network by enjoying the heart of the industry and getting to know the heart of a person.

2025 GOLDEN TICKET AWARD Winners

Global new “Bests”: Water Park Ride, Show, Family Attraction, Installation

Voters love things that are new each year. Winners in various categories came from across the planet to be championed for their accomplishments.

Starting with Best New Water Park Ride, a rare win from Asia tops the charts. Chimelong Water Park in China scores the gold with (as best as can be translated) HydroMagnetic LIM Mammoth Coaster.

Reportedly, the most attended water park in the world, Chimelong Water Park boasts some gigantic and iconic attractions. The new water coaster this year was one of two towering projects provided by ProSlide Technology.

“What makes the HydroMagnetic LIM technology so compelling is its blend of performance and magic,” said Ray Smegal, ProSlide’s chief commercial officer. “Guests feel it the moment they launch. Operators see it in efficiency and throughput. Owners experience it in ROI and guest satisfaction.”

The attraction is the world’s first HydroMagnetic Mammoth water coaster equipped with a FlyingSaucer 60 (the first in Asia). With a total ride time of approximately three minutes, a length of 1,445 feet (440.24 meters) and a vertical drop of almost 150 feet, the Chimelong coaster is the newest spectacular among the park’s many.

River Racers (No. 2) at Kings Island’s Soak City is the first of three WhiteWater West finalists on the chart. This side-by-side slide pays homage to the park’s original coaster, The Racer. Riders are dispatched together and begin with a large drop, followed by an uphill section. Twists and turns are symmetrical to both sides, making for a race to the finish.

Rafter’s Rage (No. 3) at Soaky Mountain is an example of WhiteWater’s new Wall Runner concept involving lateral drift. Rafts cling to curves and combine airtime with acceleration.

Moosehorn Falls (No. 4) at Canada’s Wonderland sends large rafts of three to six riders up a giant wall to experience zero gravity.

The Hive (No. 5) at Zoombezi Bay is among the first of ProSlide’s newest product. Two massive beehive-shaped helices alternate between translucent yellow and black panels to create an exhilarating effect from the inside. It’s high Gs on a waterslide that keeps riders high on the spiraling walls.

Parks from around the world were welcomed to submit entertainment for Best New Show. Any shows performed after the 2024 Golden Ticket Awards were eligible. A dedicated panel of judges was tasked to watch every show in its entirety before making their choices from the nominees.

Taking the Golden Ticket was “Voodoo Dolls” at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The eerie female-starring production was part of Fiesta Texas’ Mardi Gras event.

“It’s always an honor to win a Golden Ticket. This one is special because this production was conceived and created completely by our in-house team,” said Ben McTyre, manager of entertainment. “Almost the entire team had a hand in ‘Voodoo Dolls.’ Everything from the script, tracking, vocal direction and choreography, to costuming, video effects, lighting, scenic design and construction were accomplished by our multitalented staff. Thanks to our new corporate partners for their support and a huge thank you to [Regional General Manager] Jeffrey Siebert who supports our insanity and has created an atmosphere that continues to make Fiesta Texas a special place where creativity is encouraged and allowed to thrive.”

In a close second was “Play On” from Dollywood. This retrospective let guests who have visited the park for four decades relive many of their favorite songs and scenes from past years. Live musicians and performers were surrounded by images from 40 years.

“Hide and Seek” (No. 3) was a fun and spooky Halloween show performed at Valleyfair. A spellbinding merging of haunting melodies, electrifying choreography and cutting-edge technical design, ‘Hide and Seek’ featured mesmerizing dancers and powerhouse singers.

“Holidays in the Sky” (No. 4) is reimagined each year at Holiday World. Of the 500 drones in the night sky, some in 2025 carried pyrotechnics for dramatic moments. The park’s holiday themes captivated audiences visiting in the summer.

Closing out the five finalists is “Justice League – Rise of the Penguin” from Parque Warner Madrid. A breathtaking lake show spectacle unlike anything seen before, visitors were drawn into a hero-versus-villain storyline with jaw-dropping stunts, synchronized pyrotechnics and water aerialists on flyboards, as well as massive set pieces.

Family experiences are ones that make for lifetime memories. The finalists for Best New Family Attraction are vastly different, but they all have one thing in common: each one is indoors.

Taking the gold is Danse Macabre at Efteling. A combination of a spinning thrill ride inside a gothic and heavily themed church setting filled with ghosts was a real crowd-pleaser. So much so that when the ride cycle is finished, guests are inclined to applaud!

“This award is a wonderful recognition for everyone who worked on Danse Macabre,” said Fons Jurgens, CEO. “From the very first concept drawings to the moment we welcomed our first guests, it has been a remarkable journey. Seeing the creativity, craftsmanship and passion of our team come together in such a unique attraction has been truly inspiring. What makes us most proud is how warmly our guests have embraced Danse Macabre — being swept away by its story, music and atmosphere every single day. To now see that experience honored with a Golden Ticket Award is an incredible reward.”

The ride system was created by Intamin.

“Bringing this immersive ‘world’s first’ attraction to life made all of us proud,” said Gerard Slenders, vice president, Intamin. “Efteling’s outstanding creative ideas needed a lot of expertise from both sides to make Danse Macabre a perfect symbiosis of creativity, technology and passion. Our close and trusted partnership with Efteling was key to the project’s success, and we are happy to have this strong alliance with the park.”

The attraction opened on Halloween last year. Most guests are getting their first spin on it in 2025.

“Danse Macabre is more than cutting-edge technology; it’s a truly fantastic experience leaving a lasting impression on everyone who has enjoyed it,” added Slenders.

Universal Epic Universe claims the next three spots. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (No. 2), Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (No. 3) and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (No. 4) were all embraced by well-known themes and IPs.

The finalists are completed by Ghostly Manor at Paulton’s Park. A collaboration between Mack Rides, Lagotronics and the park’s theming, this compact Game Changer attraction was a hit.

The category of Best New Attraction Installation is geared toward rides that have impact, either on their park or the amusement industry. Once again, Epic Universe not only has three in the finalists, but the brand-new park takes the Golden Ticket in this category.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry lands in the top spot. This one-of-a-kind attraction dazzles from the moment guests step into the queue. Inside, the theming is immersive, and the ride system almost defies description.

“Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry builds upon the incredible ride innovation Universal is known for and is the most ambitious attraction we’ve ever built,” said Eileen Stephens, senior director/projects, Universal Creative. “Just the sheer scale of this attraction is unbelievable and unlike anything else. The adventure begins from the moment you travel via Métro-Floo from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic to enter the queue, which is an attraction unto itself. You encounter so much in this ride — massive, breathtaking environments, unprecedented ride technology, lifelike animated figures and so much more — all while trying to bring Dolores Umbridge to justice. This ride is a true gamechanger and so far, our guests have been blown away.”  

The park’s Stardust Racers (No. 2) is the marquee coaster at the park, and the graceful and fluid layout is accented by beauty and ever-so-cool details.

Danse Macabre at Efteling is a finalist here (No. 3). The afore-mentioned attributes made it a solid contender in this category as well.

Epic Universe’s Constellation Carousel (No. 4) is undeniably breathtaking and serves as an iconic centerpiece to the park.

The fifth finalist makes an impact in a different way. Joy’s Happy Swing at Morgan’s Wonderland accommodates families with members of all abilities. Riders in wheelchairs can roll right on and be secured to enjoy the simple, fun thrills of a Zamperla Happy Swing.

Best New Coaster is Epic's, Dollywood keeps Family Coaster award

Deciding on the Best New Roller Coaster is tough because year after year, parks and manufacturers continue to up their game. Factor in any delays, and the ripple effects can be significant.

All things said, a clear winner emerged for 2025. Stardust Racers and Universal Epic Universe shine at the top.

Built by Mack Rides and bedazzled by Universal Creative, the mesmerizing attraction features racing trains that intertwine in fascinating ways. Add in the cool factor with night lighting and Stardust Racers is a masterpiece in Universal’s portfolio.

“It is a huge honor to be named Best New Roller Coaster, and we’re so excited that Stardust Racers has earned this recognition,” said JC Loward, assistant director/executive producer, Universal Creative. “Our team set out to create an ‘out-of-this-world’ dual-launch coaster that feels like you’re riding aboard a comet, and to see the positive guest reactions since we’ve opened has been amazing. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet, Stardust Racers is definitely a must-do for any thrill seeker visiting Epic Universe.”

“Stardust Racers was in development for several years — a true passion project,” added Maximilian Roeser, Mack Rides. “The fusion of our launch coaster system with Universal’s spectacular design is simply stunning. The attention to detail and immersive theming make this coaster a benchmark for what’s possible when great engineering meets visionary storytelling.”

At No. 2, AlpenFury had a delayed opening, but it did so to rave reviews once riders climbed aboard. Wonder Mountain, the iconic centerpiece of Canada’s Wonderland, now explodes with bright, wintery blue track that captivates onlookers upon arrival at the park.

Built by Premier Rides, the new-for-2025 thriller features two launches — one inside the mountain and a following boost to burst trains skyward into the daylight — and then soar through seven fluid inversions.

AlpenFury is the anchor to the reimagined Alpenfest area of Canada's Wonderland's themed lands.

Never before has a park had two finalists in this category. Cedar Point has done that with Nos. 3 and 4. The debut of Siren’s Curse had coaster fans paying close attention. Built by Vekoma, it is the first tilt coaster to debut in North America. Cleverly themed to tie in with the park’s Lake Erie setting, reviews have been nothing short of spectacular praise for the ride.

Owing to its delay from last year, Cedar Point’s second entry made for a solid one-two punch for park guests this season. TT2 and its terrifying backward spike and 120 mph speeds had riders cheering. The re-imagined ride wows visitors with slick trains and a new ride system from Zamperla.

When playing into a beloved attraction, Busch Gardens Williamsburg not only paid homage but thematically pulled it off in grand fashion. Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge (No. 5) flies through the German village as the original did, with even more theming and décor. Built by Bolliger & Mabillard, the new version features two lifts just like the original and is suspended below the track. The glowing eyes on the front of the train give it a distinctive touch.

Best Family Coaster is one of Amusement Today’s more recent categories, and it acknowledges the revived importance of major attractions aimed at families. For a time, roller coasters referred to as “family coasters” were simple, smaller attractions. Now the industry sees the importance of significant investments in which the whole family can ride.

Attractions in this category do not feature extreme speed or intense elements, do not go upside down, nor are they in the dark.

For the third year, Dollywood takes the Golden Ticket with Big Bear Mountain. When it debuted in 2023, it was the largest investment in any attraction at the park. Even though its target audience is families, it is the longest roller coaster in the park’s collection, just shy of 4,000 feet.

“Big Bear Mountain has quickly become a favorite for guests of all ages because it offers something for everyone — dynamic thrills for coaster enthusiasts, immersive theming that captures the imagination, and the kind of re-rideable fun that keeps families coming back again and again,” said Pete Owens, Dollywood VP of marketing and public relations. “It’s an honor to see our team’s hard work recognized, and we’re proud that this attraction continues to be one that adults and their kids can enjoy equally as a family.”

Noted for its three launches, tangled layout and smooth execution, Big Bear Mountain is a product of Vekoma.

Universal Epic Universe is on the charts again in this category. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (No. 2) has received universal (no pun intended) praise for its ride experience. Families love it, and the thematic overlay to Intamin’s ride system is a real crowd pleaser.

The twisted and tangled course has multiple launches, and riders encounter animatronics and thematic scenes while also diving through and under Isle of Berk structures.

The Bobcat at Six Flags Great Escape is No. 3. It debuted last year and was a hit with the park’s family audience. Built by The Gravity Group, the ride stands 55 feet tall and delivers a minute-long ride of snappy curves and pops of airtime.

Two rides tie for the fourth position.

Mecalodon is a new-for-2025 attraction and is already on this list, a feather in the cap for a new coaster. This triple-launch coaster contributes to an entire retheme of an area at Walibi Belgium. Built by Gerstlauer, the roller coaster sports a shark motif on the front and much of the ride’s layout is over water. Operating with three trains, the coaster stands at a height of 49 feet and reaches 40 mph.

With the exact same points, Wooden Warrior at Quassy Amusement Park ties for No. 4.

Built in 2011 by The Gravity Group, Wooden Warrior put Quassy on the map as the park’s first “big” coaster, featuring an elevation difference of 45 feet. Since then, the park has continued to maintain the exhilarating experience, and its strong presence has fueled the park’s momentum in growth.

Powers, Prescott save Family Kingdom, receive Renaissance Award

Les (Corky) Powers, owner of Powers Great American Midways (PGAM), recalled the day when Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, businessman Bill Prescott reached out to him for technical advice related to amusement rides.

Powers, who has spent his entire life in the carnival industry, maintains an extensive maintenance facility in nearby Whiteville, North Carolina, and was quick to share his knowledge with Prescott.

Prescott is the owner and president of Pavilion Park at Myrtle Beach’s Broadway At The Beach and has other attractions in the resort city.

“After that call, we had lunch a few times and got to know each other,” Powers said of initial meetings with Prescott. “We talked frequently after that and got to be friends.”

At the time, the two industry veterans didn’t realize that they would become business partners and step in to save an iconic seaside Myrtle Beach amusement park.

“We talked about the park for a few years and went back and forth with the owners, who initially said they were not interested in selling it to us,” Powers asserted.

The two persisted in their venture to acquire the property as they had a shared vision on how to revitalize the landmark park.

Their perseverance finally paid off. In September of 2022, Powers and Prescott officially took over as the new owners of Family Kingdom amusement park. The 13-acre property opened in 1966 as Grand Strand Amusement Park and closed in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo caused extensive damage throughout the area.

Sitting idle until June of 1992, the property reopened under new local ownership and was renamed Family Kingdom. The same owners ran the park for the next 30 years.

Not long after the Powers/Prescott acquisition, Hurricane Ian roared ashore in Georgetown, South Carolina, flooding the park with several feet of storm surge. The salt water damaged ride motors and other equipment — an unforeseen setback for the new proprietors.

Powers contends that the former owners, who were focused on their hotel businesses, would have likely closed the amusement park for good had they still been in charge after Ian’s rampage.

But Powers and Prescott met the storm damage head-on, ensuring Family Kingdom would open on time for the 2023 season while also incorporating a massive “refreshing” of the property.

Numerous existing attractions were cleaned and repainted, while new rides were brought in by both operators. A key element to reworking the equipment was to make the park “more hurricane-proof.” One of the first weather-proofing projects was raising the transformer on the classic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster several feet off the ground to protect it from future flooding.

“It was simple things like that we needed to get done first,” Powers noted.

As the park entered its third season under Powers and Prescott this year, it was evident Family Kingdom had been reborn.

More than a dozen new rides lined the midway, along with updated food and game concessions. Buildings were brightly painted, new fencing was installed along the ocean swash in the center of the park, and the former arcade was transformed to accommodate birthday parties along with indoor seating for guests to enjoy food and beverages. A large awning and tables were added on the food court side of the structure as well.

The Swamp Fox, a 1966 classic designed by John Allen and James Martz of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC), has received new track on all but the lift hill of its 2,400-foot out-and-back configuration. Powers and Prescott emphasized that the coaster will be properly maintained in the years to come and the final phase of retracking is on the agenda.

The ride was designated as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts in 2016.

At the far end of the park is another PTC gem: a three-abreast carousel built in 1930, registered as No. 87 by the maker. The wood deck was refinished before the start of the 2023 season.

The Chance Rides Giant Wheel, which overlooks South Ocean Boulevard, was installed in 1990 and is one of the first big wheels produced by the Wichita, Kansas, company. The entire ride has been overhauled over the past two years with a new programmable light package added from Florida vendor Denny’s Electronics. All of the gondolas were refurbished at the PGAM maintenance facility.

Family Kingdom is also home to the first interactive dark ride produced by Sally Dark Rides of Jacksonville, Florida. Pistolero Roundup was installed in 1995 inside a former restaurant building on park property.

The vehicles, infrared guns and targets are kept in top-notch condition by an independent contractor who visits every few weeks during the season.

While Kiddieland sports new rides such as Tea Cups (Kolmax Plus), Puppy Roll (Gold Star Manufacturing), Crazy Cabs (SFB/Visa), Fun Slide (Frederiksen) and Rockin’ Tug (Zamperla), a vintage Allan Herschell wet boat ride (circa 1955) remains as popular as ever.

Among the new thrill rides are Flip Side, a Technical Park Loop Fighter; Techno Jump (Sartori); Vertigo (ARM); Surf’s Up (SBF/Visa); Lunartic, an SFB/Visa Tekno Fly; and Dragon Coaster (Jung-Max).

The new owners were also keen on keeping other existing attractions onsite, including one of the first large Himalaya rides produced by Italian manufacturer Bertazzon. Other staples include an O.D. Hopkins log flume, Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson), C.P. Huntington train (Chance), antique cars (Arrow), and Twist ‘N’ Shout mouse coaster and Galleon swinging ship, both from Zamperla.

New go-karts, Sling Shot and zip line were added to the arsenal.

“Family Kingdom reflects the heart of the new owners, where community and guest experience are clearly a priority,” noted Elizabeth Ringas, president of American Coaster Enthusiasts. “Their thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation is evident in the smooth, powerful ride on the Swamp Fox — running just as John Allen likely envisioned. Their investment in preserving this historic seaside wooden coaster is both commendable and vital, keeping a living piece of history alive. It’s clear they are building a sustainable, modern park around a true treasure.”

“It’s humbling to be honored with this award,” Powers said of the Amusement Today honor. “To me, it feels like all of our efforts — the sweat and tears — are worth it. It’s sad to see these small parks disappear, but we’ve saved this one.”

“I worked at the park as a youngster for the former owner, Mr. Parker,“ Prescott stated. “It was a really cool experience to have that opportunity. And here we are today, owners of the property, thanks to an incredible partner like Corky Powers. It’s certainly an honor to be recognized with this award as we’re doing what we love.”

For their continued devotion to the industry and for saving Family Kingdom amusement park, Les Powers and Bill Prescott are the recipients of the Amusement Today Publisher’s Pick Renaissance Award.

—Ron Gustafson

Hurricane Harbor LA has complete makeover, earns Turnstile Award

When Six Flags Magic Mountain added a second gate, Hurricane Harbor, in 1995, it gave visitors two parks to extend their length of stay. One of the world’s largest roller coaster collections was now adjacent to a themed water park oasis, offering a completely new type of experience.

In time, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor grew. New slides were added, but after three decades, park officials were confident it was time for a refresh.

“As we approached our 30th anniversary, we wanted to show appreciation to our fans and renew their reasons to visit and make memories in the park,” said Raffi Kaprelyan, regional general manager. “From the start of this project, we set out to create a completely revitalized guest experience. Starting with a new theme and backstory, every part of the park was upgraded, including refinishing slides with colors that pop to shine brighter and provide a better ride experience to new and enhanced cabanas, landscaping, food and beverage, restrooms and changing areas.”

A popular way to amuse guests is to give them a story. This year, a new imaginative backstory takes an unexpected, playful twist on stereotypical pirates. The scallywags have abandoned high-sea adventures for island hospitality. As the tale goes, the village led by Captain Cuttlefish was nearly destroyed by a fierce storm, but the resilient islanders rebuilt their home, turning wreckage into artistic attractions.

Safe Slide was called upon to refurbish slides to make them shiny and captivating.

“Our team restored all 37 of the park’s waterslides, seven steel towers, and two play structures,” said Tony Perry, co-founder, Safe Slide. “That included full interior and exterior fiberglass restoration, plus sandblasting and recoating all of the steel structures. It was a full transformation from the top of each tower to the final panel.”

This whimsical origin story now weaves its way through the park’s updated theming and design. The team members’ new uniforms reflect the newly created motif.

Colorful landscaping brings new life to numerous areas, and gardens complement entryways, slides and walkways.

Guest comfort was also top of mind. The parkwide makeover included expanded seating, more shade, refreshed restrooms and changing areas, upgraded food offerings and brand-new cabanas.

The transformation also updates behind-the-scenes areas for staff as well.

Hurricane Harbor’s 30th anniversary wasn’t about new rides; it was a reinvestment into the imagination in place for three decades, with refreshed brightness and inviting rebranding to keep guests coming back. Because of this creative tribute to transformation, resilience and the joy of rediscovery, Amusement Today is proud to present the Publisher’s Pick Turnstile Award to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles.

125 years and counting: Eli Bridge Co. named Supplier of the Year

Few companies in the United States have withstood the test of time like Eli Bridge Co. of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Eli Bridge has been manufacturing Ferris wheels since founder William E. Sullivan introduced his first such amusement ride 125 years ago.

Perhaps even more astonishing is that the maker of Big Eli Wheels and the popular Scrambler thrill ride has remained under the leadership of the Sullivan family with a fourth-generation currently at the helm. Patty A. Sullivan, great-granddaughter of the founder, now serves as president and chief executive officer of the firm, a position she has held since 1996.

While a variety of sizes of Big Eli Wheels have been produced throughout the years, the company broadened its appeal with amusement park and carnival operators when it shipped its first Scrambler in 1955. It was an immediate success with 17 built that year, and factory orders spiked with 24 sold in 1958.

The magnitude of the company’s impact on the industry worldwide speaks through its numbers. To date, more than 1,400 Big Eli Wheels have been produced, while 453 Scramblers have left the Illinois plant.

SpiderMania, a relatively tame family swing ride with motion similar to a Scrambler, and Construction Zone, a dump truck themed kiddie ride, were added to the Eli portfolio in 1998 and 2003 respectively. The company also produces children’s versions of its wheel and Scrambler.

Eli Bridge products are found at amusement parks, both big and small, while many carnivals feature portable versions of the popular attractions. Today’s modernized versions of the wheels and Scrambler can be ordered as stationary park models or trailer-mounted for the mobile industry.

The largest wheel the company produces is a 16-seat, 55-foot-tall ride Eli Bridge calls the Aristocrat, or its No. 16.

Oaks Park, a 120-year-old amusement park in Portland, Oregon, has an Aristocrat wheel as well as a Scrambler.

“The Ferris wheel is a shining icon of our park and the ultimate way to take in breathtaking views of the Willamette River and downtown Portland,” said Emily MacKay, marketing and events director at the property.

“Whether it’s little ones braving their very first ‘big kid’ ride or couples sharing a first kiss high above the city lights, the Ferris wheel has been creating unforgettable memories at Oaks for generations,” MacKay added. “It’s more than just a ride — it’s a rite of passage and a beloved tradition for our entire community. The 1957 Scrambler continues to be one of the midway’s biggest crowd-pleasers! A thrilling favorite for generations of local families — and even our ride operators love it — the Scrambler never fails to bring smiles and excitement.”

“We have three Eli rides and they keep going and going,” emphasized Joe Masher, owner of Huck Finn’s Playland in Albany, New York. “The Big Eli Wheel is a favorite of our guests.”

The 73-year-old park also has a Scrambler and a Baby Eli # 6 wheel, built in 1947.

“For 50 years, Scarecrow Scrambler has been an integral piece of Holiday World and Santa Claus Land history,” explained Matt Blumhardt, vice president and chief operating officer, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana. “It’s a family favorite that brings laughter and joy to millions of families in its storied history. The Scrambler is a landmark in our Halloween section, and it’s beloved by everyone who visits.”

“We have had our Eli Ferris wheel since the early 1960s and added the Scrambler (Tweetsie Twister) in the early 2000s,” noted Chris Robbins, president, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, North Carolina. “Generations of visitors have enjoyed these rides, both of which can be ridden by almost the entire family.”

At Carowinds theme park in Charlotte, North Carolina, a Scrambler was among the ride line-up when the property opened in 1973. It was themed as Kaleidoscope during its early years before reverting to the manufacturer’s name. Carowinds refurbished the ride for the 2025 season with a new color scheme as well as seat decals and again calls it Kaleidoscope.

One of the most unique partnerships Eli Bridge Co. has developed is with sportswear and equipment retailer Scheels, based in Fargo, North Dakota. Since 2004 Eli Bridge has installed 16 wheels in the retailer’s locations, which operates 30 stores in 16 states. Another wheel is scheduled to be delivered to Scheels next year.

And by all indications, the 18 employees at Eli Bridge Co. will remain busy in the foreseeable future, completing new orders and maintaining the parts inventory thanks to brisk business during fall and winter trade shows.

For marking an amazing milestone and keeping those Big Eli Wheels turning for 125 years, Eli Bridge Co. is the Publisher’s Pick for Supplier of the Year.

—Ron Gustafson

An 'Epic' win for Best Dark Ride, Dollywood holds Best Kids’ Area

It’s no understatement to say Universal Orlando Resort is having a great year, certainly in terms of impact on the Golden Ticket Awards.

Universal Epic Universe is the new victor in Best Dark Ride. As part of the Dark Universe section of the park, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has a little bling to shine in the darkness with a Golden Ticket Award.

“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is one of the most thrilling and terrifying attractions we’ve ever built,” said Pete Carsillo, senior creative director, Universal Creative. “There are so many innovative elements that come together to bring this attraction to life, including an original story featuring new and classic characters, state-of-the-art ride technology, massive sets and the most technologically-advanced, life-like animated figures that we’ve ever created. A lot of the creative team behind the attraction are monster fans themselves, and it feels amazing to create such a unique experience that allows guests to encounter the Universal monsters in a whole new way.”

Across the park, Epic Universe’s Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry scores big in the No. 2 position. Capitalizing on the stories of the Harry Potter IP, this dark ride — and queue — redefine “immersive” for a theme park ride. As guests journey into a “floo” to board the ride, it is an experience like never before seen at a theme park.

Coming in at No. 3 is Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This jaw-dropping E-ticket is nothing short of spectacular and held the Golden Ticket for four years straight. The queue is transportive, and the entire pre-show, character interaction and “prison transfer” ride experience engages guests for close to a staggering 15 minutes. This Florida attraction has a counterpart in California.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (No. 4) at Shanghai Disneyland is another former Golden Ticket holder that has immersed audiences in storytelling taken to the next level. The theming and execution are world-renowned owing to the gigantic video screens, gigantic sets and elaborate animatronics on the eight-and-a-half-minute-long ride.

Closing out the finalists is Symbolica (No. 5) at Efteling. Opened in 2017, this fantastical journey begins with guests being forbidden to visit King Pardulfus by one of his officials, but his jester Pardoes sneaks them inside through the staircase itself before boarding trackless fantasy floats. Numerous finalists have appeared in this category. This is Symbolica’s first time on the list.

Best Kids’ Area finds a repeat win for Dollywood, making it six in a row.

“Wildwood Grove is truly a special place for families to connect, with a variety of attractions that offer something for every age and interest,” said Wes Ramey, Dollywood public relations director. “I have personal experience of how Wildwood Grove has become a favorite for families because my own children want to start and end every visit to Dollywood there. It’s an immersive area that is well-themed, and it is a place where every member of the family can find something they enjoy. With two great roller coasters featuring a 39-inch height requirement, Wildwood Grove is a place where so many kids are able to create their own cherished memories because it’s where they can ride their first real roller coaster.”

Parents can ride with children on most rides in the area, and a splash zone allows kiddos to cool off with no lines or waiting.

Kings Island takes the No. 2 spot with its Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy area. With four kid-sized coasters, the most recent added in 2024, smaller rides and ones fit for parents to accompany — all combine to make it a favorite play space for children. Kings Island carried the Golden Ticket in this category for an incredible 18 years.

Universal Epic Universe (No. 3) offers a kid-friendly location with its Super Nintendo World. Slow-moving rides, game-playing fun and a Donkey Kong coaster that appears to jump the track are just the thing to elicit giggles. Of note, this new entry on the list kicks its other two resort siblings off the chart this year.

Efteling (No. 4) in the Netherlands has a long history with kids, with its Fairy Tale Forest dating back to the park’s beginnings in the 1950s. Around every corner is a new story to engage children and create smiles.

Carowinds (No. 5) is new to the chart. Its Planet Snoopy area got Snoopy-er this year with two new rides. A new coaster from ART Engineering and a water battle from Mack Rides added to the Peanuts theme.

Dark Universe at Universal scares up Best New Theme Concept

Introduced last year, Best New Theme Concept acknowledges new ideas regardless of budget. Not that money is a factor in 2025, as Universal Epic Universe and its Dark Universe area filled with the village of Darkmoor and Universal’s classic monsters is a sky’s-the-limit production.

“Universal’s earliest blockbusters were the classic monster films, and to be able to continue that legacy has truly been an epic experience. The village of Darkmoor within Dark Universe is the place where the stories of the Universal monsters come together and come to life — and our guests can actually be a part of it,” said Pete Carsillo, senior creative director, Universal Creative. “We’re bringing these timeless monsters and stories to the present day within this ravaged village that has so much mystery and thrill throughout. The positive reactions from our guests, regardless of where they fall in monster fandom, have been really cool to see and are a testament to how special these characters and stories are and how this world truly is for everyone.”

From the fiery windmill of The Burning Blade Tavern to the electrically charged mansion of Victoria Frankenstein, the themed execution of this spooky village of Darkmoor brings this eerie concept to life. It was the clear winner in this category.

Coming in at No. 2, Mine Cart Madness is also at Epic Universe. The storytelling of the Donkey Kong video games translated to the illusion of coaster cars jumping the track. It’s visually clever, and the original concept can be found at the Florida resort and Universal Studios Japan.

Siren’s Curse (No. 3) at Cedar Point taps into the Lake Erie setting with the mysterious sirens of the sea luring in sailors to their underwater demise. The seductive songs turn sinister as riders climb the lift of the new tilt coaster. The shipping and dock motifs carry into the watery ride queue, and seaweed grows up the supports.

At Warner Bros. Movie World, the new Wizard of Oz Precinct (No. 4) was a hit with guests. For the first time, the famed movie IP is put into a theme park and all things wicked and Dorothy and Emerald City are brought to life for park-goers. Queues for the two new roller coasters, Kansas Twister and Flight of the Wicked Witch, leaned into scenes and props known from the 1939 classic film.

At Six Flags Great America, the park pulled off a neat trick with Wrath of Rakshasa (No. 5). The very original name, owing to its demonic nature had to fit into the County Fair section of the park. Ingeniously, Six Flags built a storyline surrounding a state fair exhibition to see artifacts about the legendary shape-shifting demon from Hindu mythology. Sideshow banners, statues and signage portray the theme.

Mammoth reclaims Best Water Park Ride, Chiapas keeps Water Ride

Over a quarter of a century, the Golden Tickets have seen a number of tug-of-war battles between finalists in categories, whether it be roller coasters, food or water rides. Interestingly, Best Water Park Ride has its own wrestling match within a single winner. Holiday World’s Splashin’ Safari has been a long-running champion. Since 2010, the park has taken the gold. Wildebeest started its 13-year run until its bigger brother, Mammoth, snagged it from voters in 2023. Last year, Wildebeest reclaimed it. Now, Mammoth takes it back. The sibling rivalry among waterslides is like a reality television show.

“It’s no surprise to us that Mammoth and Wildebeest continue to battle for the top spot,” said Leah Koch-Blumhardt, director of communications, Holiday World. “We have a trio of extraordinary water coasters, but fans have always preferred Mammoth for the fun of seeing their family members’ reactions. We’re proud that our water coasters have kept us at the top of this category for 15 years — and even prouder to call ourselves the Water Coaster Capital of the World!”

Mammoth can seat up to six passengers facing each other, while Wildebeest has up to four passengers in-line. The two take the Nos. 1 and 2 spots. Mammoth features five enclosed sections. Wildebeest features seven uphill sections. Neither attraction requires riders to climb stairs. They are supplied by ProSlide.

As is the No. 3 finalist, another water coaster. Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Universal Volcano Bay weaves in and out of the park’s iconic volcano centerpiece through mists and waterfalls. Its numerous drops and caverns make it a stand-out attraction at the Orlando water park.

Master Blaster (No. 4) at Schlitterbahn is the first of two rides at the New Braunfels water park to be a finalist on the list. This attraction wrote the script on what waterslides can do as a water coaster in 1996 and was the first ride to take the Golden Ticket in this category. Master Blaster scored it a total of 11 times.

Nearby in the park is an in-house, one-of-a-kind attraction named The Falls (No. 5). When it opened in 2011, the 3,600-foot-long whitewater rapids river turned industry heads as the longest water park ride in the world. Lasting more than 20 minutes for one circuit on this remarkable attraction, it ends with an aquaveyor that transports guests back to the beginning.

Best Water Ride sees familiar faces and a new-for-2025 installation already making the list.

Taking the Golden Ticket once again is Chiapas at Phantasialand. It is the third win for the heavily themed flume ride.

The ride from Intamin features numerous levels, and riders keep finding themselves climbing as the ride progresses until reaching the record-setting steep drop into a Spanish village. It’s one of the park’s signature attractions.

“It is an honor and a source of pride for everyone involved that this flume ride receives this prestigious recognition — particularly after more than 10 years in operation,” said Sascha Czibulka, executive vice president, Intamin. “Whenever I ride Chiapas, I ask everyone after we exit the ride to estimate how long they think the ride experience lasted. The best guess so far was two minutes short of the actual ride time; the average guess is round about three minutes, so half the actual ride time. And this says it all: Chiapas is the most entertaining water ride.”

The exceptionally high hourly capacity of 1,600 riders, high-speed lifts and directional switches, not to mention the steepest drop on a flume, are all points of pride for Intamin.

“The experience is one of a kind — lots of world-class elements, a smooth and comfortable ride experience and over six minutes of fun and full of surprising moments all set within great theming and scenery,” added Czibulka.

For four years, Chiapas and Valhalla (No. 2) at Blackpool Pleasure Beach fought for the ticket in a back-and-forth splash battle. The U.K. attraction is entirely indoors, and it also offers a very thematic ride experience. Valhalla took first place a total of nine times, and the ride system is from Intamin as well.

Coming in third is Jurassic World – The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Landing on the charts last year, it climbs up two notches with all its dinosaur chaos. The 1990s Vekoma ride was rethemed in 2019 to the newer Jurassic World franchise. Landmark Entertainment Group was the original designer.

A new player finds its place in the list of finalists. Mission Bermudes (No. 4) at Futuroscope is a new-for-2025 installation, and it is the very first installation of Mack Rides’ Rocking Boat. (See page 88.) Being the first of its kind, the ride features runaway rapids, drops, direction changes and all sorts of storytelling while being connected to a track below the water’s surface.

Also from Mack Rides is the fifth finalist. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Universal Islands of Adventure is refreshing — and drenching — fun, all within a cartoonish atmosphere. It is a perennial finalist and was the first attraction to take this category when it was introduced. Over time, it won the Golden Ticket a total of 12 times.

Busch Gardens, Dollywood take Most Beautiful and Best Guest Experience

One of the first things people notice when visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg is how pretty the park is — and very quickly. This is a reputation the park has maintained for half a century, and it didn’t change for its 50th anniversary this season. It wins for Most Beautiful Park.

“For five decades, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has created one-of-a-kind experiences for visitors from around the world,” said Kevin Lembke, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA park president. “This award is made possible by our dedicated team members who are committed to upholding the beauty of Busch Gardens that our fans know and love. We are grateful to Amusement Today for this recognition as we continue our 50th anniversary celebration.”

This win snatches the Golden Ticket back after numerous years of the Virginia park taking it and then placing second in 2024.

Europa-Park (No. 2) was exceptionally close to taking the prize this year. Just a fraction of a percentage point separated the Nos. 1 and 2 positions. The renowned park in Germany has lush landscaping throughout the property, making every “land” truly photo-worthy.

Coming in a strong third place was Dollywood. The famous Tennessee theme park took the top spot last year, but it still finishes strongly. The Smoky Mountain setting is complemented by beautiful landscaping throughout.

Efteling (No. 4) in the Netherlands is one of the most attended parks in Europe. Among its fantastical attractions, the park grounds are lushly landscaped with bright and colorful foliage.

Completing the top five is Tokyo DisneySea. The Japanese theme park captures beauty not only with its grounds, but also with its spectacular architecture, artistic details, waterways and iconic volcano.

Best Guest Experience is a culmination of friendliness, cleanliness, solid ride operations and value.

Since this category was introduced in 2019, Dollywood has taken the gold. It does so for the sixth time in 2025.

“I can speak for everyone at Dollywood Parks & Resorts when I say that earning awards like these is humbling,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts president. “All of us greatly anticipate the Golden Ticket Awards ceremony each year because the awards validate that our efforts and the hard work of all of our hosts are resonating with our guests. We don’t create the industry’s best guest experience because we want to win awards for it, though. We do it because we want our guests to enjoy the ultimate theme park destination — a place filled with joy, hospitality and unforgettable memories.”

Naughton noted, “Additionally, with the current environment, we think it is important to provide the best possible value for those who choose to spend their money by visiting the park. We want to thank the Golden Ticket voters for recognizing how unique Dollywood is within our industry. The theme park industry is in an exciting place right now, and we plan to remain among the leaders.”

Europa-Park boasts the No. 2 spot for Best Guest Experience. The park’s operations are second to none, and the clean, beautiful grounds provide a pleasing visit.

Holiday World (No. 3) has a commitment to friendliness and cleanliness that has built a solid reputation for having guests enjoy their day. Free soft drinks also give the impression of a solid value to visitors each day.

At No. 4, Knoebels Amusement Resort checks all the boxes. Offering a fantastic value in a clean and old-school setting among groves of trees, plus Knoebels’ efficient ride operations and delicious food make for a great day.

Kings Island (No. 5) has built a loyal audience for more than half a century owing to a pretty and clean park, good staffing and a wide variety of quality attractions making for a role model regional theme park experience.

Keith James of RWS Global presented with the Leadership Award

For more than 50 years, Keith James has been a quiet, creative, kind leader in the attractions industry. Having collaborated with thousands of professionals, clients, students and friends, Keith is known for his generosity and passion for the industry.

His first role was with the entertainment department when Kings Island opened in 1972. That led to serving on the design team that created Kings Dominion. From there, he continued to serve as a planner for theme parks, working and living around the world, bringing his creative eye and planning experience to Canada’s Wonderland, Australia’s Wonderland and Universal Studios Florida.

In 2008, he became owner and CEO of JRA. With James at the helm, JRA became the go-to firm for attraction master planning, design, project management, art direction and executive media production services. James helped JRA grow internationally and create imaginative and immersive projects for global locations including Legoland parks in Windsor (U.K.) and California, the Land of Legends Theme Park in Turkey, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Arab American National Museum, Science Centre Singapore, Space Center Houston’s Independence Plaza and Mission Mars attractions, National Motorsports Hall of Fame (USA), Jim Beam American Stillhouse and Distillery Tour, The World of Coca-Cola, Crayola Experience, and so much more.

Under his leadership, JRA was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as “one of the world’s most prominent design firms.” Keith earned the TEA Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and served as president of the association in 2022. He’s served on several committees with IAAPA, including the Space Allocation Committee. Today, he continues to serve within RWS Global, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of planners and creative designers.

“Keith is an exceptional leader who is truly inspiring to so many of us in the creative process, and it is exceeded only by his sincere humility and willingness to share credit with his team,” said Jim Pattison Jr., Ripley’s Entertainment. “Keith knows the design and creative process brilliantly, and I am sure he has forgotten more about family entertainment than I will ever know. Keith is a true ambassador for our global industry.”

“What places Keith at the top of the list of industry leaders is his highest integrity, generosity and dedication to the service of others — qualities increasingly rare and much needed in this day and age,” noted Rob Rogers, BRC Imagination Arts, LLC. “I know this firsthand as I have collaborated with Keith on multiple projects, even as competitors, and have served with him on several industry committees. Keith is a role model for our industry, and I believe he represents the best of us all.”

“Keith James embodies everything you hope for in a leader — deep knowledge, unmatched experience, unwavering work and, above all, integrity,” said Shawn McCoy, SVP business management, Imagine. “For over 50 years, he has not only created some of the world’s best attractions but has also advanced the entertainment industry globally, always guided by doing what’s right and what is best for others.”

Owing to both a lifetime of passion and continued dedication, James is the 2025 recipient of the Leadership Award.

Kissel sisters honored with inaugural Show Person of the Year Award

The carnival industry plays an essential role in the overall success of hometown festivals as well as county, regional and state fairs. Without mobile amusement companies, many of these events would not exist as the midways generate not only patrons but also the funds to keep sponsoring organizations afloat.

Many of today’s carnivals are more than just a collection of rides, games and food concessions. They can offer an experience which rivals a visit to a theme park by incorporating costumed characters, shaded rest areas and other amenities you would expect to find only at permanent installations.

One such operation is Kissel Entertainment, a family-owned carnival based in Okeana, Ohio. Not only does Kissel incorporate many family-friendly services, but the carnival showcases some of the latest attractions from around the world, along with rides that have a unique heritage in the industry.

The Kissel family’s roots in the amusement business date back to 1932, when brothers Russell and Ralph Kissel established a pony ride business at the former Coney Island amusement park in Cincinnati, Ohio. They soon branched out with rides at the Cincinnati Zoo, developed their own small amusement park and then went into the carnival business.

Today, sisters Madison Kissel and Savannah Kissel Seibert, representing a fourth generation of family in the industry, are carrying on the legacy instilled in them by parents R.A. and Tammy Kissel, who started their carnival in 1973 as Kissel Rides and Shows.

Building off their father’s dream to transform the company into what it is today, the family business was rebranded as Kissel Entertainment in 2005. From there, it has become more than just a carnival, as the family has incorporated an original cast of mascot characters, fully-themed experiences, storytelling and more into the business.

In an interview published earlier this year in Amusement Today, Madison explained: “Our father and mother work closely with Savannah and me. Our parents do not want to hold us back and the business has grown alongside our careers.”

The sisters wear multiple hats in operating the business with their family. They pointed out that their staff are trained in professional development sessions to ensure the highest-quality customer service. The sisters have attended seminars from Disney and also conduct training for others in the entertainment industry, including Universal Studios.

Building on Kissel Entertainment’s long history of advancing ride safety, the company now contracts with third-party certified inspectors and ensures its internal team undergoes ride-specific and advanced operational training.

And when vacation time comes around, the duo readily admits that most vacations are an opportunity to learn and expand the business by visiting carnivals, theme parks and manufacturers around the world.

The sisters are now training other industry leaders on accessibility best practices through the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO), signaling a new generation of leadership.

Last year the company became the first traveling amusement provider certified as Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity of Vestavua Hills, Alabama. Debuting this certification at the Kentucky State Fair, Kissel Entertainment became a champion for guests with autism, PTSD, dementia and sensory sensitivities.

The Kissel midway has also introduced breastfeeding stations, shaded rest areas, water stations for service animals and an overall design philosophy that centers on comfort and dignity for every guest.

The show also has an accredited school and certified teacher on the road, offering educational opportunities to all children and families traveling with the carnival. The company offers the schooling free of charge.

Kissel Entertainment has an arsenal of more than 60 rides, including the newest international spectaculars found on very few U.S. midways. Building off that reputation, a Lunarix and High Swing are currently on order from KMG of the Netherlands, as well as a dark ride from Italian manufacturer Gosetto. Kolmax Plus of the Czech Republic is building one of its popular Flying Jumbo rides with an exclusive theme for the family show. The elephants are being replaced with an intricate herd of colorful pigs.

A hallmark of the carnival is a pair of classic Chance Rides Astro Wheels, both of which appear at larger fairs and festivals. Kissel also moves a rare Rotor, also from Chance, every week.

The carnival’s season runs from February to the first week of November, playing fairs and festivals in the Southeast. Major events include the Kentucky State Fair, Mid-South Fair and Tennessee Valley Fair.

A sister company, Ride Worx, provides rentals to music festivals and other special events. The company currently has three 33-meter Ferris wheels from Lamberink of the Netherlands. A Bertazzon (Italy) double-deck carousel will be added to the rental listing this year.

For their dedication to upholding the integrity of Kissel Entertainment and initiating marked advancements within the industry, the inaugural Amusement Today Show Person of the Year award is presented to Madison Kissel and Savannah Kissel Seibert.

—Ron Gustafson

History in the making with long-standing winner unseated

Volcano Bay takes Water Park; Europa-Park has new Best Park rival

A new victor has taken Best Water Park. Often, long-standing winners are assumed that no one can ever dethrone them, but the last undefeated Golden Ticket of the original categories has finally been breached.

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort has climbed to the top. Like so many other categories where new winners have taken the Golden Ticket, it often happens a step at a time. Two years ago, Volcano Bay was No. 3; last year it rose to No. 2. The tropical paradise is now the big kahuna of water parks — inching ahead by less than one percentage point. Volcano Bay opened in 2017 and takes the Golden Ticket for Best Water Park in 2025.

“We’re thrilled that Universal Volcano Bay has been recognized as the Best Water Park and is the first new winner in this category in 25 years — what an honor!” said Lisa Hall, senior director and general manager. “Volcano Bay was designed to take the water park experience to the next level in every aspect, from the inventive food guests can savor during their visit to the innovative attractions to the immersive theming throughout the entire park. Our guests continue to enjoy the perfect balance of thrills and relaxation that can only be found at Volcano Bay.”

While at No. 2, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels still has bragging rights as holding the record for most wins in any category — 26 years! Perched alongside the refreshingly brisk Comal River, the park’s unique attractions and hillside setting make it world-renowned. From its wild tube chutes to innovative attractions, Schlitterbahn is a one-of-a-kind place that can never truly be duplicated. Its incredible streak of annual wins is nothing short of extraordinary.

At No. 3 is Splashin’ Safari, Holiday World’s water park. Its collection of big rides with island flair is a supreme draw to the Santa Claus, Indiana, theme park. With three water coasters, the park calls itself the Water Coaster Capitol of the World.

Rulantica at the Europa-Park Resort stays at No. 4. Elaborately themed, the indoor/outdoor water park has grown tremendously in just a few short years in both attractions and amenities. The beautiful environment mixes imagination with attention to detail. Quite honestly, the year-round park may potentially have more ways to relax than any other park.

Closing the finalists at No. 5 is Dollywood’s Splash Country, the position it had last year. Natural beauty can be found interspersed with exciting slides, and the colorful environment makes it a family-favorite destination.

Best Park is shaken a bit with new competition. Still, Europa-Park takes the Golden Ticket for the tenth time. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Europa-Park boasts the largest attendance of any theme park in Germany.

“Europa Park’s 50th anniversary celebration is in full swing and now to win our tenth Golden Ticket Award as Best Park during this year is historic and deeply emotional to the Mack family!” said co-founder Roland Mack on behalf of his family. “Europa Park is our home; our fans are our guests, and our team members are passionate about what they do every day! Our relentless pursuit of delivering high quality in everything we do is woven into the DNA of our park.”

He also noted: “And our American fans can see our first feature film with Warner Brothers’ Grand Prix of Europe starring Ed and Edda and all our characters at their local theaters now!”

True to the numerous countries represented at the park, Mack stated: “A big 50th anniversary and tenth Best Park Golden Ticket Award Danke, Merci, Thanks to all our fans around the world!”

It would seem that a new kid on the block is setting its sights on the top prize. With just being open a few months, Universal Epic Universe has made an astonishing accomplishment of debuting in the No. 2 spot.

With so many years in the making, it is difficult to remember a brand-new park generating so much buzz before its opening. Its five distinct themed areas have been praised in rave reviews.

Dollywood, a previous Golden Ticket winner in this category, stands tall in the No. 3 spot. As a finalist in multiple categories, it is no surprise to see the park held in such high regard. Great rides, food and entertainment in a beautiful setting make for a winning formula.

Phantasialand (No. 4) is another European winner with immersive theming. The creative worlds dreamed up within the park’s boundaries surpass imagination. Impressive roller coasters, water rides and fantastical landscapes keep this German theme park a fan favorite.

Completing the top five is Silver Dollar City. Various qualities about the park — great food, skilled craftsmen, friendly staff and ingenious rides — make the park a Branson, Missouri, legend. Tucked in the hills of the Ozarks, Silver Dollar City is a delight for those who enter and has the distinctive footnote of being built on top of a cave, one which visitors can see every day the park is open.

AIMS announces Safety Award recipients: E&A, Jerry Aldrich

AIMS International recognized two amusement industry veterans during Amusement Today’s 2025 Golden Ticket Awards. Ellis & Associates, Inc., was awarded the 2025 AIMS International Safety Award, and industry veteran Jerry Aldrich was awarded the prestigious AIMS International Lifetime Contribution Award.

The AIMS International Safety Award is presented annually to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry. Improvements to safety come in many forms: the design and implementation of new products and technology, the development of safety education programs and training, and through exemplary leadership in influencing others.

The world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, Ellis & Associates (E&A) was recognized with this year’s award for their dedication to aquatic leadership and industry advancement.

With over 850 clients in 42 countries, E&A delivers more training in more languages than any other aquatics safety and risk management firm in the world. An industry pioneer, E&A was the first aquatic service provider to develop the rescue tube for in-water rescues, introduce the globally recognized 10/20-second and 10/3-minute protection standards, and create specialized lifeguard training programs for both shallow water and comprehensive emergency response. They were the first to integrate in-water rescue breathing technology, supplemental oxygen support with bag valve masks and non-rebreathers, and a unified curriculum combining first aid, CPR, oxygen administration, AED use and lifeguarding skills. Their contributions also include professional accident investigation, advanced reporting systems, paperless training management, electronic credentials, and the establishment of International audit awards for aquatic safety excellence. Additionally, they achieved Model Aquatic Health Code certification for lifeguard supervisor training.

E&A has long supported AIMS International’s mission to advance safety education in the amusement industry and is the official aquatic safety curriculum provider at the annual safety seminar, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative program that provides the most current industry information and global trends.

“E&A has set the benchmark for innovation, training and operational excellence in aquatic safety. Their contributions have not only advanced industry standards but have also saved countless lives. It is an honor to present them with the AIMS International Safety Award in recognition of enduring leadership and commitment to protecting guests and staff worldwide,” said Pat Hoffman, president, AIMS International board of directors.

Presented for only the fourth time in its 30-year history, the AIMS Lifetime Contribution Award was given to Jerry Adrich of Amusement Industry Consulting in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to AIMS International.

Aldrich is a globally recognized leader in the amusement and attractions industry, with over 50 years of experience, including 27 years at the Walt Disney Company. He has visited and assessed more than 150 amusement venues worldwide, contributing to safety, operations and guest experience standards.

Throughout his career in the industry, Aldrich has been actively involved with AIMS International (AIMS), ASTM International, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials, and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

Aldrich’s active membership in the ASTM Committee F24 has led to the development and implementation of international safety standards widely adopted across the industry today.

Aldrich is a long-time contributor and instructor at the annual AIMS Safety Seminar, speaking on a broad range of safety topics and lending his experience and expertise to encourage other professionals on their path to leadership in the industry. In addition, Aldrich has delivered operational safety training to students in Mexico, Singapore, Argentina, the Netherlands and Spain.

Aldrich is a recipient of the ASTM Jimmy Floyd Award for outstanding leadership and technical contributions to global amusement ride safety standards; a recipient of the AIMS Antonio Zamperla Award for Operational Safety in the Amusement Industry, and the AIMS Frank Hrubetz Award for outstanding contribution to Amusement Ride Safety in the Carnival Industry.

“Jerry has been a dedicated servant of industry safety and a driver of operational excellence across fixed parks, mobile amusements, and major league sports facilities for five decades,” said Tony Claassen, AIMS International past president. “From his early days at Disney to an extensive second career at Amusement Industry Consulting, Jerry has been a mentor and a force for good in the industry.”

Wooden Coasters: Phoenix expands record, The Voyage closes in

The 2025 chart for Best Wooden Coaster will have the same top ten from the year before but not in the same sequence. However, the top two remain unchanged.

Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Resort not only snags the Golden Ticket once more, it lengthens its record — seven consecutive wins. No other woodie has had a longer run, and Phoenix broke that record last year.

Opened in 1985, it stands as one of the finest examples of preservation, saving a 1947 Herbert Schmeck/Philadelphia Toboggan Company wooden coaster that had closed in San Antonio. Thanks to the continual love poured into the coaster by the Knoebels family and their crew, Phoenix runs like a champion.

“We’re incredibly honored that the Phoenix continues to soar as the Best Wooden Coaster in the world,” said Brian Knoebel. “Holding the record for the longest-running Golden Ticket winner is a testament not only to the ride’s legendary design, but also to the passion and precision our team puts into maintaining it. At Knoebels, we treat every inch of Phoenix with the same craftsmanship that brought it back to life, and we’re proud that guests feel that thrill on every airtime hill.”

The closest it has been in some time, The Voyage at Holiday World hangs onto its No. 2 spot and nips at the heels of the leader. Built by The Gravity Group, this 2006 installation pushed the limits of what a wooden coaster can do. Its astounding run into the woods is the second longest woodie in the world, and the Holiday World team won’t rest on its laurels. The maintenance on the ride makes it a huge favorite for hardcore enthusiasts. The Voyage took the Golden Ticket for five years from 2007 to 2011.

El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure upset the listings this year, moving up a few notches to take third place. Built by Intamin, the renowned woodie has not only taken the Golden Ticket as well, but it is legendary for the phenomenal airtime.

The Beast (No. 4) has remarkably held onto the record for the world’s longest wooden coaster since it was built in 1979 at Kings Island. For a coaster to hold onto a record for more than 45 years is astounding. The Beast has been a rite of passage for generations of thrill seekers. Of note, only it and Phoenix have been in every top ten list since the Golden Tickets were introduced in 1998.

Thunderhead at Dollywood (No. 5) is one of the Tennessee theme park’s signature attractions. A former Golden Ticket holder, Thunderhead was built by Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII) in 2004.

Another GCII woodie takes the No. 6 spot. Kings Island boasts two woodies in the top ten, with Mystic Timbers claiming lots of fans.

GhostRider at Knott’s Berry Farm (No. 7) has a unique history. Built by Custom Coasters International in 1998, the wooden coaster received a massive refurbishment by GCII in the past decade and soared to new popularity, if not the favorite coaster in the park.

Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer moves up a step to No. 9. This marquee coaster from The Gravity Group has been a top-ten favorite and is known worldwide by its signature move of zooming over the highway.

Wodan at Europa-Park (No. 10) entered the top ten last year and completes that group in 2025. This woodie has a trademark GCII move of roaring through the station before twisting and curving through the park’s Super Splash water coaster.

The biggest climber of the year is Grizzly at Kings Dominion (No. 17). Having slipped off the charts last year, coaster fans applauded how well it was running this season. It slashes and growls its way back.

[See the list of the top 50 wooden coasters at GoldenTicketAwards.com.]

Other coasters return to the chart: The Boss at Six Flags St. Louis (No. 43), Racer at Kennywood (No. 44), El Toro at Freizeitpark Plohn (No. 48) and Twister at Gröna Lund (No. 49).

Another returnee, Switchback at ZDT’s (No. 46), joins a new coaster to the list, Wild One at Six Flags America (No. 37). Switchback closed with the park on August 17, while Wild One will end its run with the closure of the Maryland park at the end of the season. Fans showed their love with votes. Wild One has a history dating back more than 100 years. Another roller coaster soon to be lost is Gold Striker at California’s Great America (No. 20). The ownership has announced that the park will close in the years ahead.

Unlike the steel coaster chart, numerous installations from the previous century find their place in the listings. The oldest woodie is Rutschebanen at Tivoli Gardens (No. 23). Built in 1914 by Lemarcus Thompson, Rutschebanen is one of the few remaining scenic railways that have a ride operator aboard the train. The wooden coaster received a designation as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark from American Coaster Enthusiasts this summer.

Four woodies from the 1920s still hold their own: Cyclone, the Coney Island classic at Luna Park (No. 15); Jack Rabbit at Kennywood (No. 19); Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (No. 33) and Kennywood’s Racer (No. 44).

While most parks would feel fortunate to have a woodie rank on the charts, three parks boast a trio of wooden coasters. Holiday World, Kennywood and Kings Island all have three coasters in the listings.

Fury 325 keeps top steel coaster; European coasters climb higher

Golden Ticket Awards host park Carowinds has bragging rights. The competition among coasters, especially steel coasters, can be fierce. In the 27-year history of voting on Best Steel Coaster, only four have claimed the prize. Fury 325, with its renewed gold in 2025, has the longest consecutive streak of nine wins. Standing at 325 feet tall (thus the name) and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the coaster dominates the skyline. In its opening year, it won Best New Attraction.

“Being home to the World’s Best Steel Roller Coaster is such an honor for Carowinds and the Carolinas,” said Brian Oerding, park manager and vice president. “For a decade now, this triumphant ride has roared to the top, winning over our guests and the amusement park industry alike with its record-breaking thrills and exhilarating layout that stretches across two states. Fury 325 has meant the world to our park, and it is so rewarding to see how much it has meant to the world.” 

Jurassic World VelociCoaster keeps its second-place spot in the rankings. Thrilling guests at Universal Islands of Adventure since 2021, it is praised for its adrenaline-pumping launches and comfortable trains. VelociCoaster was built by Intamin.

Two giants by Rocky Mountain Construction take the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. Cedar Point’s Steel Vengeance remains in third and Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay moves up a notch. Both white-knuckle favorites have outrageous maneuvers and stand more than 200 feet tall.

The highest-ranked coaster outside the U.S. moves up a couple of notches this year (No. 5). The Ride to Happiness, an extreme spinning coaster from Mack Rides, puts Plopsaland De Panne on the map for coaster enthusiasts everywhere.

Two enormous coasters tie at sixth place. Zadra at Energylandia is also by RMC and climbs a couple more notches. Millennium Force makes for two coasters in the top ten for Cedar Point. Of the four coasters to have taken the gold in this category, Millennium Force popped in and out of the top spot, taking it 11 times total.

The other three coasters completing the top ten are also in Europe, spotlighting the expertise of AT’s well-traveled panel.

Taron (No. 8) at Phantasialand is from Intamin. The double-launch coaster soars through a thematic masterpiece built by the park.

At No. 9, a newcomer has climbed into the top ten. Voltron Nevera at Europa-Park opened in 2024 with an impressive debut just below the top ten. This year it climbs two rungs to find its place in the steel elite. The spectacular ride runs with seven trains and was manufactured by Mack Rides.

Completing the top ten is Expedition GeForce at the now-named Plopsaland Deutschland. For more than two decades, this Intamin legend was the highest-ranking coaster outside the U.S. on the Golden Ticket charts. Remaining in the top ten speaks to its power and popularity.

Half of the top ten are now steel coasters operating in Europe.

Only one new-for-2025 coaster managed to find a place on the charts. Stardust Racers, only open since Memorial Day weekend, makes a solid premiere at No. 17. This racing, launched coaster from Mack Rides is one of Universal Epic Universe’s new, eye-popping attractions.

[See the list of the top 50 steel coasters at GoldenTicketAwards.com.]

Two B&M coasters have made significant leaps in this year’s tabulations. Apollo’s Chariot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg closed out the top 25 in 2024. This year, it vaults up to No. 14. Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America had slipped off the charts over the years, but coaster fans were praising its out-of-control experience this summer at Coaster Con 47. It returns with great speed at No. 36.

Five roller coasters appear for the first time on the chart of 50: Hyperia at Thorpe Park (No. 39, Mack Rides), Taiga at Linnanmäki (No. 40, Intamin), Pantheon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (No. 41, Intamin), Batman Gotham City Escape at Parque Warner Madrid (No. 46, Intamin) and Eejanaika at Fuji-Q Highland (No. 49, S&S).

In contrast to the wooden coasters, steel coasters are appreciated when they are young. Where the wooden coasters have more than a third of the top 50 from the 1900s, only five are on the steel list. The oldest coaster is Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point (No. 34). It was groundbreaking when built by Arrow in 1989. The aforementioned Apollo’s Chariot and Raging Bull barely slip under the wire at 1999. Montu at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (No. 38) was built in 1996. Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers (1994) closes the list at No. 50. Those latter four are all from B&M.

Mack Rides’ Rocking Boat makes a splash with Best New Innovation

Out of numerous nominees for Best New Innovation, Mack Rides was a clear winner for its long-in-development Rocking Boat.

This completely fresh ride system introduces a new water ride concept for the industry, one that seems overdue considering the decades that water rides have been in existence. Lending itself to a park’s narrative, the family thrills provided reach a park’s entire demographic.

“The Rocking Boat is more than just a new ride — it’s a completely fresh ride experience,” beamed Maximilian Roeser, marketing, Mack Rides.” The combination of free motion of the boat, the LIM drive and submerged track opens up creative possibilities for storytelling and theming that the industry hasn’t seen before. We’re proud to push boundaries with this innovation.”

The first installation of this ride system was introduced in 2025 at Futuroscope, which dramatically diversified that park’s ride offerings.

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (No. 2) at Universal Epic Universe transforms the dark-ride experience into new realms. The attraction marries colossal environments, cinematic storytelling and a first-of-its-kind ride system. The “Metro-Floo” immerses guests into the story by whisking them from 1920s wizarding Paris into a soaring British Ministry atrium dripping with cinematic detail, setting the stage for wizardry before riders even board the ride portion of the attraction.  

The ride, a trackless, 14-seat “Magical Ministry Lift” erupts in full 360-degree motion — rocketing up, down, forward, backward, and sideways — thanks to a patent-pending scissor-lift motion base and vertical dark-ride tower that magically changes show scene to show scene. 

Colossal practical sets and high-def video walls reconfigure around the vehicle while 4K projection-mapping, advanced animatronics, and moving scenery fuse in real-time, bringing riders into the action of a duel with Death Eaters and Delores Umbridge.  

This boundary-shattering engineering marvel sets a bold new benchmark for themed-entertainment innovation.

Also at Epic Universe, Mine Cart Madness (No. 3) is a new style of roller coaster that completes the immersion of the Donkey Kong IP. Just like in the video game, cars appear to “jump the track” when the themed track disappears below.

This roller coaster uses a side arm to carry the train cars, with an artificial themed track below the seats to tell the storyline.

Zamperla’s collaboration with Cedar Point on Top Thrill 2 (No. 4) has set a new standard for world-class launch coaster experiences. It’s Roller Coaster Business Unit engineered and designed a groundbreaking ride that pushes the boundaries of speed, capacity and rider exhilaration.

Top Thrill 2 uses an innovative Lightning Launch Coaster system, accelerating guests to top speeds in a matter of seconds before soaring across the tallest top hat in the world.

The Lightning vehicle at the heart of the launch experience showcases a blend of intensive engineering and guest comfort. Open seating and an ergonomic, redundant lap bar restraint system provide maximum safety without compromising the visceral thrill of high-speed launches or the feeling of freedom. An open design was specifically implemented to ensure speedy guest flow.

Roller built a software-based safety automation system (No. 5 – tie) that connects directly to racetrack and karting hardware — bringing modern control and real-time intelligence to a part of the industry that has been largely manual.

Instead of relying on staff to spot incidents and manually slow all karts, Roller’s system detects on-track issues in real time and automatically slows down only the affected zone. This prevents secondary collisions — where most injuries happen — without disrupting the rest of the race.

The software integrates with existing track infrastructure to show real-time kart positions, trigger digital flagging and lighting, and adjust speeds instantly. Even younger drivers can easily follow what’s happening, and operators don’t need staff in every corner watching for problems.

Because Roller connects to the hardware operators already use, there’s no need for custom installations or proprietary systems. It’s fast to deploy and easy to run — a major step forward in making karting safer, more efficient and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

EVA safety padding (tied at No. 5) from Ralph S. Alberts stands for Ethylene, Vinyl, Acetate, the same material Crocs are made out of. A close-celled, high-volume production method makes ride safety padding more durable and cost-effective than ever. Ralph S. Alberts introduced it to the amusement industry in 2024 and has since endeavored to transition padding configurations across the industry.

EVA safety padding is 1/3 of the price of regular polyurethane foam and lasts three times longer on the ride. Additional enhancements include sewn-in zippers, easing installation efforts for park operators and the use of fiberglass substrates to add rigidity and attachment methods.

Best Innovation of 2025: Honorable Mentions

Bamse’s Magiska Matäventyr (The Magical Dinner Adventure of Bamse) at Kolmårdens Djurpark is a revolutionary dining adventure. This groundbreaking concept blends immersive storytelling in a fully themed dining area, cutting-edge visual effects, and a three-course meal to transport families straight into Bamse’s world.

A true game‑changer in experiential dining, guests step into the dining area where they become fully immersed in the world of the popular children’s character Bamse. Guests are invited to a “magical portal” at their table, where projection mapping, ambient soundscapes, and live interactive moments bring the loving characters Bamse, Lille Skutt, and Skalman to life — shrunk and embarking on a quest to find magical ingredients across enchanted realms. It’s far more than dinner — it’s theater, adventure and gastronomy rolled into one. Each dish becomes a storytelling device, and the environment evolves chapter by chapter with special effects and playful narrative cues.

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Case Pro is a first-of-its-kind, fully automated machine that prints a personalized custom picture on a cell case for all major cell phone models. Using a touch screen, customers select their cell phone model, scan a QR code to download any photo from their cell phone, pay and print a color picture on a cell case. The entire process takes less than three minutes and the UV ink on the case is durable and resists scratches and fading.

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The Embed Ecosystem is designed to change the way guests, staff, bookings, operations, payments and reports integrate with each other, helping operators create the ultimate cashless, cloud-based system that suits their business needs for a seamless guest experience.

Operators get real-time sync from kiosk transactions to sales for real-time business visibility. The online reservation platform now integrates with Kiosk+. Guests can now reserve their slots for FEC attractions like bowling and laser tag via Kiosk+ and enjoy other games while they wait for their turn.

The Embed Ecosystem is constantly evolving in six-week cycles of innovation, with more upcoming updates and launches.

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Galaxy 8 is a groundbreaking advancement in ticketing and guest engagement technology. Launched by Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. in March 2025, this modern, cloud-ready solution revolutionizes how attractions manage operations, connect with guests, and drive revenue. With its sleek, intuitive interface inspired by Microsoft’s Fluent Design 2.0 and Windows 11, Galaxy 8 empowers staff with effortless navigation and rapid training while delivering unmatched operational efficiency and innovation.

Galaxy 8 from Gateway Ticketing distinguishes itself with its bold, comprehensive design. It boasts dynamic, attribute-based pricing, advanced fraud controls, seamless waiver integration and expanded self-service APIs, all of which cater to the needs of today’s high-volume attractions with unmatched speed, security and flexibility. Its guest-centric features, including a joint member portal, upsell pass renewal and contactless wristband compatibility, not only enhance the visitor experience but also drive significant operational gains and profitability.

Galaxy 8 is a transformative platform designed for the future. Its open API architecture, real-time responsiveness, and support for global payment platforms like Apple Pay, AliPay and Google Pay empower attractions to thrive in a rapidly digitalizing and interconnected world, opening up new avenues for growth and success.

Galaxy 8 is a cutting-edge innovation that equips attractions to scale, evolve and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.

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The Sacoa Redemption Kiosk is a breakthrough solution designed to modernize and streamline one of the most important touchpoints in any arcade or family entertainment center: the prize redemption experience. By combining smart automation with real-time inventory visibility, this innovative kiosk transforms what has traditionally been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process into a fast, intuitive and rewarding guest interaction.

The Redemption Kiosk puts control and convenience directly into the hands of the guest. With a sleek, user-friendly interface, visitors can browse a digital catalog of available prizes with real-time stock updates, eliminating guesswork and saving time. Instead of waiting in long lines at the redemption counter, customers can select their desired prizes at the kiosk, complete the transaction, and simply hand a printed receipt to a staff member for pickup.

This self-service approach significantly reduces wait times, especially during peak hours.

For operators, the Redemption Kiosk is a game-changer. Traditional prize counters often require multiple staff members to handle guest queries, prize selections and ticket redemptions — all while managing inventory in real time. The kiosk offloads much of this pressure, allowing teams to be redeployed to other high-value roles.

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The Slick City brand delivers a high-thrill experience that blends engineering, innovation and IP protection into a scalable business model.

At the core of Slick City’s offering is a custom-engineered slide system that uses proprietary coatings and slide mats to replicate the speed and smoothness of outdoor water slides — without a drop of water. This breakthrough enables year-round indoor operations, reduces overhead and opens access to a broader range of real estate.

Backed by an elite in-house R&D team, Slick City has filed or been granted more than 63 patents across proprietary slide designs, friction-reducing materials and modular park structures, creating an entirely new category in the FEC space. Flagship attractions are engineered for both thrill and throughput, sparking social buzz and driving repeat visits.

In a saturated industry, Slick City stands apart by inventing — not just improving — a new kind of park.

Knoebels recognized for more than two decades for Best Food

Fun foods have long been a favorite part of a day at a park. When the Golden Ticket Awards began in 1998, Best Food was a category from the very beginning. As the awards continue to evolve, the retirement of certain categories makes way for newer ones.

It is only fitting to bestow the predominant winner of this category with a Legend Award.

In the 25 years of honoring this award, Knoebels Amusement Resort has won the category 22 times, albeit with a tie twice.

What makes Knoebels such a fan favorite? Maybe it is because the campers and those staying in the rental cabins can come down in the early morning and enjoy a wide array of down-home breakfast favorites. Perhaps families enjoy the special nights of All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti, Build-Your-Own Tacos or Fish Fry Friday. The Alamo is a full-service restaurant that has been serving enjoyable diner fare since 1926. Or maybe it is the International Food Court with its range of delicious cuisines. Not to mention, pierogies, milkshakes, fries, pizza, freshly baked cookies and homemade kettle corn are all just around the corner — at attractive family prices.

“Being named a Golden Ticket Award Legend for Best Food is a milestone we are very deeply proud of, and one we share with every voter who has ever made a beeline for our homemade chicken and waffles, a plate of pierogies, or some tasty Tiger Tails,” said Brian Knoebel, co-owner. “To win this award 22 times over 25 years speaks volumes about the passion we put into our long-time favorites, and the enjoyment they bring year after year. At the same time, our talented team is always cooking up something new, introducing creative dishes and seasonal items to delight our guests. While the award may be retired, our commitment to great food is anything but.” 

Some theme parks excel at “fancy,” but Knoebels has embraced the philosophy of “What do our guests want?” Delicious? Yes. A wide range? Covered. Affordable? Check. Must-haves? Knoebels has them.

Potato cakes and baked potatoes, mac-and-cheese with popcorn chicken, cheesesteaks, vegetarian gyros and sloppy joes — is it a meal or simply a tasty snack before the next meal? There is no wrong answer.

Simply put, it’s all but impossible to leave a day at the park feeling hungry, not to mention satisfied. As the Knoebel family has to eat in the park every day, they know the importance of making yummy offerings to every visitor who stops in. It’s a winning formula that has served the park well.

The Best Food Legend Award joins another garnered from the park. Knoebels Amusement Resort was the sole winner of Best Carousel before Amusement Today retired that category in 2019. In addition, Dick Knoebel received a Legend Award for his lifetime achievement in the amusement industry in 2022.

Safety initiatives earn Beverly, Ronald Burback “Legend” status

Beverly and Ronald (Ron) Burback of Funtastic Traveling Shows, Portland, Oregon, have been champions when it comes to promoting safety within the amusement industry.

For more than 20 years, Beverly has been at the helm as chair of the Northwestern Showmen’s Club (NWSC) Safety Seminar, while the couple has graciously hosted the February event at their Portland campus. She will continue as chair for the 2026 conference.

The seminar’s success is evident in that it has grown from a two-day affair into what it is today: a five-day gathering with attendees coming from as far away as the Midwest. This year, 112 were in attendance.

Providing a broad range of classes headed up by experts associated with NAARSO and AIMS International — as well as other industry professionals — the Burbacks have played a vital role providing the best possible curriculum.

Beverly, who has had a hand in creating the classes, also makes certain that the annual gathering comes off without a hitch.

Daughter, Tracy Burback Munoz, who is now heavily involved in presenting the event, stressed: “Our seminar is not just for the managers; it’s for the guy pushing the button on the ride.”

“I first met them (Burbacks) through John Hind, a coaster man who took care of their wooden coaster,” explained Avery Wheelock, president of Worldwide Safety Group, Plant City, Florida, and a veteran seminar lecturer. “They brought me out to perform their inspections at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup.

“In that first year, Bev recruited me to be an instructor at the seminar. She has always looked to find new classes and ways to help employees. The seminar is really geared toward workers, and I enjoy going out there and having classes directed at frontline employees. Bev and Ron have focused on this and are making it happen.”

The Burbacks, who will celebrate their 70th anniversary in October, not only fell in love with each other at a young age, but also with the industry they have served for decades. Ron Burback got his start at age 14, working the fishbowl game at the former Jantzen Beach Amusement Park in Portland.

Following a stint in the U.S. Navy, Ron returned to Portland and met Beverly and they were married a year later. They both went to work in the games operation at Jantzen Beach and, in 1971 — along with business partner Bob Bollinger — formed Burback and Bollinger Traveling Shows. Bollinger retired in 1985, and the Burbacks took over the entire operation, creating Funtastic Traveling Shows.

The company grew dramatically under the leadership of the couple and they secured major fairs and festivals from the North Pole, Alaska, to Memphis, Tennessee, and other locations in between.

Today, major events serviced by the carnival include the Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Portland Rose Festival, as well as other festivals and fairs in the Pacific Northwest.

Having received many industry accolades throughout the years, Beverly and Ron Burback are both in the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Hall of Fame.

Earlier this year, the couple transitioned leadership responsibilities of the business to their children, Ronald (Ronnie) Edward Burback and Munoz, but will remain in oversight roles.

For their unwavering dedication to promoting safety within the amusement industry, Beverly and Ronald Burback are Golden Ticket Legends.

—Ron Gustafson