 | |
| Editor-in-Chief | Gary Slade |
|---|---|
| Categories | Amusement parks |
| Circulation | 3,000 |
| Publisher | Gary Slade |
| Founder | Gary Slade |
| Founded | 1997 |
| First issue | April 1997 (1997-04) |
| Country | United States |
| Based in | Arlington, Texas[1] |
| Language | English |
| Website | www.amusementtoday.com |
Amusement Today is a monthly periodical that features articles, news, pictures and reviews about all things relating to theamusement park industry, including parks,rides, and ride manufacturers. The trade newspaper, which is based inArlington, Texas, United States, was founded in January 1997 by Gary Slade, Virgil E. Moore III and Rick Tidrow.[1]
In 1997,Amusement Today won the Impact Award in the services category for "Best New Product" from theInternational Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). A year later, in 1998, the magazine founded theGolden Ticket Awards, for which it has become best known for throughout the amusement park industry. On January 2, 2001, Slade bought out his two partners, giving him sole ownership of the paper.[1] The paper has two full-time and two part-time staff members at its Arlington office, along with two full-time writers and several freelance writers in various parts of the world.[2]
 | It has been suggested that this article besplit out into a new article titledGolden Ticket Awards. (Discuss)(March 2023) |
Every year,Amusement Today gives out awards to the best of the best in the amusement park industry in a ceremony known as the Golden Ticket Awards. The awards are handed out based on surveys given to experienced and well-traveled amusement park enthusiasts from around the world. The awards, which were first handed out in 1998, have been featured on theDiscovery Channel and theTravel Channel.
The Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards were announced on September 6, 2025.
The Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards were announced on September 7, 2024.
The Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards were announced on September 9, 2023.
The Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards were announced on September 10, 2022.
The Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards were announced on September 9, 2021.
| Category | Rank | 2019 Recipient | Location/Park |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Park | 1 | Europa-Park | Rust, Germany |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | |
| 3 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | |
| 4 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | |
| 5 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Braunfels, Texas |
| 2 | Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park | Orlando, Florida | |
| 3 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | |
| 4 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | |
| 5 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | |
| Best Family Park | 1 | Dutch Wonderland | Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
| 2 | Sesame Place | Langhorne, Pennsylvania | |
| 3 | Idlewild and Soak Zone | Ligonier, Pennsylvania | |
| 4 | Paultons Park | Romsey, England | |
| 5 | Legoland Florida | Winter Haven, Florida | |
| Best Wildlife/Marine Park | 1 | SeaWorld Orlando | Orlando, Florida |
| 2 | Disney's Animal Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | |
| 3 | Discovery Cove | Orlando, Florida | |
| 4 | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa, Florida | |
| 5 | Ocean Park | Hong Kong, China | |
| Breakout Family Entertainment Center | 1 | C.J. Barrymore's | Clinton Township, Michigan |
| 2 | Funland of Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg, Virginia | |
| 3 | Two Bit Circus | Los Angeles, California | |
| 4 | Clifton Hill | Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada | |
| 5 | Frankie's Fun Park | Charlotte, North Carolina | |
| Most Beautiful Park | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia |
| 2 | Europa-Park | Rust, Germany | |
| 3 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | |
| 4 | Gilroy Gardens | Gilroy, California | |
| 5 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | |
| Best Water Ride | 1 | Valhalla | Blackpool Pleasure Beach |
| 2 | Timber Mountain Log Ride | Knott's Berry Farm | |
| 3 | Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | Universal's Islands of Adventure | |
| 4 | Infinity Falls | SeaWorld Orlando | |
| 5 | Jurassic Park River Adventure | Universal's Islands of Adventure | |
| Best Kids' Area | 1 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| 2 | Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | |
| 3 | Canada's Wonderland | Vaughan, Ontario, Canada | |
| 4 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | |
| 5 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | |
| Best Halloween Event of 2018 | 1 | Universal Orlando Resort | Orlando, Florida |
| 2 | Knott's Berry Farm | Buena Park, California | |
| 3 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | |
| 4 | Europa-Park | Rust, Germany | |
| 5 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | |
| Best New Show | 1 | Reuben's Swashbuckling Adventure | Silver Dollar City |
| 2 | Paddington On Ice - The Grand Voyage | Europa-Park | |
| 3 | Detention at Rockville | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | |
| Best New Roller Coaster | 1 | Steel Curtain | Kennywood |
| 2 | Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure | Universal's Islands of Adventure | |
| 3 | Copperhead Strike | Carowinds | |
| 4 | Yukon Striker | Canada's Wonderland | |
| 5 | Untamed | Walibi Holland | |
| Best New Family Attraction | 1 | Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Disneyland |
| 2 | Kaleidoscape | Elitch Gardens | |
| 3 | Kings Mills Antique Autos | Kings Island | |
| 4 | Tidal Twister | SeaWorld San Diego | |
| 5 | Masters of Flight | Legoland Florida | |
| Best New Water Park Ride | 1 | Cutback Water Coaster | Water Country USA |
| 2 | Lava Drifting | Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park | |
| 3 | Daredevil's Peak | Perfect Day at CocoCay | |
| 4 | Infinity Racers | Schlitterbahn Galveston | |
| 5 | Rapid Remix | SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland | |
| Best New Attraction Installation | 1 | Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure | Universal's Islands of Adventure |
| 2 | Steel Curtain | Kennywood | |
| 3 | Copperhead Strike | Carowinds | |
| 4 | Sesame Street: Street Mission | PortAventura World | |
| 5 | The Zenith | Mega Parc | |
| Best Guest Experience | 1 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| 2 | Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | |
| 3 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | |
| 4 | Europa-Park | Rust, Germany | |
| 5 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | |
| Best Dark Ride | 1 | Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure | Shanghai Disneyland |
| 2 | Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Universal's Islands of Adventure | |
| 3 | Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Disney's Hollywood Studios | |
| 4 | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | |
| 5 | Haunted Mansion | Knoebels Amusement Resort | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Wildebeest (ride) | Splashin' Safari |
| 2 | Krakatau Aqua Coaster | Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park | |
| 3 | Mammoth | Splashin' Safari | |
| 4 | Ray Rush | SeaWorld Orlando | |
| 5 | The Falls | Schlitterbahn | |
| Best Food | 1 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | |
| 3 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | |
| 4 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | |
| 5 | Europa-Park | Rust, Germany | |
| Best Christmas Event of 2018 | 1 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| 2 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | |
| 3 | Hersheypark | Hershey, Pennsylvania | |
| 4 | SeaWorld Orlando | Orlando, Florida | |
| 5 | Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio |
| Category | Rank | 2005 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 37% |
| 2 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| 3 | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | Blackpool England | 9% | |
| 4 | Europa Park | Rust, Germany | 7% | |
| Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | |||
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Braunfels, Texas | 52% |
| 2 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 17% | |
| 3 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| 4 | Noah's Ark | Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin | 5% | |
| 5 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | 3% | |
| Best Children's Park | 1 | Legoland California | Carlsbad, California | 44% |
| 2 | Idlewild | Ligonier, Pennsylvania | 12% | |
| 3 | Kiddieland Amusement Park | Melrose Park, Illinois | 9% | |
| 4 | Sesame Place | Langhorne, Pennsylvania | 8% | |
| 5 | Dutch Wonderland | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | 6% | |
| Best Kids' Area | 1 | Paramount's Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | 50% |
| 2 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 10% | |
| 3 | Paramount's Carowinds | Charlotte, North Carolina | 8% | |
| 4 | Paramount's Kings Dominion | Doswell, Virginia | 4% | |
| 5 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 3% | |
| Knott's Berry Farm | Buena Park, California | |||
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 47% |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 17% | |
| 3 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 7% | |
| Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | |||
| 5 | Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | 4% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 37% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| 3 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 9% | |
| 4 | Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| 5 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 6% | |
| Best Halloween Event | 1 | Knott's Berry Farm | Buena Park, California | 25% |
| 2 | Universal Studios Florida | Orlando, Florida | 24% | |
| 3 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 10% | |
| 4 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| 5 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 6% | |
| Best Landscaping — Amusement Park | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 43% |
| 2 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | 18% | |
| 3 | Bonfante Gardens | Gilroy, California | 7% | |
| 4 | Europa Park | Rust, Germany | 4% | |
| 5 | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa, Florida | 3% | |
| Best Landscaping — Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Braunfels, Texas | 30% |
| 2 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | 20% | |
| 3 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| 4 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 10% | |
| 5 | Dolly's Splash Country | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 6% | |
| Best Food | 1 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 26% |
| 2 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 13% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 12% | |
| 4 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 11% | |
| 5 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 9% | |
| Best Shows | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 30% |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 19% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| 4 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 6% | |
| 5 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 5% | |
| Disney-MGM Studios | Orlando, Florida | |||
| Best Outdoor Night Show Production | 1 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 27% |
| 2 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 21% | |
| 3 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 13% | |
| 4 | Disney-MGM Studios | Orlando, Florida | 12% | |
| 5 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 9% | |
| Best Water Ride | 1 | Valhalla | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | 24% |
| 2 | Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 20% | |
| 3 | Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-rat Barges | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 9% | |
| 4 | Splash Mountain | Magic Kingdom | 7% | |
| 5 | Mountain Slidewinder | Dollywood | 6% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 29% |
| 2 | Zinga | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 12% | |
| 3 | Zoombabwe | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 10% | |
| 4 | Summit Plummet | Disney's Blizzard Beach | 6% | |
| 5 | Crush 'N Gusher | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | 5% | |
| Best Dark Ride | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 38% |
| 2 | Haunted Mansion | Knoebels Amusement Resort | 16% | |
| 3 | Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Disney-MGM Studios | 5% | |
| Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | |||
| 5 | Droomvlucht | Efteling | 4% | |
| Pirates of the Caribbean | Disneyland | |||
| Best New Ride of 2005 — Amusement Park | 1 | Hades | Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park | 45% |
| 2 | Kingda Ka | Six Flags Great Adventure | 16% | |
| 3 | Italian Job: Turbo Coaster | Paramount's Kings Island | 8% | |
| 4 | maXair | Cedar Point | 6% | |
| Powder Keg: A Blast into the Wilderness | Silver Dollar City | |||
| SheiKra | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | |||
| Best New Ride of 2005 — Waterpark | 1 | Black Anaconda | Noah's Ark Water Park | 21% |
| 2 | Crush 'N Gusher | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | 17% | |
| 3 | Typhoon | Six Flags New England | 14% | |
| 4 | Bahari | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 9% | |
| Funnel of Fear | Michigan's Adventure | |||
| Best Place to Ride Go-Karts | 1 | Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park | Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin | 86% |
| 2 | NASCAR Speedpark | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 4% | |
| 3 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 3% | |
| Best Souvenirs | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 19% |
| 2 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 12% | |
| 3 | Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | 11% | |
| 4 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 10% | |
| 5 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 8% | |
| Best Games Area | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 37% |
| 2 | Paramount's Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | 13% | |
| 3 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| 4 | Six Flags Great Adventure | Jackson, New Jersey | 7% | |
| 5 | Six Flags Great America | Gurnee, Illinois | 5% |
| Category | Rank | 2004 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 35% |
| 2 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 15% | |
| 3 | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | Blackpool, England | 7% | |
| 4 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 7% | |
| 5 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 6% | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Baunfels, Texas | 56% |
| 2 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 18% | |
| 3 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 6% | |
| 4 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | 4% | |
| 5 | Boomerang Bay | Kings Mills, Ohio | 3% | |
| Best Children's Park | 1 | Legoland California | Carlsbad, California | 41% |
| 2 | Idlewild | Ligonier, Pennsylvania | 13% | |
| 3 | Memphis Kiddie Park | Cleveland, Ohio | 10% | |
| 4 | Sesame Place | Langhorne, Pennsylvania | 7% | |
| 5 | Dutch Wonderland | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | 4% | |
| Best Kids' Area | 1 | Paramount's Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | 50% |
| 2 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 10% | |
| 3 | Paramount's Kings Dominion | Doswell, Virginia | 7% | |
| 4 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 6% | |
| 5 | Knott's Berry Farm | Buena Park, California | 5% | |
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 43% |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 11% | |
| 3 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 8% | |
| 4 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 6% | |
| 5 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 5% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 36% |
| 2 | Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | 11% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| 4 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 8% | |
| 5 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 7% | |
| Best Landscaping | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 44% |
| 2 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | 19% | |
| 3 | Bonfante Gardens | Gilroy, California | 9% | |
| 4 | Magic Kingdom | Orlando, Florida | 4% | |
| 5 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 3% | |
| Most Beautiful Park | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 36% |
| 2 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | 23% | |
| 3 | Europa Park | Rust, Germany | 9% | |
| 4 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| 5 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 4% | |
| Most Beautiful Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Braunfels, Texas | 31% |
| 2 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 25% | |
| 3 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| 4 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 7% | |
| 5 | Hyland Hills Water World | Denver, Colorado | 5% | |
| Best Food | 1 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 28% |
| 2 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 13% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | |||
| 5 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 9% | |
| Best Shows | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 34% |
| 2 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 14% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 12% | |
| 4 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 8% | |
| 5 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 5% | |
| Best Outdoor Night Show | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 22% |
| 2 | Epcot | Orlando, Florida | 21% | |
| 3 | Disney-MGM Studios | Orlando, Florida | 13% | |
| 4 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 12% | |
| 5 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 10% | |
| Best Water Ride | 1 | Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 23% |
| 2 | Valhalla | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | 21% | |
| 3 | Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-rat Barges | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 9% | |
| 4 | Splash Mountain | Magic Kingdom | 7% | |
| 5 | Journey to Atlantis | SeaWorld Orlando | 6% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 37% |
| 2 | Zinga | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 14% | |
| 3 | Zoombabwe | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 10% | |
| 4 | Tasmanian Typhoon | Boomerang Bay | 4% | |
| 5 | Voyage to the Center of the Earth | Hyland Hills Water World | 3% | |
| Whitewater Tube Chute | Schlitterbahn | |||
| Best Dark Ride | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 37% |
| 2 | Haunted Mansion | Knoebels Amusement Resort | 22% | |
| 3 | Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Disney-MGM Studios | 6% | |
| 4 | Droomvlucht | Efteling | 4% | |
| Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland |
| Category | Rank | 2002 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 28% |
| 2 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 18% | |
| 3 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Baunfels, Texas | 48% |
| 2 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 17% | |
| 3 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 9% | |
| Best Kids' Area | 1 | Paramount's Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | 38% |
| 2 | Legoland California | Carlsbad, California | 6% | |
| 3 | Idlewild | Ligonier, Pennsylvania | 5% | |
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 60% |
| 2 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 8% | |
| 3 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 6% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 40% |
| 2 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 9% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 8% | |
| Best Landscaping | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 37% |
| 2 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | 17% | |
| 3 | Bonfante Gardens | Gilroy, California | 6% | |
| Best Food | 1 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 28% |
| 2 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | 11% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| Best Shows | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 29% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 11% | |
| 3 | Silver Dollar City | Branson, Missouri | ||
| Best Water Ride | 1 | Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 16% |
| 2 | Valhalla | Blackpool Pleasure Beach | 15% | |
| 3 | Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-rat Barges | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 6% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 34% |
| 2 | Zoombabwe | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 32% | |
| 3 | Summit Plummit | Disney's Blizzard Beach | 7% | |
| Best Dark Ride | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 31% |
| 2 | Haunted Mansion | Knoebels Amusement Resort | 13% | |
| 3 | The Haunted Mansion | Disneyland | 9% | |
| Best Park Capacity | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 45% |
| 2 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 10% | |
| 3 | Europa Park | Rust, Germany | 9% | |
| Best Souvenirs | 1 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 16% |
| 2 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 13% | |
| 3 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 8% | |
| Best Games Area | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 19% |
| 2 | Paramount's Kings Island | Kings Mills, Ohio | 11% | |
| 3 | Disney's California Adventure | Anaheim, California | 8% | |
| Best Themed or Background Music | 1 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 38% |
| 2 | Disney's California Adventure | Anaheim, California | 10% | |
| 3 | Efteling | Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands | 7% | |
| Most Classic or Distinctive Coaster Station | 1 | Cyclone | Lakeside Amusement Park | 22% |
| 2 | Racer | Kennywood | 12% | |
| 3 | Dueling Dragons | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 11% |
| Category | Rank | 2000 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 33% |
| 2 | Knoebels Grove | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 18% | |
| 3 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| 4 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 11% | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Baunfels, Texas | 49% |
| 2 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 8% | |
| 3 | Wildwater Kingdom | Allentown, Pennsylvania | 7% | |
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 45% |
| 2 | Knoebels Grove | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 13% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 13% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 28% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 15% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| Best Landscaping | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 51% |
| 2 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 12% | |
| 3 | Alton Towers | Staffordshire, England | 6% | |
| Best Food | 1 | Knoebels Grove | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 20% |
| 2 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 15% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 14% | |
| 4 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 10% | |
| Best Shows | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 22% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 18% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| Best Ride Theming | 1 | Dueling Dragons | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 24% |
| 2 | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | 11% | |
| 3 | Alpengeist | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | 10% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 35% |
| 2 | Lazy River | (multiple locations) | 16% | |
| 3 | Raging River | Schlitterbahn | 9% | |
| Best Park Capacity | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 51% |
| 2 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| 3 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 6% | |
| Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | |||
| Best Indoor Attraction | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 32% |
| 2 | Haunted Mansion | Knoebels Grove | 15% | |
| 3 | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | 8% | |
| Best Non-coaster Ride | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 17% |
| 2 | Space Shot | (multiple locations) | 13% | |
| 3 | Giant Drops | (multiple locations) | 12% | |
| 4 | Frisbee | (multiple locations) | 9% |
| Category | Rank | 1999 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement/Theme Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 20% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 14% | |
| 3 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 13% | |
| 4 | Universal's Islands of Adventure | Orlando, Florida | 10% | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Baunfels, Texas | 43% |
| 2 | Wildwater Kingdom | Allentown, Pennsylvania | 8% | |
| 3 | Disney's Typhoon Lagoon | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | |||
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 29% |
| 2 | Knoebel's Grove | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 8% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 27% |
| 2 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 16% | |
| 3 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 10% | |
| Best Landscaping | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 58% |
| 2 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 7% | |
| 3 | Alton Towers | Staffordshire, England | 6% | |
| Best Food | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 17% |
| Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | |||
| Knoebel's Grove | Elysburg, Pennsylvania | |||
| Best Shows | 1 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 20% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 17% | |
| 3 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | 9% | |
| Best Ride Theming (ride, attraction or queue) | 1 | Dueling Dragons | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 15% |
| 2 | Nemesis | Alton Towers | 13% | |
| 3 | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | 11% | |
| 4 | Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Disney-MGM Studios | 10% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 46% |
| 2 | Pepsi Aqua Blast | Wildwater Kingdom | 7% | |
| Best Park Capacity | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 40% |
| 2 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 14% | |
| 3 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| Best Indoor Attraction (noncoaster) | 1 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 17% |
| Haunted Mansion | Knoebel's Grove | |||
| 3 | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye | Disneyland | 9% | |
| Best Non-coaster Ride | 1 | Giant Drops | (multiple locations) | 19% |
| 2 | Space Shot | (multiple locations) | 17% | |
| 3 | The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man | Universal's Islands of Adventure | 7% |
| Category | Rank | 1998 Recipient | Location/Park | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Amusement/Theme Park | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 37% |
| 2 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 16% | |
| 3 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 9% | |
| Best Waterpark | 1 | Schlitterbahn | New Braunfels, Texas | 28% |
| 2 | Disney's Blizzard Beach | Orlando, Florida | 12% | |
| Friendliest Park | 1 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana | 22% |
| 2 | Six Flags Over Texas | Arlington, Texas | 17% | |
| 3 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 10% | |
| Cleanest Park | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 24% |
| 2 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 14% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 11% | |
| Best Landscaping | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 62% |
| 2 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 6% | |
| Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | |||
| Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Tampa, Florida | |||
| Best Food | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 21% |
| 2 | Kennywood | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | 15% | |
| 3 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 9% | |
| Epcot Center | Orlando, Florida | |||
| Best Shows | 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia | 19% |
| 2 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio, Texas | 14% | |
| 3 | Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida | 12% | |
| Best Themed Ride | 1 | Nemesis | Alton Towers | 11% |
| Batman: The Ride | Six Flags Great America | |||
| Alpengeist | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | |||
| 4 | The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Disney-MGM Studios | 10% | |
| Best Waterpark Ride | 1 | Master Blaster | Schlitterbahn | 29% |
| 2 | Journey to the Center of the Earth | Hyland Hills Water World | 10% | |
| Best Capacity (fastest moving lines) | 1 | Cedar Point | Sandusky, Ohio | 38% |
| 2 | Disneyland | Anaheim, California | 15% | |
| Best Simulator/Indoor Attraction | 1 | Back to the Future: The Ride | Universal Studios Florida | 23% |
| 2 | Star Tours | Disneyland | 17% | |
| 3 | T2 3-D: Battle Across Time | Universal Studios Florida | 15% | |
| 4 | Dino Island | multiple locations | 11% | |
| Best Non-coaster Ride | 1 | Giant Drops | (multiple locations) | 21% |
| 2 | Space Shot | (multiple locations) | 15% | |
| 3 | Skycoaster | (multiple locations) | 11% |
| Year | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Renaissance Award | Kennywood |
| Park of the Year | Kings Island | |
| Turnstile Award | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | |
| Legends Series | Paul and Alethea Roads (Wonderland Park) Dick Knoebels (Knoebels) | |
| 2021 | Renaissance Award | Six Flags Over Texas |
| Park of the Year | Universal Orlando | |
| Turnstile Award | Scene75 Entertainment Centers | |
| Legends Series | Larry Bill (The Gravity Group) | |
| 2020 | Person of the Year | Gene Staples,Indiana Beach |
| Supplier of the Year | Great Coasters International | |
| Renaissance Award | Europa Park | |
| Turnstile Award | Arnolds Park Amusement Park | |
| 2019 | Park of the Year | Morey's Piers |
| Renaissance Award | Kings Island | |
| Turnstile Award | Silverwood | |
| 2018 | Innovation Award | Chance Rides |
| Turnstile Award | Silver Dollar City | |
| 2017 | Person of the Year | Jerry Brick |
| Park of the Year | Morgan's Wonderland | |
| Supplier of the Year | Intamin | |
| 2016 | Person of the Year | Raffi Kaprelyan |
| Renaissance Award | Ed Hart | |
| Supplier of the Year | B&M | |
| Park of the Year | Cedar Point | |
| 2015 | Park of the Year | Lagoon |
| Persons of the Year | Alberto Zamperla and Valerio Ferrari | |
| Renaissance Award | Huck Finn's Playland | |
| Turnstile Award | Quassy Amusement Park | |
| 2014 | Persons of the Year | SeaWorld Rescue Team |
| 2013 | Person of the Year | John Arie Sr.,Fun Spot America Theme Parks |
| Person of the Year | Kim Samarelli, New Jersey Amusement Association | |
| Supplier of the Year | Ronald Bussink, Bussink Design GmBH | |
| Turnstile Award | Timber Mountain Log Ride,Knott's Berry Farm | |
| 2012 | Park of the Year | Disney California Adventure |
| Supplier of the Year | RWS and Associates (Luminosity — Ignite the Night!) | |
| Person of the Year | Tilan K. Fertitta (Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier) | |
| Turnstile Award | SeaWorld San Diego | |
| 2011 | Park of the Year | Gröna Lund |
| Supplier of the Year | Chance Rides Manufacturing | |
| Legends Series | Richard Kinzel (Cedar Fair Entertainment Company) | |
| 2010 | Park of the Year | Beech Bend Park |
| Person of the Year | Jeff Novotny (National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives) | |
| Legends Series | Will Koch (Holiday World & Splashin' Safari) | |
| 2009 | Park of the Year | Wonderland Park |
| Persons of the Year | Dick & Barbara Knoebel (Knoebels Amusement Resort) | |
| Supplier of the Year | Gary Goddard Entertainment | |
| Legends Series | Jack Krantz (Adventureland) | |
| 2008 | Park of the Year | Xocomil Waterpark |
| Person of the Year | Paul Nelson (Waldameer & Water World) | |
| Supplier of the Year | Zamperla | |
| 2007 | Park of the Year | Dollywood |
| Person of the Year | Milton S. Hershey (Hersheypark) | |
| Supplier of the Year | National Ticket Company | |
| 2006 | Park of the Year | State Fair of Texas |
| Person of the Year | Pat Thomson (Western Playland) | |
| Supplier of the Year | William H. Robinson | |
| 2005 | Park of the Year | Disneyland |
| Person of the Year | Nick Laskaris (Mount Olympus Water & Theme Park) | |
| Supplier of the Year | Werner Stengel | |
| 2004 | Park of the Year | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari |
| Person of the Year | Dan Feicht (Cedar Point) | |
| Supplier of the Year | Philadelphia Toboggan Company | |
| 2003 | Park of the Year | Cliff's Amusement Park |
| Times hosting | Park/Resort | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Dollywood | 2007, 2012, 2023 |
| 3 | Holiday World & Splashin' Safari | 2001, 2006, 2011 |
| 2 | Cedar Point | 2004, 2016 |
| 2 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | 2005, 2022 |
| 1 | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | 2010 |
| 1 | Carowinds | 2025 |
| 1 | Give Kids the World Village | 2008 |
| 1 | Kennywood | 2024 |
| 1 | Kings Island | 2002 |
| 1 | Lake Compounce | 2017 |
| 1 | Legoland California | 2009 |
| 1 | Luna Park, Coney Island | 2015 |
| 1 | National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives | 2021 |
| 1 | Quassy Amusement Park | 2017 |
| 1 | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | 2013 |
| 1 | SeaWorld San Diego | 2014 |
| 1 | Schlitterbahn | 2003 |
| 1 | Silver Dollar City | 2018 |
| 1 | Silverwood Theme Park | 2019 |