The 2024 Golden Ticket Awards: 7 Shocking Wins And Undefeated Champions That Define The Amusement Industry
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The Global Titans: Best Park and Undefeated Champions of 2024
The "Best Amusement Park" award is the most coveted title at the Golden Ticket Awards, and the 2024 results delivered a major international shake-up, signaling a strong year for European park excellence.Europa-Park Reclaims the Throne
In a highly competitive field, Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, was crowned the Best Amusement Park of 2024, reclaiming the top spot. This win is a massive endorsement of the park's commitment to continuous innovation, world-class theming, and exceptional operational standards. The victory was undoubtedly fueled by the park's massive new addition, the high-profile Voltron Nevera, which also secured a major category win. Europa-Park's success highlights the rising global competition challenging the traditional dominance of North American parks.Schlitterbahn's Unbroken Water Park Reign
In the water park category, one champion remains virtually untouchable: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. Schlitterbahn continued its incredible, undefeated streak, winning the Best Water Park award once again in 2024. The park is consistently lauded for its unique, natural river-fed attractions, innovative water slide technology, and commitment to a truly authentic, family-friendly experience. Its repeat win underscores its status as the gold standard in the water park segment of the industry.Best Family Park and Non-Traditional Excellence
The GTA also recognized parks that excel in specific niches, ensuring a comprehensive view of the industry. * Best Family Park: Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, secured the title of Best Family Park of 2024. This park is consistently celebrated for its focus on younger children, manageable scale, and high-quality, non-intimidating attractions, making it the perfect destination for families with small children. * Best Marine Park: The award for Best Marine Park went to SeaWorld Orlando, recognizing its blend of marine life exhibits, conservation efforts, and thrill rides. * Best Seaside Park: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was honored as the Best Seaside Park, a testament to its historic charm and classic amusement park atmosphere.The Ultimate Coaster Showdown: Steel, Wood, and New Rides
The roller coaster categories are arguably the most fiercely debated and closely watched at the Golden Ticket Awards, serving as a pulse check on the global thrill ride landscape.Fury 325: The Undefeated Steel Giant
Fury 325 at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, continued its legendary run, winning the Best Steel Coaster award for the eighth consecutive year in 2024. This giga coaster, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, is universally praised for its massive height (325 feet), incredible speed, and sustained airtime, firmly cementing its place as one of the world's most dominant roller coasters. The rest of the Top 50 Steel Roller Coasters list featured other global favorites, including: * Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure. * Steel Vengeance at Cedar Point. * Millennium Force at Cedar Point. * Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. * Taron at Phantasialand.Phoenix Rises Again for Best Wooden Coaster
The classic feel of a wooden roller coaster remains a top priority for enthusiasts, and the 2024 award for Best Wooden Coaster went, once again, to Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Phoenix is an airtime machine, beloved for its historic charm and the incredible amount of out-of-seat moments it delivers, showcasing that age is no barrier to being the best. The Voyage at Holiday World and El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure continued to feature prominently in the wooden coaster rankings.Best New Roller Coaster: Voltron Nevera Strikes
The category for Best New Roller Coaster of 2024 was a tight race, but the honor went to Voltron Nevera at Europa-Park. This innovative Mack Rides coaster, known for its multiple launches, inversions, and an incredibly complex track layout, was a key factor in Europa-Park's overall Best Park win. Its success demonstrates the industry's shift toward highly themed, multi-launch experiences that push the boundaries of coaster technology.Beyond the Thrills: Best Food, Shows, and Family Fun
The Golden Ticket Awards are comprehensive, recognizing operational excellence and guest experience categories that go far beyond the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster. These awards highlight the importance of the overall park environment, often referred to as topical authority in the guest experience.Knoebels: The Culinary Champion
For the 21st time, Knoebels Amusement Resort was recognized for having the Best Food in the industry. This repeated win is a testament to the park's commitment to offering high-quality, affordable, and diverse dining options, proving that theme park food doesn't have to be overpriced or underwhelming. Knoebels' success in this category is a major LSI keyword and a powerful draw for visitors who prioritize culinary quality alongside thrills.Key Operational and Experience Winners
The 2024 awards provided a deep dive into the operational aspects that make a park truly world-class: * Best New Family Attraction: This award went to Fire In The Hole at Silver Dollar City, a classic dark ride re-imagined for a new generation. This win highlights the growing trend of investing in high-quality, immersive family experiences that appeal to all ages. * Best Water Park Ride: The title went to Wildebeest at Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. This ProSlide-designed water coaster continues to be a fan favorite for its incredible length, speed, and uphill sections. * Best New Theme Concept: Good Gravy! at Holiday World took this award, recognizing its creative and unique Thanksgiving-themed family coaster experience. * Best Shows: Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, continued its tradition of excellence by winning the award for Best Shows, a category where its authentic, high-quality entertainment consistently shines. * Best Capacity: Six Flags Great Adventure was recognized for having the Best Capacity, an important metric for operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, especially on busy summer days. The 2024 Golden Ticket Awards have set the stage for an exciting new year. The industry now looks ahead to the 2025 ceremony, which will be hosted by Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., on September 5 & 6, 2025. The hosting park, home to the eight-time Best Steel Coaster winner Fury 325, is expected to provide a spectacular backdrop for the next round of industry honors, continuing the tradition established by *Amusement Today* back in 1998.
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