Golden Ticket 2010 - Amusement Today

40 Pages·2012·8.03 MB·English

GOLDEN TICKET BONUS ISSUE
TM
www.AmusementToday.com
Vol. 14, Issue 6.2 SEPTEMBER 2010 $5.00
Park claims “Best Landscaping” for 13th consecutive year
Busch Gardens Williamsburg hosts AT’s 2010 Golden Ticket Awards
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BEST OF THE BEST!
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Host Park • 2010 Golden Ticket Awards AT PHOTO / GARY SLADE
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the host park for the 2010
September 11, 2010
Golden Ticket Awards. The park’s Teatro di San Marco
Tim Baldwin mer was AT’s inspiration to the inspiring Give Kids The Theater will provide a unique backdrop for the awards
Amusement Today hold a ceremony to acknowl- World Village. Each attendee ceremony on the evening of Sept. 11. Below, the Virginia
edge the physical awards. His left with a deeper appreciation themer won Best Landscaping for the 13th consecutive
Winning a Golden Ticket parks, Holiday World and for the great work that goes year, the only park to have ever won the award.
is a beautiful thing. What bet- Splashin’ Safari, were the first on at this ever-growing com-
ter place to make the official to host the event. (See Legends munity.
announcements than at Busch on page 30). Thanks go to the many
Gardens Williamsburg? This Since that first ceremony hosts past and present, and
Virginia park has won year in 2001, the event has contin- in particular to Busch Gar-
after year in our poll for its ued to grow. Thanks go to the dens Williamsburg in assist-
amazing landscaping and many host parks we’ve had for ing Amusement Today in hon-
sheer beauty throughout the the ceremony over the years – oring the Best of the Best for
park. Kings Island, Schlitterbahn, our thirteenth straight year.
Those attending the cer- Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Dol- Congratulations to our 2010
emony will also be sure to see lywood, Legoland Califor- recipients.
why Busch Gardens is a win- nia, and Cedar Point. In some Deep appreciation also
ner or finalist in six of Amuse- years, nearby parks offered an goes out to the hundreds of
ment Today’s various catego- add-on day to make it even voters for sharing their expe-
ries. more of an industry celebra- riences with the industry to
This year’s ceremony tion – Knott’s Berry Farm and keep us on our toes and ever
brings a touch of sadness Fun Spot. striving to do the best we can
among the fanfare and cele- One of the most touch- to offer all the guests that visit
bration. Will Koch, Jr., who re- ing and rewarding ceremo- each and every park and sup-
cently passed away this sum- nies ever took place in 2008 at port this amazing business. PHOTO COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG
PAPER Dated material. Sept. 13, 2010 Join us next year for the 2011 Golden Ticket Awards at:
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2 AMUSEMENT TODAY GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS September 2010
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Gary Slade
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]
Top 5 Golden Ticket Winners All Time
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HOLIDAY WOR SCHILTTERBA CEDAR POINT ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE BUSCHGARDENSWILLIAMSBURG
Tim Baldwin
Showing the Gold
It’s often said that the Gold- ment meetings, board meetings, “While the Golden Ticket Awards
en Tickets are the “Oscars of the and anywhere else we can show for our rides adorn the entry hall at our
Amusement Industry.” From our ‘family’ how proud we are main office, the awards for Friendliness
time to time, actors are often to win the awards.” and Cleanliness are proudly displayed
asked what they do with their At Knoebels they are on in Employees Services,” explains Wer-
Oscars once its won. display in the foyer of the main ne. “They are placed by the time clocks
I was reminded of this on a park office. to remind our hosts and hostesses that
recent trip to Cedar Point. Gen- Baldwin “We show them off at a their actions (or inactions) that day
eral Manager John Hildebrandt park-wide management team to could make all the difference in our
was eager to surprise me with some- celebrate the award and then at our fall guests’ experiences. I’m sure we’ll carry
thing special in the park’s Town Hall town meeting before sharing the award on that tradition.”
Museum. Upon entering, prominently with the teams most responsible,” says Melissa Pinkerton, communica-
located near the front of the museum Pete Owens of Dollywood. “Christmas, tions director Six Flags New England,
was a glass display case that showcased for example, is shared between enter- reports the park puts the actual awards
the park’s many wins over the years. tainment and special events.” on display in their executive office. “We
Guests to Cedar Point were able to see Reflecting on the Golden Tickets then have artwork created that includes
the numerous park accolades every brings a bittersweet warmth to Paula the Golden Ticket blown up to billboard
day. Werne, public relations director for Hol- size. We put them outside of the locker
So what do the parks do with their iday World and Splashin’ Safari. The station facing the walkway so everyone
Golden Tickets? park is still coping with the loss of park sees them. We also hang them inside the
“We can barely contain ourselves president and close friend Will Koch, ride station.”
AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN
and hug them first of all,” chuckles Terri Jr. “Will always liked to bring back the So for those pondering what to do
John Hildebrandt stands next to a dis- Adams, COO for Schlitterbahn Water- Golden Ticket Awards and show them with your 2010 awards, big congratula-
play of Cedar Point’s massive collection parks. “We immediately put them front to us at the next all-hands meeting. tions are offered to you on your success-
of Golden Ticket Awards located in the and center in our staff services area — to He always stressed these weren’t ‘his’ ful achievements. Continue to show the
share with those folks who are behind awards, but something we’d all earned gold.
park’s Town Hall Museum.
the magic. We also take them to manage- and won together.”
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AWARD WINNER Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 Arlington, Texas 76011
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Tim Baldwin
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September 2010 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
4 AMUSEMENT TODAY GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS September 2010
2010 park winners showcase the Best of the Best
Cedar Point, Schlitterbahn both make it 13 years with an award
Tim Baldwin highly thematic Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World
Amusement Today in Florida, the enormous Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin
Dells, and Typhoon Lagoon, also in Orlando.
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terbahn boast victories once again in their respective .I AWARDS 1 Idlewild in Ligonier, Pa. can now claim the Golden
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categories. Our panel knows what they like, and . Ticket.
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these two parks exemplify many great qualities that “It has great atmosphere, a beautiful setting, and
keep them on top. BEST OF THE BEST! lots of charm,” says Paul Blick, events director for
Last year, Knoebels appeared in the No. 2 spot in American Coaster Enthusiasts, who recently visited
our list of ten best parks. They do a repeat this year. the park. “I love the Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Trol-
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, pushed fur- tion to a mix of new and classic rides. ley. It had a great sense of nostalgia that took me back
ther in popularity by the new Harry Potter franchise, A three-way tie for the remaining two spots to my childhood.”
now rises into the third place spot. makes our top ten list stretch to eleven actually with Legoland California still maintains a strong fol-
Disneyland, always up to the title of “Happiest Dollywood, Holiday World and Tokyo DisneySea all lowing at the No. 2 spot. The property continues to
Place on Earth” lands solidly in the top five at No. 4. celebrated for their various strengths. expand, now with a waterpark.
Tying for the No. 5 position is Busch Gardens Following Schlitterbahn’s massive win is Färup Sommerland in Denmark slowly transi-
Williamsburg and Europa-Park. Both of these parks Splashin’ Safari taking second place. In the past two tions to more of a family park with some larger thrill
are exquisitely themed and gorgeously landscaped. decades, this small little section started in 1993 has rides, but its vast assortment of children’s play struc-
The next position sees a tie between Pleasure grown into one of America’s largest complexes of tures and rides that parents and children can ride to-
Beach Blackpool and Kennywood. Both of these large waterpark attractions. gether still get it noticed by our panel.
parks are noted for their historic charm and dedica- Making a top five on the waterpark list is the 4See PARKS, page 11
Park and Ride Winners
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BEST OF THE BEST! Ranked by percentage of votes cast BEST OF THE BEST!
BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2010 (Amusement Park) BEST NEW RIDE FOR 2010 (Waterpark)
Harry Potter and ...Journey Islands of Adventure 24% Wildebeest Splashin’ Safari 69%
Intimidator 305 Kings Dominion 21% Scorpion’s Tail Noah’s Ark 12%
Sky Rocket Kennywood 20% Triple Twist Great Wolf Lodge Kings Mills 6%
Intimidator Carowinds 14% Omaka Rocka Aquatica 5.5%
Ghost Ship Morey’s Piers 4% (tie)
Joris en de Drak Efteling 4% (tie)
BEST SEASIDE PARK
BEST PARK Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 37%
Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio 26% Pleasure Beach Blackpool Blackpool, England 28%
Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 11% Morey’s Piers Wildwood, N.J. 22%
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 10% Gröna Lund Stockholm, Sweden 5%
Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 9% Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, Texas 4%
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 7% (tie)
BEST INDOOR WATERPARK
Europa-Park Rust, Germany 7% (tie)
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Galveston, Texas 33%
Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. 6% (tie)
Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 17%
Pleasure Beach Blackpool Blackpool, England 6% (tie)
Kalahari Resort Sandusky, Ohio 16%
Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 4.5% (tie)
World Waterpark Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 12%
Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 4.5% (tie)
Splash Landings Staffordshire, England 9%
Toyko DisneySea Tokyo, Japan 4.5% (tie)
BEST WATERPARK
FRIENDLIEST PARK
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Texas 57%
Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 34%
Splashin’ Safari Santa Claus, Ind. 16%
Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 24%
Blizzard Beach Orlando, Fla. 8%
Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 20%
Noah’s Ark Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 6%
Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 9%
Typhoon Lagoon Orlando, Fla. 5.5%
Beech Bend Bowling Green, Ky. 4%
BEST CHILDREN’S PARK
CLEANEST PARK
Idlewild & SoakZone Ligonier, Pa. 38%
Holiday World Santa Claus, Ind. 37%
Legoland California Carlsbad, Calif. 30%
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 15%
Fårup Sommerland Saltum, Denmark 8%
Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 11%
Dutch Wonderland Lancaster, Pa. 6%
Magic Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 10%
Little Amerricka Marshall, Wis. 4%
Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 9%

BEST MARINE LIFE PARK BEST SHOWS
SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 60% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 35%
SeaWorld San Antonio San Antonio, Texas 13% Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 18%
SeaWorld San Diego San Diego, Calif. 10% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 10%
Discovery Cove Orlando, Fla. 6% Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, Fla. 8%
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. 5% SeaWorld Orlando Orlando, Fla. 7.5%
September 2010 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
AT PHOTO / TIM BALDWIN AT PHOTO / GARY SLADE
Voted as our new Best Children’s Park, Idlewild & SoakZone offers an SeaWorld Orlando continues to dominate the Best Sea Life Park category.
amazing array of rides, attractions and activities suited for the young The park offers a range of shows, animal interactions, coasters and water
and young at heart. rides.
Park and Ride Winners
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.I.V AWARDS 10 Ranked by percentage of votes cast .I.V AWARDS 10
BEST OF THE BEST! BEST OF THE BEST!
BEST FOOD BEST LANDSCAPING
Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 27% Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 35%
Epcot Orlando, Fla. 18% (tie) Efteling Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands 16%
Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 18% (tie) Gilroy Gardens Gilroy, Calif. 13%
Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 12% Disney’s Animal Kingdom Orlando, Fla. 5% (tie)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 8% Epcot Orlando, Fla. 5% (tie)
BEST WATER RIDE (PARK) BEST HALLOWEEN EVENT
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls Universal’s Islands of Adventure 24% Universal Orlando Resort Orlando, Fla. 32%
Valhalla Pleasure Beach Blackpool 17% Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 25%
Splash Mountain Magic Kingdom 13% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 19%
Pilgrims Plunge Holiday World 11% Kennywood West Mifflin, Pa. 11%
Journey to Atlantis SeaWorld Orlando 9% Kings Island Kings Mills, Ohio 5%
BEST WATERPARK RIDE BEST CHRISTMAS EVENT
Wildebeest Splashin Safari 33% Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 36%
Master Blaster Schlitterbahn 21% Magic Kingdom Orlando Fla. 17%
Zoombabwe Splashin’ Safari 9% Silver Dollar City Branson, Mo. 16%
Dragon’s Revenge Schlitterbahn 8% Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 12%
Congo River Expedition Schlitterbahn 7% Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. 6%
BEST KIDS’ AREA BEST CAROUSEL
Kings Island Kings Mills, Ohio 33% Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, Pa. 50%
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Orlando, Fla. 13% Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, Calif. 16%
Nickelodeon Universe Bloomington, Minn. 12% Six Flags Over Georgia Atlanta, Ga 11%
Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, Calif. 7% Six Flags Great America Gurnee, Ill. 9%
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Williamsburg, Va. 5% (tie) Hersheypark Hershey, Pa. 4%
Efteling Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands 5% (tie)
BEST INDOOR COASTER
BEST DARK RIDE
Revenge of the Mummy Universal Studios Orlando 30%
Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Universal’s Islands of Adventure 30%
Space Mountain Disneyland 16%
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney’s Hollywood Studios 19%
Space Mountain Magic Kingdom 12% (tie)
Haunted Mansion Knoebels Amusement Resort 14%
Mindbender Galaxyland 12% (tie)
Harry Potter and...Forbidden Journey Universal’s Islands of Adventure 10%
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Disney’s Hollywood Studios 11%
Curse of DarKastle Busch Gardens Williamsburg 5%(tie)
Indiana Jones...Forbidden Eye Disneyland 5% (tie) BEST FUNHOUSE/WALK-THROUGH ATTRACTION
BEST OUTDOOR SHOW PRODUCTION Noah’s Ark Kennywood 34%
Frankenstein’s Castle Indiana Beach 32%
Epcot Orlando, Fla. 40%
Ghost Ship Morey’s Piers 10%
Disney California Adventure Anaheim, Calif. 17%
Hotel Gasten Liseberg 7%
Six Flags Fiesta Texas San Antonio, Texas 15%
Lustiga Huset Gröna Lund 6%
Disneyland Anaheim, Calif. 11%
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, Fla. 7%
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