Each year, Amusement Park Today presents its Golden Ticket Awards to recognize the best of the best, based on an international poll conducted by the publication. The survey asked experienced amusement park voters to rate properties in 22 categories. Voters not only included industry fans, but also industry suppliers, manufacturers and journalists.
Best Waterpark went to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, which has received a Golden Ticket Award 22 years in a row. Judges noted the park’s sense of innovation and said it offers more custom and signature attractions than any other. Volcano Bay at the Universal Orlando resort took second place. Splashin’ Safari, adjacent to Indiana’s Holiday World, came in third place. With a recent announcement of a major new attraction, the competition is on for 2020 to see if the park can jump up a notch (or two) for 2020. Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach came in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Best Waterpark Ride was given to Wildebeest at Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind., ending a decade in the top spot. Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Volcano Bay placed second in the category, while Splashin’ Safari’s Mammoth received third place. All three were made by ProSlide Technology. Aquatica Orlando’s Ray Rush, last year’s Best New Waterpark Ride, came in fourth and was created by WhiteWater. Schlitterbahn’s The Falls took the fifth spot.
Best New Waterpark Ride was awarded to Cutback Water Coaster at Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Va. The hydromagnetic water coaster with uphill sections and highly banked flying saucer turns was made by ProSlide Technology. Second place went to Lava Drifting at Shanghai Haiching Ocean Park, made by WhiteWater, which also produced the remaining honorees in this category: Daredevil’s Peak at Perfect Day at CocoCay (third place), which features North America’s tallest waterslide; Schlitterbahn Galveston’s Infinity Racers (fourth place), which set a record for longest head-first mat slide; and Rapids Remix at the new Soundwaves Water Park in Nashville (fifth place).