And the winner is … In an awards’ show today hosted by Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Amusement Today announced the winners of its prestigious 2007 Golden Ticket Awards.
The Golden Ticket Awards are presented to the “Best of the Best” in the amusement industry calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today. Surveys were sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans around the world – in balanced geographical regions – asking them to rate the “bests” in 24 categories such as “amusement parks,” “roller coasters,” “shows,” “friendliest staff” and “water rides.” Orlando received 3 awards.
Best Marine Life Park
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.
Best Outdoor Night Show Production
IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth
at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, Orlando, Fla.
Best Water Ride
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Dark Ride
Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.
Best Indoor Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM, Orlando, Fla.
This is the 10th annual year for Amusement Today’s coveted Golden Ticket Awards, which are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions. The awards have become the subject of much discussion by park aficionados the world over and have garnered mentions in such notable media outlets as USA TODAY and the Chicago Tribune, by venerable radio newsman Paul Harvey and were the topic of a one-hour documentary on the Travel Channel.
“We applaud this year’s class of Golden Ticket Award winners and finalists for their achievements,” says Gary Slade, publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Today. “When we began this survey 10 years ago, I never would have dreamed it would become such an anticipated and big sensation. The Golden Ticket Awards have been compared to the Super Bowl or the Academy Awards for the amusement industry … these are truly the ‘Best of the Best’ as voted by amusement park fans around the world.”
Personally chosen by Slade, the Publisher’s Pick Awards are presented in three categories: Park, Individual and Supplier. Respectively, the 2007 recipients are Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for its continuous commitment to excellence and genuine hospitality; the late Milton S. Hershey, Hersheypark, Hershey, Penn., for his fortitude, vision and compassion; and National Ticket Co., Shamokin, Penn., for 100 years of outstanding ticketing service in the amusement industry.
For the third consecutive year, Amusement Today recognized college students who plan to pursue a career in the amusement industry and are employed by the ceremony’s host park of Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, as well as area amusement parks Lake Winnepesaukah, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Ripley Entertainment, Gatlinburg, Tenn., as Ms. and Mr. Golden Tickets. These individuals exemplify the spirit and integrity of the amusement park industry by promoting the cornerstones of safety, service, courtesy and cleanliness at the highest level, while consistently exceeding job expectations. This is an annual designation by Amusement Today to promote education in the field of hospitality and amusement, as well as to spotlight future leaders in the amusement industry.
Information courtesy of Amusement Today