AUSTIN, Texas — Established in 1998 by Amusement Today, the Golden Ticket Awards have spotlighted achievements and accomplishments within the field of amusements and attractions. Celebrating the “Best of the Best,” the awards are among the most-recognized within the industry of theme parks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, water parks and other attractions. On September 12, 2026, Amusement Today presented awards in 22 categories determined by results from an international poll consisting of more than 500 ballots sent to knowledgeable people within the industry. In addition, special Publisher’s Picks and Legend designations determined by the staff recognized specific accomplishments.
On September 12, approximately 300 industry professionals gathered at host park COTALand on the campus of Circuit of the Americas for the ceremony. The brand-new theme park was just two weeks from its grand opening, so attendees got a sneak preview of what the beautiful new park will be like when it opens its gates in the days ahead.
“Being from Texas, it was especially nice to welcome the world to the Lone Star State,” said Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade. COTALand was such a new experience. No one knew what to expect. I think the race car fans among us were particularly excited. The host hotel was the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, so attendees got to experience two impressive Texas facilities.”
Dubbed by AT as the Networking Event of the Year, winners and companies from around the world came to connect, as well as accept awards.
“Opportunities such as this are so rare,” said Golden Ticket Awards Communications Coordinator Tim Baldwin. “Everyone is so busy operating their own parks and companies that it is challenging to find occasions to get together to socialize and collaborate. Our attendees find that time invaluable. It’s such a positive weekend, and I think people need that.”
Collecting the most awards of the night was Dollywood. A finalist in numerous categories, it took home four Golden Tickets: Best Guest Experience, Best Kid’s Area, Best Family Coaster and — a return snag by a slight margin — Most Beautiful Park. These accomplishments are testament to the dedication and the positive momentum of the Tennessee theme park.
Best Park went to Europa-Park in Germany. It was the eleventh time for Germany’s most-attended theme park to take the top prize.
A surprise came when a new winner took Best Water Park for the first time. Splashin’ Safari, the water park at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, had always been a top finalist and finally took home the gold. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari accepted two other awards: Best Water Park Ride (Mammoth) and Best Wooden Roller Coaster. The Voyage had won Best Wooden Coaster five times in the past but hadn’t in more than a decade. The park credits this to the extensive refurbishment work on the amazing woodie that travels for more than a mile.
Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia was a finalist in multiple categories. Its Falcons Flight roller coaster took home two Golden Tickets for Best New Attraction Installation and Best New Roller Coaster. Falcons Flight opened New Year’s Eve and set records for longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world.
Another international winner was Phantasialand’s Chiapas for Best Water Ride. This German park features immersive, imaginative worlds, and the multi-level log flume is a true centerpiece.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas scored Best New Show. Its “Monster Mash Bash” is reinvented every fall and the 2025 edition rocked audiences to a clear victory.
The second year for Show Person of the Year — an award that recognizes people in the carnival industry — went to Sandy Schmidt of T.J. Schmidt & Company, whose life in the mobile industry is filled with countess tales and experiences.
A new winner for Best Family Park was Santa’s Village in New Hampshire. The Christmas-themed park brings “pure joy” from spring to the end of the year each season. The park was delighted to see its efforts in bringing happiness recognized.
Best Dark Ride went to Universal Epic Universe for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Just opened last year, fans have recognized the deliciously dark attraction as a mind-blowing attraction.
For the tenth time, Fury 325 at Carowinds took Best Steel Roller Coaster. As its name implies, it stands 325 feet tall and delivers sheer speed and adrenaline, as well as straddling over two states — North and South Carolina.
New attractions for 2026 taking Golden Tickets were Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare at Kings Island for Best New Family Attraction, Best New Theme Concept went to Legoland’s Galacticoaster, and Best New Water Park Attraction went to Aquaticar at Aquarabia in Saudi Arabia. The latter is the first ride of its kind to allow guests to drive underwater.
Another first of its kind took Best Innovation. WingZ from manufacturer Zamperla is a new ride that allows guests to make their chair rise into the air by flapping their arms. The first installation went to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, who accepted the award on behalf of the Italian ride manufacturer.
Standout Family Entertainment Center was won by Level99 in Orlando, Florida. This new-concept, game-driven interactive experience for friends and families has taken off in the village of Disney Springs. At its debut, it was so popular, it had to extend its hours.
An award voted for by people working in the industry is the Leadership Award. Franceen Gonzales of Enchanted Parks was recognized for her achievements in developing brands and promoting and establishing safety standards. Her life’s work is well-known throughout the amusement industry.
Amusement Today recognizes various aspects within the business of attractions with its Publisher’s Picks. Austin’s own Matt Hughey took Person of the Year for his dedication and perseverance from getting COTALand from square one to the world’s newest theme park.
Honored as Supplier of the Year, Vekoma Rides, the maker of COTALand’s Circuit Breaker roller coaster, celebrates 100 years in business and has become a driving force in the production of crowd-pleasing new rides.
Also celebrating a century milestone, Knoebels Amusement Resort has rallied around its 100th anniversary. Recognized as Park of the Year, numerous members of the family were in attendance to accept the prestigious award. Knoebels is beloved by the most experienced world travelers who enjoy amusement parks globally.
The Publisher’s Pick Turnstile Award acknowledges parks who have made improvements and upgrades that encourage guests to return time and time again. Kentucky Kingdom, now under Herschend Family Entertainment, in the past years has introduced festivals, themed areas and new family-friendly offerings to enhance the park experience; it was recognized with the award.
Two industry figures were presented with the Legend Awards. Kalahari Resorts founder Todd Nelson was championed for creating a world-recognized hospitality brand, and more importantly for his charitable contributions that have provided fresh water to one million people in Africa. In addition, the purchase of authentic artwork from artisans of the continent supports their culture and welfare.
Len Soled of Rides 4 U is known as an industry dynamo by representing various international clients in the U.S. His work in both the carnival market and with amusement parks keeps him busy. He also supports parks by working with used ride sales. Rides 4 U was instrumental in providing ride packages for both COTALand and Kalahari.
“The ceremony brought a lot of cheers and applause,” said Baldwin. “But connecting — whether it be through discussions, handshakes or hugs — makes it an annual event worth attending.”
“Texas did us proud,” added Slade. “It was hot, but everyone had a cool time getting together.”
Amusement Today began publication in 1997, and the award-winning magazine is now a leader in the amusement industry. The Golden Ticket Awards were established in 1998 and are the direct result of votes cast from around the globe. More than 500 ballots were distributed among experienced travelers, divided equally among the nation as well as internationally, along with industry journalists and ride suppliers. The latter two groups have categories devoted to professional topics. A free downloadable issue containing the charts and full lists of finalists can be found here.
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