Long before the internet existed — and hardly computers — roller coaster fans found it challenging to find each other. A promotional stunt for the Universal film Rollercoaster in 1977 invited devoted enthusiasts to participate in a marathon to bring exposure to the movie. While they didn’t win the contest, three young men started talking.

Richard Munch, Roy Brashears and Paul Greenwald had no idea how their conversation would affect the industry. By forming a club of enthusiasts, parks around the world suddenly found a marketing tool, but even more, a loyal fan base that became so much more.

“A simple idea —’let’s start a club!’— has enriched countless lives,” said Elizabeth Ringas, president of American Coaster Enthusiasts. “From the start, they aimed to be an industry partner, with fun and preservation at the core of their mission. Now, 46 years later, it is an honor to have the dedication of these three gentlemen who laid the foundation for what ACE has become celebrated.”

Pooling their resources to find like-minded individuals, they managed to organize a first event that brought about 50 people together and officially formed a club. Over the decades, American Coaster Enthusiasts, commonly known as ACE, has worked with parks and the industry to provide historical background, research and promotional literature. The club started by Munch, Brashears and Greenwald even started a term: ERT. Finding the value in working with ACE, parks offered up ”exclusive ride time,” and the beginning of roller coaster events blossomed into national conferences, annual conventions and international tours.

The support ACE showed the industry was embraced by many. News stories appeared on television, and suddenly those “quirky coaster nerds” became legitimate voices.

Even more impactful is the dedication to history and education. Parks around the globe now boast historic ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaques that inform guests about the significance of the attraction they are about to ride (or just got off). Kennywood has three: Jack Rabbit, The Racer and Thunderbolt. From the beginning, ACE had an interest in establishing a museum dedicated to roller coasters. Those slow efforts over time have resulted in the collection of amazing pieces that document roller coasters and the amusement industry. The formation of the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives is an ongoing effort to preserve the past. Munch has diligently served on the Board of Directors.

Today, ACE has more than 7,000 members and has special funds dedicated to Preservation, Archives and the support of the National Roller Coaster Museum.

Sadly, Greenwald passed away in 2015. But the inspiration from these three gentlemen is stronger than ever.

Amusement Today is pleased to honor the founders of ACE as Golden Ticket Legends.

Finding the right person for the right job is a win-win. With a career spanning close to 40 years in the amusement industry, John Reilly has been involved in the business of attractions in countless ways.

His passion began in his teenage years at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. He eventually became park president of that park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego. In time, he became the chief operating officer at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Before leaving that company, he served as interim CEO and turned previous losses in years prior into profitable revenue.

In 2019, Reilly was appointed chief operating officer of Palace Entertainment, which operates more than 20 properties in 10 different states and Australia. Host parks Kennywood and Sandcastle are just two of them.

“John is an excellent leader and has proven that over and over again,” Palace Entertainment Vice President of Operations Mark Pauls told Amusement Today. “I have worked with John for over 30 years and have the utmost respect for his friendship and leadership.”

Coming aboard when he did, Reilly was the calm decision-maker who steered Palace through the COVID pandemic and kept the company grounded. In times of uncertainty, strong leadership is essential.

“John is a leader who gets the best out of his teams,” said Palace Entertainment Vice President of Marketing Suzanne Pfordresher. “He builds talented teams and knows how to both inspire and support them.”

A strategic move came when he relocated the headquarters from Newport Beach, California, to Pittsburgh. With the majority of Palace’s properties being on the East Coast, being in the same time zone was a wise decision. Reilly likes to term the headquarters as the “Support Center.”

He built this Support Center from the ground up, his team will say. Bringing in close to 40 individuals, where there were none before, made the process of doing business stronger and more efficient. This was particularly helpful for the Australian parks.

Palace has also received investments in state-of-the-art facility security, as well as control systems and other technologies to make rides as safe as they can be. Kennywood’s Kangaroo could have been lost forever, but reinvestment in the classic ride (as well as The Turtle) has made these last examples of such rides a preserved treat for families. Roller coasters such as the two wooden coasters at Lake Compounce have seen beneficial TLC. Castle Park went through a large park update at the front entrance in 2023. The park’s log flume ride, Saw Mill Plunge, was also completely upgraded with a new control system and sensors. The park continues to grow its event lineup with Daniel Tiger days this season and constant improvements to its Halloween event, Castle Dark.

During Reilly’s tenure, Adventureland Park in Iowa was acquired. Palace has upgraded the park’s main gate area, several food and beverage locations and added seven new rides. The park’s season has also been extended, adding its first ever Halloween event, Phantom Fall Fest.

Many of the parks have received beautiful transformations while under his direction. The thought leader behind the refresh and transformation of these facilities — most particularly Kennywood, Lake Compounce and Adventureland — has led to major growth at some parks and aesthetic makeovers at others. These park beautifications were his vision. Under his watch, millions have been invested in the parks.

In 2024, Reilly was appointed CEO of Palace Entertainment, but still maintains the COO position with Parques Reunidos.

“John is, simply put, the best in this business,” said Palace Entertainment Senior Vice President of Business Development and Park Support Anil Rao. “A true servant leader and mentor who has set the bar extremely high for the next generation of theme park leaders.”

In recognition of a career dedicated to the amusement industry, Amusement Today is honored to recognize John Reilly as a Golden Ticket Legend.

At the age of 11, Paul Nelson visited Waldameer Park for the first time. His parents were friends with the owner, Alex Moeller, and he became enchanted with the park. Working there every summer and living with the Moellers on the park grounds, he learned various aspects of running the park throughout his childhood. After serving in the Army and graduating college, he found his way back to Waldameer, becoming the park’s manager at the age of 23.

When Moeller died, Nelson was given ownership of the park with the caveat that he would always take care of his wife Ruth.

And that he did. Throughout his career, Nelson never lost touch with the childhood magic he experienced in his youth.

Until his passing in 2023, Nelson was the heart and soul of the park. While others his age would most likely have retired, Nelson never did. He worked tirelessly to make Waldameer bigger and better.

“He was married to the park,” said his wife, Lane Nelson. “It was No. 1; he just loved it. It was his whole life.”

Within a day’s drive were large theme parks, but Nelson made the right decisions to see the appropriate growth of the park.

“He knew Waldameer was a medium-sized park; our attendance wouldn’t allow huge roller coasters like a corporate theme park,” said President Steve Gorman. “It would be too much to pay back. He grew the park enough to put in a big ride, Ravine Flyer II, and that put us on the map.”

To be sure, the wooden coaster from The Gravity Group did give the park a great ride. But there were rides for everyone, both classic and modern.

“He didn’t want a teenage thrill park. He wanted rides that the whole family could go on,” said his daughter, Nancy Gorman.

Water World, Waldameer’s water park, also saw great success and notable expansions over the years.

Nelson’s last decision that came to fruition was the ProSlide Rocket Blast that opened in 2023 just after his passing. The attraction won a Golden Ticket Award last year.

When asked what he respected most about Nelson, Steve Gorman said, “His work ethic was uncanny. I don’t know anyone else who was so devoted to his job and love for his business.”

Nelson’s involvement in Erie was significant. City leaders spoke only of praise in regard to Nelson’s passion and desire for the betterment of the city. During his life, he received many honors and awards from city leaders and the local newspaper. He was also passionate about Erie’s attractions and Presque Isle State Park.

“He loved the Erie community,” said Lane. “He wanted to provide a safe place for all walks of life. He wanted the park to be affordable for the community.”

For his seven decades of devotion to Waldameer Park & Water World, Amusement Today honors Paul Nelson as a Golden Ticket Legend.

When Amusement Today introduced the category of Best Christmas Event,

Dollywood seemed like a suitable winner.

And win it did.

The park’s first foray into Christmas was in 1990, and now it is the most magical time of year at the park, having grown in both size and brightness. In 2024, the event began on November 1 and ran through January 5.

In time, the amusement industry found success with Christmas events, assuming Mother Nature cooperated. Many of them made it to the list of finalists in the Golden Tickets, but in the entire run, only Dollywood made it to the top.

“Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas has become the standard within the industry,” said Pete Owens, vice president of marketing, Dollywood Parks & Resorts. “Our hosts put so much effort into providing the perfect Christmas atmosphere for our guests, going so far as to start hanging our 6 million Christmas lights during the heat of the early summer. It is their attention to detail and care for the guest experience that has made our Smoky Mountain Christmas a family tradition for more than three decades. We are honored to be the only park to win the Best Christmas Award for its entire 15-year run. We are even more honored to earn the Legend Award for Smoky Mountain Christmas, which further cements the status of this unparalleled event for decades more.”

Before retiring the category, Amusement Today is honored to give one last gift of acknowledging Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas as a Golden Ticket Legend.

Universal Studios Florida was the winner in the second year of Best Halloween Event and of all the years for this category has taken the Golden Ticket 15 times. Soon, the theme park developed the reputation of being the benchmark when it came to putting on a Halloween event.

In 1991, a simple three-day event was all it was. The following year, the park branded it Halloween Horror Nights and ran it for five nights. Fast forward to the new millennium and the park is now starting the festival on August 30, with the scares going into November 3 for a total of 48 select dates — a huge leap from that three-night original event.

“Universal Destinations & Experiences is thrilled to be named a Legend in the Halloween category of Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort. “Universal’s rich history in the creation and evolution of the horror genre remains at the core of the incredible experiences we bring to life for our guests around the globe every year during Halloween Horror Nights.”

According to Timon, Halloween Horror Nights never stops at Universal Orlando. The concept, design, and production of the event encompass an entire year. “We opened the 2024 event in August, but we are already heavily designed for 2025. The horror never ends!”

Using numerous movie-themed intellectual properties, the scare zones, haunted mazes and outlandish shows make a Halloween Horror Nights ticket a hot night out. The ever-growing success is, well, scary. So much so that Amusement Today is acknowledging the park as the King of Terror, recognizing Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Nights as a Golden Ticket Legend.

In 2006, Amusement Today was looking to expand the popular Golden Ticket Awards in an effort to shine further light on facets of the amusement industry. The Best of the Best had room to grow, as there was continual innovation and progress in attractions-based entertainment. One area that AT had not focused on was marine life parks. Those facilities concentrated heavily on shows, but rides eventually found their way into entertainment offerings. Best Marine Life Park became a part of the Golden Tickets.

SeaWorld Orlando took the category that year — and every year after that.

The park opened in 1973. It was the third in the chain of SeaWorld parks, but Central Florida was a home run. Orlando hadn’t yet evolved into the vacation destination of the world, but having a second park in the area was a next step.

Once acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 1989, the synergy with Busch Gardens parks helped fuel growth. Today, the owner and operator is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The direction of the park seems even more focused.

Its mission is stated on the website: “SeaWorld Entertainment’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives identify ways the company is building a purpose-driven company to create experiences that matter and inspire people to protect animals and the wild wonders of the world. The programs showcase the actions SeaWorld is taking to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in its care, rescue and protect animals in the wild, minimize the environmental impact of its operations and create a strong culture where employees are engaged and connected to the company’s mission.”

Early in 2023, the chain of parks celebrated 40,000 animal rescues. Other applaudable initiatives include plastic reduction, renewable energy, reducing waste and emissions and responsible food sourcing.

“At SeaWorld Orlando, our ambassadors wholeheartedly embrace our conservation mission through immersive training programs that emphasize the vital role we play in safeguarding our animals and their habitats,” explains SeaWorld Orlando Park President Jon Peterson. “We instill the significance of conservation through interactive workshops, expert-led seminars and hands-on experiences, fostering a deep connection between our team and the animals we care for. Through these efforts, we ensure that every staff member is a passionate advocate for conservation, driving positive change both within our park and beyond.”

With SeaWorld Orlando the predominant winner, AT looked to expand the Golden Ticket category in 2019, making it Best Marine Life/Wildlife Park. This would expand the number of parks from the limited candidates strictly dedicated to marine life. New finalists found their way onto the charts, but voters were adamant — SeaWorld Orlando needed to stay on top. That remained unchanged.

In years past, big new rides help thrill guests, but there is always a connection to the water, environment and animals that brings a bigger picture to light.

Before retiring the category, Amusement Today recognizes SeaWorld Orlando as a Golden Ticket Awards Legend for its continued conservation efforts, variety of entertainment and the connection it brings to people and their environment.

As steel coasters overtook the number of wooden coasters in the 1970s and ‘80s, the wooden coaster could have potentially slipped into amusement industry history. Charlie Dinn and Curtis Summers began to revive the genre by the late 1980s. Dinn’s daughter, Denise Dinn Larrick, followed in her father’s footsteps at his retirement and established Custom Coasters Inc. Wooden coasters were making a comeback.

Part of the Custom Coasters team were Clair Hain and Mike Boodley. Hain was working in construction, while Boodley crafted the company’s designs. Boodley was a freelance designer who had worked alongside John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and Dana Morgan of D.H. Morgan Manufacturing.

Circumstances resulted in the pair separating from the company and starting a new venture. It was a challenge to start a new business in a highly competitive and limited field. Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCII) was established in 1994, exhibiting at the IAAPA Expo that year. Hersheypark took a chance on the startup company, and the partnership resulted in Wildcat, GCII’s first installation in 1996. Lauded by enthusiasts for its artistic fluidity and graceful curves, the thrilling woodie was the first of 34 wooden coasters built to date by GCII. The availability of new wooden coaster projects was alive and well.

Boodley and Hain worked together crafting several iconic attractions such as Lightning Racer at Hersheypark, Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Thunderhead at Dollywood.

Along the way, innovations continued. An enthusiast by nature, Boodley studied Prior & Church’s work from the early 20th century and designed more-articulated vehicles. After introducing the Millenium Flyer trains, GCII was able to imagine designs with more compound curves, which made dramatically exciting elements possible. In time, layouts also took on a signature moment with several projects that included the “fly-through” moment in the station, which enhanced the exhilaration of awaiting riders.

Although Boodley retired in the 21st century, he still assisted Knoebels Amusement Resort in problem-solving the issues associated with trying to recreate the Flying Turns concept.

Hain improved the track construction technique. Working with both wood and steel, he met the needs of the customer in terms of available space and financial budget. He also brought the strength of Ipe wood into GCII’s designs. Eventually, Titan Track was developed and offered as a solution for high-stress areas on wooden coasters, whether they were GCII’s designs or not.

Infinity Flyer trains debuted this year. They are capable of even tighter turns and inversions if the customer requests such elements in a coaster.

In acknowledgment of the work and advancement of wooden coasters brought to the industry by these two individuals, Amusement Today is excited to recognize Clair Hain and Mike Boodley as Golden Ticket Award Legends.

Bringing families closer together — that’s what it has always been about.

When Jack and Pete Herschend opened their first attraction, Marvel Cave in Branson, Missouri, in 1950, it would have been impossible to even dream of the entity Herschend Family Entertainment and its parent company, Herschend Enterprises, have grown to become today. When Silver Dollar City expanded on the cave operation, the brothers were on their way to creating a legacy.

In time, Silver Dollar City became a world-renowned theme park. Today, it receives awards from numerous organizations and publications. As the park grew, one thing stayed consistent: The Herschends’ commitment to creating welcoming places where families create memories worth repeating.

The company’s 70 years of success is a credit to the deep-rooted culture of “Love in Action,” built on the Herschend family values of kindness and caring. It is the belief of the company that love can be found at every Herschend property, every day, from the way guests are treated to how the company cares for its employees. It’s a big departure from many corporations that put profit over people.

“Jack and Peter’s fingerprints on our corporate culture began decades ago and still impact us today,” said Brad Thomas, park president, Silver Dollar City. “The consultative decision making includes a variety of voices — even when the opinions may conflict. This has always been evident in their conversations with front-line employees, and the board of directors always has diverse members with diverse backgrounds. They hungered for input.”

In time, the Herschend brothers expanded again — to another state. Acquiring a property in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Jack and Pete took possession of a destination with a great train but one that needed direction. More importantly, the Herschend touch gave it heart. The craftsmen and artists that the Branson location was famous for soon joined the mountain folks of Tennessee. The location had operated under many names, but a second Silver Dollar City made its own name in the Volunteer State.

But a bigger name entered the picture.

In 1982, Barbara Walters interviewed Dolly Parton, who expressed a desire to build a theme park in her hometown. The Herschend brothers recognized an opportunity and approached the country singer about a mutually beneficial partnership.

In 1986, the park reopened as Dollywood. In that first year alone, it had doubled the attendance of what the former Silver Dollar City had received the year before.

The partnership was more than just good business, it was the perfect pairing. Parton’s name recognition was an incredible draw for building the success of the park. Over the decades, attendance has passed the three-million mark thanks to her influence. However, it was Parton’s heart and soul that aligned with that of the Herschends. The importance of faith and family remained at the core of her decisions, as well as the brothers.

“Her values — including her love for others and her giving spirit — permeate the park and are truly what inspire our award-winning guest and host experience,” said Pete Owens, vice president of marketing and public relations. “As hosts, we work each day to make her proud through the care we provide our guests. Her philanthropy efforts, especially through The Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, should be a shining example to everyone on how we can each make a positive difference in the world around us.”

When fires affected families in the Smoky Mountain region, Parton was quick to react.

Outside of Walt Disney, rare is the park that bears the namesake of an individual person. But Parton’s story resonates with guests, as does the honest southern hospitality instilled in the park. It is a reflection of her. Her principles are felt as guests walk through the park, and it earns respect. Each visitor is greeted with warmth and sincerity. The importance of kindness is at the heart of everything.

If only the world could take notice.

“Dollywood simply wouldn’t be the same without Dolly; her business acumen and wealth of ideas are unparalleled,” said Eugene Naughton, park president. “However, I truly believe it is the inspiration she provides as our Dreamer-in-Chief that really does make Dollywood so different.”

Working as a team and empowering each other is a driving factor for the Herschend properties. Because of their exemplary leadership, Amusement Today is proud to acknowledge the contributions to the amusement industry by Jack Herschend, Pete Herschend and Dolly Parton by recognizing them as Golden Ticket Award Legends.

Rare is the individual so beloved by every aspect of the amusement industry. Whether it be the business side, the care and dedication toward the park guests, the love of the enthusiast community or the adoration from fellow family-operated parks, Dick Knoebel stands on a pedestal all his own.

When his grandfather founded an amusement park in 1926, Knoebel was automatically immersed into the industry his entire life. Located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Resort has enthralled visitors for decades, and the love for the park has been carried through from generation to generation.

After a short stint in the Marine Corps, Knoebel was able to engross himself in the various tasks at hand.

Growing up with the park, Knoebel eventually took on larger roles. His involvement in the amusement industry was impactful. He was elected as president of the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association in 1971. In the mid-1980s, he was instrumental in the development and adoption of the Pennsylvania Ride Inspection Act, which served as the model for most other states. To this day, he serves on the board of directors as secretary/treasurer. His concise report often is boiled down to three words: “We are solvent.” His volunteerism also included serving on the board of directors for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions from 1999 to 2002.

But it is his work with the park that truly created a legacy. Knoebels Amusement Resort has a charm and old-fashioned character that breathes authenticity and is almost impossible to duplicate. Projects among the property’s attractions stand as a testament to determination, innovation, preservation and a sheer love for what the amusement industry does.

Truly at the forefront is the construction of the park’s most famous roller coaster, Phoenix. Originally built in San Antonio, Texas, as The Rocket at Playland Park in 1947, the wooden coaster was a brilliant design by Herbert Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. After that park closed in 1980, Knoebel eventually saw the value in preserving an outstanding ride. Told by many industry “experts” that the idea wasn’t sound, Knoebel proved them wrong. The ride opened in 1985 and has been a national — if not global — draw thanks to the constant care of the remarkable machine. Phoenix is one of only two coasters to be in the top ten of Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards charts since they originated in 1998. The erection of the ride also involved a young man named Clair Hain, Jr., who eventually went on to cofound Great Coasters International, Inc.

The relocation of The Rocket sparked an interest in preserving rides. That project was just the beginning for Knoebel. Over time, more innovative and celebrated projects were to come.

A reinterpretation of Elitch Gardens’ famous-yet-lost Mr. Twister coaster was championed in 1999 with the opening of Twister, paying tribute to a classic of the past. Black Diamond in 2011 saw PTC’s only steel coaster in the company’s history purchased from a Jersey pier and brought back to life rethemed to the Pennsylvania region and making for a signature piece for the park — half coaster, half dark ride.

The most affectionate proof of Knoebel’s stubbornness was the construction of Flying Turns. A project of more than seven years, he was told repeatedly that he couldn’t build such a vintage ride in the 21st century. Once again, he proved the naysayers wrong. Flying Turns opened in late 2013 and is the only ride of its kind in the world. It won a Golden Ticket for Best New Ride.

“Anyone would consider me lucky to have been raised by an industry legend,” said his son Rick Knoebel. “Having Dick Knoebel as my father means I have an incredibly accomplished mentor. I’ve witnessed his resiliency as well as his devotion to restoring and resurrecting rides.”

The park itself shows the truth in such a statement. Among the large collection of offerings are refurbished and preserved rides from almost a century ago alongside modern day thrillers. Classic kiddie rides, flat rides and slides harken back to a long-lost era. The park’s bumper cars, Flying Skooters and Whip are considered unquestionably among the world’s best. A great love of Knoebel, the miniature trains at the park are family crowd pleasers.

One of the park’s unquestionable “must do” attractions is its Grand Carousel. The Knoebels family’s love for the 1913 carousel is a true feather in its cap. Purchased from Riverside Park in New Jersey in 1941, the carousel is one of the largest in the world, and Knoebels’ dedication to preserving the opportunity to grab a brass ring while riding is an Americana tradition virtually lost in today’s world.

One of his strongest principles is his dedication to the people who work for him and the people who come visit. His belief in family is one taken to heart. Parking is free. Admission is free. The prices of delicious food and fun attractions remain reasonable and an exceptional value for families who enjoy a day at the park.

“What stands out most to me is my dad’s extreme dedication to the job while never once forgetting family comes first,” said son Brian Knoebel. “Perhaps that’s one of the many reasons Knoebels has thrived under his leadership. He understands the importance of family time, and our role in providing that for our guests.”

It is that leadership that gives a park something special — a soul.

Having established a legacy of the finest of principles, values, dedication and vision within the amusement industry, Amusement Today is thrilled to recognize Dick Knoebel as a Golden Ticket Awards Legend.

When Paul and Alethea Roads moved to the Texas Panhandle and opened their three-ride Kiddie Land on August 12, 1951, no one could have ever imagined the strong Texas winds would blow in their favor for 71 years with no signs of slowing down. What the young couple also didn’t realize was the number of lifelong friendships that would be forged along the way, thanks to the people-friendly mentality found in the amusement industry.

Kiddie Land saw instant success with the couple adding at least one ride each year, growing the park to meet demand. A miniature golf course was soon added, and it was becoming clear, Kiddie Land was growing up. 

Inspired by Alice in Through the Looking Glass, the family changed the name of the park in 1958 to Wonderland. Additions of a Tilt-A-Whirl in 1960; Cyclone coaster in 1966 and Scrambler in 1968 put the property on its way to becoming a family park.

When they could attend, it was during their visits to the IAAPA shows in Chicago that the couple noted that not all their friends could be there. These were expensive trips, especially for small parks such as theirs, but the information gained at the show was so valuable to their success. After visiting with the other small-park owners, it was decided that a non-official organization would be formed so this wealth of information could be shared for the betterment of others. Only park owners were invited to attend the meetings, and they would share what was working and especially what didn’t work. Rides, food, games, staffing and advertising buys were all on the table. The group continues to meet to this day, thanks to the Roads vision and even became a little more official when settling on a name: Family Owned Amusement Parks, or FOAM.

When industry friends needed help, the Roads family was there. They assisted James and Katie Dean secure the purchase of Joyland Park in Lubbock, Texas, which just concluded its 50th year of operation under ownership of the Dean family. When the Deans needed a new train, they bought Wonderland’s Allan Herschell model. Wonderland then upgraded to a Chance CP Huntington. The Roads helped secure flat rides for Cliff and Zella Hammond when the New Mexico couple was making the jump from Uncle Cliff’s to Cliff’s Amusement Park. They also helped with a ride for Fred Foley, owner of Funland Park in Wichita Falls, Texas. 

All these connections set the stage for two legendary moves that would impact the small park industry forever.

In the mid-1970s, the couple was getting requests for a dark ride. Having become friends with Robert Bell, Sr. of Bell’s Amusement Park, Stan Nelson of Joyland Park in Kansas and others, Paul soon realized these parks were getting the same requests. Needing a way to make these rides more affordable for the small parks, Paul convinced his friends, including the ownership at Lake Winnepesaukah, to all add dark rides for the 1974 season, and each park would help contribute to each ride in their own way. Paul was a master welder, having worked at the Amarillo Air Force Base. He assisted the parks with the ride track and, more importantly, welded the steel framework that would become the rotating barrel scene in each ride. The Bells family cut off the fronts of school buses for a head-on crash “gag,” while the Nelson family worked with Bill Tracy and others to line up the tricks and scenes. Lake Winnie organized the production for all the ride vehicle bodies. Wonderland’s new Fantastic Journey would lead to a 43-percent increase in attendance. The other parks saw similar gains.

Having become friends with Harry Batt, Sr., owner of Pontchartrain Beach, Paul learned that he had installed a Sky Ride similar to those found on ski slopes. That led to their first meeting with O.D. Hopkins, which operated a ski lift manufacturing company under the same name. A deal was struck, and the Sky Ride opened in 1977 with much success. An immediate friendship was made and only became closer when introduced to Jerry Pendleton, also with Hopkins. 

That bond between the Roads family and Pendleton become so tight that it led to Wonderland becoming the home for seven more prototype Hopkins rides starting with the development of the Big Splash log flume in 1980, Texas Tornado double-loop coaster in 1985, Rattlesnake River Rapids in 1988, Sky Rider aerial tramway ride in 1992, Thunder Jet Racer dueling waterslide in 1993, Pipeline Plunge wet/dry waterslides in 1994 and the first 12-passenger boat Shoot-The Chute ride in 2000. Walt Disney is credited for bringing the Arrow name to the industry. The Roads can get the same credit for the introduction of Hopkins to the family parks.

The introduction of these rides by Hopkins to the amusement industry now gave small, family-owned parks all across the nation access to popular rides but at a fraction of the cost. New Hampshire-based Hopkins Rides was now a major selling force in the small park market.

The amusement industry lost Paul in 2003 at the age of 84 and his wife Alethea in 2016 at the milestone age of 100. Wonderland is now in the hands of daughter and son-in-law Paula and Paul Borchardt and their daughter Rebecca Parker. Having just wrapped up its 71st season, Wonderland Park’s success is a testament to the groundwork laid by two amusement industry leaders, Paul and Alethea Roads.

Amusement Today is honored to recognize these two industry icons as Golden Ticket Awards Legends.

After more than 30 years in the industry, Larry Bill has taken a lot of roller coaster rides. Unlike enthusiasts, he can say he was involved in building those rides.

Larry Bill has been involved in an estimated 75 wooden roller coaster designs in

nine countries since his start in the amusement industry in the late 1980s. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. For many years, his work was done for Custom Coasters International (CCI). He joined the company in 1992 following a few years of work with Curtis D. Summers, Inc. When CCI closed its doors in 2002, four of the engineers from CCI decided to form a new company. Bill is one of the founding members of the The Gravity Group, LLC.

“In many ways, Larry took us under his wing and helped us grow into the engineers that we are today,” said Korey Kiepert, engineer and principal. “Early on in The Gravity Group, park owners mainly wanted to talk to Larry, but he was always first to include us in conversations and bring us into the fray. To him, The Gravity Group wasn’t just about one person but about the entire team. We all worked together and shared equally in any accolades for a ride.”

“As we have worked with Larry for many years, he has guided us in many ways,” said Michael Graham, engineer and principal. “Directly and indirectly, he made sure we knew that we were a team and that engineering roller coasters was not just the glamour of designing the ride path. He also was an advocate for regarding everyone on the team as part of the excellence of a roller coaster. Inside our team, Larry was known for some phrases that shaped this attitude of hard work. While some of these phrases are familiar, they took specific meaning as they created memories of particular projects and of moments in time.”

Such as?

“Dishwashing.” Bill made every new employee understand that there is a lot of “lower” regarded work involved with each project that everyone on the team will need to complete for each ride.

“Lay the lead.” When he started in a huge room of drafting tables, making drawings was a very time consuming, manual drafting process. His superiors used to say this phrase to him.

“Bulk, son, bulk.” When it came to creating design calculation packages on whether to include some of the tiniest details, this phrase always came up in discussion. Bill heard this in his early years, and it never got old.

A favorite of Graham’s: “All hands on deck.”

“First, as there was a huge amount of design, engineering and construction work required for each roller coaster, Larry made it clear that there were times when we needed ‘all hands on deck’ to get past particular hurdles,” Graham recalled. “As the vast majority of the work to design and engineer a roller coaster can be repetitive and mundane, his other phrases played into this effort.”

“We have this video that my wife took after my first day at Custom Coasters,” said Kiepert. “In it, I told her about Larry and ‘wearing many hats’ and ‘dishwashing.’ I think that this mentality has really helped us as we have grown our small business. Instead of just trying to do one job, we have all stepped up and had to do many different jobs, from taking care of the trash to ordering office supplies.”

Throughout his career, Bill enjoyed meeting park officials. One for whom he had great respect was Holiday World’s Will Koch. Three roller coasters were designed for the park, starting with The Raven, which in many respects put the park on the national map when it opened in 1995. He remembers surveying the landscape with Koch and Jeff Mason trying to preserve as many trees as possible. The Legend was a wooden coaster that opened five years later to welcome in the new millennium, and The Voyage opened in 2006. Both The Raven and The Voyage have taken the Golden Ticket for Best Wood Coaster in their operational lives. In 2021, all three wooden coasters are on the chart of top 25 coasters.

Figuring out how Hoosier Hurricane would fit into Indiana Beach’s unique site is also a great memory for Bill. The ride was designed in 1993 and opened the following year. “Electric rock” was a term Bill used when laying out the Hoosier Hurricane coaster. They had brought a “portable” computer that was a heavy all-in-one machine with a small screen. That term is indicative of how far technology has come and its effects on how things are done today.

In its close-to-10 years of existence, Custom Coasters designed 34 scream machines, the majority of which involved Bill on the team. One of the driving forces of The Gravity Group, often inspired by Bill, was the sense of teamwork. The dissolution of Custom Coasters was a time of uncertainty, but the joined forces of the engineers involved was a first step once again.

“In addition to Larry’s hard work ethic and his view of teamwork, when we formed The Gravity Group, he was a strong proponent of the group concept that was collaborative and not tied to individual heroics,” said Graham. “As most coaster companies are small businesses, he also made sure any potential employees understood that we ‘wore multiple hats’ and the expectation was that everyone would need to be well-rounded and called upon for random responsibilities.”

One of Bill’s other phrases makes Graham smile. “Stirring the pot and banging the sides, which meant continuing to aggravate something that should be left alone,” he said.

Since forming The Gravity Group, the company has been involved with 28 more roller coaster designs. A sister company, GravityKraft, was also formed to manufacture the Timberliner trains, which is marketed as the industry’s only steering roller coaster car. They have become the signature rolling stock on Gravity Group coasters.

Among The Gravity Group’s accolades are Golden Ticket Awards. When the category of Best New Ride was introduced in 2005, the company took the first win with Hades at Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park. This was followed with The Voyage and two years later with Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer.

Over the years, the company has built large thrillers and several family-sized coasters. Even with years of experience and successful projects, Bill had no problem remaining quietly in the background.

“Larry wasn’t one to step into the spotlight,” noted Kiepert. “He was always very thoughtful and wanted to share credit with everyone involved.” 

Graham added, “Larry was a steadfast, hard worker who would always jump in to help in any way he could. We have been very privileged to have had worked with Larry for over 20 years, and we think we got more irritated than he did when people called him Bill instead of Larry.”

Amusement Today is pleased to add Larry Bill as the newest Golden Ticket Award Legend.

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When Pamela Landwirth was handed the reins of the Give Kids The World Village 25 years ago, she knew she had found her calling.

After 16 years with the Walt Disney World Company and additional consultant work with Hard Rock Café, Landwirth’s expertise boasted an acumen in human resources, strategic planning and operations management, among other talents in her skill set.

She began her career at Give Kids The World, Inc., in 1992. Inspired by the mission set in place by her husband, Henri Landwirth, she was chosen to lead the Village, located in Kissimmee, in 1995. While the couple’s marriage did not remain intact, their vision and lifelong friendship remained strong. When Henri stepped away from the board in the late 1990s, he knew Pamela would steer the Village in the direction it needed to go.

Under her leadership, Give Kids The World Village has seen exponential growth, and each expansion brings further happiness to challenged families. Growing from 32 to 84 acres, the number of family villas has increased from 56 when she stepped into the role of president and CEO in 1995 to 166 today. Eleven new venues have been added, including Julie’s Safari Theatre, Matthew’s Boundless Playground, the Amberville Train Station and Towne Hall. What she finds most rewarding is the number of families served at the facility each year, which has almost doubled under her tenure.

“Pam never asks anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself,” said Susie Storey, director, global communications, IAAPA. “It’s not unusual to see Pam making pizzas for families, working alongside volunteers or assisting the housekeeping team. Pam’s heart and soul is at Give Kids The World and she works to inspire her team while giving hope to the wish families who stay there.”

Each year, as IAAPA Expo begins, Landwirth is one of the principal speakers addressing the industry during the Kick-Off Event. Her poise and smile exemplify the welcome to industry attendees who have traveled from around the world. Serving on numerous nonprofit boards, she is a highly sought-after speaker in the nonprofit world.

“Pam’s leadership through this difficult year has been essential to the Village,” said Development Director Steven Amos, Give Kids The World Village. “Her positivity and ingenuity has kept hope alive for wish children waiting for their wishes, our staff and volunteers. She continues to innovate, thinking of new and creative ways to inspire hope for our families through her Boxes of Hope, personal FaceTime calls and postcards. We’re honored to have her leading our team through this time.”

Contrary to many typical CEOs, there is no job Landwirth will not do. Her unfailing dedication serves as inspiration not only to her staff and corps of volunteers (which have quadrupled under her direction), but to the industry at large. For her exemplary dedication in sharing the amusement industry to families so desperately in need of it, coupled with her leadership through the most trying of circumstances, Amusement Today honors Pamela Landwirth as a Golden Ticket Award Legend.

BEST CAROUSEL started out as a rotating category as the new millennium began before becoming an annual designation in 2007. Over that window of time, the undefeated champ is the Grand Carrousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort. The Golden Ticket was awarded a total of 14 times in this category.

“The Grand Carrousel will always be the ‘Heart and Soul’ of Knoebels,” said Leanna Knoebel Muscato. Located near the very center, as the park has grown up around her, she holds many memories for our guests. When a family comes to visit, they all can ride together. Some will choose to reach for the rings, and others are happy riding a jumper horse, while grandparents may choose a relaxing chariot ride, all to the tunes of the antique band organs. It is not unusual to hear a parent or a grandparent pointing out their own favorite horse to their children or grandchildren.”

Introduced in 2008, the BEST FUNHOUSE – WALKTHROUGH ATTRACTION award has shone a spotlight on those attractions that people don’t ride, but experience from strolling through the sights and entertainment within. Kennywood’s Noah’s Ark has taken the award every year since 2010. During that time, the park has continued to invest in the 1936 Philadelphia Toboggan Company attraction. The kitschy funhouse has become a beloved part of each visit to the historic park.

“Even within our many rare and historic rides, Noah’s Ark stands out as a unique experience,” says Kennywood General Manager Jerome Gibas. “We’re thankful for the support of the Golden Ticket Award voters to make Noah’s Ark a nine-time champion as the BEST FUNHOUSE/WALKTHROUGH ATTRACTION, and grateful to the team at Amusement Today for designating the Ark a LEGEND. Noah’s Ark certainly is a living legend with Kennywood, and to our guests who happily climb aboard as frequently now as when the Ark first set sail in 1936.”

Since BEST INDOOR ROLLER COASTER became an annual category in 2007, Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando has taken the award the last 11 years. With a dynamic roller coaster built by Premier Rides combined with immersive theming from the creative minds at Universal, Revenge of the Mummy has become a must-do for every guest visiting the park.

The indoor coaster with a dynamic storyline and startling “fake out” ending opened in 2004.

“Revenge of the Mummy is one of those experiences our guests love — and keep coming back to enjoy. It combines great storytelling with an incredible ride and amazing special effects. And our guests really feel like they are in the middle of their own adventure,” said Rich Costales, executive vice president of resort operations, Universal Studios Orlando.

BEST SEASIDE PARK was introduced in 2007 and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk claimed the Golden Ticket 11 out of 12 years. Delighting beach goers and vacationers since 1907, the Boardwalk is anchored by the classic 1924 Giant Dipper and its Looff Carousel dating to 1911.

“Winning the Golden Ticket for BEST SEASIDE PARK over so many years and now retiring as a LEGEND is a huge honor,” said Tom Canfield, Vice President, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. “The Golden Tickets have helped showcase our park’s importance in the industry and made our employees and guests proud.  It was a very fun ride!”

If ever an individual created a sea change in the amusement industry, it was George Millay. As the leading creative force behind the SeaWorld theme park chain and the father of the water park, Millay had a vision that was more than just adding water to fun — it revolutionized our business by using our most vital natural resource to engage parkgoers and enhance the interactivity of their experience.

Water, or at least his close proximity to it, was a constant in Millay’s life. Born in 1929 in San Diego, he grew up in Ocean Beach, San Francisco and Hawaii and served in the Navy for three years. Upon graduating from UCLA in 1955, he worked briefly as a stockbroker before he and a business partner opened the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach in 1956. That eatery became the cornerstone of Specialty Restaurants Corporation, with which Millay remained involved for another decade.

Even while enjoying that success, Millay partnered with two UCLA fraternity brothers, Dave DeMotte and Milt Shedd, and the wildlife curator at Marineland in Palos Verdes, Ken Norris, to begin developing a marine life park called SeaWorld on San Diego’s
Mission Bay. Today, half a century after that landmark opened in 1964, the
company encompasses 11 destination and regional parks across the U.S.

Millay’s enthusiasm for the business of fun did not stop with SeaWorld. At the start of the 1970s, he assisted with the development of Magic Mountain theme park north of Los Angeles. And in 1974, he formed another company,
Leisure Marine, in San Diego, with which he explored the feasibility of a new type of park featuring water-based attractions. From this, the national Wet ‘n Wild water park chain emerged.

“Water-oriented activities are among the fastest-growing forms of recreation in America,” Millay said at the time. “People are demanding activities that they can participate in.”

Millay left us in 2006, but he also has left us with a legacy of entertainment that has fulfilled the public’s desire for participatory fun while also promoting conservation and showcasing the natural wonders of our world. Like water is to humanity, his concepts will remain a life force in our industry — and for this, Amusement Today honors George Millay with its 2014 Legend Series Award.

One man, one vision, one very impressive career.

Hired in 1972 in the foods division at Cedar Point, even Toledo-native Richard “Dick” Kinzel could not have predicted the path this new amusement career was about to take him on.

In just three years, Kinzel would be promoted to director of park operations at Cedar Point. His hard work would soon  pay  off  again when he was promoted to become general manager of the newly acquired Valleyfair in 1978. It was at Valleyfair that he laid the groundwork that would soon change the entire amusement industry.

In 1986, Kinzel was promoted to President and CEO of Cedar Fair, L.P., the parent company of the company’s two parks.

Seeing that the historic Cedar Point resort numbers were flat, Kinzel know something big and cutting edge had to be found to bring the crowds back to the Point.

That vision would lead him to Arrow Development and the birth of a new wave of steel coaster wars. The end result was the introduction of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, the 205-foot tall Magnum XL-200 hypercoaster. Yes, even new coaster terminology was ushered in.

The guests came to Cedar Point in record numbers year after year. That success would let the company grow in new ways never visioned.

More record-setting coasters in the 310-foot tall Millennium force and the 420- foot tall Top Thrill Dragster would make their place in the history books.

Not content with just two parks, Kinzel’s vision was to expand the CedarFair family the way Six Flags had expand- ed theirs.

The acquisition of Dorney Park in 1992, Worlds of Fun  in 1995, Knott’s  Berry  Farm in 1997, Michigan’s Adventure in 2001 and Geauga Lake in 2001 were all but building blocks for what was on the horizon. Kinzel shocked the entire amusement  industry in 2006 when Cedar Fair was able to pull off the acquisition of Paramounts five parks. That purchase moved Cedar Fair into one of the top 5 amusement companies in the world. The company grew from revenues of $100 million in 1986 to revenues  of  more than $977 million in 2010.

Under his watch the company also gained the  rights to the Peanuts brand of characters with its purchase of Knott’s Berry Farm.

Kinzel’s vision  has  not just been roller coasters and rides. He has enhanced properties with resort lodging. He has built and expanded waterparks. He has entertained guests with  state-of-the-art night shows and  special events. And not forgetting the younger set, he has assembled impressive kid’s ar- eas in all his properties.

And through all this, he has maintained  his  proper- ties with new paint, new walkways, new buildings and new sections. The Cedar Fair parks are not aging, but are still in growth mode as all well man- aged amusement facilities should be.

As Richard Kinzel nears his retirement date from the amusement industry, Amusement Today takes this time to honor him as our first living Legend, 2011.

When Amusement Today started its Legends Series last year, the goal was to honor those  who  had  an  impact on the amusement industry decades ago. It was meant to bring their name, their legacy and their accomplishments back in the news, so that we never forget their contribu- tions and the ground work laid that has helped build our parks and industry into what they are today.

What we didn’t envision, was losing one of our dearest of friends, industry leader, this year at the young age of 48.

Will Koch, served as Chief Executive Officer of Koch Development Corporation, the parent company of Holiday World Theme Park and Splashin’ Safari Water Park, a true until complications from diabetes took him from us far too soon.

Under Will’s vision, he took the Santa Claus, Indiana park and grew it into a region- al destination. The park added three wooden roller coasters, built a waterpark, added record-breaking rides and became the first park to offer free soda to guests. The guests love it so much, the park now exceeds the one million attendance mark on an annual basis.

The Golden Ticket Awards ceremony that we enjoy today, is the result of Will  Koch  and his vision for the industry. His offer to Amusement Today in 2001 to conduct an ‘official’ ceremony on the stage of a Holiday World theater pushed the Golden Tickets to another level, and launched an official awards event.

Amusement Today is honored to present its second Legends Series award not only in the memory of Will Koch, but to his visions that were, and still are, golden.

Will Koch, thank you for all you did for our industry, for the lives you touched and for the support and encouragement you gave to Amusement Today. You are a Legend in so many ways.

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

That is a quote that is inscribed on a plaque behind the desk of Jack Krantz, the late founder of Adventureland Park in Des Moines, Iowa.

For our amusement industry those words ring home. The people of this industry, like Jack was until his death  in Jan. 2006, are full of enthusiasm equal only to the rides and thrills found in the parks.

Jack Krantz, seeing the need for a quality family amusement In Des Moines, Iowa, started construction in 1973 on a piece of former airport property that once saw a 1924 landing by Charles Lindbergh. By August 1974, a portion of Adventureland opened to the public with its main street and a handful of rides. Its opening was delayed only by a small tornado which passed through the park that July.

Adventureland’s first full season arrived in 1975 and thanks to the addition of a skyride from the World’s Fair in Spokane, Washington and numerous other rides, the park was off and running.

Running so well, Adventureland was able to add its first big ride in 1978, a wooden roller coaster. One year later it moved rides from the aging Riverview Amusement Park, also in Des Moines.

Under Jack’s guidance, the park continued to grow into Iowa’s largest tourist attrac- tion complete with a hotel and campground and more than $60 million in reinvestment into the 180-acre resort.

Those who knew Jack, knew his love for the amusement industry. He listened, he learned and then he passed on his success and knowledge to others.

In AT’s debut year of 1997, Jack’s wisdom on the industry and his financial views were just part of the reason Amusement Today survived through its start up phase.

Jack may be gone, but the business sense he instilled into his family members running the park today, keeps his vision, his enthusiasm alive for all to enjoy.

Amusement Today is honored to present its first Legends Series award in the memory of Jack Krantz.