Universal Orlando recorded five victories at the Golden Ticket Awards, including four of the new Epic Universe theme parks and four of the Volcano Bay Water Park.
Epic’s Dark Universe area is named the best new theme concept of 2025, and its central attraction monsters are not chained. The battle on Harry Potter and Ministry Ride won with the best new attractions, and Stardust Racer was named Best New Jay Coaster of 2025. The new theme park debuted in late May.
Opened in 2017, Volcano Bay was awarded the 25 year Best Water Park and edging Schlitterbahn. Its charm in New Braunfels, Texas, has been in the category every year since the award was founded in 1998.
Golden tickets are determined by today’s entertainment, an industry publication that uses a global panel of experienced park enthusiasts as voters. The winners were announced at Saturday’s ceremony at Carrowin’s, a theme park near Charlotte.
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“It’s no surprise that over the years, seeing the park appear in full and over the top spectacular fashion, and for industry experts, enthusiasts, or everyday guests, something really special happened.”
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Other well-known winners include Best Park of 2025 (the epic universe is runner-up), and Europe Park in Germany’s Europe Park, where Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the most beautiful park. Dollywood, an attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has received three awards including Big Bear Mountain as the Best Family Coaster, Best Kids Area and Best Guest Experience of 2025.
Keith James of RWS was awarded the Leadership Award. Former Universal Orlando executive James will be inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame later this year.
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Original issue: September 8, 2025, 12:05pm EDT
