Great Adventure Outpost

Industry => Industry News => Topic started by: PcMan on September 14, 2009, 07:26:59 PM

Title: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: PcMan on September 14, 2009, 07:26:59 PM
 Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS   http://www.amusementtoday.com/corndog/2009gtawinners.html (http://www.amusementtoday.com/corndog/2009gtawinners.html)

NITRO getting some good Love from the Industry and The Beast is in the top 10 (I like that)

(http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7817/top10wood.jpg)

(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6371/top10steel.jpg)

(http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/262/waterpark.jpg)

(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7016/bestof1j.jpg)

(http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2065/indoofunhouse.jpg)

(http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/6442/seaside.jpg)

(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9097/waterkids.jpg)

(http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8030/friendly.jpg)

(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7206/darkride.jpg)


Best Amusement Park

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Best Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas

Best Children’s Park
LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad, Calif.

Best Marine Life Park
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Fla.

Best Seaside Park
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, Calif.

Best Wooden Coaster
The Voyage at Holiday World, Santa Claus, Ind.

Best Steel Coaster
Bizarro
at Six Flags New England, Agawam, Mass.

Best Kids’ Area
Kings Island, Kings Mills, Ohio

Friendliest Staff
Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo.

Cleanest Park
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Ind.

Best Halloween Event
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Orlando, Fla..

Best Landscaping
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va.

Best Christmas Event
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood,
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Best Food
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.

Best Shows
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

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 Waterpark Ride
Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort,
New Braunfels, Texas

Best Dark Ride
Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Fla.

Best New Ride of 2009 - Amusement Park

Prowler at Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Mo.

Best New Ride of 2009 - Waterpark
Congo River Expedition at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, New Braunfels, Texas

Best Carousel
Grand Carousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort,
Elysburg, Pa.

Best Indoor Roller Coaster
Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Orlando,
Orlando, Fla.

Best Indoor Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, Galveston, Texas

Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction
Frankenstein’s Castle at Indiana Beach, Monticello, Ind.


Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: B-mac on September 14, 2009, 07:48:03 PM
Glad that BG won with landscaping, and cleanliness. What's the best waterpark? I only see rides
surprised Nitro ranked 3rd. It's a good ride, but I expected it to be 5-6. Bizarro(NJ) is a good ride, that should be atleast top 15
SM/Bizarro won how many years in a row now?
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: nitrorox1414 on September 14, 2009, 09:17:31 PM
Ya go Nitro!!!!!!
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: Steve on September 14, 2009, 10:12:53 PM
No surprise CP got best park again.

I'm surprised MF is not on the top 10 list...
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: WadeJ on September 15, 2009, 12:05:13 AM
After being at Santa Cruz two days ago and hangin out for quite a while, I just can't even come close to understanding how they got the top spot.  I just don't get it...
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: WadeJ on September 15, 2009, 12:07:51 AM
See....
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: nitrorox1414 on September 15, 2009, 06:59:55 AM
What is that?
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: AV Matt on September 15, 2009, 07:37:13 AM
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It's a GREAT park.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: chilled182 on September 15, 2009, 09:29:12 AM
Sigh.. I knew bizarro would get it.  I was on it in May, it drags with the speakers and the bigger headrests.  Its nothing like it used to be.

And whats it gonna take to get GADV in consideration for the park categories?  I mean Wiggles is pretty cool, our park has definitely become a lot more clean and friendly over the years...
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: PcMan on September 15, 2009, 12:28:25 PM

And whats it gonna take to get GADV in consideration for the park categories?  I mean Wiggles is pretty cool, our park has definitely become a lot more clean and friendly over the years...

Flats and Variety,    that's why CP won  how many rides for non-coaster fans ?
Don't get me wrong I LOVE all the Coasters but if I bring my fiancee with me she not into coasters to much we try to look for "other" rides and or shows to keep her entertained . I know I know I'm entertaining in myself  O0

Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: B-mac on September 15, 2009, 02:33:35 PM
You should try and get her on a good ride... I don't mean like Nitro, start of with the Runaway train or something calm for that matter.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: jimmybjammin on September 15, 2009, 06:48:06 PM
How does amusement today come up with these rankings exactly? I went to Cedar Point for my first time during my birthday.. I concluded that nearly EVERYTHING in terms of non-coasters that sfga has gotten rid since it opened in 74 seems to be up and running at CP. Even the train and petting zoo is there at CP. I think sfga has a far better variety of the big coasters though, staff at both are equally friendly. CP's parking lot is perfect, they keep ride themes which sfga doesn't. Flying Bugs and seagulls are a huge prob there.. Not a prob at sfga which is pefect for front row at night. I do miss millennium force, dragster, and maverick. Not so much being a bug deflector after 8. :( Raptor's a head banger though. :( I think the bugs and CP staff having no clue where things are should easily dethrone it from 1st. Also the fact you must RUN at CP but SFGA and King's Dominion are antirun at openning, are huge down falls for CP. Also the fact CP closed EVERY coaster when it sprinkled for 5 minutes the one morning should knock it off #1
SFGA needs flat rides, the parking lot repaved/with garbage cans throughout it to stop the trash mess at close, touristy scenes for attractions to bring it's # up in the awards for a chance to beat CP.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: AV Matt on September 15, 2009, 07:07:29 PM
I'm far from Cedar Point's biggest fan, but Great Adventure has no chance of beating CP in this popularity contest. CP's location, ride collection, operations, and overall atmosphere, not to mention the insane publicity they get from all of those shows, make it tough to beat. Great Adventure has virtually nothing on them. El Toro is better than Mean Streak and GAdv has an awesome flume, but that's about it in comparison.

And for those that don't know, the Golden Tickets are decided by "a panel of experts" including myself and other enthusiasts and industry people. (Please note the sarcasm) Not sure exactly how you "get in" to this club, but I finally received my first ballot this year after joining ACE 20 years ago. Somehow they decided I was worthy. Anyhow, Amusement Today sends out a ballot with multiple choice options for most categories and then has you write in your top ten steel and top ten wood coasters. Unfortunately voters are encouraged to make use of propaganda for making decisions about parks/attractions they have not visited, which IMO is why there seems to be the same winners year after year and more obscure attractions/parks are overlooked.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: B-mac on September 15, 2009, 08:23:54 PM
So bizarro(ne) can be tagged with this? But you'tr right CP has way too much publicity, I'm not saying it's overrated, but the way people ad. about it, it gets annoying after a while. They completly skipped King's dominion too, Which I thought dissapointing
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: PcMan on September 16, 2009, 12:52:19 AM

CP is a Destination RESORT  Great Ad. IS NOT
you can go to CP and spend days there and still not get in your car.

THis is what Makes CP the park that it is  they have onsite hotels and a variety of them, on the beach etc.

GREAT ADVENTURE NEEDS A HOTEL ON THE PROPERTY
I continue to ask this question and the answer is
They NEED SOMEONE TO RUN IT and take on some of the expense,Like a Lowes,Hilton,Radison, or big chain they know how to accompaniment people.
CP,Disney,Universal all can do it. Universal has Lowes running it I go there once a year and its great just to walk to the park or water taxi.
GReat Adventure knows they need a Hotel but it just hasn't happened yet and with the economy/bankrupt etc. it may not for a while.
I think about 3 years ago they may had some preliminary plans to put one near/behind KK but I could be wrong/rumor .
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: ChuckR on September 16, 2009, 06:16:04 AM
How was Expedition GeForce number 5?!?!
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: CoasterPrince on September 16, 2009, 09:06:17 AM
"El Toro is better than Mean Streak and GAdv has an awesome flume, but that's about it in comparison.
"
Ummm..El Toro isn't just better than Mean Streak...Infact, Toro will crush 3/4 of Cp coasters alone. What El Toro doesn't crush Nitro and Ka will. Sure Cedar Point is well rounded and pretty much the perfect park but if it were owned by Cedar Fair I think I know who would be Flagship. You just wait a couple of years and we will see whos better...Gadv or Cp..
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: WadeJ on September 16, 2009, 09:33:23 AM
I used to be a raving fan of the point but now, the only thing I'd say we'll never catch them on is the location. Otherwise, meh. And the last 3 years have taken it's toll as it's nowhere near the same as it was just 5 years ago.

But location aside, gadv still has a long way to go before catching up.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: Bubba Z on September 16, 2009, 10:02:15 AM
^^ Cedar Point  would still be the flagship park , sorry.     Tom didn't I show you the plans for the hotel @ at winter tour 06 ?
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: chilled182 on September 16, 2009, 10:39:02 AM

And whats it gonna take to get GADV in consideration for the park categories?  I mean Wiggles is pretty cool, our park has definitely become a lot more clean and friendly over the years...

Flats and Variety,    that's why CP won  how many rides for non-coaster fans ?
Don't get me wrong I LOVE all the Coasters but if I bring my fiancee with me she not into coasters to much we try to look for "other" rides and or shows to keep her entertained . I know I know I'm entertaining in myself  O0



I've been there, got the t shirt.. trust me, I know that were not going to beat CP.
I'm talking about getting us up there in the top 10 or even top 5.  Why not?  We have a great park, and I've seen a lot of parks.  Theres no reason why we shouldnt at least be in consideration is what im trying to say.

By the way, we have stepped up with our location a lot thanks to saturday night lights.  How come theres no category for best end-of-the-night show?
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: rjholla2003 on September 16, 2009, 06:32:16 PM
There is and we got snubbed.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: CoasterPrince on September 16, 2009, 06:52:51 PM
Bubba I was talking about if CF brought Gadv a couple years back. I'm sure they would have added flats and shows and when it comes down too it that's all we need...and a hotel. All a Dream.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: Bubba Z on September 16, 2009, 09:31:49 PM
Still  think Cedar Point would have won. It's Dicks pride and joy.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: AV Matt on September 16, 2009, 09:54:23 PM
CP just has so much that regardless of how much I prefer to go to other parks, I can't help but love the place.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: kingdakafan on September 17, 2009, 03:03:47 PM
DO WORK EL TORO!
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: B-mac on September 17, 2009, 03:50:52 PM
El toro can't be the powerhouse of the park. Take Cedar point for example, they have many great rides, Millenium force, magnum-200, Beast, son of beast, top thrill. None of these rides over shadow one another. At GA, Kingd ka is what a lot of people try to ride. El Toro is second after that. And when both of them are closed, however rare that is, Nitro moves to the ride of the day
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: WadeJ on September 17, 2009, 04:18:36 PM
Beast and it's son a bit further south ;)
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: Steve on September 17, 2009, 04:18:51 PM
Beast and Son of Beast are at Kings Island.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: B-mac on September 17, 2009, 06:00:50 PM
Oops
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: jimmybjammin on September 18, 2009, 08:32:24 PM
Very interesting answers. So if i decide to join ACE now, 20 years from now I might be worthy of one of those multi choice ballots which may still not list GA. :D
I wonder if GA added what CP has collected, if would we be worthy of being listed in the top 5, essentially a beach with jetskiis, a thousand seagulls for atmosphere, a few hotels of different themes, an indoor water park which is not include with a season pass, 20 flat rides, and several shows a day.. I really liked Saturday night light's more than CP's. CP's night show just seemed cheap in comparison.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: darkridedan on September 18, 2009, 10:35:24 PM
After being at Santa Cruz two days ago and hangin out for quite a while, I just can't even come close to understanding how they got the top spot.  I just don't get it...

They has dark ride. Sounds like epic win! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31R_tEFQm0M#noexternalembed&hl=en&fs=1&border=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31R_tEFQm0M#noexternalembed&hl=en&fs=1&border=1)
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: WadeJ on September 19, 2009, 08:22:13 PM
LOL  Yeah, but didn't they just tear down a fan favorite to build a "better" one?

Seriously though, it was concrete and last time I checked boardwalks were made of wood and Wildwood is easily quadruple the size with way more ride offerings.

Oh well.. I wasn't there when it was open so who am I to say lol.  The place probably has a personality when it's actually open and that's what I was missing.
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: dkny6363 on September 19, 2009, 09:11:35 PM
I'm far from Cedar Point's biggest fan, but Great Adventure has no chance of beating CP in this popularity contest. Cap's location, ride collection, operations, and overall atmosphere, not to mention the insane publicity they get from all of those shows, make it tough to beat. Great Adventure has virtually nothing on them. El Tori is better than Mean Streak and Gav has an awesome flume, but that's about it in comparison.

You can't compare Mean Streak to El Tori when comparing these two parks. Even though they are the two woods. You have to compare it to millennium force which ad mittidly it still beats. But where CP beats out SFGA in coasters is the depth they have. Examine.

El Tori           Millennium Force
Nitro             Maverick
Ka                TTD
Bizarro           Raptor
Suf               Magnum
Batman            Wicked Twister

NOW! these are not in order but it gives you a sense of how the top 6 to some degree cancel each other out. Now do the next couple.

GASM              Mantis
RT                Gemini
Dark Night        Blue Streak
Skull MT.         Mean Streak
Runaway           Iron Dragon
Blackbeard        Corkscrew
                  Disaster Transprot
                  Wildcat
                  Mine Ride

As you see the depth of CP kills SFGA and then there is all the other stuff Matts talking about on top of that. Just the feeling of excitement you get when you hit the causeway alone is unreal. The one area I think CP really could step up is food. I hate eating there. Also a wood coaster. or fix Mean streak. Personally I would love to see them re build it where it sits due to I love its location. A long line extending past the train stop would be crazy. Also CP will have the better flume as of next year. Believe that.
     
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: kingdakafan on September 19, 2009, 09:38:27 PM
el toro and nitro pwn ftw, roflmao... :D
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: PcMan on September 19, 2009, 10:59:23 PM
Very interesting answers. So if i decide to join ACE now, 20 years from now I might be worthy of one of those multi choice ballots which may still not list GA.

I been an ACE member since around 1986-87  (to lazy to check)  and I never got a ballot.
but I'm not much of a "coaster traveler"  but really that doesn't matter maybe its who you know ? 
Also Matt is a very lovable guy   :) and knows his coasters and if I got one I would trust his picks before mine  ::)  ;D :D ;)


I was Just in Wildwood Today Sat Setp.19th and it was mobbed like summertime. rode a short tram car for a few hours
below pic totally unrelated to this topic  Unless filming a Movie in Wildwood is related  \/

(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/442/attentionl.jpg)
Title: Re: Golden Tickets 2009 WINNERS
Post by: kingdakafan on September 20, 2009, 08:34:37 AM
cool!