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Universal Triumphs at Golden Ticket Awards
Universal Epic Universe dominated the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, with its new ride dethroning Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for the Best Dark Ride honor. Additionally, Universal Volcano Bay was named the Best Water Park.
The Golden Ticket Awards by Amusement Today are designed to “shine a spotlight on the amusement park industry and attractions by recognizing the ‘Best of the Best’.” In the 2025 awards, there were 22 categories, and Universal Epic Universe earned four wins, in addition to several runner-up positions.
Tim Baldwin, the Golden Ticket Awards Communications Coordinator, stated, “It was Universal’s year, unquestionably. There was so much build-up to this park’s opening, dating back before the pandemic. And they pulled it off. The awards alone demonstrate that Universal really delivered the goods.”
Stardust Racers was built by Mack Rides and “bedazzled” by Universal Creative, according to Amusement Today. The magazine described the ride as a “masterpiece in Universal’s portfolio,” noting that the “mesmerizing attraction features racing trains that intertwine in fascinating ways” and adds a “cool factor” with its night lighting.
“It is a huge honor to be named Best New Roller Coaster, and we’re so excited that Stardust Racers has earned this recognition,” said JC Loward, assistant director/executive producer at Universal Creative. “Our team set out to create an ‘out-of-this-world’ dual-launch coaster that feels like you’re riding aboard a comet, and to see the positive guest reactions since we’ve opened has been amazing. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet, Stardust Racers is definitely a must-do for any thrill seeker visiting Epic Universe.”
“Stardust Racers was in development for several years — a true passion project,” Maximilian Roeser with Mack Rides said. “The fusion of our launch coaster system with Universal’s spectacular design is simply stunning. The attention to detail and immersive theming make this coaster a benchmark for what’s possible when great engineering meets visionary storytelling.”
The flagship Wizarding World attraction at Epic Universe earned Best New Attraction Installation. Amusement Today stated that this “one-of-a-kind attraction dazzles from the moment guests step into the queue. Inside, the theming is immersive, and the ride system almost defies description.”
Eileen Stephens, Senior Director of Projects for Universal Creative, commented on the ride’s ambition: “Just the sheer scale of this attraction is unbelievable and unlike anything else.” She added that the adventure begins the moment guests travel from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic via Métro-Floo. “You encounter so much in this ride — massive, breathtaking environments, unprecedented ride technology, lifelike animated figures and so much more — all while trying to bring Dolores Umbridge to justice. This ride is a true gamechanger and so far, our guests have been blown away.”
The “Best New Theme Concept” category, which was introduced last year to “acknowledge new ideas regardless of budget,” was awarded to the Universal Monsters-themed area of Epic Universe.
Pete Carsillo, Senior Creative Director at Universal Creative, commented on the new area: “Universal’s earliest blockbusters were the classic monster films, and to be able to continue that legacy has truly been an epic experience.” He described the village of Darkmoor as a place “where the stories of the Universal monsters come together and come to life,” allowing guests to be a part of it. “We’re bringing these timeless monsters and stories to the present day within this ravaged village that has so much mystery and thrill throughout,” he added. Carsillo noted that the positive reactions from guests are “a testament to how special these characters and stories are and how this world truly is for everyone.”
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, located in Dark Universe, was named Best Dark Ride, beating out Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is a significant win, as Rise of the Resistance had previously won the award for two consecutive years.
”Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is one of the most thrilling and terrifying attractions we’ve ever built,” said Carsillo. “There are so many innovative elements that come together to bring this attraction to life, including an original story featuring new and classic characters, state-of-the-art ride technology, massive sets and the most technologically-advanced, life-like animated figures that we’ve ever created. A lot of the creative team behind the attraction are monster fans themselves, and it feels amazing to create such a unique experience that allows guests to encounter the Universal monsters in a whole new way.”
Have you had a chance to experience Epic Universe yet?
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