Universal Orlando Resort has celebrated major successes at the Golden Ticket Awards 2025 from Amusement Today, taking home a total of five awards for its innovative and immersive experiences. These include the honor for Universal Volcano Bay as the best water park, marking the first new winner in this category in 26 years, along with four awards for attractions in the new theme park Universal Epic Universe. These accolades highlight the resort's leading role in the amusement park industry.
Statement from Karen Irwin
Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, commented on the successes. She said the resort feels honored to have received five Golden Ticket Awards 2025. The team strives to develop the most innovative and immersive experiences imaginable and to create an unparalleled vacation experience. The team members are immensely proud to deliver exceptional moments to guests every day, and this incredible recognition is the result of their hard work and dedication.
Award for Universal Volcano Bay
The victory of Universal Volcano Bay as the best water park marks a historic moment, as it is the first change in this category in 26 years. The water theme park, which opened in 2017, outperformed the previous title holder, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. Universal Volcano Bay offers a balanced mix of thrills and relaxation in a lush tropical paradise centered around a massive 200-foot volcano.
Stardust Racers as Best New Roller Coaster
In the new theme park Universal Epic Universe, which opened this summer, Stardust Racers secured the award as the best new roller coaster. This dual-launch roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of up to 133 feet. Guests experience unique maneuvers where the tracks race side by side, cross each other, and more, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
Monsters Unchained as Best Dark Ride
Another award went to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as the best dark ride. This attraction combines innovative ride technology and media with larger-than-life sets and the most lifelike animated figures Universal has ever created. Guests plunge deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor and must dodge a horde of raging monsters that have been unleashed after Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's latest experiment goes terribly wrong.
Darkmoor as Best New Theme Concept
Darkmoor, the themed village in Dark Universe at Epic Universe, received the award for the best new theme concept. As the most ominous world in the park, Dark Universe brings the classic Universal monsters into the present. The village hosts attractions, shops, restaurants, and character encounters designed to appeal to families and monster fans alike.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry as Best New Attraction Installation
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry was honored as the best new attraction installation. This ambitious ride, which Universal describes as its most challenging to date, combines massive environments, powerful storytelling, and top-tier ride technology. Guests board omnidirectional elevators that transport them up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more as they embark on an exciting chase through the Ministry of Magic to capture Dolores Umbridge, who has escaped from her trial for crimes against the wizarding world.
The Golden Ticket Awards at a Glance
The Golden Ticket Awards, presented by Amusement Today, honor outstanding achievements in the theme park industry. They are voted on by experienced theme park enthusiasts, industry journalists, ride suppliers, and manufacturers from around the world. This year, Universal Orlando was the only park in Florida to win awards, while Disney World came away empty-handed.
