PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee – On Saturday, Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Phoenix roller coaster and food were named #1 in the world at the annual Golden Ticket Awards.
During an event at Dollywood Theme Park, Amusement Today announced this year’s Golden Ticket Awards recipients in more than 20 categories.
Knoebels’ Phoenix was named the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world for the fifth time. Phoenix has made the top ten each year for 25 years.
When Playland Park closed in 1980, the future of the Rocket roller coaster was uncertain. Knoebels disassembled, moved, and reassembled the coaster as Phoenix. It opened in June of 1985 and has been a favorite since.
While this year was the fifth year Phoenix captured the #1 spot, there’s a 2023 award Knoebels has secured 20 times in 23 years: Best food.
In addition to first place awards, Knoebels was a finalist in other categories:
- #2 Best Guest Experience
- #2 Best Dark Ride (Haunted Mansion)
- #23 and #27 in Top 50 Wooden Roller Coasters for Flying Turns and Twister, respectively
The awards are calculated from an international poll. The survey is sent to a database of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans asking them to rate the “best of the best” in the industry.
