At the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, Universal’s recently opened theme park, Epic Universe, earned several honors, including Best Dark Ride for its much heralded Monster’s Unchained attraction. This marked a significant change, as Epic Universe overtook Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which had previously dominated the category.
The portal to Dark Universe at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Amusement Today hosts the annual Golden Ticker Awards. These awards recognize excellence in the amusement park sector worldwide. Winners are determined by votes from park enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts. Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, received four separate Golden Ticket Awards this year.
Epic Universe Dominates Golden Ticket Awards
Monsters Unchained, located in the Dark Universe section of Epic Universe, won Best Dark Ride at the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards. The attraction combines advanced ride technology with a narrative that takes guests through the worlds of Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and many others. Its design focuses on immersive storytelling and thematic consistency, providing guests with an experience that integrates both visual and technological elements. Additionally, the Dark Universe area took Best New Theme Concept this year.
Key art for the Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has consistently won this award since bursting onto the scene. The ride was praised for its storytelling, technology, and design and set a high industry standard that was seen as a benchmark for dark rides worldwide.
This changed in 2025 when it was surpassed.
Epic Universe’s win signals that its new dark rides have gained strong support from voters and industry observers.
Dark Universe was not the only place Epic won this year. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction also won Best New Attraction Installation. Stardust Racers took Best New Roller Coaster.
An aerial view of Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Orlando – YouTube, The Frugal Brit – Orlando
In a different category, Universal’s Volcano Bay water park was named Best Water Park. This recognition ended Schlitterbahn’s 26-year winning streak. The shift reflects Universal’s expanding presence and investment in themed entertainment sectors beyond traditional theme parks.
The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards results illustrate a broader trend in the amusement park industry. Investments in new rides, attractions, and thematic innovation are becoming increasingly important for recognition and guest satisfaction. Epic Universe’s multiple wins suggest that its opening has introduced new competition and raised expectations.
The flaming windmill at Dark Universe in Universal’s Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
It remains unclear how these Golden Ticket awards will affect attendance and guest perception of Epic Universe over time. Still, the recognition places the park among notable new entrants in the global theme park market. Industry watchers will likely follow how the park develops and grows its offerings in the future.
It also means Disney World has some stiffer competition in the Orlando area.
What do you think of Epic Universe and Monsters Unchained unseating Disney at the Golden Ticket Awards? Which ride do you like better? And how does Epic change the theme park landscape? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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