JUST ANNOUNCED: 3 Epic Universe Rides Win Awards!

It’s been a HUGE year for the Universal Orlando Resort!

From changes happening at the park to the opening of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando has been working this year. All the resort’s hard work got recognized at the Amusement Today’s 2025 Golden Ticket Awards — taking home FIVE industry awards!

Universal Orlando Resort offers a world-class theme park experience, and that was recognized at the latest Golden Ticket awards. Like we mentioned, it was a big year for Universal with the opening of Epic Universe, and the newest park received four out of five of Universal Orlando’s awards. Let’s take a look at each award!

Best Water Park: Universal Volcano Bay

Universal Orlando’s groundbreaking water park, Universal Volcano Bay, took home the award for “Best Water Park”.

This was a huge deal as this is the first time a new water park has won the award in 26 years (Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in Texas won 26 consecutive years). Volcano Bay offers the perfect balance of thrills and relaxation within a lush tropical paradise centred around a massive 200-foot volcano. We’ve been many times, and it’s a must-visit, especially in the summer.

Best New Coaster: Stardust Racers

Universal’s Epic Universe took the “Best New Coaster” award for its thrilling and fan-favorite Stardust Racers!

This is one of the most thrilling experiences you’ll get at Epic Universe. Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet, sending guests rocketing through unique maneuvers where they speed alongside each other, crisscross, and so much more. It truly is an “out-of-this-world” adrenaline rush.

Best Dark Ride: Monsters Unchained

Universal’s Epic Universe picked up the “Best Dark Ride” award for its one-of-a-kind attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experience.

This doesn’t surprise us, as this ride is truly unlike anything we’ve seen before. It blends innovative ride technology and media, larger-than-life sets, and the most life-like animatronics we’ve ever seen. Monsters Unchained sends guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where they must evade a horde of enraged monsters that have been unleashed when Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s latest experiment goes terribly wrong.

Best New Theme Concept: Darkmoor

The “Best New Theme Concept” award went to Darkmoor, also known as Dark Universe, at Epic Universe.

You can’t deny the immersiveness and amazing theming that is Dark Universe. The most ominous world of Epic Universe, Dark Universe, brings the classic Universal Monsters to the present day in the themed village of Darkmoor. This land is home to attractions, shops, restaurants and character encounters designed to thrill everyone — a place for families and monster fans to experience a world unlike anything seen before.

Best New Attraction Installation: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

The final award that Universal received was the “Best New Attraction Installation” for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry at Epic Universe’s Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic.

Arguably, the most popular ride at Epic Universe, this ride was bound to receive an award. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the most ambitious ride that Universal has ever created and combines massive environments, powerful storytelling, and first-of-its-kind ride technology. Guests board omnidirectional lifts that propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways, and more as they embark on a thrilling chase through the Ministry of Magic to capture Dolores Umbridge, who has escaped the trial for her crimes against the wizarding world.

“We are honored to have received five 2025 Golden Ticket Awards this year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “We are committed to developing the most innovative, immersive experiences imaginable and creating a vacation experience like no other. Our amazing team members take tremendous pride in delivering exceptional experiences to our guests every day, and this incredible recognition is a result of their hard work and dedication.”

It’s awesome to see Universal win so many awards for its brand-new park. Epic Universe is one-of-a-kind (clearly), and it’s something everyone needs to experience at some point! For more theme park news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to AllEars.

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What are your thoughts on the awards? Any surprises? Let us know in the comments!

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