Written by Ben Mills
Published: March 27, 2005 at 5:36 PM
BEST THEME PARK: DISNEYLAND PARK, PARIS
Despite an amazing record of going ten years without opening a single ride, Disney’s first foray into the European market still impresses our board enough to take the award. It faced strong competition from the likes of Port Aventura and Europa Park, but the fourth Magic Kingdom still seems to have what it takes to bowl ‘em over.
BEST AMUSEMENT PARK: BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH
Now this was about the closest we got to a landslide victory. The Beach’s mix of old-fashioned charm, traditional family fun and some kick-ass rides to boot demanded its share of the recognition. Fellow nominees Miribilandia, Alton Towers and Walibi World were left in the dust.
BEST ROLLER COASTER: NEMESIS (Alton Towers)
John Wardley’s legendary creation continues to thrill riders from across the continent, even after an incredible ten years of operation. Superman: Ride of Steel came a close second, but Nemesis once again shows that size really doesn’t matter.
BEST DARK RIDE: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN (Disneyland Resort Paris)
Generally revered as one of the best dark rides in the world, it’s no surprise to see Pirates take this one home. But could its popularity boost even further with the release of the sequel to the motion picture of the same name? Unless the delightful Johnny Depp knows, the only way to find out is to see if it retains the title next year.
BEST RESTAURANT: MANHATTAN RESTAURANT (Disneyland Resort Paris)
Although once described to me by a friend as “the only place to eat in the whole freakin’ resort,” the Manhattan had some serious competition to contend with in this category, mostly from other on-resort eateries. Blackpool’s Coasters restaurant also seemed to send some panellists into a dreamy-eyed state, however.
BEST ON-RESORT HOTEL: CASTILLO ALCAZAR (Europa Park Resort)
Straight up, our panel have concluded that Alcazar is simply the best. Close competition came from Hotel Phantasialand, but Europa Park’s Spanish style hotel offers reasonable prices and one of the most thoroughly themed experiences available in the market.
BEST WATER PARK: CARIBE AQUATIC PARK (Universal Mediterranea Resort)
What? Where the hell is that? It’s okay – they’ve just changed the name since the nominations were announced. But while the management may have dropped the word “Costa” from the title, they certainly haven’t dropped anything in quality – this is still the champion park that it has apparently been for some time.
HIDDEN GEM: TIVOLI GARDENS – DENMARK
While Tivoli’s newest roller coaster Daemonen has certainly started to bring the park to the general public’s attention, the board still feel that it deserves a little more attention – something this award should help to do!
CUSTOMER SERVICE: DISNEYLAND PARK, PARIS
Only a fool would have bet against Disneyland Paris taking this Award – after all, Disney have built their reputation on 100% commitment to the ultimate guest experience. However, Europa Park was riding pretty close on its tail – could we see a shift for next year’s winner?
ONE TO WATCH: THORPE PARK and PHANTASIALAND
Marking the ETPCA’s only tie, both Thorpe Park and Phantasialand have been chosen as the board’s picks for the parks with the brightest futures. Thorpe Park appears to have excited fans by promising to kick its commitment to white-knuckle experiences up to the next level, and Phantasialand’s mysterious Project X development plan only shows signs of an even higher level of dedication in its reputation for well themed, pulse-racing attractions.
ROAD TO NOWHERE: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS PARK, PARIS
Sigh. “Expect the inevitable,” anyone? Possibly the easiest guess to make in the pack, Disneyland’s runt of a sibling park continues on the path to the dark side. Still, at least we can look forward to a whole new kiddie land… in 2007?
Shocked yet? Expect a stream of analysis of these results in the coming days, as we conclude the first ETPCA. Don’t go anywhere!
