Best New Ride

This is any new theme park attraction that opened during the 2025 season so far. Theme is rated based on the storyline alongside physical theming on and around the ride (sorry car park coasters). Thrill is how much adrenaline and screams the ride provides. Fun is how much enjoyment and laughs the ride provides. Originality is how unique all elements of the attraction are, from theme to ride type. Effects are what else adds to the experience from smells, lighting, soundtracks, smoke and water.

1x UK | 1x Europe | 1x USA 

Best Theme Park

This is any theme park or amusement park with at least 2 rollercoaster ‘creds’ and will usually include a variety of other rides, experiences and shows. The volume, variety and quality of the Rides & Attractions are rated here. Entertainment is additional things going on outside the rides, from character meet & greets, shows, music and more. Theming is how nice the theme park looked from having different themes, to being kept clean and tidy. Operations is how well the theme park is run, from getting through the entrance, to queue time and efficiency of the rides, as well as friendliness of the staff. F&B/Retail is the food and drink options, as well as merchandise on sale. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x UK | 1x Europe | 1x USA

Best Waterpark

This is any swimming pool complex (indoor or outdoor) that features more than 3 waterslides. It can be a separate part of a theme park, spa resort or be a standalone venue. Waterslides are rated based on the volume, variety and quality of the attractions. Features is rated based on what else there is to do besides the waterslides, this could be wave pools, spas and more. Facilities includes changing rooms, food & drink, seating and parking. Layout incorporates queue times due to throughputs, and also how easy it is to navigate around. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x UK | 1x Europe | 1x USA

Best Escape Room

This is an escape room game (that is not heavily actor led or advertised as an immersive show or experience). Theming is about how quality the theme of the room is in immersing you into the game. Storyline is how detailed the story is of why you are there, how to escape and everything in between to add tension. Puzzles is about the gameplay, are there a variety of different challenges, and how well does it flow. Uniqueness is about the whole experience, does it offer elements not seen elsewhere or very often for those extra wow moments. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x Winner | 1x Runner Up | 1x Runner Up

Best Crazy Golf

This is any form of crazy golf, from traditional to tech infused. Theming is the concept of the theme and the environment you are playing the game in and around. Features is about the course itself, are there moving parts or other interesting elements. Quality is an important factor, as a poorly built course can effect the gameplay and enjoyment. Facilities are everything else the venue offers from food, drinks, music and more. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x Winner | 1x Runner Up | 1x Runner Up

Best Immersive Experience

This is an actor led show or experience which usually features elements of interactivity. Theming is about how effective the theme of the space is in immersing you into the experience. Storyline is how detailed the story is of why you are there, how to be involved and everything in between to draw you into the experience. Acting is the quality and effectiveness of actors used throughout. Interactivity is the key part of an immersive experience where you are involved in some way. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x Winner | 1x Runner Up | 1x Runner Up

Best Entertainment Experience

This is an interactive experience or game (that is not heavily actor led, or advertised as an immersive show or experience).

Fun is key in entertainment experiences, and is it enjoyable in social groups or even just a couple of people. Quality is an important factor, as a poorly built experience or technical issues can effect the gameplay and enjoyment. Facilities are everything else the venue offers from food, drinks, music and more. Originality is if it offers something not usually found elsewhere, or has it’s own theme compared to an off-the-shelf attraction. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x Winner | 1x Runner Up | 1x Runner Up

Best Christmas event

This is an event that is specifically aimed at the festive period, whether it’s a light trail, show or other attractions. Attractions are the main thing to do at the event, whether that’s lighting features, rides etc. Entertainment is the additional things put on from roaming actors to shows. Festiveness links in to how much effort has been put into the theming and story of the event to put you in the mood for Christmas. Food & Drink is a staple part of these events whether it’s enjoying a hot chocolate or cooking a marshmallow, this is the variety, quality, price and queues for these stalls. Value for Money isn’t just about the lowest cost, but if the overall experience is worth what is generally charged.

1x Winner | 1x Runner Up | 1x Runner Up