Universal Takes Top Spots in Golden Ticket Awards, Puts Pressure on Walt Disney World
Universal Orlando Resort has taken the top two spots in the Best Dark Ride category at the Golden Ticket Awards for the second year in a row. The awards, which recognize the best theme park attractions worldwide, saw Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry take first and second place respectively.
This marks a significant shift in the Orlando theme park landscape, as Universal has surpassed Disney's former dominance in this category. For years, Walt Disney World set the standard for theme parks, but Epic Universe, Universal's newest addition, has changed the game with its modern technology and guest-centric design.
The Golden Ticket Awards have seen a repeat performance from Monsters Unchained, which took first place in 2025 as well. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry also held onto second place for the second year running. Disney's Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, once the industry standard, fell to third place.
This development puts pressure on Walt Disney World to evolve and adapt to the changing theme park landscape. The resort is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment period, with new attractions and expansions planned for Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Among these plans is a Villains-themed expansion for Magic Kingdom, which includes a Magic Mirror dark ride that could potentially rival Universal's top-ranked attractions.