Busch Gardens Remains World's Most Beautiful Park

By WYDaily Staff Friday, April 29, 2011

Coasters and attractions may come and go, but beauty is forever.

At least according to the results of the 25th annual National Amusement Park Historical Association's survey of superlatives worldwide, which named Busch Gardens Williamsburg the most beautiful park in the world for the 21st consecutive year.

The NAPHA is a respected international and educational enthusiasts' organization dedicated to preserving and documenting the heritage of the amusement park industry.

Coming in second in the beauty category was Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, holding on to the spot it's occupied since 2005.

Busch Gardens also made the list for Best Theme Park, a category Walt Disney World won, coming in third this year behind another iconic property, Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Other winners were:

Traditional Parks: Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA), Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA) and Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, UK)

Theme Parks: Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Disneyland (Anaheim, CA) and Busch Gardens (Williamsburg)

Best Park for Families: Idlewild and Soak Zone (Ligonier, PA), Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA) and Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL)

Favorite Wood Roller Coaster: Voyage, Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN), Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA) and Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT)

Favorite Steel Roller Coaster: Millennium Force, Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH), Magnum XL200, Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) and Phantom’s Revenge, Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA)

Best New Attraction: Two rides were named by NAPHA members as the Best New Attractions for 2010 – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL) and Kennywood’s Sky Rocket. In 2009, the honors went to Diamondback (Kings Island, Kings Island, OH), Manta (Sea World Orlando), and Prowler (Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun, Kansas City, MO). Other past winners include Ravine Flyer II (Waldameer & Water World, Erie, PA), Maverick (Cedar Point), Mystery Mine (Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN), Renegade (Valleyfair!, Shakepee, MN), Voyage (Holiday World), and Hades (Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells, WI).