Disney, SeaWorld and Universal win 2009 Theme Park Insider Awards

[Theme_Park_Insider]

By Robert Niles: ThemeParkInsider.com readers have been voting, and for the second year in a row, they've selected Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California as their choice for the world's best theme park.
Disneyland leads the winners in this year's Theme Park Insider Awards (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/awards/), selected based on cumulative reader ratings submitted to the site over the past 12 months. Disneyland earned the highest average rating for its attractions and restaurants, among ThemeParkInsider.com readers who submitted ratings for locations at multiple parks during the past year.
Our goal at ThemeParkInsider.com is to give people the best advice on finding the best value in a theme park vacation for their families. The Theme Park Insider Awards provide us the chance to say 'thank you' to the very best of the best in the theme park industry, from its millions of customers and fans.
Best Theme Park - Disneyland Park
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"We are always happy when people enjoy and appreciate our product," said Mike Hyland, director of public relations for Disneyland Resort. "Thank you for honoring Disneyland as World's Best Theme Park."
Theme Park Insider's Top Three Theme Parks:
Disneyland Park (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/disneyland/)
Busch Gardens Williamsburg (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/busch_gardens_williamsburg/)
Universal's Islands of Adventure (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal's_islands_of_adventure/)
Best New Attraction - Manta, SeaWorld Orlando
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This year's Best New Attraction is Manta, the new Bolliger & Mabillard flying roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. ThemeParkInsider.com readers gave Manta the highest average reader rating among all attractions that debuted between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009.
"We've known since the early design stages that Manta would be crowned as one of the world's top thrill rides, there's just nothing else like it," said SeaWorld spokesperson Nick Gollattscheck. "And to have Manta named Best New Attraction by readers of Theme Park Insider is quite an honor. They are our biggest fans and people who know an incredible thrill ride when they see one."
Theme Park Insider's Top Three New Attractions:
Manta (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/seaworld_orlando/manta/), SeaWorld Orlando
Prowler (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/worlds_of_fun/prowler/), Worlds of Fun
Diamondback (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/kings_island/diamondback/), Kings Island
Best Theme Park Hotel - Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.
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Theme Park Insider honors the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort as the Best Theme Park Hotel of 2009. The Portofino Bay earned the highest average reader rating among all on-property theme park hotels over the past 12 months. Readers raved about the Portofino Bay's setting, service... and its free front-of-the-line access to Universal Orlando's rides and shows.
"The entire team here at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is thrilled and delighted to receive this honor," said General Manager Paul Leclerc. "Our loyal guests mean so much to us and ensuring their satisfaction is our highest priority. Our commitment to delivering a taste of 'la dolce vita' - the sweet life - to our guests is stronger than ever."
Theme Park Insider's Top Three Theme Park Hotels:
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/hotels/universal_orlando/universal's_portofino_bay_hotel) at Universal Orlando
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/hotels/walt_disney_world/disney's_animal_kingdom_lodge) at Walt Disney World
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/hotels/walt_disney_world/disney's_wilderness_lodge) at Walt Disney World
Best Theme Park Restaurant - Les Chefs de France, Epcot.
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And in the final - and closest - category, Epcot's Les Chefs de France edged six-time Theme Park Insider Award winner Mythos to claim this year's honor as Best Theme Park Restaurant. Voting's been tight in this category for the past several years, reflecting the high quality of the top three honored restaurants, and the passion they elicit among their fans.

Theme Park Insider's Top Three Theme Park Restaurants:
Les Chefs de France (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/epcot/les_chefs_de_france/), Epcot
Mythos Restaurant (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal's_islands_of_adventure/mythos_restaurant/), Universal's Islands of Adventure
Sharks Underwater Grill (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/seaworld_orlando/sharks_underwater_grill/), SeaWorld Orlando
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists... and thank you for providing us such great places to spend our vacations!

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