Orlando, FL -- The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the recipients of the annual Thea Awards. The prestigious Thea Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the creation of compelling experiences and places. TEA serves the global attractions industry, including theme parks, museums, world expos, heritage centers and resorts.
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Awards Nominating Committee recommended the current slate of 12 Thea recipients, with final approval by the TEA International Board of Directors.
TEA encourages the media, the industry and the public to learn more about the 12 honorees, and to attend the Thea Awards Gala on 6 April 2013 in Anaheim.
THE BUZZ PRICE THEA AWARD -- Frank Stanek
Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements (formerly the Thea Lifetime Achievement Award)
"Perhaps no one has had more impact on the two biggest players in our business - Disney and Universal - than Frank Stanek has had - especially in the growth and development of the industry in the international marketplace." -- Marty Sklar
THEA CLASSIC AWARD
Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
By alternating innovation and adaptation, applying the world's best practices together with their own brand of creativity, the Mack family has grown Europa-Park into one of the most important theme parks in the world.
THEA AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Radiator Springs Racers, Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, USA (Attraction)
A thrilling race through the world of the Disney∙Pixar film Cars. In bringing a well-known movie to life, the designers went the extra step in expanding it into a fully experiential world.
Transformers: The Ride 3D, Universal Studios Singapore & Hollywood (Attraction)
An immersive, next-generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. The seamless combination of show systems pushes the boundaries of 3D realism.
Cars Land, Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, USA (New Theme Park Land)
The sensitive layout, sophisticated use of scale, character details and high-quality execution combine to make this an outstanding example of experiential design and a destination in its own right.
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame - Calgary, Canada (Museum)
Virtually every storytelling device is used in this massive, multi-level exhibition that is never repetitive or derivative. Visitors are immersed in a complete Canadian Olympic experience.
Aquanura at Efteling Park - Netherlands (Event Spectacular)
Aquanura adapts available technology and puts it to use in ways that are uniquely evocative. Artistry and beauty prevail over spectacle, bringing emotionally engaging stories to life.
Big-O Experience, Yeosu 2012 International Expo - South Korea (Event Spectacular)
This unique project has added a new dimension to the genre of the multimedia water spectacular and will remain as a permanent icon and legacy of the 2012 world's fair.
Tait Pixel Tablets - London, England (Outstanding Technology)
Combining readily available components with a unique LED tablet, this new technology transformed the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony into a huge video display mapped to the space inhabited by the audience.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter - London, England (Studio Tour)
Everything that is done with the Harry Potter brand faces high expectations from fans all over the world. The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour has managed to more than fulfill those expectations.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa - Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii USA (Themed Hotel Resort)
Aulani represents a major departure from traditional Disney resorts in that, rather than providing lodging in support of a theme park, the resort itself is the destination.
Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, Disney California Adventure Park - Anaheim, USA (Theme Park Restaurant)
The restaurant resides within a reproduction of the famous Carthay Circle Theatre, renowned in Disney history as the venue for the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.
Source: Themed Entertainment Association