Orlando theme parks were shut out of the 2013 Thea Awards – but one winner will soon be added to the local lineup, and Disney attractions elsewhere were tapped as the best of the year.
The awards, presented by the Themed Entertainment Association, were announced Tuesday afternoon during a short ceremony at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention at the Orange County Convention Center.
Transformers: The Ride – 3D was recognized for outstanding achievement in the attraction category. It opened at both Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood within the past year. The Transformers ride is under construction at Universal Studios in Orlando and expected to open next summer.
Another attraction recognized for outstanding achievement in the attraction category was the Radiator Springs Racers, which debuted this summer at Disney California Adventure, the rebooted theme park at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Other DCA winners were Cars Land (for “new theme park land”) and Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge (for “theme-park restaurant”). Aulani, Disney’s resort in Hawaii, was recognized in the category of “themed hotel resort.”
Frank Stanek, who helped expand Disney and Universal theme parks into Asia and Europe, was given the Buzz Price Award for a “lifetime of distinguished achievements.”
The awards gala will be held April 6, 2013, at the Disneyland Resort.
Additional Thea winners were Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary (museum); Aquanura at Efteling Park in the Netherlands (event spectacular); The Big-O Experience, part of South Korea’s Yeosu 2012 International Expo (event spectacular); the Tait Pixel Tablets used in the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics (outstanding technology); The Making of Harry Potter, London (sutdio tour) and Europa-Park of Rust, Germany (Thea Classic).
