19th Annual Thea Awards Recipients Announced by TEAThe Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the recipients of the annual Thea Awards at yesterday during the IAAPA Attractions Expo. "The annual Thea Awards, presented by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), recognize and honor excellence and breakthrough innovation within our industry, wherever they are to be found," says TEA president Christine Kerr of BaAM Productions. "From Harry Potter to Cars Land, from Transformers to Canadian sports, from the brief run of a world expo to the sustained success of a classic theme park, this year's Thea Awards are helping define the next generation of experience design while staying firmly rooted in the core tradition of storytelling." "A Thea Award is recognized as one of the industry's greatest honors," says Kerr. "This year, there are visible trends toward strong cultural components, IP licensing and transmedia. There are ever more astounding and seamless blends of technology, media, theater, and interactivity. And there is recognition of the people and contributions that laid the foundations of this next evolution of experience." The TEA Thea Awards nominating committee recommended the current slate of 12 Thea recipients, with final approval by the TEA international board of directors. TEA will celebrate the 12 honorees at the Thea Awards Gala on April 6, 2013 in Anaheim, California. The recipient of The Buzz Price Thea Award, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished achievements (formerly the Thea Lifetime Achievement Award) was Frank Stanek. "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." stated Marty Sklar. The Thea Classic Award went to Europa-Park in 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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Attraction) was awarded to Radiator Springs Racers, Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. "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." Another Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Attraction) was bestowed to Transformers: The Ride 3D, Universal Studios Singapore and Hollywood. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (New Theme Park Land) was presented to Cars Land, Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Museum) was awarded to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary, Canada. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Event Spectacular) was bestowed upon Aquanura at Efteling Park in The Netherlands. "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." Another Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Event Spectacular) was presented to Big-O Experience, Yeosu 2012 International Expo in South Korea. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Outstanding Technology) was awarded to Tait Pixel Tablets used in the Olympic Opening Ceremony in London, England. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Studio Tour) was bestowed upon Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter in London, England. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Themed Hotel Resort) was presented to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa at Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii. "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." The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Adventure Park) was awarded to Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. "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." 
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