“Experience Oscars”: These Are the Winners of the 31st Thea Awards
The 31st Thea Awards also go to Europe again: among others, Mack-Ride's "Voltron" coaster at Europa-Park & the new waterpark Aquascope (Futuroscope, France) are being honoured.
(eap) During the IAAPA Expo, which took place in Orlando, Florida last week, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the winners of the 31st “Thea Awards”. The “Experience Oscars” honor creatives responsible for extraordinary new experiences worldwide.
The Buzz Price Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievement goes to Rick Rothschild, Founder and Chief Creative of FAR Out! Creative Direction. In the “Outstanding Achievements” category, the TEA presents various prizes: Among others, the world’s first Stryker Coaster from Mack Rides “Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac” at Europa-Park (read also our cover story in EAP 3/2024) receives a Thea Award. In the “Immersive Technology and Production” category, The Sphere in Las Vegas is being honored. The Chinese leisure destination Chimelong Spaceship (cf. EAP 2/2024) is also recognized with an award. Further prizes go to the new “Fantasy Springs” area at Tokyo DisneySea (EAP 6/2024) and the “Zootopia” themed area at Shanghai Disney Resort, among others. The new Aquascope water park (see EAP 5/2024), which is associated with Futuroscope, will also receive a Thea Award.
In addition, the “TEA Recognition of Merit Award” is being presented for the very first time. This prize was introduced to highlight projects that do not receive an “Award of Outstanding Achievements” but nevertheless demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation and execution.
The official awards gala for the Thea Awards will be held at the annual association’s event, next time taking place from March 13-15, 2025 in Universal City, California. A complete list of the winners of the 31st Thea Awards can be found here. ■
