The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), a non-profit representing compelling places and experiences worldwide, has announced the recipients of the 30th annual Thea Awards. One of the highest honours in the themed entertainment industry, the awards recognise outstanding individuals, projects, and technologies in the field of themed attractions and experiences each year.
The TEA created the Thea Awards in 1994 to recognise achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment business. They have since become a global symbol of excellence. This year’s recipients will be celebrated at a banquet on 16 March 2024 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in California.
Melissa Oviedo, TEA international board president, said:
“Celebrating excellence is core to the TEA mission. These remarkable individuals have demonstrated unparalleled creativity, innovation, and commitment to delivering extraordinary guest experiences on a truly global scale. Their work has not only entertained and inspired millions but also continues to shape the future of our industry.”
Andy Westfall, judging chairman, added:
“Each year, hundreds of exciting and unique submissions from across the globe are received and reviewed by the Thea Awards judging committee to arrive at this final list of honorees. This year’s major submission trend included a heavy emphasis on consumer and hospitality-based experiences which personalized guest engagement in new, impactful, and meaningful ways.”
See also: The TEA’s Thea Awards: the Oscars of themed entertainment
The Buzz Price Award
This year’s recipient of the Buzz Price Award, created to honour a lifetime of distinguished achievements, is Su Zhigang, chairman and CEO of the Chimelong Group.
The company owns and operates theme parks in China, the first of which was founded by Zhigang in Guangzhou in 2006. The Chimelong Paradise theme park is part of a resort with a safari park and three hotels, as well as the Chimelong Water Park. This became the world’s top water park just a few years after it opened in 2007.
Chimelong’s resort in Hengqin, Zhuhai opened in 2014. This includes the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park and several hotels. The Chimelong Spaceship theme park soft opened in Zhuhai earlier this year. It is the world’s largest indoor theme park and home to the world’s largest aquarium.
Chimelong Spaceship is designed by Legacy Entertainment, a leading theme park and resort design company. The Bezark Company, a California-based international creator of immersive experiences, was also brought in to help Chimelong realise its vision for each of the zones in the attraction’s marine walkthrough, through original storytelling, new IP characters, animatronics, media, and interstitial entertainment.
The Catalyst Award
Meanwhile, the Catalyst Award recognises individual contributions to the advancement of the themed entertainment industry. For the 30th annual Thea Awards, the recipient is Paul C. Hutton. He serves as principal and director of regenerative design at integrated design firm Cuningham.
Hutton’s career has been dedicated to merging sustainable building strategies and creative design. He regularly presents at conferences and serves on various national committees. Additionally, Hutton was an early advocate of the LEED system. Many of his projects are on the cutting edge of sustainable design.
The Thea Classic Award
The Classic Award celebrates a visitor experience that has stood the test of time. This year, the recipient of the Thea Classic Award is Liseberg, Sweden’s leading amusement park and one of the world’s top theme parks. Opened in May 1923, Liseberg is home to Europe’s longest dive coaster and highest free-fall ride. Liseberg welcomes around three million visitors every year.
As part of the park’s 100th anniversary this year, Liseberg has launched the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel. It also opened the new Luna coaster as part of a new themed area. In 2024, the €110m Oceana water park will make its debut. For its centenary, the park invested around £195 million.
“Our goal is to become one of the world’s greatest amusement destinations, in all seasons,” said Andreas Andersen, Liseberg’s CEO. “With the unique Grand Curiosa experience hotel and the new Oceana water world, we expect a significant increase in international guests.”
Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Indoor marine park: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, UAE
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s first marine life theme park, opened to the public on Yas Island in May 2023. The new park, developed by Miral in partnership with SeaWorld, covers five indoor levels and more than 183,000 square metres. It offers eight immersive realms with family-friendly experiences. These include animal encounters and presentations, entertainment, more than 15 rides and attractions, 18 dining experiences, and 13 retail outlets.
The destination contains more than 58 million litres of water. It houses over 100,000 animals, including sharks, fish, rays, sea turtles, puffins, penguins and flamingos. There are no orcas.
Scott Ross is SeaWorld’s chairman. He said the first SeaWorld venue to open outside of the US “marks a significant chapter” for the company. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is “unlike anything the world has seen to date, truly representing a next-generation SeaWorld experience”, he added.
“We integrated the digital and physical together to create this immersive experience. It’s unique,” Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi told blooloop. “The minute you step in, you will say ‘wow’.”
Companies that worked on the project include Thinkwell Group, PGAV Destinations, Adirondack Studios, Holovis, Mat Filtration Technologies, Medici XD, Intamin, Zamperla, AAT, SubSea Systems, Christie, Sim Leisure Group, and The Bezark Company.
Attraction: Bermuda Storm, Chimelong Spaceship, Zhuhai, China
Bermuda Storm, a simulator ride at the Chimelong Spaceship theme park in Zhuhai, China, is unique in scale. It boasts a capacity of 304 people on a single platform. It also features the world’s largest curved projection screen with a surface area of more than 1,682 square metres.
The Chimelong Group’s new attraction is also the world’s largest indoor theme park and houses the world’s largest aquarium.
Companies that worked on Bermuda Storm include Mack Animation, Kraftwerk Living Technologies, Brogent Technologies, and Technifex.
Attraction, limited budget: Musikkfabrikken Hunderfossen, Hunderfossen Eventyrpark, Lillehammer, Norway
Another recipient of this year’s Thea Awards is Musikkfabrikken Hunderfossen (The Music Factory). Opened in the summer of 2023, the 4D attraction can be found at the Hunderfossen Eventyrpark theme park in Lillehammer, Norway. Founded in 1984, Hunderfossen Eventyrpark is home to attractions including a fairytale castle and themed hotels.
Described as a magical world of sound, colour and play, Musikkfabrikken includes a special recording with the entire Oslo Philharmonic orchestra, a film experience, special effects, and a huge interactive screen.
Attraktion!, a leading manufacturer of media-based attractions, collaborated with Production Company Animando and Animation Studio Animationstudio Expanse to create an interactive post-show.
Attraction: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Epcot, Walt Disney World, Florida
Epcot’s first-ever coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is another recipient in this year’s Thea Awards. It is the longest fully enclosed coaster in any Disney park. It’s also one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world at more than 200,000 square feet. Cosmic Rewind is what Disney calls an ‘Omnicoaster’. This means its vehicles rotate 360 degrees throughout the experience so that guests are always immersed in the experience.
“Our Disney Imagineers actually created this new technology and hold a patent as to how it is accomplished,” said Wyatt Winter, executive producer at Imagineering. “What makes it unique is the ability to program and control that rotation to specific locations or times and allow guests to focus on the show taking place around them.”
Additionally, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind features the first reverse launch for a Disney coaster. “We knew we needed to create a fun, exciting ride system that matched the scale, excitement, and fun of the Guardians films,” said Winter.
“We also wanted to create something new and unique that only Disney could do,” Winter added. “Combining an all-new coaster with media, special effects, and music at a scale never before done was a fun and exciting goal for our team.”
AOA, Adirondack Studios, Brilliant Creative Fabrication, Nassal, Panasonic, PGAV Destinations and Sound Sculpture Inc. were among the companies that contributed to this project.
Brand experience: Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Diageo’s Johnnie Walker visitor attraction opened in 2021. It is the centrepiece of the drinks company’s investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland. Johnnie Walker Princes Street features the ‘On the Journey of Flavour’ tour where visitors have their personal preferences mapped with tailored drinks.
There are over 800 flavour combinations available in the venue’s innovative dispensation systems. The building also features an experiential retail space selling rare and exclusive whiskies that can be personalised.
“Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a landmark investment in Scotch whisky and into Scotland and it sets a new standard for immersive visitor attractions,” said Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo. “It celebrates Scotland’s remarkable heritage, our incredible skilled whisky-makers – and looks to the future by engaging new generations of consumers from around the world in the magic of Scotch whisky.”
BRC Imagination Arts, The Deluxe Group and Morisetti Associates all worked on the Johnnie Walker visitor attraction.
Retail experience, limited budget: Disney Encanto x Camp, New York
Camp, an experiential toy store company, opened its Encanto-themed retail experience last year at its flagship venue in New York. Disney Encanto x Camp, a recipient in the 30th annual Thea Awards, featured immersive scenes such as the Madrigals’ casita, Antonio’s rainforest, Isabela’s flower-filled room, Luisa’s and Pepa’s rooms and cousin Dolores’ ‘soundscape door’. Guests could shop in the town plaza (La Placita) for exclusive products displayed in merchant carts.
“Bringing together Disney’s extraordinary storytelling and immersive retail experiences allows us to dream bigger and create special offerings for families,” said Hubert Liu, SVP of business planning and franchise development for Disney consumer products, games and publishing.
Bungalow Scenic Studios was the fabrication partner for Disney Encanto x CAMP.
Live spectacular: Geneva Journey, Geneva, Switzerland
Developed, designed, produced and performed by Groupe F, Geneva Journey (pictured, top) featured more than 1,350 drones in the heart of the Geneva harbour. The live show took place in May this year and was enjoyed by more than 800,000 spectators.
Visitor experience reenvisioned, limited budget: Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland
Titanic Belfast reopened in March 2023 with four new themed galleries and an enormous, illuminated scale model of the RMS Titanic. The reimagined Titanic Experience uses immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic story in the refreshed spaces. These are ‘Never Again’, ‘Ballard’s Quest’, ‘The Ship of Dreams’, and ‘The Lasting Legacy’.
Judith Owens, chief executive of Titanic Belfast, told blooloop:
“We’ve been trying to deliver something that we wanted to be very special. I think that’s what we’ve achieved.”
Immersive mall experience: Aura: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky, Haikou International Duty-Free City, China
Wētā Workshop, a creative studio combining artistry and innovation, worked with China Duty Free Group (CDF) and Dafeng to transform the retail experience at the world’s largest duty-free shopping complex into an immersive attraction. The bespoke installation filled the mall’s five-storey atrium, with visitors enjoying a dreamlike world. The Forest at the Edge of the Sky celebrated the natural environment of Hainan.
“People want experiences which take them out of their everyday worlds. They want to be moved emotionally and to be inspired. We wanted to completely rewrite the retail experience and bring something completely unexpected to a public space,” said Richard Taylor, creative director, CEO and co-founder of Wētā Workshop.
“To transform the wonders of this natural world into the fantastical Forest at the Edge of the Sky, we designed and developed iconic flora and fauna of Hainan into beautifully stylised sculptural and architectural forms; creating an extraordinarily magical and joyous place for the visitors to experience,” said Andrew Thomas, senior creative director at Wētā Workshop.
L-Acoustics, industry leaders in designing and manufacturing sound systems and technology, provided the sound for this attraction.
Live interactive experience: Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Camden Stables Market, London,
Peaky Blinders: The Rise is a live experience from The Everywhere Group. Here, fans of the series are immersed in the world of Thomas Shelby. This Thea Award recipient offers detailed sets, interactions with characters and competitive gameplay.
“Going to ‘The Rise’ really is like being inside the TV show,” said Jamie Glazebrook, executive producer at Caryn Mandabach Productions. “You step into the world of Peaky, surrounded by beloved characters, taking part in iconic scenes, and listening to some of the series’ best music. I’m truly thrilled that so many people have been able to immerse themselves in this extraordinary experience, and I’m excited about what is coming next.”
Museum attraction, limited budget:
Deutschlandmuseum opened in Berlin earlier this year and was created in partnership with Creative Studio Berlin, the experiential design firm. The new venue combines history and entertainment to explore 2,000 years of German history. The exhibition spaces are immersive, with sounds, smells and lighting effects used to enhance the experience.
Chris Lange, creative director of Deutschlandmuseum and owner of Creative Studio Berlin, said:
“Usually, historical national museums present in their exhibitions with impressive collection pieces, and theme parks on the other hand create fantasy worlds where guests can immersive themselves.
“Deutschlandmuseum combines both: it enables immersive experiences and at the same time conveys a comprehensive understanding of the respective era. I am very proud of what we have achieved. This experience is quite unique because it breaks down cultural barriers and engages visitors in history.”
Le Mime et L’Étoile is a new show at Puy du Fou, a historical theme park in Les Epesses, France. In addition to its world-class shows, Puy du Fou also is home to four period villages, six themed hotels and 22 restaurants. Its latest experience, Le Mime et L’Étoile, begins with a silent film being made. As the camera rolls a love story unfolds with a dramatic plot twist.
Le Mime et L’Étoile is enhanced by a revolving stage, incredible costumes, and impressive special effects. It is an L-ISA 360° immersive sound installation. L-Acoustics is the sole audio provider for all Puy du Fou attractions in France and Spain.
Noire, an augmented reality (AR) experience at Paris’ Centre Pompidou, debuted earlier this year. The attraction explores Claudette Colvin, a Black 15-year-old girl who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in Alabama in 1955 – nine months before Rosa Parks did the same.
The immersive exhibition is adapted from Noire – La vie méconnue de Claudette Colvin, a biographical essay by Tania de Montaigne.
L-Acoustics worked on this project.
Experiential dining attraction – Eatrenalin, Europa-Park, Germany
At Europa-Park, visitors can now enjoy a 10-course fine dining meal on a dark ride vehicle. The innovative gastronomic experience, called Eatrenalin, is the creation of Thomas Mack, managing director of Europa-Park, and gastronomy expert Oliver Altherr, CEO of Marché International.
Guests move through various rooms and are served different courses. The experience is enhanced by multimedia content, an original score and sound integration, and unique flavour combinations.
The Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award
The Peter Chernack Distinguished Service Award recognises the outstanding contributions made to the Themed Entertainment Association by TEA members. This year’s recipients of this Thea award are David Green and Lisa Passamonte Green. Both are from Visual Terrain, a lighting design company for attractions and the arts.
Recognised as a leading international designer, Lisa’s projects can be seen throughout North America and Europe, as well as Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. David has more than 30 years of experience in managing and delivering development projects. This includes user experience design and theme parks.
Producing the gala
RWS Global, a leading producer of live experiences, is providing full creative, production and event management services for TEA’s 2024 INSPIRE Week and the Thea Awards Gala.
As the producer of the Thea Awards Gala and a TEA Premier Global Partner, RWS Global’s services will include scripting, stage design, media, graphic, and video elements, entertainment, technical, production, and stage management. It also oversees AV, lighting, sound, construction, rigging, and engineering. RWS Global is providing full event management for TEA INSPIRE and the Thea Awards Gala and Reception.
RWS Global chairman and CEO, Ryan Stana, says:
“We are honored to be entrusted with such a high-profile, globally recognized event as TEA’s INSPIRE Week and Thea Awards Gala.”
RWS Global’s position as a producer, event manager and Premier Global Partner brings the company’s relationship with the TEA full circle. JRA chairman Keith James led the TEA International Board in 2001 and 2002. He currently presides on the Past Presidents Committee. Other RWS Global team members have served on divisional boards, the TEA International Board, the Thea Awards Committee and the Executive Committee. Furthermore, the company has sponsored dozens of regional and international TEA events over the past 30 years.
RWS Global’s creative and production team has thematically linked the gala to the 30th anniversary, the pearl anniversary, of the Thea Awards Gala and the event’s first year in its new Hollywood location.
To view the full credits list for this year’s Thea Award-winning projects, please click here.
Live stream tickets are now available for the Thea Awards Gala 2024.
