Three Walt Disney Imagineering projects have been selected to receive Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Awards in 2025.
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland have each earned the prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement — Theme Park Land. This is the first time Imagineering has received two awards in this category in a single year.
The innovative BDX Droids will receive the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement — Technical Innovation in 2025, joining its groundbreaking counterpart, Stuntronics Aerial Robotics Technology, which was honored in 2022.
“Imagineers around the world continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive storytelling, delivering unique experiences and memorable character moments in ways that only Disney can,” said Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “I’m so proud of the Imagineers and Cast Members recognized today for their outstanding contributions to our work and the broader themed entertainment industry.”
Fantasy Springs is the largest expansion yet at Tokyo Disney Resort, this eighth port transports guests into themed areas based on Tangled, Frozen, and Peter Pan. The land has been getting rave reviews across the board so it’s no wonder it was awarded a prestigious Thea Award.
The breathtaking new land features four new attractions, dining locations, and a beautifully themed hotel.
Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland is the first Zootopia-themed land at a Disney Park. Imagineers brought the animal-themed land to life with different buildings, streets, and plenty of nods to the film and its universe.
The BDX Droids, developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and Disney Live Entertainment, represent a breakthrough in robotic technology, delivering an unprecedented level of interactivity and character expression. These free-roaming robots learn to mimic movements in a simulation, bringing Star Wars droids to life with adorable personalities and incredible balance. They have been a major hit with guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Walt Disney Imagineering has been awarded nearly 70 Thea Awards over the past 30 years.
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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
