Walt Disney Imagineering Has Been Honored With Three Themed Entertainment Association Awards
Walt Disney Imagineering has once again set the gold standard for immersive storytelling and innovation, earning three prestigious Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Thea Awards for 2025. The awards, which recognize excellence in the themed entertainment industry, celebrate three extraordinary projects that demonstrate Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative design and technology.
Both Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland have received the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Theme Park Land. Remarkably, this marks the first time Disney has won two awards in this category in a single year, showcasing the global reach and impact of Imagineering’s visionary work. Additionally, the groundbreaking BDX Droids have been recognized with the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Technical Innovation, joining a legacy of Disney’s technological milestones, including the Stuntronics Aerial Robotics Technology honored in 2022.
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Fantasy Springs: A World of Enchantment
As the largest expansion in Tokyo Disney Resort’s history, Fantasy Springs transports guests into a magical spring inspired by beloved Disney tales like Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. This eighth port at Tokyo DisneySea features four state-of-the-art attractions, breathtaking landscapes, dining venues, and a stunning themed hotel. Imagineers meticulously crafted this immersive environment, combining intricate design with cutting-edge technology to weave a story-driven experience that captures the hearts of all who visit.
Zootopia: A Mammalian Metropolis Brought to Life
Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland invites guests to step into the vibrant world of the beloved Disney Animation film. The land’s attention to detail is unmatched, from bustling streets and iconic landmarks to whimsical touches like a “Baaaaa-rber Shop” and mouse-friendly crosswalks. The collaboration between Imagineers and Walt Disney Animation Studios has resulted in a fully realized, authentic city where guests of all sizes—human or animal—can immerse themselves in the charm and humor of Zootopia.
BDX Droids: The Future of Interactive Entertainment
Disney continues to innovate in robotics with the BDX Droids, a groundbreaking achievement in character-driven technology. These free-roaming robots, developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and Disney Live Entertainment, bring the beloved Star Wars universe to life with remarkable interactivity and lifelike personality. The droids not only engage guests with heartwarming character moments but also pave the way for the next generation of themed entertainment by seamlessly blending technology with storytelling.
Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, celebrated the achievements, stating, “Imagineers around the world continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive storytelling. 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.”
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With nearly 70 Thea Awards over the past three decades, Disney Imagineering’s legacy of creativity and leadership continues to set the bar for excellence. These 2025 honors celebrate not only the innovative work of the Imagineers but also the dedication to crafting experiences that transport guests to worlds beyond imagination. Congratulations to the Imagineering team for these well-deserved accolades!
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