The Thea Awards will showcase the best in themed entertainment in Orlando starting in 2026.
The prestigious Thea Awards will relocate to Orlando in 2026 after a successful 30-year run in California. This event, known as the ‘Academy Awards for theme parks,’ celebrates creativity and innovation in the themed entertainment sector. With growing developments in Orlando, the awards aim to foster connections among industry professionals, accommodating up to 1,400 attendees in this new hub for attractions and entertainment.
Big news out of the theme park world! The prestigious Thea Awards will make their debut in Orlando in 2026 after spending a whopping 30 years in sunny Southern California. This exciting change is sure to shake things up as Orlando solidifies its status as a new hub for attractions and entertainment development. It’s not just any awards show; think of it as the Academy Awards for theme parks, celebrating the very best in creativity and innovation worldwide.
The Thea Awards, presented by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), have been honoring outstanding achievements in theme parks and attractions since 1994. With categories ranging from immersive technology to theme park lands and spectacular shows, this ceremony highlights those who go above and beyond in the themed entertainment industry. What a way to showcase creativity and hard work!
So what should we expect for the big celebration in Orlando? The TEA Inspire Week programming, which includes sessions about the winners’ creative processes, will also be moving to Orlando. Set your calendars for April 29 to May 1, 2026, when the week-long festivities will culminate in the 32nd annual Thea Awards gala on May 2.
Traditionally, this star-studded event attracts around 700 guests in California, but the new venue in Orlando will be able to accommodate up to 1,400 attendees. This switch aims to open the door wider for teams to celebrate their amazing work together, fostering connections and camaraderie in the process.
The decision to move the awards to Orlando coincides perfectly with the city’s emergence as a central player in the theme park industry. With major developments and expansions taking place, it seems only fitting that this celebration of creativity and innovation finds its new home in an area thriving with attractions.
As we look towards the future, this year’s honorees have already been announced, and they include some pretty remarkable accomplishments. Disney’s BDX droids from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have been recognized for their groundbreaking technological innovation. Meanwhile, the new Zootopia area at Shanghai Disney is making waves, further showcasing the creativity present in today’s theme parks.
In a nod to classic innovation, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure was awarded the coveted Thea Classic Award, celebrating its groundbreaking impact since its debut in 1999.
In a bid to spotlight even more creativity, the TEA has announced a new honor called the TEA Recognition of Merit. This award aims to bring attention to projects that may not receive a Thea Award but still showcase extraordinary innovation and dedication. It’s all about recognizing the hard work put in by teams around the globe!
Headquartered in Burbank, California, the TEA is a nonprofit organization boasting over 1,600 member companies across various creative sectors of attractions. They also keep a pulse on the industry’s growth through their initiative, which indexes theme parks and museums worldwide to gauge their annual attendance. As the theme park landscape continues to evolve and expand, the TEA’s efforts are invaluable.
As we eagerly await the upcoming Thea Awards in Orlando, one thing is certain: the charm of theme parks transcends borders, bringing joy and wonder to millions. Let’s embrace this change and cheer on those who make these magical experiences possible!
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