Disney Imagineering Celebrates Triple Win at 2025 Thea Awards

Published on 11/20/24 by Craig Smith

Disney Thea Awards Walt Disney Imagineering has been honored with three prestigious Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for 2025, underscoring its leadership in immersive storytelling and innovation. Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland each received the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Theme Park Land, marking the first time Imagineering has secured two awards in this category within a single year. Additionally, the BDX Droids were recognized with the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Technical Innovation.

Fantasy Springs, the largest expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort to date, introduces guests to three themed areas inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “Peter Pan,” featuring four new attractions, dining options, and a themed hotel. Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland immerses visitors in the vibrant world of the animated film, with meticulously detailed environments and interactive experiences. The BDX Droids, developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in collaboration with Disney Live Entertainment, are autonomous, free-roaming robots that enhance guest interactions through lifelike movements and expressive characterizations.

Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed pride in the teams’ accomplishments, stating, “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.”

These accolades contribute to Imagineering’s legacy of nearly 70 Thea Awards over the past three decades, reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence in themed entertainment.