Imagineering Recognized for Themed Entertainment Excellence: Three Disney Projects Honored with Thea Awards

We’re thrilled to announce that three extraordinary 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, marking the first time Imagineering has received two awards in this category in a single year. Additionally, 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. Internationally recognized, the Thea Awards acknowledge exceptional achievements in the themed entertainment industry and celebrate the creative teams who bring immersive experiences to life.

“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.”

Springs at Tokyo DisneySea brings beloved Disney stories to life through incredibly detailed design and immersive environments. As the largest expansion yet at Tokyo Disney Resort, this eighth port transports guests into a magical spring filled with fantasy. Featuring three themed areas inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “Peter Pan,” Fantasy Springs combines cutting-edge technology with breathtaking landscapes. Imagineers created an intricate world filled with four new groundbreaking attractions, dining locations, and a beautifully themed hotel, showcasing their dedication to building story-driven environments.

Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland invites guests to step into the beloved mammalian metropolis from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Zootopia.” Through state-of-the-art technology and artistic detail, Imagineers have brought Zootopia’s vibrant streets, iconic buildings, and bustling neighborhoods to life with unmatched authenticity. The collaboration between Imagineers and Walt Disney Animation Studios has created a richly detailed world filled with clever nods to both the movie and Disney parks, from a wool-producing “Baaaaa-rber Shop” to crosswalks painted for foxes and mice. Every detail, large and small, is designed to welcome animals (and guests!) of all sizes into the immersive world of Zootopia.

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. Most importantly, they bring joy to guests through expressive, character-driven interactions, paving the way for the next generation of themed entertainment by combining innovative technology with heartfelt storytelling.

We couldn’t be prouder of the Imagineers and partners who brought these remarkable projects to life — congratulations to all the 2025 Thea Award recipients! With nearly 70 Thea Awards over the past 30 years, Imagineering’s legacy of creativity and leadership in themed entertainment keeps setting the bar for excellence. These awards celebrate our deep commitment to storytelling, innovation, and crafting immersive experiences that transport guests to worlds beyond imagination.