AVP
09-20-2002, 05:33 PM
Received from the Themed Entertainment Association
THEMED ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
RECIPIENTS OF 2002 THEA AWARDS
THEA AWARDS GALA WILL BE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Burbank, California – The Themed Entertainment Association’s 2002 Thea Awards Gala, which recognizes excellence in the ever-growing, multi-billion dollar themed entertainment industry, promises to be a night to remember. This year's event marks the ninth consecutive year for what has become the most prestigious night in the themed entertainment industry. The event will honor people and projects celebrated and praised the world over.
Each of the seventeen honorees, selected by the Themed Entertainment Association’s Awards Nominating Committee, will be presented with a crystal award featuring the etched image of Thea, the Greek Goddess of Light. The goddess symbolizes the form and substance of imagination, which is the cornerstone of an industry that turns fantasy into reality. Awards will be presented to theme parks, attractions, museums, waterparks, touring exhibits, visitor centers and civic projects with opening dates between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2001.
The theme of the 2002 awards presentation is “The Art of Storytelling” — celebrating how a “story” differentiates a successful themed experience from traditional “architecture” and other location-based entertainment. Following that theme, the evening’s awards are broken down into four “chapters”: Culture, Adventure, Discovery and Fantasy – each hosted by a different “storyteller” played by a recognized industry personality. The entire production will be hosted by a Master Storyteller, narrated by voiceover artist Corey Burton, who will tell the tale of the Greek Goddess Thea, as it comes to life onstage through the use of light and projection.
The black-tie ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2002 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. This year’s honorees include:
CHAPTER I: CULTURE
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: CREATING AN ICON
British Airways London Eye, London, England
With a unique design, standing 135 meters (443 feet) high, the British Airways London Eye took over seven years to build and the work of hundreds from across Europe. This monument forever changed the famous London skyline, joining the House of Parliament, Big Ben and other famous landmarks. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world, capable of carrying over 800 passengers at a time in its 32 fully-enclosed glass capsules that offer amazing views of the city below.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: MUSEUM ATTRACTION
The Star of Destiny, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin, Texas
Everything is BIG in Texas and The Star of Destiny in the Texas State History Museum’s Texas Spirit Theater lives up to that reputation. The Star of Destiny multimedia experience transcends the traditional history museum by dramatically bringing the story of Texas to life every 30-minutes with automated technology, layered multimedia, and spine-tingling special effects. The Star of Destiny experience is one of a number of modern museum programs that have reached out to the themed entertainment industry to combine experiential entertainment with education.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Touring EXHIBIT
Chicano Now: American Expressions, Clear Channel Entertainment/Exhibitions
The brainchild of actor Cheech Marin, Chicano Now: American Expressions is a traveling exhibit that combines the works of Mexican-American performers, visual and graphic artists, designers, writers, musicians, and scholars. The exhibit opens September 28th at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, where visitors will enjoy a multimedia experience of Chicano expressions. As the exhibit is aimed at familie,s it includes fun and ingenious interactives, colorful scenes, entertaining video presentations, and immersive activities. Chicano Now is designed to express Chicano cultural style accessibly, entertainingly, and accurately, to an audience that may know little about it. To ensure that the exhibit is grounded in accuracy, a national board of Chicano scholars was consulted. Chicano Now: American Expressions offers its guests a memorable expression of art, style, and culture.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Breakthrough Technology
Media Pro 4000Ô, Anitech Systems, Inc.
The Media Pro 4000 System provides show designers with the ability to integrate event and real time technologies to solve the many unique challenges faced with a new show concept. The Media Pro 4000 was developed by Anitech Systems, Inc. — a firm that has provided system design, integration, and installation for the entertainment industry since 1981. The system was introduced in 1996 at Warner Bros. Movie World theme park in Bottrop, Germany. Following two years in development and drawing on its entertainment engineering experience, Anitech delivered the first control system that was powerful, scalable and flexible enough to meet the demands of master show control systems of any size. The system has since been used in a who’s who of theme parks and attractions around the world.
CHAPTER II: ADVENTURE
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Attraction
Soarin’ Over California, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim, California
In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” The signature attraction at Disney’s California Adventure, Soarin’ Over California, projects IMAX film onto an 80-foot-tall, wrap-around screen and hoists 87-guests up to 40-feet in the air, with legs dangling. A spectacular film transports virtual fliers on a journey above the Golden State. In theater effects, including wind and scent, create an unforgettable experience that takes motion simulation to a new height.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: RETHEMING TO CREATE A NEW LAND
Ireland, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Irish tradition and heritage are beautifully depicted throughout Ireland at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The new “land” features five new attractions ranging from live entertainment to 3-D simulation. Rich textural details, such as painted window boxes, quaint signage, intricate woodcarvings and lush foliage enhance the architectural appeal. The project was built by Busch regulars Peckham, Guyton, Albers and Viets, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri and the thematic design was developed by Sue Sessions, Inc. As the newest country to join the world-class adventure park in the last 20 years, Ireland at Busch Gardens Williamsburg blends the charm of the past with the pulse of the present.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: WATERPARK
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, South Padre Island, Texas
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is the next generation of waterpark. Located on South Padre Island, Texas, this 15-acre “wet-fest” features the first installation of the state-of-the-art Transportainment river system, which transports guests around the park on water. Called Rio Aventura, the half-mile long river combines a massive conveyor and Panama Canal-style locks. Guests float through sections of slow-moving water, and whitewater rapids, detouring through two tube chutes and four Master Blaster uphill water coasters for a ride that’s never the same twice.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: THEMED HOTEL
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando, Florida
Opened April 2001, this deluxe resort showcases the wonder and romance of Africa — from its hand-carved furnishings and gourmet cuisine served in its three restaurants to the splendor of its 33-acre savannah on the surrounding grounds where animals roam freely. The animal sanctuary is home to more than 200 mammals and birds: greater kudu, Grant’s zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and marabou stork, to name a few. The hoof stock and birds roam freely on the savannah where resort guests may enjoy 24-hour viewing opportunities. The resort was designed by Peter Dominick and sits adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
THEA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jon Jerde, The Jerde Partnership, Venice Beach, California
The Thea Lifetime Achievement Award is a special honor that recognizes an individual’s lifetime of significant contributions to the themed entertainment industry. This year, the Thea Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Jon Jerde, an individual who is one of the few true celebrities of our field — a gentleman who tells his stories through his architecture. Since 1977, when he founded his 125-member urban planning and architecture firm, Jon Adams Jerde has been developing theories and methodologies that have shaped multi-use communal places worldwide. Whether designing large-scale, multi-function urban districts in Japan, Holland or the United States, or focusing on small-scale facilities such as GameWorks or the new Sam Goody stores, his mission has been to develop more humanistic public spaces rather than conventional architecture.
CHAPTER III: DISCOVERY
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: AQUARIUM
Les Mysteres de la Mer, St. Malo, France
Located in the Brittany region of France, Mysteres de la Mer not only offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a fish through multiple aquariums throughout the facility, but also allows guests to experience the life of a marine creature – without getting wet. Visitors embark on an underwater journey with “Le Capitaine” and his robot sidekick, “Octobot,” encountering a series of environments that evoke the spirit of Jules Verne. The experience culminates with an immersive underwater dark ride. With over 500 species displayed in nearly two and a half million liters of water, Mysteres de la Mer encourages over 400,000 visitors a year to dive into an elaborate and unique adventure of discovery.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: ZOO
Fort Worth Zoo’s Texas Wild!, Fort Worth, Texas
What do you get when you combine the real life wonders of a zoo, with the hands-on fun of an interactive museum? Texas Wild!, a new eight-acre expansion to the Fort Worth Zoo. This new exhibit is a departure from most zoological displays, combining hands-on environments with entertaining multimedia and special effects. It presents a message of sustainable use and conservation of local wild life, including over 300 animal species that roam the lands of the Lone Star State. Offering a unique way to see all the “wild” wonders of Texas in a day, Texas Wild! is an entertaining, inspiring place where animals and humans go hand-in-paw.
THEA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE ON A LIMITED BUDGET
FDNY Fire Zone, New York, New York
In the past year, firefighters have been hailed as American heroes. Nearly a year before the attacks of September 11, an experience opened in New York City that was already helping New Yorkers understand and appreciate the role of the Fire Department in their community. Located in a renovated storefront in Rockefeller Center, FDNY Fire Zone is a multi-part experience that begins with an introduction to the techniques and equipment of firefighting, complete with a full-size truck and hands-on interactive equipment. Next comes a themed environment that evokes the aftermath of a devastating fire, where guests experience a dramatic multimedia presentation about fire prevention and safety. The result is an attraction that successfully blurs the line between entertainment and public service, in a very original and evocative way.
THEA CLASSIC AWARD
Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood, California
The Thea Classic award is given every year to an attraction that has stood the test of time. Since movies were first invented over a hundred years ago, audiences have been amazed not only by the stories and spectacles shown to them on screen, but to the magic that goes on behind the camera. Understanding this fascination with Hollywood’s secrets, Carl Laemmle decided to open the gates of his studio to the public in 1915. Thus was born, the Universal Studios Tour. For a mere twenty-five cents, guests got to see this one-time chicken ranch turned movie back lot, and enjoy the novelty of watching film production from their bleacher seats while eating a fried-chicken lunch. Unfortunately, the advent of sound recording in movies spelled the end for the tour — but only until 1964, when the idea was resurrected in the form of Glamour Trams, which shuttled eager visitors through one of the busiest studios in Hollywood. The Universal Studios Tour soon evolved into Universal Studios Hollywood — one of the world’s most successful theme parks and the predecessor to sister theme parks in both Florida and Japan.
CHAPTER IV: FANTASY
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Attraction
Disney Animation, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim, California
Disney Animation is a multi-faceted attraction at Disney’s California Adventure that offers park guests an up close and personal look at the art of Disney animation. The facility has a state-of-the-art collection of audio/video presentations, interactive experiences, a live show and an art gallery, all showcasing the world of Disney animation — past, present and future. This unique presentation celebrates the artists who make animated feature films and the art that is created during this fascinating process.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: ATTRACTION
Animation Celebration, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
In case you had thought that Woody Woodpecker was off feathering his nest in some toon retirement hotel . . . this innovative HolovisionÔ theater attraction at Universal Studios Japan puts that notion to rest. Through the magic of special effects, Woody escapes from an animation computer, interacts with a live animator and "fowls" things up in some pretty astounding ways. It's a delicious feast for the senses as Woody destroys the office and the animator's career.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: THEME PARK AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo DisneySea is a triumph in 21st century theme park design. Situated on Tokyo Bay, Tokyo DisneySea celebrates the myths and realities of the ocean in seven sea-inspired ports-of-call and 23 brand new attractions that set a new standard for their attention to detail and masterful storytelling. The theme park also offers a spectacular live entertainment program, the likes of which have never been seen in a theme park. The live program includes a full-scale Broadway theater, an indoor simulated rainforest and a theater in the round where “The Little Mermaid” and her friends swim overhead.
THEA SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Songwriters
The Themed Entertainment Association’s first Special Achievement Award goes to the Academy Award® winning songwriting team of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. The Sherman Brothers are ostensibly the foremost composer-lyricist team in family entertainment. Their music covers nearly five decades of popular songs, from the early days of rock n’ roll, to Broadway, television and, of course, their famed collaborations with Walt Disney. Besides their movie songs and scores to such classics as “Mary Poppins,” “Jungle Book,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and more, the team penned the songs to dozens of Disney theme park attractions, including the General Electric Carousel of Progress (“There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”), it’s a small world (the most translated song on earth), The Enchanted Tiki Room, Adventure Thru Inner Space, Meet the World and Journey into Imagination. The Sherman Brothers are the masters of conveying the art of storytelling through song.
For further information about the Themed Entertainment Association, visit www.themeit.com.
THEMED ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
RECIPIENTS OF 2002 THEA AWARDS
THEA AWARDS GALA WILL BE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Burbank, California – The Themed Entertainment Association’s 2002 Thea Awards Gala, which recognizes excellence in the ever-growing, multi-billion dollar themed entertainment industry, promises to be a night to remember. This year's event marks the ninth consecutive year for what has become the most prestigious night in the themed entertainment industry. The event will honor people and projects celebrated and praised the world over.
Each of the seventeen honorees, selected by the Themed Entertainment Association’s Awards Nominating Committee, will be presented with a crystal award featuring the etched image of Thea, the Greek Goddess of Light. The goddess symbolizes the form and substance of imagination, which is the cornerstone of an industry that turns fantasy into reality. Awards will be presented to theme parks, attractions, museums, waterparks, touring exhibits, visitor centers and civic projects with opening dates between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2001.
The theme of the 2002 awards presentation is “The Art of Storytelling” — celebrating how a “story” differentiates a successful themed experience from traditional “architecture” and other location-based entertainment. Following that theme, the evening’s awards are broken down into four “chapters”: Culture, Adventure, Discovery and Fantasy – each hosted by a different “storyteller” played by a recognized industry personality. The entire production will be hosted by a Master Storyteller, narrated by voiceover artist Corey Burton, who will tell the tale of the Greek Goddess Thea, as it comes to life onstage through the use of light and projection.
The black-tie ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2002 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. This year’s honorees include:
CHAPTER I: CULTURE
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: CREATING AN ICON
British Airways London Eye, London, England
With a unique design, standing 135 meters (443 feet) high, the British Airways London Eye took over seven years to build and the work of hundreds from across Europe. This monument forever changed the famous London skyline, joining the House of Parliament, Big Ben and other famous landmarks. Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world, capable of carrying over 800 passengers at a time in its 32 fully-enclosed glass capsules that offer amazing views of the city below.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: MUSEUM ATTRACTION
The Star of Destiny, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin, Texas
Everything is BIG in Texas and The Star of Destiny in the Texas State History Museum’s Texas Spirit Theater lives up to that reputation. The Star of Destiny multimedia experience transcends the traditional history museum by dramatically bringing the story of Texas to life every 30-minutes with automated technology, layered multimedia, and spine-tingling special effects. The Star of Destiny experience is one of a number of modern museum programs that have reached out to the themed entertainment industry to combine experiential entertainment with education.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Touring EXHIBIT
Chicano Now: American Expressions, Clear Channel Entertainment/Exhibitions
The brainchild of actor Cheech Marin, Chicano Now: American Expressions is a traveling exhibit that combines the works of Mexican-American performers, visual and graphic artists, designers, writers, musicians, and scholars. The exhibit opens September 28th at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, where visitors will enjoy a multimedia experience of Chicano expressions. As the exhibit is aimed at familie,s it includes fun and ingenious interactives, colorful scenes, entertaining video presentations, and immersive activities. Chicano Now is designed to express Chicano cultural style accessibly, entertainingly, and accurately, to an audience that may know little about it. To ensure that the exhibit is grounded in accuracy, a national board of Chicano scholars was consulted. Chicano Now: American Expressions offers its guests a memorable expression of art, style, and culture.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Breakthrough Technology
Media Pro 4000Ô, Anitech Systems, Inc.
The Media Pro 4000 System provides show designers with the ability to integrate event and real time technologies to solve the many unique challenges faced with a new show concept. The Media Pro 4000 was developed by Anitech Systems, Inc. — a firm that has provided system design, integration, and installation for the entertainment industry since 1981. The system was introduced in 1996 at Warner Bros. Movie World theme park in Bottrop, Germany. Following two years in development and drawing on its entertainment engineering experience, Anitech delivered the first control system that was powerful, scalable and flexible enough to meet the demands of master show control systems of any size. The system has since been used in a who’s who of theme parks and attractions around the world.
CHAPTER II: ADVENTURE
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Attraction
Soarin’ Over California, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim, California
In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” The signature attraction at Disney’s California Adventure, Soarin’ Over California, projects IMAX film onto an 80-foot-tall, wrap-around screen and hoists 87-guests up to 40-feet in the air, with legs dangling. A spectacular film transports virtual fliers on a journey above the Golden State. In theater effects, including wind and scent, create an unforgettable experience that takes motion simulation to a new height.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: RETHEMING TO CREATE A NEW LAND
Ireland, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia
Irish tradition and heritage are beautifully depicted throughout Ireland at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The new “land” features five new attractions ranging from live entertainment to 3-D simulation. Rich textural details, such as painted window boxes, quaint signage, intricate woodcarvings and lush foliage enhance the architectural appeal. The project was built by Busch regulars Peckham, Guyton, Albers and Viets, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri and the thematic design was developed by Sue Sessions, Inc. As the newest country to join the world-class adventure park in the last 20 years, Ireland at Busch Gardens Williamsburg blends the charm of the past with the pulse of the present.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: WATERPARK
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, South Padre Island, Texas
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is the next generation of waterpark. Located on South Padre Island, Texas, this 15-acre “wet-fest” features the first installation of the state-of-the-art Transportainment river system, which transports guests around the park on water. Called Rio Aventura, the half-mile long river combines a massive conveyor and Panama Canal-style locks. Guests float through sections of slow-moving water, and whitewater rapids, detouring through two tube chutes and four Master Blaster uphill water coasters for a ride that’s never the same twice.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: THEMED HOTEL
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando, Florida
Opened April 2001, this deluxe resort showcases the wonder and romance of Africa — from its hand-carved furnishings and gourmet cuisine served in its three restaurants to the splendor of its 33-acre savannah on the surrounding grounds where animals roam freely. The animal sanctuary is home to more than 200 mammals and birds: greater kudu, Grant’s zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and marabou stork, to name a few. The hoof stock and birds roam freely on the savannah where resort guests may enjoy 24-hour viewing opportunities. The resort was designed by Peter Dominick and sits adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
THEA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jon Jerde, The Jerde Partnership, Venice Beach, California
The Thea Lifetime Achievement Award is a special honor that recognizes an individual’s lifetime of significant contributions to the themed entertainment industry. This year, the Thea Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Jon Jerde, an individual who is one of the few true celebrities of our field — a gentleman who tells his stories through his architecture. Since 1977, when he founded his 125-member urban planning and architecture firm, Jon Adams Jerde has been developing theories and methodologies that have shaped multi-use communal places worldwide. Whether designing large-scale, multi-function urban districts in Japan, Holland or the United States, or focusing on small-scale facilities such as GameWorks or the new Sam Goody stores, his mission has been to develop more humanistic public spaces rather than conventional architecture.
CHAPTER III: DISCOVERY
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: AQUARIUM
Les Mysteres de la Mer, St. Malo, France
Located in the Brittany region of France, Mysteres de la Mer not only offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a fish through multiple aquariums throughout the facility, but also allows guests to experience the life of a marine creature – without getting wet. Visitors embark on an underwater journey with “Le Capitaine” and his robot sidekick, “Octobot,” encountering a series of environments that evoke the spirit of Jules Verne. The experience culminates with an immersive underwater dark ride. With over 500 species displayed in nearly two and a half million liters of water, Mysteres de la Mer encourages over 400,000 visitors a year to dive into an elaborate and unique adventure of discovery.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: ZOO
Fort Worth Zoo’s Texas Wild!, Fort Worth, Texas
What do you get when you combine the real life wonders of a zoo, with the hands-on fun of an interactive museum? Texas Wild!, a new eight-acre expansion to the Fort Worth Zoo. This new exhibit is a departure from most zoological displays, combining hands-on environments with entertaining multimedia and special effects. It presents a message of sustainable use and conservation of local wild life, including over 300 animal species that roam the lands of the Lone Star State. Offering a unique way to see all the “wild” wonders of Texas in a day, Texas Wild! is an entertaining, inspiring place where animals and humans go hand-in-paw.
THEA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE ON A LIMITED BUDGET
FDNY Fire Zone, New York, New York
In the past year, firefighters have been hailed as American heroes. Nearly a year before the attacks of September 11, an experience opened in New York City that was already helping New Yorkers understand and appreciate the role of the Fire Department in their community. Located in a renovated storefront in Rockefeller Center, FDNY Fire Zone is a multi-part experience that begins with an introduction to the techniques and equipment of firefighting, complete with a full-size truck and hands-on interactive equipment. Next comes a themed environment that evokes the aftermath of a devastating fire, where guests experience a dramatic multimedia presentation about fire prevention and safety. The result is an attraction that successfully blurs the line between entertainment and public service, in a very original and evocative way.
THEA CLASSIC AWARD
Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood, California
The Thea Classic award is given every year to an attraction that has stood the test of time. Since movies were first invented over a hundred years ago, audiences have been amazed not only by the stories and spectacles shown to them on screen, but to the magic that goes on behind the camera. Understanding this fascination with Hollywood’s secrets, Carl Laemmle decided to open the gates of his studio to the public in 1915. Thus was born, the Universal Studios Tour. For a mere twenty-five cents, guests got to see this one-time chicken ranch turned movie back lot, and enjoy the novelty of watching film production from their bleacher seats while eating a fried-chicken lunch. Unfortunately, the advent of sound recording in movies spelled the end for the tour — but only until 1964, when the idea was resurrected in the form of Glamour Trams, which shuttled eager visitors through one of the busiest studios in Hollywood. The Universal Studios Tour soon evolved into Universal Studios Hollywood — one of the world’s most successful theme parks and the predecessor to sister theme parks in both Florida and Japan.
CHAPTER IV: FANTASY
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Attraction
Disney Animation, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim, California
Disney Animation is a multi-faceted attraction at Disney’s California Adventure that offers park guests an up close and personal look at the art of Disney animation. The facility has a state-of-the-art collection of audio/video presentations, interactive experiences, a live show and an art gallery, all showcasing the world of Disney animation — past, present and future. This unique presentation celebrates the artists who make animated feature films and the art that is created during this fascinating process.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: ATTRACTION
Animation Celebration, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
In case you had thought that Woody Woodpecker was off feathering his nest in some toon retirement hotel . . . this innovative HolovisionÔ theater attraction at Universal Studios Japan puts that notion to rest. Through the magic of special effects, Woody escapes from an animation computer, interacts with a live animator and "fowls" things up in some pretty astounding ways. It's a delicious feast for the senses as Woody destroys the office and the animator's career.
THEA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: THEME PARK AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo DisneySea is a triumph in 21st century theme park design. Situated on Tokyo Bay, Tokyo DisneySea celebrates the myths and realities of the ocean in seven sea-inspired ports-of-call and 23 brand new attractions that set a new standard for their attention to detail and masterful storytelling. The theme park also offers a spectacular live entertainment program, the likes of which have never been seen in a theme park. The live program includes a full-scale Broadway theater, an indoor simulated rainforest and a theater in the round where “The Little Mermaid” and her friends swim overhead.
THEA SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Songwriters
The Themed Entertainment Association’s first Special Achievement Award goes to the Academy Award® winning songwriting team of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. The Sherman Brothers are ostensibly the foremost composer-lyricist team in family entertainment. Their music covers nearly five decades of popular songs, from the early days of rock n’ roll, to Broadway, television and, of course, their famed collaborations with Walt Disney. Besides their movie songs and scores to such classics as “Mary Poppins,” “Jungle Book,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and more, the team penned the songs to dozens of Disney theme park attractions, including the General Electric Carousel of Progress (“There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”), it’s a small world (the most translated song on earth), The Enchanted Tiki Room, Adventure Thru Inner Space, Meet the World and Journey into Imagination. The Sherman Brothers are the masters of conveying the art of storytelling through song.
For further information about the Themed Entertainment Association, visit www.themeit.com.