Epic Universe, Central Florida’s newest theme park and Universal Orlando Resort’s newest expansion, is the recipient of four Thea Awards, a global honor bestowed by the Themed Entertainment Association.
Epic Universe, which opened to the public in May, was praised for Outstanding Achievement in Theme Park category at the Thea Awards. How to Train Your Dragon – Berk Island Area won the theme park land category. Epic’s dark ride “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” was recognized in the Attraction category, and the immersive “Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry” was praised as an outstanding ride experience.
In addition, Dale Mason, former vice president and executive art director of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Inc., received the Buzz Prize Award, which TEA recognizes for “outstanding lifetime achievement.”
The winners were announced Tuesday night at the TEA gathering at Epic Universe.
“Thea Awards represent industry excellence, and this year’s winners and their collaborative works have delighted millions of guests around the world while pushing the boundaries of presentation, creativity and innovation,” Matt Barton, TEA’s International President and CEO of CurtainUp Ltd., said in a news release.
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Haunted Mansion Parlor, a lounge on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure Ship, was recognized for outstanding achievement in a themed food and beverage experience.
Xcaret Park, a theme park opened in Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 1991, won the Tea Classic Award.
TEA accepts nominations for the Thea Awards, and a panel of judges selects the winners. This year marks the 32nd year of this honor. The awards ceremony, hosted by the nonprofit organization with 1,600 member companies in more than 40 countries, will be held in Orlando in May.
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Other 2025 Thea Award winners are:
• Attraction – Danse Macabre (Efteling, Kaatshuvel, Netherlands).
• Attraction – John Wick Experience (Las Vegas).
• Attractions – WishWorks – Make-A-Wish South Florida, Finker-Frenkel Wish House (Miami).
• Attractions, Limited Budget – Bagshot Row, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (Matamata, New Zealand).
• Historic Center – John Randall Yoruba Cultural Center (Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria).
• Historical Experience, Limited Budget – Secret Laboratory (Castle Augustusburg, Germany).
• Immersive Venue – Cosm (Los Angeles and Dallas).
• Interactive Experience, Limited Budget – Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue (tours around the world).
• Live Show – Bob Marley Hope Road (Las Vegas).
• Museum – Kochikame Museum (Katsushika, Tokyo).
• Museum – Emily’s Story (St Ive, Cornwall, UK).
• Innovation – MAGNOS Sound Transparent Passive 3D LED Screen Technology, Kraftwerk.
• Theme Park – Legoland Shanghai (Jinshan, Shanghai).
Frederick Bartley, president and CEO of the Columbus Science and Industry Center in Ohio, received the Thea Catalyst Award, and Paul Kent, vice president of technical design at RWS Global, received the Peter Charnak Lifetime Achievement Award.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
