Since debuting at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has given guests a chance to live their very own Star Wars adventure. Mirroring the excitement for these immersive lands, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), today recognized Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with two Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
The land itself was honored with a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – New Park Land. According to TEA, “this multifaceted experience combines epic and detailed placemaking, themed retail and dining, immersive theatrical techniques and interactive attractions into an audacious, genre-redefining, 14-acre adventure that lets park guests live their own Star Wars story in ways never before possible within the boundaries of a conventional theme park. The intricate layout, sophisticated use of scale, extension of character details and high quality of execution combine to make this an outstanding example of story-driven, experiential design blurring the line between guest and experience, making every detail ‘in-world’ authentic.”
TEA also honored Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction. TEA cited the technology, innovative loading system, screen-accurate vehicle, ultra high-resolution game engine and interactive controls that combine to allow guests to take the controls of one of the most famous ships in the galaxy.
“Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has set a new bar for immersive storytelling—and more than 5 million Guests have taken a spin on the Millennium Falcon,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Congratulations to the incredible Imagineers, Cast, and Lucasfilm partners on these well-deserved recognitions of their passion, creativity, and dedication.”
Soon, guests will be able to take the force to a whole new level with the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Dec. 5 and Disneyland on Jan. 17.
Another significant honor went to Nancy Seruto, Walt Disney Imagineering creative executive for Shanghai Disney Resort, when TEA announced Nancy as this year’s Buzz Price Thea Award recipient. This prestigious award is presented each year to an outstanding individual whose accomplishments represent the highest standard of excellence in the themed entertainment industry.
“Nancy is an inspiring and highly collaborative leader who excels at bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to create experiences that resonate with our global audiences,” said Bob Weis, president of Walt Disney Imagineering. “In addition to her incredible work creating story-driven, immersive experiences in our parks, she generously lends her time and expertise to support nonprofit organizations that touch lives around the world. She is widely respected throughout the themed entertainment industry, and this award is a wonderful tribute to her influence and inspiration.”
Congratulations to Nancy and all the team members behind these well-deserved awards!
