Category: Awards

Newest Disney Vacation Club Resort Named ‘Best of the Best’

Sometimes, what happens in Vegas shouldn’t stay in Vegas. I’m pleased to report that Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge took home the biggest prize at the recent ARDY Awards at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Presented by the American Resort Development Association, the annual ARDY Awards honor outstanding achievements in the resort industry. Chief among those honors are ACE (ARDA Circle of Excellence) Awards recognizing those who “have attained the very highest level of excellence in the resort industry, and whose accomplishments and dedication spur the industry to new heights.”

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins took home the prestigious ACE Project of Excellence Award, recognizing the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort as the “best of the best” in a variety of disciplines, from resort design and sustainability to community impact, to sales and marketing (the resort also took home an ARDY Award for best Multimedia Marketing Campaign) to day-to-day operations.

Aside from being a matter of pride for the Disney Vacation Club Cast and every Disney Vacation Club Member who calls this rustically elegant resort “home,” the award demonstrates an unexpected power of Disney magic…allowing one to leave Las Vegas feeling like a winner.

June 4, 2018
Victoria & Albert’s Gets Prestigious Five-Star and Five Diamond Awards For 18th Year in a Row

If you have never been to Victoria & Albert’s then you have to try it. Its Walt Disney World‘s most exclusive gourmet restaurant. So fancy that children must be at least 10 years of age to even enter. Well, the multi-award winning restaurant as just added a few more to their resume.

Two prestigious awards have just been bestowed this month on Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For the 18th consecutive year, the restaurant has received the AAA Five Diamond Award and, for the first time ever, the coveted 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

There are only 68 Five Diamond restaurants in North America, and only 64 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants out of over 1,600 restaurants across the globe. Victoria & Albert’s now stands as the sole restaurant in the state of Florida to receive both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards.

AAA Diamond Ratings represent a combination of overall food, service, décor and ambiance. A Five Diamond restaurant provides leading-edge cuisine of the finest ingredients, uniquely prepared by an acclaimed chef, served by expert service staff led by a maître d’ in extraordinary surroundings.

Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings verify luxury and represent outstanding, iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. Using the most exacting standards in the industry, this year’s list evaluates properties in over 160 destinations across 50 countries.

Every night, Victoria & Albert’s brings guests the ultimate in fine dining with classic Victorian elegance, haute American cuisine and an atmosphere of refined opulence. The esteemed restaurant features three unique dining experiences: the main dining room with the choice of a 7-course menu or 10 course Chef’s Tasting Menu; the intimate Queen Victoria’s Room offers a 10-course Chef’s Tasting menu with tableside presentation and optional wine pairings; and the highly sought-after 8-seat Chef’s Table located in the restaurants kitchen, where guests can get an exclusive look at their dishes being crafted by the culinary team. Victoria & Albert’s also has an incredible wine cellar with over 700 wines from over 35 regions.

“This has been a monumental year for the entire Victoria & Albert’s Team. They have developed a culture of success, which is over twenty years in the making. Every single member of the team is fully invested, combining the perfect formula of creativity, knowledge and passion for service. Our focus remains: Aim for perfection and settle for nothing less than excellence”, said Grand Floridian Resort & Spa General Manager Cosmo Kapoor.

Congratulations belong to Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimée Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez and the entire Victoria & Albert’s team for earning these illustrious awards.

February 25, 2018
Avatar Flight of Passage Honored with Award for Outstanding Visual Effects

The Visual Effects Society (VES) announced the winners of their annual VES Awards last night, honoring outstanding visual effects in motion pictures, television and other Media. Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom won the award for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project.

Avatar Flight of Passage is an innovative 3-D ride experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that allows guests to soar over the incredible landscape of Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee.

This multi-sensory experience uses cutting-edge technology and intricate special effects like never before. Guests can actually feel the banshee breathe beneath them as they fly high above floating mountains, plunge through ancient caverns and skim across roaring oceans.

This marks the second major industry award for this attraction as it also picked up a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement: Attraction.

February 14, 2018
Disney Movies Earn 10 Oscar Nominations For 2017 Releases

Disney is no stranger to Oscar nominations and wins and this year they have some big contenders. The nominees for the 90th Oscars were announced Tuesday and Disney’s 2017 releases earned 10 nominations in nine categories.

Disney•Pixar’s Coco and Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast garnering two nods each, while Star Wars: The Last Jedi was recognized in four categories. The awards will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 4, in a live broadcast hosted by Jimmy Kimmel beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Golden Globe winner Coco, Disney•Pixar’s stunning celebration of family, was nominated for best Animated Feature Film, and its signature ballad, “Remember Me,” is among the nominees for best Original Song. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Oscar winners for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2013 film Frozen, wrote the music and lyrics.

“What began as research trips to Mexico to learn more about the celebration of Día de Muertos, became our story about family, traditions, and honoring our ancestors. The warmth and beauty of Mexico’s people and culture made Coco possible, and showed us the benefits of building bridges rather than walls,” said Coco’s director, Lee Unkrich, and producer, Darla K. Anderson. “We were also reminded to keep our loved ones in our minds and in our hearts—something we hope everyone remembers to do.”

Anderson-Lopez and Lopez shared their excitement after the news. “We are so grateful to our collaborators at Pixar for challenging us to write a song that could have so many meanings,” they said. “Although, in its most authentic form, ‘Remember Me’ is a very personal song about saying goodbye to those you love, while staying connected through music. We couldn’t be prouder of what these filmmakers have achieved in Coco, a film that has always strived to faithfully portray and celebrate Mexican culture—and we are grateful to the Academy for the recognition!”

Beauty and the Beast was nominated for its spectacular sets and costumes. Production Designer Sarah Greenwood and Set Decorator Katie Spencer were named in the Production Design category, and Jacqueline Durran is a nominee for Costume Design. Greenwood, Spencer and Durran are dual nominees, for Beauty and the Beast and for Darkest Hour. “It is a great honor to receive two nominations and for such different films,” Durran said. “Of course it is also a recognition of the work of a great costume team who bring the ideas to life, as well as a celebration of the creative collaboration between departments (with Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer also receiving two nominations).”

Greenwood echoed Durran’s enthusiastic reaction: “We loved making Beauty and the Beast… we had the most fantastic, talented and wonderful crews, without whom we would be nothing. Here’s to them, here’s to the Academy, and here’s to Disney, and most of all here’s to our fabulous amazing director, Bill Condon, who made Beauty and the Beast such a joy.”

John Williams, who composed the score for Star Wars: The Last Jedibreaks his own Oscar record with his nomination for best Original Score. This latest nod is Williams’ 51st—more than any other living person. “It was a privilege and a joy to be a part of Rian Johnson’s fabulous film, and I’m extremely grateful to the Academy for this recognition,” said Williams. Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s thrilling visuals netted a nomination in the Visual Effects category; and the film’s innovative sound was also recognized by the Academy for Sound Editing and Sound Mixing, giving the film a total of four nominations.

Marvel Studios’ intergalactic space adventure Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 received a nomination for its visual effects, and the delightful short Lou, which opened in front of Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3, was named in the Animated Short Film category. “As artists who struggled with the typical challenges of growing up and fitting in—thinking we were the only ones feeling like outsiders—this nomination is more meaningful than anyone could imagine,” said Dave Mullins, director of Lou and Dana Murray, producer. “This is dedicated to the Lous of the world, who use the power of kindness to change the world for the better, one JJ at a time. Thank you to the Academy, and to Disney and Pixar, and to the entire crew of LOU, without whom this film and this moment would never have happened.”

Here is the full list of nominations from Disney-released films.

Costume Design

Beauty and the Beast—Jacqueline Durran

Original Score

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—John Williams

Music (Original Song)

“Remember Me”—Disney•Pixar’s Coco

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Production Design

Beauty and the Beast—Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

Sound Editing

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood

Sound Mixing

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2—Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick

Animated Feature Film

Disney•Pixar’s Coco

Short Film (Animated)

Disney•Pixar’s Lou

January 24, 2018
Minnie Mouse Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Minnie Mouse has finally been recognized as the star she is today as she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday. The honor coincides with the 90th anniversary celebration on the iconic Disney character.

Since her debut in Disney’s Steamboat Willie 90 years ago, Minnie Mouse has become come one of the most recognizable characters next to her main mouse Mickey! Mickey got his star on the Walk of Fame back in 1978 in celebration of his 50th anniversary.

It only took her 40 more years than Mickey to reach the milestone, but it’s official now and we love her just as much.

The ceremony took place at 11:30 a.m. where Minnie was dressed in her signature red and white polka dot dress to and a cute floppy to celebrate the event. Now the 2,627th star along the famous walkway, it’s located just outside the El Capitan Theatre on a section of Hollywood Boulevard.

Check out this awesome video from the ceremony below.

Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and “American Idol” judge Katy Perry were on-hand for the festivities and gave brief remarks about Minnie Mouse before her star was unveiled.

“In true Hollywood fashion, she delivered a truly memorable performance but Mickey got all the credit,” Iger said during Monday’s ceremony. And while she’s famous for “playing the damsel in distress,” Iger continued, “the truth is Minnie can hold her own in any situation.”

Perry took the stage next to Minnie and told the story of her first memories of the Disney character.

She described memories of “pastel walls” and “the smell of baby powder” in the air. Perry said, she first noticed the Disney character on her baby diapers and that led to her “lifelong devotion” to Minnie.

“The definition of icon may fluctuate through the ages, but there are some undeniably special characters who are iconic, and I can’t think of anyone who embodies that more than my dear friend, Minerva Mouse,” Perry said.

Minnie and Mickey aren’t the only other beloved Disney Characters with stars on the walk of fame. Minnie joins Snow White, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tinker Bell and Kermit the Frog, all of whom already have a star.

In addition to her films, Minnie Mouse has also entertained millions of guests at Disney Parks around the world since the first Disney theme park – Disneyland park – opened its gates in 1955. Minnie was able to celebrate her milestone achievement earlier this week with park guests at a special “Rock the Dots”-themed send-off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. In it, Minnie Mouse joined her lifelong pal Mickey Mouse for a walk down a red carpet and a journey through the park on a special Minnie Mouse-themed car. A crowd of guests wearing attire inspired by Minnie’s iconic red-and-white polka dots lined up at the park to cheer them on. Before leaving for Hollywood, Minnie Mouse made one last stop over at Disney Springs to greet guests who were enjoying special “Rock the Dots” festivities in Minnie’s honor.

Leron Gubler, the president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, also declared Jan. 22 Minnie Mouse Day in Hollywood.

January 22, 2018
Teens Across America Chosen for Prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy

Five high school students were surprised live on “Good Morning America’’ on Monday with the announcement that they were selected to be part of the exclusive Disney Dreamers Academy.

They are the 100 high school students selected to participate in this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, an immersive and transformational program at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, the magical ride started early this morning for five of the teens, who were flown to New York and surprised live on “Good Morning America” with the news of their selection to the program.

Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World Resort executive Tracey D. Powell joined the “Good Morning America’’ hosts and the studio audience for the surprise moment. National TV personality Steve Harvey also congratulated the teens on their accomplishment with a video message.

Surprised live on-air were Ayanna Adams from Los Angeles, Christiana Okafor from Houston, Marquis Thomas from Virginia Beach, Va., Ava Marie Easter from Los Angeles and Sean Smith from Basking Ridge, N.J.

The students, who sported T-shirts featuring the program’s new logo during the surprise moment, are among 100 extraordinary youths from across the nation announced by Disney today to participate in its immersive, transformational four-day program, March 8-11, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The program, which is entering its 11^th year with a new “Be100’’ campaign, highlights Walt Disney World Resort’s continued commitment to the next generation of teens by inspiring them at a critical time in their development to make a difference in their lives and to relentlessly pursue and realize their dreams.

“Each of these 100 girls and boys has proven themselves to be exceptional as students and as human beings, so it’s an honor to have them join us at Walt Disney World Resort,’’ said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort vice president of commercial management – resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “It is our hope that this potentially life-changing program will help create the next generation of great dreamers and achievers.’’

Participating students, known as “Disney Dreamers,” embark on a journey throughout the Disney theme parks and behind the scenes, turning the vacation destination into a vibrant classroom for students to discover new careers, pursue their dreams and interact with Harvey and other motivational speakers and celebrities. Among the celebrities who have participated in the past are singers Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige, NBA legend and business mogul Magic Johnson, gospel music star Yolanda Adams, NFL superstar Cam Newton, plus TV personalities such as “The Chew’’ co-host Carla Hall, “Good Morning America’’ co-anchor Michael Strahan and ABC correspondent T.J. Holmes.

Additionally, students participate in hands-on, immersive career-oriented workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. Each student is given important tools such as effective communication techniques, leadership skills and networking strategies.

“Inspiring our youth to dream big and chase those dreams is a personal mission,” said Harvey. “Having a dream is one of the most important things in life. That is why engaging with these students is an annual highlight for me, and the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy will be no exception.”

Since 2008, Walt Disney World Resort has provided all-expenses-paid trips to more than 1,000 students, plus a parent or guardian, to participate in the annual Disney Dreamers Academy. The students are selected from thousands of applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and dreams for the future.

“At ESSENCE, we are committed to impacting the leaders of tomorrow,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of ESSENCE Communications. “Every year, we continue to be impressed by the exceptional students selected for Disney Dreamers Academy, and it is our privilege to play a role in encouraging them to achieve their goals.’’

January 20, 2018
Cruise Critic picks Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney for Top Awards

Disney made out at the 10th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards with three wins.

The editors of Cruise Critic have selected Disney Cruise Line for best entertainment (ocean) and best for families (ocean). Disney’s Adventures by Disney won best for families in river cruising.

According to one Cruise Critic editor, “With all the magic of The Mouse behind it, Disney Cruise Line features some of the most enchanting spectacles afloat, including at-sea fireworks, interactive art and phenomenal production shows.”

Another editor said, “Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways vessels and rebrands them for selected sailings, turning a traditional river ship into a fun-filled family cruise. Highlights include…family-specific programming and thoughtful shore excursions such as a tree canopy walk or apple strudel making.”

Awards like these are a true testament to the magical experience our Cast and Crew Members create each and every day. What’s your top pick about cruising with Disney?

December 12, 2017
Disney Receives 35 Nominations for 45th Annie Awards

Nominations for the 2018 Annie Awards were announced Monday and Disney has recieved 35 Nominations for 45th Annie Awards.

Coco has topped the 45th annual list of nominees with 13, including Best Animated Feature, followed closely by The Breadwinner with 10, including Best Animated Feature – Independent.

The Annie Awards will be held Feb. 3, 2018, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Tickets are on sale now.

Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Imagineering, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios were all nominated for awards. The complete list of Disney nominations are below

Best Animated Feature

CARS 3
COCO

Best Animated Special Production

OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE
TANGLED BEFORE EVER AFTER

Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children

MICKEY AND THE ROADSTER RACERS
Episode: Goofy Gas!

Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Children

TANGLED THE SERIRES
Episode: Queen for a Day

Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production

AVATAR FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
Production Company: Walt Disney Imagineering, Weta Digital, Lightstorm Entertainment
Sr. VFX Supervisor: Richard Baneham
VFX Supervisor: Thrain Shadbolt
Compositing Supervisor: Sam Cole
CG Supervisor: Pavani Rao Boddapati
CG Supervisor: Daniele Tosti

CARS 3
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Development & Effects Artist: Amit Baadkar
Effects Lead: Greg Gladstone
Effects Lead: Stephen Marshall
Effects Supervisor: Jon Reisch
Effects Lead: Tim Speltz

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Effects Artist: Shaun Galinak
Effects Lead: Dave Hale
Effects Artist: Jason Johnston
Effects Artist: Carl Kaphan
Effects Lead: Keith Daniel Klohn

OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE
Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Head of Effects: Christopher Hendryx
Effects Animator: Dan Lund
Effects Animator: Mike Navarro
Effects Animator: Hiroaki Narita
Effects Animator: Steven Chitwood

Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Animator: John Chun Chiu Lee
Character:All characters

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Animator: Allison Rutland
Character: All characters

Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2
Production Company: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures.
Animation Supervisor: Arslan Elver
Lead Animator: Liam Russell
Lead Animator: Alvise Avati
Lead Animator: Alessandro Cuicci

Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

TANGLED: THE SERIES
Episode: Tangled Before Ever After
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Co-Executive Producer: Shane Prigmore
Character: Rapunzel, Eugene, Maximus, Cassandra
Character Designer: Bobby Pontillas
Character: King Frederick, Queen Arianna, Landy Caine, Fidella
Character Designer: Taylor Krahenbuhl
Character: Pub Thugs
Character Designer: Mayumi Nose
Character: Pascal

Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Character Art Director: Daniel Arriaga
Character: All characters
Additional Character Art Direction: Daniela Strijleva
Character: All characters
Character Design/ Sculptor Greg Dykstra
Character:All characters
Character Modeller: Alonso Martinez
Character: All characters
Character Designer: Zaruhi Galstyan
Character: All characters

Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Director: Dave Wasson
Director: Eddie Trigueros
Director: Alonso Ramirez-Ramo

TANGLED: THE SERIES
Episode: Tangled Before Ever After
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Director: Tom Caulfield
Director: Stephen Sandoval

Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Co-Director: Adrian Molina

Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Composer: Christopher Willis

LEGO STAR WARS: THE FREEMAKER ADVENTURES
Episode: Trouble on Tibalt
Production Company: The LEGO Group, Lucasfilm, Wil Film
Composer: Michael Kramer

Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Composer: Michael Giacchino
Composer/Lyricist: Kristin Anderson-Lopez
Composer/Lyricist: Robert Lopez
Composer: Germaine Franco
Lyricist: Adrian Molina

OLAF’S FROZEN ADVENTURE
Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Composer/Lyricist: Elyssa Samsel
Composer/Lyricist: Kate Anderson
Composer: Christophe Beck

Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

BIG HERO 6 THE SERIES
Episode: Baymax Returns
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Production Design: Mark Taihei
Production Design: Ben Plouffe
Production Design: Chris Whittier
Production Design: Sylvia Filcak
Production Design: Amy Chen

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Production Design: Jenny Gase-Baker
Production Design: Justin Martin

Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Production Design: Harley Jessup
Production Design: Danielle Feinberg
Production Design: Bryn Imagire
Production Design: Nathaniel McLaughlin
Production Design: Ernesto Nemesio

Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: Bee Inspired
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Storyboard Artist: Eddie Trigueros

Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Storyboard Artist: Dean Kelly

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Storyboard Artist: Madeline Sharafian

Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Voice Actor: Chris Diamantopoulos
Character: Mickey Mouse

Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Cast: Anthony Gonzalez
Character: Miguel

Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE
Episode: Locked in Love
Production Company: Walt Disney Television Animation
Writer: Darrick Bachman

MILO MURPHY’S LAW
Episode: The Island of the Lost Dakotas
Production Company: Disney Television Animation
Writer: Joshua Pruett

Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Writer: Adrian Molina
Writer: Matthew Aldrich

Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

PICKLE AND PEANUT
Episode: Bear-I-cade
Production Company: Disney Television Animation
Nominee: John Roye

Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Feature Production

COCO
Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios
Nominee: Steve Bloom
Nominee: Lee Unkrich
Nominee: Greg Snyder
Nominee: Tim Fox

December 5, 2017
Frozen, Avatar attractions win Thea Awards

Three Walt Disney World attractions inspired by the films “Avatar” and “Frozen” have won TEA Thea Awards.

Pandora — The World of Avatar, which opened in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, was recognized for outstanding achievement in “theme-park area development” and the Pandora ride called Flight of Passage was also recognized for its achievement.

Frozen Ever After, an Epcot ride in the Norway pavilion, won for outstanding achievement in “attraction reimagining.” The water ride, featuring the latest in animatronics, is a refurbishment of the old Maelstrom ride.

The announcement, made Tuesday by the Themed Entertainment Association, called Pandora “a tour de force in placemaking” and said that Flight was “flawlessly executed.”

Disney also had a winner out west. Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout, a revamp of Disney California Adventure’s Tower of Terror ride, also was recognized in the “attraction reimagining” category.

November 19, 2017