The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has announced the winners of the 2026 Thea Awards, which recognize outstanding individuals, projects, and technologies worldwide, including four awards for Universal’s newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe.
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
The Themed Entertainment Association’s membership comprises creators and makers of global experiences, from creative storytellers to technical builders. Therefore, the Thea Awards—the only peer-voted, independent awards for themed experiences—are the most coveted awards for outstanding achievement in the industry.
2026 Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement
Universal Epic Universe received the award in the Theme Park category, and the park’s entire How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk was given an award for outstanding theme park land. Universal also won 2026 Thea Awards for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe (in the category of outstanding attraction) and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic (in the category of outstanding ride experience.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Universal Destinations & Experiences Vice President & Executive Art Director, Dale Mason, was honored with the Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievement.
Additional winners in the U.S. are The John Wick Experience in Las Vegas and WishWorks – Make-A-Wish in Miami. Plus, Bob Marley Hope Road was recognized in the Live Show category, Cosm in Los Angeles and Dallas won a Thea Award for Immersive Venue, and the touring Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue was recognized for Interactive Experience –Limited Budget.
Disney’s lone nod at the 2026 Thea Awards is the Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Treasure (now also on Disney Destiny), recognized in the Themed Food & Beverage category.
International Thea Award winners are:
Danse Macabre at Efteling park in the Netherlands (Attraction)
Bagshot Row, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours in New Zealand (Attraction, Limited Budget)
Secret Laboratory in Germany (Historical Experience – Limited Budget)
Legoland Shanghai (Theme Park)
The 2026 Thea Awards recipients for Museums are the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture in Nigeria, the KochiKame Museum in Japan, and The Story of Emily in the UK.
The new TEA Recognition of Merit recognizes projects that “exemplify superior artistry and execution” but did not receive enough votes for a Thea Award.
The four recipients of this honor are the Pac-Man Live Experience in England, recognized for Connected Immersion; The Bureau of Nooks & Crannies in Los Angeles, recognized for Connected Immersion – Limited Budget; the Neo/Mega Experience at Neotropolis in Edwards, Calif., recognized for Collaborative World-Building Experience; and Just Fix It Productions in Los Angeles, recognized for Immersive Live Entertainment.
2026 Thea Awards recipients will be celebrated at the 32nd Annual Awards Gala, which, for the first time in Thea’s history, will be held during TEA Inspire 2026 at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes on April 29-May 2, 2026.
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