Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe received significant recognition in the 32nd Annual Thea Awards, according to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). The announcement was made during TEA’s International Mixer held at Epic Universe on November 18, 2025.
The Thea Awards are annual honors presented by TEA to recognize outstanding achievement in themed entertainment. They are considered one of the most respected awards in the global attractions industry.
Multiple Awards Across Categories
Epic Universe took home four Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement, spanning several categories. TEA’s official list of winners confirms the honors awarded to the park and its attractions.
The exterior of Monsters Unchained at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: That Park Place
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The four awards were:
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Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — Attraction category
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Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry — Ride Experience category
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How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk — Theme Park Land category
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Universal Epic Universe — Theme Park overall category
In addition, Dale Mason, retired vice president & executive art director at Universal Destinations & Experiences, received the Buzz Price Award for a lifetime of distinguished achievement.
Industry Context
The Thea Awards are widely regarded within the themed entertainment industry as a major marker of creative and technical excellence. The TEA uses a judging committee that reviews nearly 200 submissions each year.
Universal Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury and Mario/Donkey Kong Creator Shigeru Miyamoto in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Matt Barton, International Board President of TEA, commented that this year’s winners “delight millions of guests around the world while pushing the boundaries of presentation, creativity, and innovation.”
Significance for Universal Orlando
Epic Universe’s wins span both specific attractions and the overall park, showing broad recognition for its design, storytelling, and guest experience. The ride experience award for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry highlights its immersive technology, while the land award for Isle of Berk reflects strong theming and integration. The attraction award for Monsters Unchained recognizes guest-facing ride design.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Hosting the award announcement inside Epic Universe also underlines Universal’s openness to industry recognition and suggests a degree of confidence in the park as a showcase for its latest creative work.
Disney’s Single Award at the 32nd Thea Awards
Disney received only one Thea Award this year. The honor went to the Haunted Mansion Parlor, a themed bar on the Disney Treasure cruise ship, in the category of Outstanding Achievement – Themed Food & Beverage Experience.
The Disney Wish cruise ship docked at Castaway Cay – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is the first bar experience based on the classic Haunted Mansion attraction. It uses practical illusion effects, including an updated Pepper’s Ghost technique that creates ghostly figures. The setting reflects visual and narrative elements from the original attraction while adding a storyline centered on a seafaring captain.
Looking Ahead
TEA’s formal awards gala is planned for May 2, 2026, at the JW Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes. This will be the first time the Thea Awards Gala is hosted in Florida.
The portal to Dark Universe at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
For Universal, the multiple Thea Awards validate its substantial investment in both ambitious attractions and the guest journey across its newest park.
What do you think of Epic Universe winning so many Thea Awards this year? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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