- Cars Land received the award for New Theme Park Land, with the citation noting, among many other details, “…the overwhelming scale of the rockwork panorama…”
- Radiator Springs Racers was honored in the Attraction category for “…true excellence in design, technical innovation and execution.”
- Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge received the citation for Theme Park Restaurant, noting, “…high quality service, distinctive setting and cuisine…”
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai`i, received the award for Themed Hotel Resort – “The Aulani resort experience is one-of-a-kind.”
In addition, Frank Stanek, former Corporate Vice President of Research and Planning for the Walt Disney Company, will receive The Buzz Price Award – Recognizing a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements. During his years with Disney, Stanek provided background and analysis in the original development of Walt Disney World Resort and the expansion of Disneyland Resort, as well as Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. His wide-ranging professional career also includes developments for the City of Osaka and Universal.
Each of the winning projects will be recognized at the Thea Awards ceremony, a black-tie gala to be held April 6, 2013, at the Disneyland Hotel.