IPM Liveblogging from The Thea Awards

In Park News Editor Joe Kleiman is liveblogging the 2013 Thea Awards with reports from the red carpet, awards ceremony, and post-awards reception.

1:30 AM

Podcasting it with John Plumpton and Adam Bezark. http://instagram.com/p/XywW2esO-L/

Judith Rubin being interviewed now for @theseasonpass podcast after pic.twitter.com/8V0vPjPB1z

9:30

Mitch Rily:

“Another gathering and honoring of the amazing achievements in themed entertainment has come to an end with Death Eaters … and host Valin filling the role of Harry Potter. The Making of Harry Potter is a world brought to life, not just designed through the eyes of a child, but making visitors awe-inspired children and children at heart in an attraction for magicians and muggles alike.”

9:27

Mitch Rily:

“The magic of the movies and of JK Rowling’s hugely successful stories are combined in the final award of the night, Outstanding Achievement Studio Tour — Warner Bros Studio Tour London’s The Making of Harry Potter.”

9:25

Mitch Rily:

“IPM’s very own Judith Rubin receives this year’s well-earned Distinguished Service Award. Her steadfast commitment and insightful voice gives voice to the successes across the Themed Entertainment Association.”

Optimus Prime!!! #theas http://instagram.com/p/XyjN_dsOw9/

9:15

Martin Palicki:

“Optimus Prime and Bumblebee arrive at the Theas.”

Mitch Rily:

“They’re there to speak about Transformers the Ride, recipient of the Outstanding Achievent Attraction award. With 2 rides open and a third on the way, Transformers The Ride 3D is an optimal prime example of a themed ride.”

9:05

Mitch Rily:

“Aulani Resort & Spa proves that a Hawaiian Beach Resort does not need to be a copy of 1000’s of such hotels on beaches all over the world, but a truly authentic museum-quality experience. Most time themed resorts are merely an addition to a nearby attraction. Disney’s Aulani, the Outstanding Achievement Themed Hotel Resort recipient, really is its own destination, not just a replica of beauty, but a true beauty in and of itself.”

Martin Palicki:

“‘you’ve got to be kidding me… A Hawaiian beach front resort??’ – bob Rogers starting off his Aulani presentation speech”

9:00

Mitch Rily:

“The Thea Classic Award recognizes an attraction that truly stood the test and changes of time. This year’s successful recipient is Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, a classic on the world stage. Opened in 1975, Europa-Park remains an inspiration to parks and park lovers around the world for than three and a half decades. With 8 generations of business, from covered wagons to roller coasters, the Mack Family has built a legacy of serving guests.”

8:53

Mitch Rily:

“Phil Hettema gets a big laugh by simply mentioning ‘theme park food,’ an experience that, until recently, ranked up there with stadium food. Now, theme park food at Carthay Circle is not just amazing theme park food, but one of the best dining experiences in Southern California.”

8:50

PHOTO: Our Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement. We’re very honoured to receive this prestigious award. http://ow.ly/i/1Q2OQ

Martin Palicki:

“Micky Mouse takes the stage with some ‘newsies’ types to sing about Carthay Circle Restaurant.”

Mitch Rily:

“Disney California Adventure boasts one more award winner. Outstanding Achievement in Theme Park Restaurant winner Carthay Circle.”

8:45

Mitch Rily:

“Frank Stanek – Dream, Believe, Dare, Do. He brought his own scrolling credits to run on the screens behind him to list all the mentors and partners he’d never be able to thank in a mere 90 seconds.”

8:35

Mitch Rily:

“Buzz Price recommended the Anaheim location for Disneyland over 60 years ago, and that recommendation has proven quite impactful. Frank Stanek has been the catalyst to bring stories, movies, magic, and imagination to life in his astounding lifetime.”

8:30

Mitch Rily:

“The Buzz Price Award, recognizing a lifetime of distinguished achievements goes to Frank P. Stanek, a premiere global business development executive in the themed entertainment industry and the Disney parks.”

Martin Palicki:

“Joe Rohde, Marty Sklar, and Bob Ward on stage to present the Buzz Price award to Frank Stanek.”

8:25

Mitch Rily:

“The Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is a game-changing achievement in recognizing the world of sports, and the award recipient for Outstanding Achievement Museum award. With 11 themed galleries filled with 55 interactive and vibrant educational displays, the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame makes every visitor an athelete, even if only in their imagination.”

8:20

Martin Palicki:

“Cheerleading type kids have taken over the Theas.”

8:15

Mitch Rily:

“The TEA loves to give awards to amazing nighttime events. The Big-O Experience is an elaborate water, laser, fire, and video extravaganza, and the Outstanding Achievement Event Spectacular.”

8:05

Martin Palicki

“Mater just made an appearance and literally, along with his dancers, almost ran me over!”

Mitch Rily:

“Even Mater drover in to tow home the award. John Lassi-tire has a traffic cone placed on his ever creative head.”

8:00

Mitch Rily:

Bonnie Hunt, the voice of Sally from Cars, truly believes that Imagineers must have undergone a spiritual experience when designing Radiator Springs in Cars Land.”

7:58

Mitch Rily:

“John Lasseter is always the biggest kid in any room, and his vision of Cars, and the living art of Cars Land, is pure child-like imagination.”

7:55

Mitch Rily:

“Disney adds another ornament to their Ornament Valley with their Outstanding Achievement Attraction, Radiator Springs Racers.”

7:50

Mitch Rily:

“Bart de Boer from Efteling saw the fountain show at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and loved the audience applause…for the person who pushed the botton. de Boer knew that such a show would be a great fit for Efteling.”

7:45

Mitch Rily:

“Tait Pixel tablets, used at the 2012 London Olympics, transferred an age old card trick into a 21st century amazing piece of magic. The Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Breakthrough Technology goes to Tait Towers.”

Martin Palicki:

“Tait pixels tablets award winner guy calls Jeremy Railton amazing ambassador for themed entertainment business. Up next…Aquanura. InPark loves Efteling and Bart de Boer.”

7:40

Martin Palicki:

“New logo has been revealed for TEA. Rumor is Judy Rubin was model for statue lady…”

7:35

Mitch Rily from the Awards:

“This year’s theme, Pure Imagination. And the recipients are all being seen through the eyes of, and the event is hosted by, a child. Host Valin Shinyei looks like he is no more than 11 years old, but already has performed better than many recent Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy hosts.”

7:30

Martin Palicki from the Awards:

“Dreams and imagination open the Thea’s with host Valin and a lovely singer. Christine Kerr has now taken the stage.”

7:15

Working Thea Awards with our friend Mater, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee! @dweelo @_IGotTea http://instagram.com/p/XyRFAnyQ3t/

6:45

IPM’s Martin Palicki at the Awards Dinner:

“Everyone gets a wand at the THEA’S”

6:30

Click here for photos by IPM’s Martin Palicki of the pre-Awards Reception

Here’s a small sample:

6:00

IPM’s Mitch Rily from the Red Carpet:

“John Lasseter just walked in. Unfortunately, no Hawaiian shirt under his tuxedo jacket tonight.”

5:10

4:17

THEA AWARDS | Headed out to THEAs –I’ve had picked the outfit–is it too themed?

4:00

It’s 30-minutes until the first themed entertainment celebrities stroll down the red carpet. If you can’t wait for the Thea’s to start, we recommend the excellent Thea Awards preview with ceremony producers Kathy Oliver and Patrick Roberge from our friends at The Season Pass Podcast.