Radiator Springs Racer, Cars Land, Transformers, Winners 2013 THEA Awards !

Radiators Springs Racer and Transformers The Ride are the 2013 THEA Awards winners in the attraction category "for outstanding achievement". And Cars Land also won a THEA Award in the "new theme park land " category as well as the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge in “theme-park restaurant” category. And Aulani, Disney’s resort in Hawaii, was also recognized in the category of “themed hotel resort”. 

The Themed Entertainment Association annually presents the "Thea" award to projects whose achievement has been determined to be of "outstanding" quality. The award is for people or parks in the themed entertainment industry, selected by people from the industry. I think it's fair to say that the winners totally deserves these THEA Awards, which are for theme park designers what the Academy Awards are for actors and movie directors.

Last April, in my "Why Radiator Springs Racer vs Transformers Ride Will be the E-Ticket Match of the Year" article i wrote: "So, who will "win" this E-Ticket match of the year? Personally i think there will be no winner, the two rides are so good and so different that both will be a different and tremendously enjoyable experience". Yes, both Transformers and Radiator Springs Racer are different but fantastic rides, and 

their designers really deserves these awards. All my congrats to all of them!

Also, Frank Stanek, who helped expand Disney and Universal theme parks into Asia and Europe, was given the Buzz Price Award for a “lifetime of distinguished achievements.”

Others Thea winners were Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary (museum); Aquanura at Efteling Park in the Netherlands (event spectacular); The Big-O Experience, part of South Korea’s Yeosu 2012 International Expo (event spectacular); the Tait Pixel Tablets used in the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics (outstanding technology); The Making of Harry Potter, London (sutdio tour) and Europa-Park of Rust, Germany (Thea Classic).

The 2013 THEA Awards gala will be held April 6, 2013, at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Paris Christmas Event Special Report - Part One

Disneyland Paris had its annual Christmas event this week-end and as promised i have a full pictorial report for you. I couldn't attend the event but Max, from DLRP Welcome and D&M contributor was there and covered the event for Disney and more. The weather was not very good until the middle of the afternoon with a kind of "snow sky" in the morning but he did his best!

There we go, and as usual we begin by the park entrance and Main Street Station with the new Christmas decorations.

But first, here is a picture of the Christmas event credential that each person invited had to show to enter some reserved areas during the event. Below, invited guests and VIP arriving in the Disneyland Paris Hotel lobby.

Okay, let's go in the park!

DLP Christmas tree stands a usual on Town Square.

In Main Street U.S.A, Christmas garlands awaits DLP guests.

Entering Central Plaza where snow men characters are now in place in front of the castle.

In Fantasyland, guests could meet and greet with Belle at the entrance of the Christmas village.

Meanwhile, in the back of Frontierland, while guests ride Big Thunder Mountain...

... children of all ages can meet the one and only Santa Claus!

Nearby, the Disneyland Paris Railroad is making a stop at Frontierland Depot.

But it's time for everyone - including Santa - to join the new "Christmas Cavalcade" parade!

As i told you yesterday this new and merry Christmas Cavalcade parade has four different floats which include one looking like a toy box with Buzz and Woody, one with Santa Claus on his christmas sleigh, one float with the elfs and deers and one with Mickey and his friends. 

The official story-line is: "Santa Claus and his elfs have worked all year long to create the toys for all children of the world and are proud to present them at Disneyland Paris. In a brand new parade Santa Claus will  be surrounded by puppets, wooden soldiers and plenty of other toys who came alive by magic. Several times per day they will be on Main Street U.S.A to dance in a merry parade with the happier christmas songs. As a surprise never come alone Mickey, Minnie and their friends will join the party to wish from the top of their christmas float a happy christmas to DLP guests."

Max also filmed the Christmas Cavalcade which happen several times per day when it was on its way back, this time from Town Square to Fantasyland! 

At Discoveryland Videopolis Mickey was also the conductor of the Jingle Bells Boys orchestra, playing of course Christmas themes!

At 6pm it was time for the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Town Square and Max also filmed all of it!




But we're not done yet as at 7pm the Christmas event private party was about to begin, something that only Christmas event guests could attend. Don't miss the article part two tomorrow to discover what regular guests haven't seen last saturday, including the Disney Christmas Wishes show and fantastic pictures of the park at night! You're invited to share this magical evening and even the private dinner as we have exclusive shots of it - if you ever wondered how are the special events dinners you'll know tomorrow! 

And, because Christmas season has now began officially, from now until Dec 25 you can order a collector copy of the Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality book at the special Christmas price of 85€ (instead of 120€) +15€ shipping. And let me tell you that "From Sketch to Reality" will definitely make a GREAT Christmas present to anyone you love, including you! As usual you can pay directly with Paypal or bank wire transfer. You can either use the Paypal button below or send me an email at: neverlandeditions@gmail.com
Two important notes: first, we're running low of english copies so the sooner you'll place your order the better it will be as we're pretty sure that it will be out of stock by the end of this year. And, two, if you're living out of France the shipping can take quite a while, so to make sure you receive the book on time for Christmas - and avoid to have to pay extra "urgent shipping" cost the best is to place your order as soon as possible.
More infos about the book on the book website HERE , including a video showing you the whole book!

Choose quantity and enjoy additional discount!

One Disneyland Paris Collector Copy ( Including Shipping ) €100.00 EUR Two Disneyland Paris Collector Copies ( Including Shipping ) €185.00 EUR Three Disneyland Paris Collector Copies ( Including Shipping ) €270.00 EUR

Pictures and Videos: copyright Disney and more - DLRP Welcome, Disney