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The Walt Disney Company, Disney Resorts, and Disney Parks have received quite a lot of negative feedback from Disney Guests and Disney enthusiasts in recent months, with complaints coming in regarding everything from current Disney leadership (particularly the current Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek) to rising Disney prices to “uncomfortable” interactions with Cast Members.
However, Disney is apparently doing well despite these criticisms — and now Disney has a new bevy of industry awards to prove it! According to the Disney Parks Blog, “the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be presented three prestigious Thea Awards in 2023”.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and new Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Iger tends to be thought of more positively than Chapek, who has faced a large amount of opposition from Disney fans. Photo Credit: Disney.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is also receiving not one, but nine Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment Excellence, Games and Merchandise Excellence and Food & Beverage Excellence.
Disney Chairman Josh D’Amaro (who has been criticized lately for his lack of accountability in comparison with CEO Bob Chapek) said the following: “I’m so proud of our teams who continue to delight our guests and consumers by pushing industry boundaries. These accolades illustrate our legacy of innovation, as evidenced by projects that opened 50 years apart being awarded together.”
Guests arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal for their two-night adventure in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
The notoriously-expensive new hotel called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has received a Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, while a Disney staple called the Main Street Electrical Parade is the recipient of the Thea Classic Award, and Tokyo DisneySea is receiving the Liseberg Applause Award.
A Disney employee named Susana Tubert (who is the Disney Live Entertainment Creative Director) is also being honored with the Thea Catalyst Award since she “has achieved a real and positive impact on the culture of our industry.”
Susana Tubert Credit: Disney Parks Blog
The Brass Rings Awards that Disney is being honored with are as follows:
Live Entertainment Excellence:
- Best Theatrical Production – “Tale of the Lion King” at Disneyland Resort
- Most Creative Christmas/Holiday Show – “Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade” at Disneyland Paris
- Most Creative Halloween Haunt, Show or Experience – “Let’s Get Wicked” at Hong Kong Disneyland
- Most Creative Multimedia Spectacular – “Harmonious” at EPCOT
- Most Creative Property-Wide Event – Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary Celebration
Games and Merchandise Excellence, and Food & Beverage Excellence:
- Best Apparel Item – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Cassette Player Shoulder Bag
- Best Hard Good Item – Halcyon Starcruiser Training Lightsaber Hilt
- Best Plush Item – Groot Scented Plush
- Best New Menu Item – Chocolate Mighty Thor’s Hammer at The Ganachery at Disney Springs
Even though many Disney fans will be pleased to learn about these awards and honors headed Disney’s way, many other Disney Guests and disillusioned Disney consumers will be disappointed to see the Walt Disney Company being rewarded while its consumers seem to grow ever more discontented.
