The, a, Award Goes To...

This week, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions held its Expo in Orlando. The annual confab brings together members of the industry for an enormous trade show (with operating rides!), symposiums, and more. The Themed Entertainment Association used the occasion to announce its highly regarded Thea awards, which are sort of the park industry's equivalent of the Oscars. Congratulations to all of the winners, which include the following highlights:

• Thea Classic Award: EPCOT, Walt Disney World, Florida
• Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (AOA), Attraction: The Simpsons Ride, Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood
• Thea AOA, New Theme Park Land: Jungala, Busch Gardens Africa, Florida
• Thea AOA, Live Show: Finding Nemo, The Musical, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida

Photo: The Simpsons Ride nabs a Thea. Arthur Levine, 2008. Licensed to About.com.