The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has announced the 2008 winners of the Thea awards.

Winners this year include EPCOT at Walt Disney World, Orlando, US (Thea Classic Award); The Newseum in Washington DC, US (best museum); Audubon Insectarium (best science centre); and Finding Nemo - The Musical (best live show).

BeWILDerwood adventure park in Norwich, UK, was given the outstanding achievement award for an attraction with a limited budget – alongside The Forgotten Mine in Molenheide, Belgium, designed by Jora Vision – while Universal's The Simpsons Ride received the overall award for best ride.

The awards, sponsored by Economics Research Associates, were created in 1994 to bring recognition to achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment industry.

Nick Farmer, president of TEA, said: "Truly international in their recognition of outstanding productions, the Thea Awards focus international attention on innovation within the Themed Entertainment and Experience Design Industry."

The Awards will be formally presented on 7 March 2009 at the 15th Annual Thea Awards Gala at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, US.