Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas earned the 2016 Themed Entertainment Association (THEA) award for Outstanding Achievement for its SpongeBob Adventure Attraction,according to an announcement made on November 26, 2015. The attraction features an interactve submarine ride in the SpongeBob Adventure Attraction.
The ride represents a joint effort with Nickelodeon, Super 78 and SimEx-lwerks. In the animated 3D sensory presentation, a performer behind-the-scenes controls the sensory aspects of the attraction which include bubbles, scents, lights and sounds. The performer who acts as the animated hero, Patrick Star can get feedback from the audience. Guests can help direct Patrick Star through the deep ocean, Bikini Bottom. The attraction was designed to give guests a realistic experience in an animated world. The SpongeBob Adventure opened in May 2015.
The previous winner was the Time Machine, Futuroscope Park in Poitiers, France, which earned the 2015 Award for Outstanding Achievement: Attraction. In this attraction, guests are taken back in time to visit the Pre-historic Age, the Greek Games, and Native Americans.
The SpongeBob attraction at Moody Gardens costs $18.95 for adults and $16.95 for children and senior citizens. Moody Gardens will receive the award during an award’s event in the spring of 2016 in California.