Disney’s Jollywood Nights show among Brass Ring winners

[Disney4me]

A Walt Disney World holiday production and a former UCF professor and Disney executive were among the recipients of Brass Ring Awards, honors presented by IAAPA.

“What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Singalong,” part of the Disney Jollywood Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was named most creative winter holiday production.  The show features music and characters from the 1993 film directed by Burton.

One of three Inspiration Awards was given posthumously to Duncan Dickson, who was a professor in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida for more than 20 years and the director of casting at Walt Disney World for almost 20 years before that. Dickson died in 2024.

Those were the only Orlando-oriented winners in the global competition, which salutes excellence in live entertainment, food and beverage, marketing, human resources, sustainability games and merchandise within the attractions industry. Winners were announced during the 2025 IAAPA Honors event at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.

Universal Studios Hollywood won for most creative Halloween production with “The Purge: Dangerous Waters,” which was staged during the theme park’s Halloween Horror Nights event, and Universal Beijing Resort was honored for best creative atmosphere production with “Universal’s Half Time Show.”

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Winning in three categories were Europa-Park for its “20 Jahre Colosseo” (most creative spectacular), best health and wellness program and best innovation in training; and Morey’s Piers and Water Parks of New Jersey for customized game prize, visual merchandise display and custom retail souvenir for Curley’s Fries Dog Toys. Vancouver Aquarium was honored for best new F&B special event (called Fish & Sips) and for best new menu item (the Megalodon Burger).

The awards are organized by the Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. A complete list of winners is posted at IAAPA.org.

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