IAAPA Expo, Orange County Convention Center, FL, USA
Theme and amusement park owners from all over the world have gathered in Orlando for the annual IAAPA Attractions Expo. IAAPA Attractions Expo is the largest international trade show for the amusements and attractions industry, featuring nine miles aisles containing over 1,100 exhibitors selling their attractions and services to 21,000 buyers.
Theme parks and ride manufacturers announce their new rides and concepts at IAAPA so every year is a treat for theme park enthusiasts all over the world. Here is a summary of the highlights from Day 1 of the show as they happened!
Join in the IAAPA 2016 discussion on our forums.
Roland Mack inducted in IAAPA Hall of Fame
Europa Park’s CEO is honoured for his work within the industry.
I'm so proud dad!! Inducted to the @IAAPAHQ #HallOfFame All your life for @europa_park thanks what you did for us! pic.twitter.com/JCCrEDb26h
— Michael Mack (@MichaelMack) November 15, 2016
SeaWorld unveil new for 2017 rides!
The SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio and sister park Busch Gardens Williamsburg are all getting new rides in 2017. The company revealed the trains early morning at the show.
Carl Lum, President of @SeaWorldTexas (on right), at the Intamin stand reveals trains for new #WaveBreaker double launch coaster. #IAE16 pic.twitter.com/quYuu98LnZ
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
The lead cars for #InvadR trains are different. @GreatCoasters have refurbished parts of the Gwazi trains. pic.twitter.com/D8cXw2naif
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Brian Morrow, VP Theme Park Experience Design for Chance, unveils model of Ocean Explorer submarine ride for @SeaWorld San Diego. #IAE16 pic.twitter.com/72uUPPsMl9
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
SeaWorld Orlando will be adding Virtual Reality (VR) to Kraken. The story will be set to prehistoric sea creatures.
Discuss Wave Breaker on our forums.
Discuss Kraken VR on our forums.
Gravity Group Concept Train
Although this train is just a concept for now, maybe somebody at the show will consider it for a coaster really soon!
Couple of concept trains on @thegravitygroup's stand. Somebody please buy them, they're fierce! pic.twitter.com/o4Tt7vsvoZ
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Read more about Gravity Group in our Manufacturers section.
Zamperla announce new park and VR
Zamperla announced they are to supply four thrills rides and one roller coaster for a new park, The Park at Owa, opening in Summer 2017 in Foley, AL, USA.
Foley in Alabama, USA, will be home to a new @ZamperlaSpa park! 4 thrill rides and 1 coaster, retail and adventure! pic.twitter.com/dDHrEo6uwO
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
At IAAPA 2015, Zamperla announced a new ride type called, WindstarZ. The company have developed a VR experience for the flat ride.
People try out the Windstarz VR on the @ZamperlaSpa booth at #IAE16. For more info about WindstarZ, go here: https://t.co/3eLZ2I7l8W pic.twitter.com/reaHKjQwCK
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Zamperla celebrated their 50th Anniversary by cutting a cake at the show.
Read more about Zamperla in our Manufacturers section.
And the award goes to…
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) reveal their 2017 award winners, honouring both parks and people who play a vital role in the amusement park industry.
Just announced at the @TEA_Connect booth during #IAE16, here are the 2017 #Thea recipients. pic.twitter.com/TSv5MO3euR
— InPark Magazine (@InParkMagazine) November 15, 2016
Holovis won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Product.
The incredible Brass Ring Award as presented at #iae16 for #battleforcp, good work team! @cedarpoint pic.twitter.com/d0znh5BUl8
— Holovis (@Holovis) November 15, 2016
Busch Gardens Tampa won the IAAPA Applause Award for outstanding service to the industry.
We're thrilled to accept the prestigious Applause Award at #IAE16 for being a theme park industry leader! https://t.co/35n6t8XDtR pic.twitter.com/IcnvWp9D34
— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) November 15, 2016
S&S Announce “Merlin’s Mayhem”
S&S unveiled a family inverted coaster with on-board audio for Dutch Wonderland, PN, USA.
S&S and @FUNatDW announce "Merlin's Mayhem", a 60ft tall family inverted coaster with on board audio, opening Spring 2017. #IAE16 pic.twitter.com/HOiQsqe0ZG
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Read more about S&S in our Manufacturers section.
Mack reveals Xtreme Spinning Coaster
Once again, Mack comes up with a crazy idea that is sure to thrill! This coaster will invert, spin and launch! The Xtreme Spinning Coaster will have customised stations allowing varying loading procedures and ride experiences.
Yet again, @mackridescom lead the way with a new triple launching, inverting spinning coaster, rightfully called XtremeSpinningCoaster! pic.twitter.com/HDxYv3gUsU
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Here's the simulation of our newest concept – The Xtreme Spinning Coaster. We hope you like the ride idea. https://t.co/tMItWFL9MQ
— MACK Rides (@mackridescom) November 15, 2016
Read more about Mack Rides in our Manufacturers page.
Triotech confirms three new attractions
Dark ride specialists Triotech confirm three new attractions opening in Summer 2017.
Ernest Yale, President & CEO of @Triotech1 announced The Flyer at @pier39, world's first 3D Fly Over attraction with CGI & real life footage pic.twitter.com/S0OkVojucj
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Fear of the Walking Dead is @Triotech1's second announcement. Interactive walkthru for Fremont Street, Las Vegas, opening Summer 2017. pic.twitter.com/T03tXttEDU
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
Third announcement from @Triotech1 is Ghost Busters 5D dark shooter at @HeideParkResort https://t.co/hj4k52Jlnc pic.twitter.com/Fan3mdYouO
— CoasterForce (@CoasterForce) November 15, 2016
That’s it for our coverage from the IAAPA Attractions Expo today. Join us tomorrow when we’ll show you more of the floor highlights!