Orlando, Flordia, USA
November 16th, 2023 – The Orange County Convention Center on International Drive is literally the place where theme park dreams are made. Thousands of buyers from amusement parks across the globe descend on the 550,000+ square-foot (51,097 m2) sized show floor to check out over 1,000 different industry-related companies. From air-gate hinges to incredible thrill rides, the IAAPA Expo offers it all. CoasterForce were lucky enough to walk the show floor and see everything on offer. We covered all the big reveals and the interesting things we could find on our socials, but here’s a recap of the best thrill ride stuff…
First S&S Axis Coaster
A few years ago, S&S showcased their Axis Coaster prototype. Soon it will be a reality in the form of a Transformers ride opening in a Family Entertainment Center in downtown Rhydia, Saudi Arabia.
Falcon’s Flight lead car
It will be the tallest (600+ feet, 183+ m), longest (2.5 miles, 4 km), and fastest (155+ mph, 250+ km/h) roller coaster in the world. And despite being in the Saudi Arabian desert at Six Flags Qiddiya, riders on this Intamin coaster won’t have to wear goggles due to the clever train design.
The Bobcat bites!
A small coaster that packs a bite. This family coaster by The Gravity Group is Six Flags Great Escape‘s first new coaster in over 20 years!
Fire in the Hole is hot!
RMC‘s second outing at Silver Dollar City. They’re breathing new life into the classic indoor coaster.
It’s all Good Gravy at Holiday World
And the award for the Most Originally Themed Ride goes to Holiday World! A gravy boat themed junior Vekoma Boomerang coaster to be sited in Holiday World’s Thanksgiving area.
Slick B&M two-seats-a-row seater trains
SeaWorld Orlando‘s new for 2024 coaster is Penguin Track. With it’s sublime B&M train design, this family double-launching coaster will travel among real-life penguins.
Triotech innovates once again!
Dark ride/flying theater maestros Triotech announce a new standing flying theater packed with special effects for Neb’s Fun World in Ontario, Canada.
Hot Wheels, hot cred!
Within the next two years, this slick looking train by Chance Rides will be whizzing around a real life orange-colored looping coaster track at two Mattel Adventure Parks in the USA!
Sally’s super surprises
Dark ride animatronic supremos Sally Rides announced that two of their SpongeBob Crazy Carnival Rides will be opening at Land of the Legends in Turkey, and the Adventuredome in the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, USA, in 2024.
Nothing to see here at GCI‘s booth!
No fanfare, no fuss. They were causally sat right there on the show floor for all to see. Colossus coming to Six Flags Qiddiya.
Shooting for the stars
Hersheypark is getting new PTC trains for their classic Comet roller coaster.
Top Thrill Reinvented
Zamperla, assisted by Cedar Point‘s Tony Clark, whipped off the sheet covering the new trains for Top Thrill 2. Look at the size of those wheels!
Thanks again to IAAPA for the opportunity to experience this incredible event, but the biggest cheers must go to the innovative and awesome manufacturers that keep on delivering the thrills and fun for all!