This week, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAAPA) returned to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, bringing with it the latest rides, games, food and more that are available to the industry to purchase.
It’s also where media gets a first look at upcoming attractions coming to theme and amusement parks, including Central Florida-based locations like SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa.
The theme of this year’s IAAPA was Angry Birds, so the entrance was decorated with the characters from the games/movies.
Once inside, I attended a couple of media previews:
Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc., showcased a new custom train design for the most historic roller coaster at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, called the Comet.
Bolinger & Mabillard (B&M) debuted the ride coaster vehicle for Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Sally Dark Rides unveiled an interactive animatronic for its latest dark ride, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, which will be going to Circus Circus resort in Las Vegas.
Vekoma revealed the ride vehicle for Holiday World’s first family roller coaster Good Gravy.
And SeaWorld Orlando and B&M revealed the ride vehicle for their upcoming Penguin Trek coaster opening in 2024.
In between covering media conferences, I checked out the games area, and the food area where companies get to sample goods that might be sold in the parks.
I also checked out some rides that were on display for people to try.
They even had an area of hygiene products:
IAAPA is always a fun convention to attend, and I look forward to covering it again next year. I hope you’ll follow me to join me in 2024!
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