The annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo opened Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, showcasing the latest innovations in the attractions industry.
Tens of thousands of attendees from throughout the world have gathered in the capital of fun to view the latest products and innovations on the expo’s trade show floor, everything from the latest coaster design and VR technology, to carnival games, arcade games, and fair food!
IAAPA is the largest show of its kind in the world, bringing together nearly 1,100 exhibitors , and 33,000 attendees from over 100 countries.
In addition to the exhibitors on the show floor, the expo features dozens of news conferences from over 30 attractions companies, including Dollywood, Cedar Point, and Hersheypark.
Shown here is the new ride vehicle for Hersheyparks new Wildcats Revenge coaster, due to open next year.
RMC are currently converting Hersheyparks woodie coaster ride Wildcat into a steel hybrid coaster named Wildcat's Revenge. The ride, scheduled to open in 2023, will contain four inversions along a 3,510-foot-long track.
Closer to home, on Tuesday, SeaWorld Orlando unveiled the ride vehicle for the new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is currently being built minutes away from the convention center.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the roller coaster was designed as a standing, surf coaster, and will open in spring 2023.
Orlando's Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and ICON Park also held press conferences announcing new attractions.
SeaWorld also revealed the ride vehicle for the currently under construction Arctic Rescue coaster that is coming to SeaWorld San Diego, where you will hop on your snowmobile and ride to the rescue!
We loved the design and theming of the beautiful Timberliner car on The Gravity Group's stand. The Timberliner is the industry's only steering wooden roller coaster trains.
Dollywood unveiled the cutest ride vehicle for Big Bear Mountain on the Vekoma stand, themed to an old Land Rover.
Big Bear Mountain, opening in 2023, will be the longest coaster at Dollywood, taking guests of all ages on an unforgettable family-friendly expedition in search of the Big Bear. Circling Wildwood Grove for nearly two minutes on 3,990 ft. of track.
Probably one of the most unique cars on display is the cheese themed car for the new Wild mouse coming to Cedar Point, that has been designed by Vekoma.
Wild Mouse which is opening next year will feature six mouse-themed cars and one cheese-themed car. You become part of the adventure as you play the role of mouse or cheese.
The Expo also includes education sessions and panels. On Wednesday, the event will hold its annual Legends panel, which this year focuses on EPCOT.
Titled Legends 2022: EPCOT, 40 Years in a State of Becoming, the panel will be hosted by Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts. The panelists will include Rick Rothschild of FAR Out! Creative Direction, EPCOT VP Kartika Rodriguez, and Walt Disney Imagineering's Jodi McLaughlin and Bob Weis.
The IAAPA Expo runs through Friday, November 18.
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