The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the leading global trade association for the attractions industry, triumphantly returned in November after canceling its 2020 Expo. The massive trade show and conference, held at the sprawling Orange County Convention Center, showcased the latest innovations and developments in the world of amusement parks and attractions. Nearly 900 companies, representing a diverse range of specialties from towering roller coaster manufacturers to intricate animatronics designers and even vendors of the ever-present cotton candy machines, filled the expansive venue. Over 28,000 attendees eagerly explored the seemingly endless aisles, marveling at attraction prototypes, full-size, working rides, and hundreds of other captivating displays.
Beyond the bustling booths where companies pitched their products and services, the annual gathering serves as a crucial platform for exhibitors to unveil new rides, attractions, parks, and other exciting developments. The IAAPA Expo has long been the epicenter for future plans in the amusement park world. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the most anticipated additions that were announced and are slated to debut soon.
New Roller Coaster and Thrill Ride Announcements
The Expo witnessed the announcement of two major roller coasters that promise to deliver adrenaline-pumping thrills.
ArieForce One, a name that pays homage to the Arie family, the owners of the Fun Spot America chain of amusement parks, is set to open at the Fayetteville, Georgia location. This imposing ride will dominate the skyline, featuring a towering 154-foot hill that leads to an exhilarating 83-degree first drop. Riders will experience breakneck speeds of up to 64 mph as they navigate the coaster’s intricate layout. ArieForce One will boast four inversions, including a record-breaking element: the country’s longest zero-G stall. This daring maneuver flips passengers upside down, suspending them in a precarious, weightless position for a few heart-stopping seconds as the train continues its forward momentum. The coaster is being built by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and will incorporate the company’s patented steel iBox track technology. This innovative track design is known for its exceptional smoothness, promising riders an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable experience, even amidst the intense thrills. ArieForce One is sure to be a flagship attraction.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, COTALand, an amusement park located near the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, is preparing to launch Palindrome in late 2022. This steel coaster, a collaborative effort between Gerstlauer Rides and Ride Entertainment, takes its name from a word that reads the same forwards and backward, hinting at the ride’s unique design. Palindrome will ascend a 95-foot hill before reaching a top speed of 51 mph. Riders will then encounter two inversions and climb a dead-end spike, only to be sent backward, repeating the entire course in reverse. "Palindrome" will be the first Infinity shuttle roller coaster built by Gerstlauer in the United States, adding another distinction to its already unique concept.
COTAland’s lineup of thrilling attractions will be further enhanced in 2022 with the addition of Skyblazer, an adrenaline-fueled ride unveiled at the IAAPA Expo by its developer, U.S. Thrill Rides. This attraction will feature a disc-shaped vehicle capable of carrying up to 18 passengers. The vehicle will ascend to a height of 200 feet, pause momentarily, and then plunge into a breathtaking freefall, sending the entire structure swinging wildly. The Skyblazer is designed to test the courage of even the most seasoned thrill-seekers.
Among the numerous new concepts and models presented at the Expo, Zamperla, a renowned attraction manufacturer, showcased the Zetta Swing. This towering pendulum ride, standing at nearly 200 feet, has the potential to become the world’s tallest of its kind. The Zetta Swing promises to deliver intense G-forces and an unparalleled thrill experience, solidifying Zamperla’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of amusement park rides.
Finding Lost Island and Other New Parks
The amusement park landscape is also expanding with the addition of several new parks, each offering unique themes and experiences.
Lost Island, a new tropical oasis-themed theme park, is poised to open its gates in Waterloo, Iowa, next year. The park’s signature attraction, Volkanu – Quest for the Golden Idol, promises to be an immersive and interactive adventure. Created by Sally Dark Rides, this sophisticated dark ride will be housed within a towering, smoke-spewing volcano. Passengers will board trackless, six-degrees-of-freedom vehicles, allowing for dynamic and unpredictable movement throughout the ride. The experience will be further enhanced by intricate animatronics, detailed practical sets, cutting-edge 3D CGI media, and a range of special effects. Riders will be armed with "thermal blasters" and tasked with locating a sacred statue to appease the volcano and prevent its eruption.
Families with young children will be delighted by the arrival of the Peppa Pig Theme Park, scheduled to open in February 2022 adjacent to Legoland Florida in Winter Haven. Merlin Entertainments, the owner of Legoland, unveiled the plans for this park at the Expo. Based on the wildly popular British TV show geared towards toddlers, the Peppa Pig Theme Park will offer a variety of themed play areas and gentle rides designed specifically for younger guests. Among the attractions will be Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, a junior coaster perfect for introducing little ones to the world of thrills, and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, a water play area where kids can frolic and cool off. The park aims to bring the whimsical world of Peppa Pig to life.
Paradise Pier, a smaller amusement park set to debut in 2022 at the Margaritaville resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, will further enhance the resort’s appeal. The park will feature a selection of rides from Zamperla, including a Galleon pirate ship, an interactive Pump & Jumpz tower ride, and a Mega Disk’O thrill ride. In addition to these attractions, Paradise Pier will also incorporate a roller coaster, ensuring a mix of thrills and family-friendly entertainment.
While not a new park entirely, Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is undergoing a significant transformation. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, shared details about the revamped land at the Expo. The redesigned Toontown will include a CenTOONial Park area and a Dream Tree, inspired by a tree that Walt Disney cherished during his childhood. The reimagined Toontown promises to offer a more immersive and interactive experience for guests of all ages.
Other Attraction Announcements
The IAAPA Expo also served as a platform for unveiling other exciting attractions that will soon be captivating audiences.
RiseNY, a flying theater-type ride, is scheduled to open in Midtown Manhattan. Developed to provide a soaring experience over New York City’s iconic landmarks, RiseNY will transport passengers on a simulated flight above the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and other famous locations. The attraction, which is designed to mimic the sensation of flying, will utilize a large-scale projection system and motion-based seating to create a realistic and immersive experience.
Sally Dark Rides also announced that its interactive attraction, Treasure Hunt: The Ride, will be opening in 2022 at Cannery Row in Monterey Bay, California. This pirate-themed dark ride, developed, owned, and operated in collaboration with Daniels Wood Land, will immerse passengers in a world of adventure and intrigue. Onboard audio, interactive media, and projection mapping will transport riders to underground caverns filled with sea monsters, a skeleton crew of buccaneers, and hidden treasure. Guests will be able to engage in a treasure hunt, adding an element of competition and excitement to the experience.
According to designer Triotech, another e-ticket attraction, Carnival Chaos Hyper Ride, is set to open next year at Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. This interactive ride will feature high-definition screens that riders can shoot at, accumulating points in a video game-style competition. The ride vehicles will move and spin aggressively, subjecting passengers to strong G-forces as they navigate the show building. Carnival Chaos Hyper Ride promises a high-energy and immersive experience for thrill-seekers.
For those who dream of experiencing the thrill of driving a Ferrari, Simworx and Katapult are developing the Ferrari Experience. This attraction aims to bring the iconic Italian sports cars to midways around the world using theme park technology. Visitors will be able to experience the sensation of driving a Ferrari through a flying theater and a motion simulator theater. The Ferrari Experience will provide a unique and accessible way for enthusiasts to indulge their passion for these legendary vehicles.
The announcements made at the IAAPA Expo 2021 have set the stage for an exciting year in the amusement park industry. These new rides and attractions promise to deliver thrilling experiences, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. The new rides are sure to bring visitors from far and wide.
