Hey Thrill Seekers,
So the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (more commonly known as IAAPA) which is an annual trade show and conference for theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums and more is currently going on at the Orange County Convention Center and i’ve done a quick recap of what we know so far.
Disney
Chairman Bob Chapek revealed some new information regarding the Skyliner, GOTG coaster and Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge.
Disney Skyliner – We now know that this is due to open in the fall of 2019 and that the last tower has been installed and cable is now being added.
Guardians of the Galaxy coaster vehicle – We know that the GOTG coaster is going to be one of the largest enclosed coaster in the world – the show building is large enough to fit 4 spaceship earths inside! The ride cars will be programmed to rotate at certain moments which will point riders in the direction of elements along the track. Construction crews finished pouring concrete for the rides foundations and it is the largest concrete pour in Disney’s history!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Animatronics – The A-1000 model will ‘come to life’ in a new way and they will be electric which will allow for more expressions and a greater range of motion. On top of this they will last longer with ‘no performance loss over time.’ Bob Chapek also said that they are working on ‘stuntronics’ which are said to be able to fly and flip in the air however no details were shared on how it will be used in the parks.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment are keeping with their strategy of opening new attractions at their parks every year.
KareKare Curl water slide – opening in Aquatica in Spring 2019 – Holding two passengers per raft, this new slide delivers a high-adrenaline, weightless adventure.
Tigris Roller Coaster – opening in Busch Gardens in Spring 2019 – It will be Florida’s tallest launch coaster and will feature a TRIPLE LAUNCH with both forward and backward motions. You will be catapulted through twists and drops, a 150ft skyward surge and not to mention a heartline roll!
Sesame Street themed land – opening in SeaWorld in Spring 2019 Guests will be able to take a walk down Sesame Street for the very first time, connecting families to all of the fun, laughter and learning of the world-famous street.
LEGOLAND
The LEGO Movie World – Set to open early Spring 2019. They revealed a miniature model of the upcoming ‘The LEGO Movie World’ of course, all made out of LEGO. This new addition to LEGOLAND will feature 3 new rides, character meet and greets and a giant themed playscape.
One of the new rides – Masters of Flight is going to be a rotating flying theatre ride which will include multiple simulator movements and sensory effects (such as scent) It is a M-Ride being made by ‘Brogent Technologies’ and after having a look on their site at mride characteristics it sounds like an awesome concept!
- Swing, pitch and yaw make you fly!
- The turn around reveal
- Immersive 4D Effects
- Panoramic views from every seat
- Multiple flight voyages
- Modular design
- High capacity
New Hotel – LEGOLAND also confirmed that they are building another hotel which will be 5 stories, have 150 rooms and will open in 2020.
Madame Tussauds
Aquaman Wax Figure – Coming to Madame Tussauds early next month. It will be added to the Justice League exhibit alongside Superman, Batman and WonderWoman and will also be interactive as visitors will be able to trigger special effects and ‘summon forces’ by grabbing a trident.
Dynamic Attractions also revealed a ‘Dual Power Coaster.’ The design will allow a coaster to do a variety of things that typical coasters can’t. Using a combination of a motion platform and hidden drive system and the coaster can simulate airtime, is capable of inversions and drifting in racing situations. Dynamic Attractions President ‘Hao Wang’ said that the dual power coaster is the ‘worlds most advanced coaster vehicle’.
Now the first one is set to debut in Malaysia next year but we’re hoping that it will make its way over to an Orlando Park soon!
Smiles Included
Abby
