IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 1

Cedar Point and Zamperla unveil Top Thrill 2 train. Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.

The first day of the 2023 IAAPA Expo had no shortage of crowds and reveals. Held in Orlando, the trade show and week-long convention welcomes amusement professionals, media and enthusiasts to network, attend development courses and purchase the latest novelties in the amusement industry.

This year’s Expo opened with a 9 a.m. song and dance, complete with kick line. The show floor was packed with bright claw machines and even a life-like Grogu animatronic. However, roller coaster enthusiasts were busy sprinting to the different roller coaster manufacturers’ booths to witness the first look at new trains of upcoming roller coasters in 2024.

The morning began with the much-anticipated reveal from Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio) and Zamperla as they unveiled the train for Top Thrill 2. The beautiful blue race car features gray and red paint stripes and seems to have no shoulder restraints, opting for a different lap bar option once again. Riders will get a chance to race into 2024 as they take on the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster.

Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

After wishing Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. (PTCI) a happy 100th anniversary, attendees got to view the newest trains for Hersheypark (Hershey, Pennsylvania) for Comet, the oldest continuously operating coaster at Hersheypark. The color scheme will change in 2024 with the new custom trains sporting a multitone blue color scheme and gold trim detailing.

Photo: Jo Pools. View full-sized image.

Coaster lovers then quickly rushed over to Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard’s booth to see the train for Penguin Trek, SeaWorld Orlando’s 2024 family coaster (Orlando, Florida). Themed to adventure through Antarctica, it races along up to 43 mph, navigating twists and turns, to reach the end, which is a real penguin habitat! This new indoor/outdoor family ride has a height requirement of just 42 inches, making it an excellent addition to the lineup at SeaWorld Orlando.

Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.

Coaster adventurers then made it over to the Dutch company Vekoma Rides’ booth to see the reveal of the Good Gravy! family roller coaster. This coaster is set to open in May 2024 at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana). This first-of-its-kind-in-North-America coaster, is a Family Boomerang, themed to Thanksgiving. The ride cars themselves are a festive white design that will go perfectly with the theming of the ride, which is said to be themed intricately to Thanksgiving at grandma’s.

Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

The next reveal of the day was from American manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), which showed off its train for Fire in the Hole, the Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri) roller coaster that is currently allowing riders a final ride on the original track before RMC adds its touch. Built 50 years ago, the indoor coaster has welcomed over 25 million guests, so now is the time to head over to be in the final count of riders.

Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.

Getting international, Six Flags Qiddiya (Saudi Arabia) and Intamin unveiled the Falcon’s Flight roller coaster vehicle. Falcon’s Flight, inspired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s iconic national bird, will be the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. The project is anticipated for completion in 2024.

The final roller coaster vehicle reveal of the day took place at the S&S Worldwide booth. S&S Worldwide, in association with Hasbro and SEVEN (Saudi Entertainment Ventures) have announced the world’s first Axis coaster will be themed to Transformers. Coming to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, this one-of-a-kind attraction will feature a 45mph launch, two inversions and two cycles through the indoor course.

Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.

IAAPA Day 1 was crammed with thrilling reveals, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the week will hold. Stay tuned here at ACE 360, as well as our social media channels for more IAAPA coverage!

Be sure to check out the Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram links at the top of the page for ACE's additional coverage of the Expo week activities.

— Gaclyn Antar

The annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo kicks off on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. There is much anticipation for this year's show, and ACE will be in the center of the action. For ACE's complete coverage of IAAPA Expo week, click on the links below:

Daily Recaps: (links to be activated after each day)

• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 1
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 2
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 3
• IAAPA Expo 2023 - Day 4

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