IAAPA Expo 2024 - Day 3 Recap
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Posted by: Greg Nelson
By Day Three of the IAAPA Expo, the whirlwind energy of the first two days began to settle into a steadier rhythm — but the excitement and innovation never stop!
Photo: Byron Stephenson
This year’s show floor is brimming with incredible attractions, and one standout area is Haunting Grounds. This immersive space has captivated attendees with its spine-chilling - yet playful - atmosphere, featuring an impressive array of animatronics
that bring eerie characters to life. The area also showcases intricately designed decorative wall panels, seamlessly blending spooky themes with a touch of whimsy. For fans of haunted attractions or those simply drawn to cutting-edge theming, Haunting
Grounds is a must-see highlight of IAAPA Expo.
Moser Rides, the esteemed Italian manufacturer known for its innovative amusement attractions, unveiled a unique version of its iconic drop tower ride: the Spring Ride. While this model retains the familiar sit-down seating configuration found on many
thrill rides, it introduces an exciting new feature — Spring Up seating. Designed for those seeking an extra rush, the Spring Up seats allow riders to stand during the ascent and free-fall. To experience this dynamic new ride option, guests must be
at least 47 inches tall. This bold innovation sets the Spring Ride apart from traditional drop towers, offering a fresh, adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill seekers who want to elevate their ride experience to the next level.
Altitude Attractions is a dynamic leader in the design and manufacture of cutting-edge amusement rides, specializing in creating thrilling experiences that push the limits of adventure and excitement. Once again on the IAAPA Expo show floor, they brought
two drop towers. One was the unique Hammered drop ride, which combines cutting-edge technology with a unique design. Featuring a custom-engineered restraint system, riders experience incredible exposure and freedom while remaining securely fastened
for safety. With a minimum rider height of 36 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds per rider, it’s designed for a wide range of thrill seekers. Hammered utilizes a state-of-the-art magnetic braking system, ensuring a smooth, controlled
stop with no jerking or bouncing, keeping the excitement high and the ride comfortable. Capable of accommodating two to six riders at a time, it allows friends, family, or fellow adventurers to share the experience. For added fun, riders can choose
between Slow Mode for a more relaxed experience and Fast Mode for maximum speed and adrenaline. Its compact 18-foot square footprint makes it a great addition to parks with limited space, offering big thrills in a small package.
Photo: Jon Roost
Intamin held a live-stream announcement for its new family linear synchronous motor launch coaster, which features only a 39-inch height requirement.
Attendees also learned more of the storyline and backstory for Danse Macabre at Efteling in the Netherlands (Kaatsheuvel, North Brabant). Opened on October 31, 2024, Danse Macabre is a dark, immersive ride. Inspired by the medieval Danse Macabre theme,
which depicts death leading a dance of people from all walks of life, the ride takes guests on a spooky journey through eerie scenes filled with skeletons, ghosts and other supernatural elements.
Using trackless ride technology, animatronics, sophisticated projections and lighting effects, this new Intamin dark ride offers an atmospheric experience in which the playful yet chilling essence of death’s dance comes to life. As with many of Efteling’s
attractions, Danse Macabre is designed to captivate visitors through storytelling, creating a unique blend of eerie thrills and enchanting visuals. Intamin’s expertise in ride engineering ensures the ride is both technologically advanced and
engaging, making Danse Macabre a standout addition to the park’s already impressive collection of fantasy-themed experiences.
Kicking off the final moments of IAAPA Expo was an exciting opportunity to attend IAAPA Celebrates at Epcot! This special event brought together attendees of the IAAPA Expo for an evening that featured exclusive access to some of Epcot’s top attractions,
including limited-wait rides on the thrilling Vekoma coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. It was a fantastic way to unwind after a busy week at the expo. While IAAPA Expo attendees were enjoying their evening at EPCOT, many ACE members
attended the annual Florida region meetup at BJ's — a fantastic way to end the night!
Don't miss out on ACE's IAAPA Expo 2024 updates. Be sure to follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (formally Twitter) for all future coverage.
— Lauryn Heller, Social Media Coordinator
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