Premier brings the fury to IAAPA Expo
Ride reveals at annual industry event
This week, the IAAPA Expo has taken over the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. Typically, I’m at the annual event, which gathers upwards of 40,000 folks across the globe from the parks and attractions industry. Unfortunately, I’m unable to attend this year, and regret that I won’t be able to ogle the latest developments from exhibitors on the massive show floor or catch up with my colleagues in person. But I’ve been following the Expo from afar. Among the highlights of the event are the ride reveals from manufacturers and parks. Let’s see some of what has been unveiled.
Among the most anticipated roller coasters coming on line in 2025 is AlpenFury at Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto. Its developer, Premier Rides, has a snazzy car from the ride on display at the Expo. Winding into, through, and around the park’s iconic Wonder Mountain, AlpenFury will be Canada’s tallest, fastest, and longest launch coaster. It will also take the world’s record for most inversions–nine–on a launch coaster. I’m fond of the ice-blue accents on the car.
Another coaster that has fans going gaga is Rapterra, which will blast off at Kings Dominion in Virginia next year. Bolliger & Mabillard, which is building the wing coaster, unveiled a stylish car from one of the ride’s trains at its booth. Rapterra will give Kings Dominion bragging rights as the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster (although that’s one of parkdom’s long line of dubious claims since there are only two other launched wing coasters in the world).
I’m a big fan of Screamin’ Swings, so I am looking forward to the opening of Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, the world’s largest such ride, that’s coming to Hersheypark in Pennsylvania this spring. S&S Worldwide, which is crafting the compressed air-launched attraction, used the Expo to take the veil off of one of the ride vehicles. Guests will sit in one of four zones themed to the candy’s flavors. Pictured above are the ride’s Strawberry seats.
Vekoma took the wraps off of the lead coaster car from Tecuani Beast, which will debut in 2025 at the new BON Luxury Theme Park, part of VidantaWorld in Mexico. Traversing about 4,000 feet and hitting a top speed of 65 mph, it will be the longest and fastest launch coaster in Latin America. VidantaWorld and the ride manufacturer used the Expo to not only reveal the ride vehicle but to announce the coaster. In addition to Tecuani Beast and other rides, the upscale park will also include Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a dinner show featuring the acrobatics and unique artistry of the avant garde circus troupe.
At its booth, Zamperla announced its latest model, the Family Launch Coaster, and then revealed that Parc Spirou, a small park in France, would be the site of the first one. The company didn’t have a car to display, however, because the manga-themed Naruto isn’t scheduled to open until 2026. The ride will incorporate a tire-propelled launch and boost and feature a dead-end spike that will reverse the direction of the train. It will reach a top speed of 47 mph. Zamperla joins in on the trend of manufacturers developing medium-thrill coasters that are accessible to younger guests but include elements usually reserved for major headliners. Naruto’s meandering layout and what appears will be a compelling ride experience remind me of Dollywood’s Big Bear Mountain.
Alas, there have been no unveilings at the Expo of any of the ride vehicles that will be part of the lineup at Universal’s Epic Universe, the most anticipated development of 2025.
After seeing the ride vehicle reveals, to which attraction are you most looking forward?