IAAPA • 5th June 2025

Anne-Mart Agerbeek Engineers the Future

On the bustling trade show floor of IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Anne-Mart Agerbeek seems to perfectly embody the spirit of her company: approachable, dynamic, and in high demand. As early as 9 a.m., friends and peers passing the Vekoma Rides booth gravitated toward her, eager to catch up, exchange a laugh, or share a quick introduction. As CEO of Vekoma, regarded as one of the world’s premier roller coaster manufacturers, Agerbeek has a clear vision of the direction in which she wants to steer the company.

IAAPA • 5th November 2024

Anchoring Success at Ark Encounter

Since opening in July 2016, the team behind Ark Encounter—a three-story, 510-foot-long Noah’s Ark replica adorned with immersive exhibits—has skillfully navigated the changing tides of the attractions industry. The Kentucky attraction blends entertainment with education, while also serving as a lesson in project management and creative excellence.

IAAPA • 9th September 2024

Universal Unveils Epic Universe Preview Center

Universal Orlando has unveiled its Epic Universe Preview Center on CityWalk, which offers a sophisticated glimpse into the Epic Universe park set to open in 2025. Central to the preview is an intricately detailed model of the entire park, providing an in-depth look at the innovative attractions and experiences that will define Universal's third gate.

IAAPA • 17th May 2024

From Swamp to Spotlight: Gatorland Celebrates 75 Years

Beneath Gatorland’s iconic gator mouth entrance and beside a towering wooden cake display, media gathered in anticipation of Gatorland’s 75th anniversary celebration on May 17.

IAAPA • 6th March 2024

IAAPA North America Summit 2024 Strengthens Connections and Innovation

IAAPA North America Summit 2024 in Las Vegas concluded March 5 on a high note, leaving attendees invigorated by insights, connections, and unforgettable experiences.

IAAPA • 5th March 2024

Spongebob's Crazy Carnival Ride Makes Splashy Debut

Visitors to Circus Circus in Las Vegas are invited to take an underwater journey to Bikini Bottom on SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride!, a new attraction created by Sally Dark Rides and developed in partnership with Paramount and Nickelodeon.

IAAPA • 4th March 2024

Kirin Sinha on Becoming An Augmented Reality Architect

In today’s dynamic attractions landscape, augmented reality (AR) technology is emerging as a solution for the gap between entertainment experiences and active engagement.

IAAPA • 1st March 2024

IAAPA Honors 2024 Winner Updates

IAAPA Honors 2024 shines a spotlight on innovative contributions that have propelled the global attractions industry forward. As IAAPA celebrates visionaries and trailblazers throughout the day on March 3, IAAPA News is delighted to provide coverage of the winners straight from the stage at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

IAAPA • 20th November 2023

Legends 2023 EDUSession: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

Developing a project as sprawling and technologically advanced as Universal Beijing Resort requires extraordinary ingenuity—and even more so in the face of an unexpected pandemic.

IAAPA • 17th November 2023

IAAPA Expo 2023 Live Updates

The wait is over: IAAPA Expo 2023 is ready to unveil groundbreaking technology and exclusive insights in the global attractions industry. For this year's coverage, the IAAPA News team is dedicated to bringing readers the latest happenings from the trade show floor.

IAAPA • 30th October 2023

Icy Adventures Await on SeaWorld Orlando’s Penguin Trek

SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to invite guests on a high-speed journey through Antarctica’s icy landscape—all in search of an elusive colony of penguins. The new-for-2024 Penguin Trek family launch coaster—manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M)—will inhabit the space previously occupied by Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins, a trackless dark ride that closed in March 2020.

IAAPA • 19th October 2023

New Entry Experience Dispatches at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

A welcoming new enhancement to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex entrance plaza is ready for takeoff. As guests approach the turnstiles, they will be greeted by the Kennedy Entry Experience, a six-minute film displayed on a 3,000-square-foot LED screen sponsored by IAAPA member SNA Displays.

IAAPA • 6th September 2023

Don't Rain on My Parade

When planning a day at a theme park, water park, or other outdoor leisure destination, the last thing visitors want to think about is adverse weather dampening the experience. However, nature’s intensity and unpredictability often leaves visitors and attraction operators frustrated as they grapple with the impacts.

IAAPA • 21st August 2023

Developing Disney100: The Exhibition

On Feb. 8, 2023, Disney100: The Exhibition made its highly anticipated debut in Philadelphia. Hosted at renowned science museum The Franklin Institute, the elaborate exhibit space filled with relics from the Walt Disney Company’s iconic films and beloved theme parks was a joint effort between the Walt Disney Archives, The Franklin Institute, and producer Semmel Exhibitions.

IAAPA • 31st May 2023

Catching Waves at Pipeline's Grand Opening

On the morning of May 27, members of the public flooded SeaWorld Orlando to secure their place in line for Pipeline: The Surf Coaster. The innovative Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) coaster soars up to 110 feet, reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour, and covers 2,950 feet of track.

IAAPA • 23rd May 2023

DarKoaster Thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg visitors are challenged to brave the storm on DarKoaster, the haunting new Intamin straddle coaster that opened to the public on May 19. On May 18, IAAPA News was invited to venture onto the grounds of the ominous Bavarian castle and experience the park’s first all-indoor, family-oriented launch coaster.

IAAPA • 27th April 2023

New Interactive Game Enhances Orlando Observation Wheel

Guests longing for the golden days of classic, midcentury Florida attractions can embrace vintage charm and modern technology aboard The Wheel at Icon Park.

IAAPA • 25th April 2023

Forging Futures at Disney's Animal Kingdom

April 22 was a special day for Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and not solely due to Earth Day. This monumental date also marked the silver jubilee of the pioneering theme park known for integrating attractions and thrills with enlightening environmental education.

IAAPA • 10th April 2023

Gearing Up for the Grid

On April 4, hordes of Users—also known as Magic Kingdom Park guests—were digitized to race against Team Orange during the grand opening of Tron Lightcycle Run.

IAAPA • 19th January 2023

IAAPA News Sails on a Pirate River Quest

On the morning of Jan. 11, the IAAPA News team made the journey to Winter Haven, Florida, for a swashbuckling first look at Legoland Florida’s new boat ride, Pirate River Quest.