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IAAPA 2002: Convention Wrap-Up |
by: Matt Laskowski
Learn more about Matt Laskowski
The 2002 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions tradeshow in Orlando, Fla. has come to an end. As we wait for the winter to pass us by and another season of park visits to begin, we round-up our coverage with the following bits of news and information.
CELEBRATION CITY - BRANSON, MISSOURI
If excitement for this park wasn't already high, it gets even higher after the tradeshow. Great Coasters International had the lead car for the Ozark WildCat on site. The trains for the coaster are GCI Millennium Flyers and they are black with wooden accents.
A model of the coaster was also on display. However, according to GCI's Chris Gray, the Branson topography has altered the layout of the coaster a bit. The final stretch of track has been moved, creating a slightly faster ride into the final brake run.
 
In addition to the model, the coaster’s stats were also on display. The Ozark WildCat will cover an area that is 240’ by 360’. It will have over 2,200 feet of track, tower over eight stories in height and zip along at speeds of 45 miles per hour.
While on the floor, we heard a few other tidbits of information that are promising for the park. However, since we do not have confirmation or official word from the park, we will not mention the specifics just yet. We will say though that the park will definitely have three coasters...possibly four.
CHANCE MORGAN - WICHITA, KANSAS
Landry's Restaurants will be opening a new six-acre, $40 million complex in the downtown Houston area. Downtown Aquarium will feature a public aquarium, seafood restaurant, an arcade, midway games and several amusement rides. Chance Morgan will be supplying most of the rides for the aquarium.
Shark Voyage - Chance Morgan is providing three C.P. Huntington engines and nine custom-built coaches to the aquarium. The train will travel through an acrylic tunnel into a 200,000-gallon shark tank and its coaches will feature glass roofs so riders have an unobstructed view of the marine life.
 
Giant Wheel - This 100-foot tall ferris wheel will feature custom gondolas, each in the shape of old-fashioned diving bells.
The Periscope - A 200-foot tall observation tower ride will be installed. The ride will feature a revolving cabin, holding up to 30 passengers.
Carousel - This custom carousel from will feature 30 characters, three per row, in the shapes of seals, sharks, dolphins and seahorses.
The complex is scheduled to open in February 2003.
IAAPA - ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Each year the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions awards companies in a number of categories. Below are the 2002 convention award winners.
Image Award Winner
Ham on Rye Technologies
Impact Award Winner
Arrow Dynamics, Inc. – 4th Dimension Roller Coaster
Best New Major Theme Park Ride/Attraction
Arrow Dynamics, Inc. – 4th Dimension Roller Coaster
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing – Tilt Coaster (Honorable Mention)
Best New Kiddie Ride/Attraction
Zamperla, Inc. – Rockin’ Tug
Best New Technology Applied to Amusements
Intamin, Ltd. – Rocket Coaster
Best New Game Product
Coastal Amusements, Inc. – Hi-Striker X-treme
Bob’s Space Racers, Inc. – Runnin’ Water (Honorable Mention)
VEKOMA RIDES MANUFACTURING - NETHERLANDS
After bouncing back from bankruptcy restructuring, Vekoma is back in action. It has been announced that Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia has purchased a Suspended Family Coaster from the company, similar to the Rugrats Runaway Reptar coaster at Paramount’s Kings Island.
The company also had a model of its Giant Inverted Boomerang (Déjà Vu) on display. It had red track with dark blue supports. In the display case, a small tag sat in the bottom left corner with the word “Thrillopolis” printed on it. Could this lead us to believe that if the proposed Thrillopolis park near Nashville is approved, might we see one of these coasters installed?
WHITEWATER WEST - RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
WhiteWater West of Canada had a large display this year. On display was a portion of the new Rain Fortress attraction scheduled to open at Oceans of Fun in Kansas City in 2003.
The new attraction, named Paradise Falls, features a Caribbean theme complete with plastic parrots and palm trees. It will feature five water slides, water guns, net climbs, hose jets, water curtains and a 1,000 gallon bucket that will spill water on guests every five minutes. The attraction will be one of the largest WhiteWater Rain Fortresses installed to-date. We took many photos of the display and concept drawings, but WhiteWater representatives have asked us not to use them at this time. However, guests to Oceans of Fun next year will definitely not be disappointed with the addition.
ZAMPERLA, INC. - PARSIPPANY, NEW JERSEY
As one of IAAPA's largest exhibitors, Zamperla, Inc. once again introduced new and innovative products at the tradeshow. Three new items stood out to us, each very unique.
The Rockin’ Tug, winner of IAAPA’s best new kiddie ride, features a tugboat that sways back and forth on a steel track. Throughout the ride, the boat also rotates and twists, simulating a ride on the high seas.
 
A fire engine ride for children was also on display. This circular ride features fire engines that follow a circular path. During the ride, children are lifted up on a platform above the fire engines and use water sprayers to put out a simulated blaze.
The most popular of the new Zamperla rides on display was the Fiesta Express children’s coaster. This smaller, scaled-down version of a wild mouse, is designed with families in mind. Riders are lifted above the midway and are taken around several tight twists, turns and small dips. It has been announced that this ride will be installed at Georgia’s Wild Adventures park this December, bringing the park’s coaster count to 9.
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Intl. Assoc. of Amusement Parks & Attractions
1448 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-836-4800
Park web siteClick here!
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