IAAPA 2017: What theme park trends will be introduced this year?
As the theme park industry descends on Orlando, IAAPA 2017 is underway. With the numerous ride announcements expected this week, what will be the theme park trends for 2018?
With IAAPA 2017 beginning this week, everyone is guessing what will be the theme park trends for 2018. At last year’s annual IAAPA Expo in Orlando, the major theme focuses on guests’ experiences. When a guests visits a theme park, zoo, museum or family entertainment center, a memory is made. The goal is for that lasting memory to bring guests back time and again. More importantly, those guests will share that memory and experience with others.
Theme parks and entertainment centers always look for bigger, better and unique experiences. Even the most loyal theme park fan wants a new ride, show or exhibit. For example, Disney and Universal both have a large, loyal following. Still, each company has introduced new rides in 2017 and has other new experiences for 2018. In today’s competitive theme park world, no one can sit on past achievements.
Fast and Furious Supercharged, new ride details released, photo from Universal Media site
As companies begin to announce their new rides for 2018, these rides seems to focus on innovation. Looking at the ride announcements, theme park trends seem to focus on the theme park ride tracks. For 2018, the single track seems to be one of the major changes for theme park rides. One example of this type of single rail coaster will be RailBlazer at California Great Adventure. This type of ride has guests straddle a single track. With a single track, the rider can see more without a blocked view. From looking down from the big drop to the twisting turns, the rider can have a more extreme experience.
But, roller coaster design isn’t the only theme park trend. Family water raft rides are becoming more prevalent. Several water parks and theme parks will be unveiling new family water raft rides for 2018. The calm, lazy river isn’t the big draw at water parks. Today, families want to share the thrill experience to create the lasting memory. Family water raft rides offer that experience.
Even with all the innovation, theme parks want to have the distinction of the biggest, best or other superlative connotation. Six Flags Great America looks to add the world’s largest loop coaster. Cedar Point continues to dominate with a new 200-foot hybrid coaster. Lastly, Silver Dollar City is set to debut the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest spinning roller coaster.
Lastly, the theme parks understand that a visit isn’t just for the older guests who want the extreme thrills. Family inclusive experiences start the theme park loyalty at a younger age. Expanded family friendly areas, like Carolwinds Camp Snoppy, give the younger guests age appropriate fun. Also, some newer rides have lower height restrictions, which make rides more inclusive. When the whole family can share the experience, they are more likely to have a more memorable visit.
Next: 9 highly anticipated theme park rides
Since IAAPA 2017 has only just started, more announcements may change the potential theme park trends. From brand partnerships to technical innovation, the theme park industry is continually expanding and changing.
Unfortunately, IAAPA 2017 isn’t open to the general public. As more information is unveiled during the weeklong event, theme park enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate the 2018 openings. For some people, the wait will be needed to get up the courage to ride these latest attractions.