IAAPA 2018 Day One Major Highlights

Major announcements and train reveals filled the first day of IAAPA 2018. Here is an overview of the most newsworthy events that happened on day one.

 

1.) Steel Curtain Train Reveal

Steel Curtain aims to thrill even the biggest coaster enthusiasts. This Pittsburgh Steelers-themed coaster will “take the field” at Kennywood in 2019. The coaster features 9 inversions, a U.S. record, and will plunge riders at speeds over 70mph down a 197-foot tall fake-out inverting drop. Plus, the park revealed the train for the first time at IAAPA 2018. Additionally, the train features an “Easter egg” by using 33 as the number on the front, because the Steelers were founded in 1933

 

2.) Kentucky Flyer Train Reveal

Prepare for take-off! Kentucky Flyer takes flight at Kentucky Kingdom on April 17th, 2019. This new Gravity Group wooden coaster seeks to provide pure fun for guests of all ages. Plus, Gravity Group showcased the front car of the coaster train themed to an airplane at IAAPA 2018.

 

3.) Dynamic Attractions Announces the Dual Power Coaster

Dynamic Attractions introduces revolutionary ride concepts at IAAPA each year. In 2017, they announced their all-terrain dark ride concept. This year, Dynamic introduced the Dual Power Coaster. This Dual Power Coaster features a launch mechanism on the train itself in addition to standard LSM launches on the track.  Furthermore, the first one will open in Malaysia next year.

 

4.) Tidal Twister Train Reveal

Tidal Twister debuts at SeaWorld San Diego next year. This new dueling Skywarp coaster features a Zero-G role and will open as the first ride of its type. Plus, they revealed the front car of the coaster train at IAAPA 2018. Additionally, Skyline attractions plans to continually improve each model of the Skywarp to make the ride experience more enjoyable to guests. This comes after Harley Quinn opened to mixed reviews at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom earlier this year.

 

5.) Sally Corp announces a Sesame Street Dark Ride

Sally Corp unveiled their 2019 plans to open a Sesame Street Dark Ride at PortAventura in Spain! Plus, they showed off a Big Bird animatronic for the ride that was extremely well done. Furthermore, the ride experience will last 6 minutes with an additional 10-minute pre-show before guests board the ride.

 

Bonus: Premier Rides Brought a Tigris Cake!

Tigris roars to Busch Gardens Tampa next year. This triple-launched coaster will be the tallest launched coaster in the state of Florida when it opens. Although, instead of revealing the train design or a coaster model, Premier brought a cake! The cake looked great and tasted great too!

 

Which of these 2019 rides are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!