So I went to the big IAAPA Expo in Orlando. For those of you who don’t know what IAAPA is, it stands for International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. The Expo takes place in Orlando (of course) and it brings together thousands of folks who either design, build, engineer or operate a variety of amusement parks, theme parks, and other forms of Family Entertainment Centers.
So, of course, I took a bunch of photos. Enjoy.
These characters greeted us on the first day.
Doesn't this look really cool? Warp speed into IAAPA.
Neon lighting can have lots of twists and turns.
How to demonstrate clean toilets for your theme park? With Manneken Pis of course.
I can reach it, well he can. I didn't try.
A virtual futuristic motorcycle ride. Looks like something from TRON.
How about a virtual reality ride on a hover board?
Believe it or not, there is a company that will create your souvenir theme park map.
I was thinking this carpet would go great in the living room. Wife nixed that idea.
Don't mess with this lady.
This is my gratuitous shot of hot looking convention girls.
One company brought a working shooting gallery to the convention.
Would you invite him to lunch? Doubt it.
This guy was losing his head over all the theme park stuff at IAAPA.
Yet another virtual reality simulation vehicle.
There was lots of virtual reality and companies offering it at IAAPA
Perhaps a water and light show is something you want.
Yes, that's an amusement park ride, with people riding it, right there on the convention floor at IAAPA.
Yep, another virtual reality on board a simulator.
Not content with just virtual reality, this one tumbles you all around, even upside down.
It's hungry.
Some cool lighting effects on these critters.
My, what big teeth you have.
Why have a real fire when you can have a fake one?
Another ferocious looking creature.
Now this is old school, but it's still cool and it's perfect for me. Can someone buy me a few of these machines for my house?
Yet another thrill ride in the middle of the IAAPA Convention floor.
She was just sewn together.
IAAPA is udder fantastic.
We never had playhouses like this when we were kids.
Yes, it's a virtual reality pod.
Need a roller coaster wheel? Several companies were offering them.
There was even a virtual reality parachute drop.
Turnstiles were on display for those who needed to keep count.
This lion ain't lyin.
Well it might be a fake steam train, but it's still a locomotive and I just had to take a photo.
Something about this frog statue fascinates me.
There are locker suppliers for the parks here too.
Want your fortune told? Buy one of these.
I don't know why its eyes are glowing, but it's cool.
Ladies, a great thing to practice something for when you're mad at your man - ax throwing, the newest amusement park sport.
Shoot the bad guys virtually.
Walking the IAAPA Expo floor can be exhausting.
I loved this old school style soda display.
Okay, slow down and take a breath.
There was even a small roller coaster inside the convention center at the IAAPA Expo.
Yes, it's another thrill ride and people are puking, I mean riding it over and over.
Some interest riders.
Who knew penguins could sing?
As far as I'm concerned, the big hit of the show - the inflatable pile of poop. Kids can climb inside and bounce around all they want. I don't think it smelled bad.
It's an inflatable that's a giant snow globe.
Bounce around inside this snowman inflatable.
I have no clue why Costco was at the IAAPA Expo.
A new Aquaman display complete with wax figure for Madame Tussauds.
Sometimes you have to vent a little steam.
My one selfie at all of IAAPA.
This is an aquacar. People at waterparks can ride it, and with the top down, they get an air supply when the car goes underwater.
I hope this guy doesn't make an ass of himself.
This was amazing, those letters are made of water drops. Really cool.
Or you could just hang around on one of these climbing things.
This is a model of an actual new water slide that debuted very recently at a waterpark. It looks crazy, but it works.
What's Up Doc?
Let's count to ten, and this is brought to you by the letter "A."
This is a model of an immersive three-room inn under construction in Canada. Not only is the outside immersive, but the rooms are too.
