10 things to watch at IAAPA Expo 2026, from roller coasters to dark rides
The next big roller coaster, dark ride or immersive theme park experience could be making its debut in Orlando next week. IAAPA Expo 2026 brings more than 1,350 exhibitors to the Orange County Convention Center Nov. 17–20, with new attraction reveals, ride vehicle unveilings and technology that could shape the future of theme parks.
For four days, the trade show floor will offer a glimpse of what’s coming to theme parks and attractions around the world, with some announcements offering the first look at experiences still years away from opening.
From Six Flags and SeaWorld to Kennedy Space Center, here are 10 things Attractions Magazine will be watching at this year’s expo.
10 things to watch at IAAPA Expo 2026
IAAPA Expo isn’t open to the general public, but what happens inside the Orange County Convention Center can eventually make its way to theme parks, water parks and entertainment venues around the world.
This year’s show includes more than 25 exhibitors and their partners hosting press conferences, with announcements ranging from new roller coaster vehicles to immersive attractions and technology designed to improve the guest experience.
Some of these attractions are already under construction, while others are getting their first public reveal. We’ve selected 10 developments worth following, including projects coming to familiar U.S. theme parks, international destinations and innovations that could change how guests experience rides.
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Vekoma’s new roller coaster
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, is working with Vekoma on Thrill Glider, a suspended roller coaster planned for 2027.
The companies will unveil the ride vehicle concept at IAAPA Expo on Nov. 17, offering a closer look at how riders will experience the sensation of soaring through the air. It’s one of the show’s most anticipated coaster presentations.
2. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens attraction announcements
United Parks & Resorts, the company behind SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, has several announcements planned, including a presentation with Brogent Technologies about a new family-friendly immersive attraction at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
We’ll also be watching for updates on projects at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, particularly attractions scheduled for 2027. The company’s broader presentation takes place Nov. 18.
3. Kennedy Space Center’s new immersive experience
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is preparing to reveal a new immersive experience during a Nov. 17 presentation. Veteran NASA astronaut Winston Scott is expected to participate in the announcement.
With the visitor complex just east of Orlando, this is one of the developments we’re particularly interested in covering for Central Florida readers.
4. Two new attractions at VidantaWorld in Mexico
VidantaWorld is bringing updates on two attractions planned for its BON Luxury Theme Park, scheduled to open in Mexico in 2027. MACK Rides will present details about “Delia’s Adventure,” while Garner Holt Productions will showcase “The Rise of Soluma.” Both presentations are scheduled for Nov. 18, offering a closer look at the ambitious new destination.
5. Sally Dark Rides unveils “Guardians of the Hidden Chamber”
Sally Dark Rides and Doha Quest are teaming up to present the first look at “Guardians of the Hidden Chamber” on Nov. 17. The Jacksonville-based attraction designer specializes in combining physical sets, animatronics and interactive storytelling.
We’ll be watching to see what the companies reveal about the ride’s characters, vehicles and guest experience.
6. Silver Dollar City’s “Miner’s Mountain Express”
Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, is preparing to open “Miner’s Mountain Express,” a family roller coaster from MACK Rides, in 2027.
At IAAPA Expo, the companies will unveil the coaster’s lead ride vehicle, providing a first look at an important piece of the attraction. The ride draws inspiration from the mining history associated with the park’s location.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Related: Interview with MACK Rides about Miner’s Mountain Express
7. Mattel Adventure Park reveals its expanded vision
Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona, is getting an expanded vision, and Falcon’s Beyond and VAI Resort will reveal the details at IAAPA Expo on Nov. 17. The announcement will explore how the theme park and themed hospitality experiences will come together as a multi-day entertainment destination.
Representatives from Mattel, Falcon’s Beyond and VAI Resort will participate in the presentation, offering a closer look at what’s planned for the long-awaited project.
8. Personalized ride audio from Sanctum Audio
What if everyone on a theme park ride could hear the same soundtrack at a different volume or in a different language without wearing headphones? Sanctum Audio and EDC Acoustics are demonstrating technology designed to deliver individualized sound directly to attraction seats.
The potential applications for guests with sensory sensitivities and hearing accessibility needs make this one of our priority demonstrations at IAAPA Expo.
9. Holiday World’s new Cannonball water coaster
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, is partnering with MACK Rides to showcase a vehicle for Cannonball, its upcoming water roller coaster. The Nov. 17 presentation should provide a closer look at the ride’s design and how its vehicles will carry guests through the attraction.
Courtesy of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
10. Video games become physical attractions
Video game franchises and interactive entertainment will also have a presence at IAAPA Expo, including Sega’s “The House of the Dead: Reawakened” and Zero Latency’s “Jumanji: The Lost Levels,” a free-roam virtual reality adventure.
Chuck E. Cheese will showcase a game based on “Miraculous,” while Neo Xperiences will demonstrate interactive games played across walls and floors.
3 more things to watch at IAAPA Expo 2026
- Maurer’s futuristic Peoplemover: The SPIKE PM360 features self-leveling passenger cabins designed to travel along steep, vertical and overhead tracks. Maurer is also expected to reveal a separate U.S. coaster project during the expo.
- Epson and Float4’s interactive projection technology: A live demonstration will show how projected environments can respond to guests’ movements in real time, with potential applications for dark rides and immersive attractions.
- DOF Robotics’ new attractions: The manufacturer plans to showcase five attractions, including a new motion simulator developed through a major entertainment franchise collaboration and a trackless dark ride.
With the largest IAAPA Expo in the Orlando event’s history, we’re confident our top ten watch list is just the beginning!
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