As the attractions and theme parks industry quickly evolves to keep up with the latest technologies, the Orlando technology community is quickly moving to meet its demands.
The newest ride at SeaWorld San Diego was made in Orlando. And that shouldn’t surprise you – as the amusement park capital of the world, technology and companies servicing the attractions industry benefit from close proximity to major clients like Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Disney Parks.
Skyline Attractions’ brand new “real coaster” cars for SeaWorld’s Tidal Twister ride was designed and manufactured in Orlando, revealed for the first time at the International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association’s (IAAPA) Expo held (you guessed it) every year in Orlando.
The association behind the theme park industry, IAAPA, decided to move its global headquarters to Orlando in 2016.
“I cannot think of a better place to build our future than in Orlando, the theme park and attractions capital of the world,” said John McReynolds 2016 IAAPA Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Universal Parks and Resorts.
Rides are manufactured behind the scenes in Orlando and new innovations are a byproduct of the technology ecosystem that support the parks. Companies like Skyline Attractions, Falcon’s Creative Group, B Morrow Productions, Dynamic Attractions, itec Entertainment, and Talon Simulations are designing and developing the latest technologies for the attractions sector.
“This year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo was our largest ever. Attendees came from more than 100 countries to connect with the more than 1,100 exhibitors who filled 10 miles of aisles across the vast tradeshow floor. We are excited about this year’s Expo results and about the future for our industry,” said Hal McEvoy, President and CEO, IAAPA. “Having our headquarters based here in Orlando, truly is the right place for IAAPA to continue to grow, serve our members, and support the global attractions community.”
There’s a history of Orlando companies providing new technology to fuel the region’s success in hospitality; for example, Lockheed Martin’s heritage company, Martin Marietta, manufactured Walt Disney World’s first monorail cars and Lockheed Martin later developed the CLEAR program to help passengers move quicker through Orlando International Airport.
“Central Florida has been one of the most hospitable business environments in the country,” said Bob Chapek, chair of Disney Parks’ Experiences and Consumer Products during the IAAPA Expo. “In fact, over the last several years we’ve invested billions of dollars through the development of attractions, transportation systems, hotels and more.”
As the attractions and theme parks industry quickly evolves to keep up with the latest technologies, the Orlando technology community is quickly moving to meet its demands. The excitement behind this revolution is palpable at the IAAPA expo, which plans to stay in Orlando every year until at least 2030. Orlando’s technology industry is poised for growth to meet the increasing demands for the best experience.
