IAAPA 2025 Recap – New Rides and Announcements
IAAPA Expo, the world’s largest international attractions industry trade show, was held from November 17–21, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. IAAPA 2025 featured many ride reveals and announcements from Dollywood/Mack Rides, SeaWorld Orlando/Vekoma, Six Flags Over Texas/B&M, Morgan’s Wonderland/Zamperla, and more.
IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is the largest international trade association for the amusement industry.
Ride Vehicle Reveals
IAAPA 2025 featured ride vehicle reveals for many new rides coming to theme parks in 2026.
Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition
NightFlight Expedition Ride Vehicle (Dollywood)
Dollywood and MACK Rides unveiled the amphibious ride vehicle for NightFlight Expedition, a new indoor dark ride announced on September 17, 2025. The new ride is set to debut in 2026 in Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove area.
“We’re proud to unveil this revolutionary ride vehicle today. It truly represents the perfect blend we’ve tried to find between innovation and the authentic Smoky Mountain storytelling our guests expect from Dollywood. The excitement surrounding this new attraction continues to build—within both the industry and among our guests—and highlights our growing reputation as a destination known for hospitality and guest experience, as well as engaging new attractions and immersive adventures.” – Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton
Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas and Bolliger & Mabillard unveiled the train for Tormenta Rampaging Run, a record-breaking dive coaster announced on September 25, 2025. The new ride is set to debut in 2026 in the park’s Spain area.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift at Universal Studios Hollywood
Lead car for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift (Universal Studios Hollywood)
Universal Studios Hollywood and Intamin once again showcased the lead car for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-speed outdoor roller coaster first confirmed on July 12, 2023, and later named on May 3, 2024. The new ride is set to debut in 2026, with its entrance in the park's upper lot.
The lead car was previously shown at Universal Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood.
SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep at SeaWorld Orlando
Ride vehicle for SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep (SeaWorld Orlando)
SeaWorld Orlando and Vekome unveiled the ride vehicle for SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep, a unique suspended dark ride first announced on September 17, 2025. The new ride will open in 2026 behind Expedition Odyssey and near the Ice Breaker roller coaster.
Wingz at Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland and Zamperla unveiled the world’s first wheelchair accessible tower ride called “Wingz!”. Riders will flap their arms to make the vehicle rise into the air.
RailRyder from S&S Worldwide
S&S Worldwide revealed the ride vehicle for RailRyder, a family-friendly, high-capacity single rail coaster not currently attached to any theme park.
DOF Robotics Dark Ride
DOF Robotics revealed a new dark ride vehicle, not currently attached to any theme park.
More Announcements
In addition to all of the ride vehicle reveals, IAAPA Expo 2025 had many exciting announcements, including:
Rocky Mountain Construction announced a new single-rail coaster coming to Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Storyland Studios confirmed its involvement in the development of comedian Nate Bargatze’s Nashville theme park project, “Nateland.” Read Storyland Studio’s announcement.
IAAPA Expo 2026 will be held from November 16 to 20th at the Orange County Convention Center, and will be nearly 50% larger than the 2025 Expo.
Visit IAAPA’s website for industry news and to stay updated on future events.
