IAAPA Hosts Show in Orlando

Source: Play Meter

"Overwhelming" is the best one-word description of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Orlando 2004 that began its conference program Nov. 15 and its exhibition Nov. 17 in Orlando, Fla. The show ends Sat., Nov. 20. IAAPA is the land of popcorn and pizza, laser tag and miniature golf, motion theaters and an abundance of coin-op equipment. Approximately 60 exhibitors offered coin-op products, from bulk vending to redemption and from jukeboxes to videos, plus related supplies.

A number of coin-op firms offered brand-new products. Here's a sampling: FunRiders exhibited its new Hydraulic Thunder Sonic ride and Strategic Earth Command ride for three children. Global VR demonstrated its EA Sports PGA Tour Golf 2005 that allows players to create their own character from top to bottom. Over 10 new courses are offered in the new version, including the Great White North created by Global VR. Visual Sports Systems (VSS) brought its new coin-op golf game for the RealSports system.
Roxor Games displayed its In the Groove dance simulator kit updates along with a prototype driving game called Hordes. Bromley featured The Ghost Hunter coin-drop game and The Royal Guards children's game. Fantasy Entertainment put a new twist on a classic with its Foto Fun Strips photo unit. Andamiro featured Pump It Up Exceed 2 with the latest software. UltraCade brought its Feeding Frenzy children's redemption game in a new child-size cabinet, as well as the Street Fighter Anniversary Edition for the UltraCade multi-game arcade system.

Coastal Amusements won an IAAPA award (honorable mention for new game) for its high-tech weight scale Fool the Guesser. Another IAAPA award winner was Bob's Space Racers, recognized for its Capsule Craze game that rewards the player with the capsule used during play. OK Mfg. fine-tuned its new Tractor Time crane with more viewing area. Apple Industries introduced Ping Pong Kombat that dispenses paddles and a ball that players keep, and three new photo booths (Photo ID, Dr. Face Crazy Doctor, and PixMix). 

Smart featured its new Toy Chest line of cranes. The new art package for Harley Davidson Third Edition from Stern Pinball was closer to the final product, with game availability scheduled in December. Fun Industries introduced a shooting gallery game, Trigger Happy, which vends a two-inch prize or ticket rewards. Qubica added a new game to its Highway 66 Bowling, this one called Turkey Shoot.

Bay Tek brought the redesigned and improved Stock Car Challenge racing experience and Crazy 8s quick-coin game. Namco debuted the Flamin Finger kiosk with overhead sign. Cadillac Jack/Lazer-Tron exhibited the prototype of its two-player Spin A Zoid spinning hockey game. ICE introduced the Go Fishin video redemption game, NASCAR Racer kiddie ride, and Monopoly Wonders of the World coin pusher. Skee-Ball brought the new Spin-N-Win stop-action game. Take 1 Technologies debuted its Take 1 video CD multimedia entertainment platform. AMF added coin, bill, or smart card operation for its Thunder Bowl bowling game.

Inflatable attractions occupied a considerable amount of floor space, ranging from the traditional castle design to a giant tree house and a circus train of multiple components. A number of inflatables featured timely licensed images such as The Incredibles and Shrek. Positive statements dominated. As industry veteran Bill Cravens of Team Play Inc. said, "This show is a happy show. People come here with a buying attitude." They also came to be "wowed," marveling at sights such as the triple deck carousel from Felimana Luna Park.