Attractions Expo 2007 HIGHLIGHTS
» Absence Makes the Show Grow Fonder
» A Blossoming Partnership
» Gadgets, Games, & Goodies for All
» The Disney Brain Trust
» Learning from the Best
Gadgets, Games, & Goodies for All
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 featured a wideranging selection of new, innovative products
by Marion Hixon
LIGHTS FLASHED, HEADS BOBBED, and attendees buzzed as exhibitors
touted new products at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007. Some products, like
Krush KushioNZ, served safety purposes, while others like Laser Maze Challenge
and YourDay created services currently unseen at parks, FECs,museums,
and zoos.Here are some of the standout new products and rides that took center
stage at the convention.
VIDEO AND FILM
YourDay by YourDay
 YourDay has expanded the souvenir market by creating a personalized video souvenir system for commemorating a day of fun. After registering, visitors wear YourDay bracelets equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. When in certain detection areas, the bracelets activate cameras throughout the park, which can be installed anywhere from roller coasters and waterslides to lunch spots and arcades. At the end of the day when visitors turn in their bracelets, their images are compiled and they receive a video full of their park experiences. Guests can receive a 20-minute DVD with 30 to 40 personalized clips woven through the footage, a single ride DVD, or downloadable clips of their day at the park.
www.yourday.biz
‘Fly Me to the Moon’ in 3-D by nWave
 Incorporating the voices of Kelly Ripa, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and astronaut BuzzAldrin, nWave’s 3-D feature film “Fly Me to the Moon” (Charlotte Huggins, producer) is set for an August 2008 release. It is the first feature film to be created, from its first frame, in 3-D. The movie, which adds the plight of three teenaged flies to the Apollo 11 space mission, premiered its 15-minute teaser-trailer at IAAPA. The G-Rated film is crafted for families, and will be released in theaters equipped with 3-D screens.
www.flymetothemoonthemovie.com
 Dance Heads by Dance Heads Recordings and Pop Noggins by EventMall Inc.
Green screens were all over IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007, one of them belonging to the innovative team at Dance Heads Recordings and another to Pop Noggins by EventMall. Both superimpose guests’ heads onto pre-produced animated bodies that boogie and jive to popular music. Dance Heads comes in a coin-operated video photo booth version that allows one to two customers to perform songs like “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” or “Barbara Ann” against a green screen and receive a souvenir DVD afterward. Pop Noggins is similar but allows for up to six performers and can be booked for events. Both are perfect for parks, fairs, and corporate events as guests were constantly giggling and grooving while watching themselves or their friends on screen.
www.dhrecordings.com;
www.popnoggins.com
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
 Slush Factory by Whirley Drink Works!
Translating the colorful and creative aspects of sand art into something edible, Whirley has put the design in the hands of the consumer with a station of slushy flavors to pick from and curvaceous cups and bottles to fill.The visually appealing, all-in-one station has recently been added to several locations and proved extremely popular thus far.
www.whirleydrinkworks.com
 Candy Floss by Intermatic Manufacturing Ltd.
Candy Floss puts the appeal of cotton candy in the customers’ hands by letting them spin the candy themselves in a little over a minute.The machine is easily adjustable in charging price, can hold up to 1,000 biodegradable paper sticks, and features a variety of cotton candy flavors.
www.candyfloss-intermatic.co.uk
 Glo Light-Up Cotton Candy Stick by Glow Cone Int’l
In the same vein of do-it-yourself sweets, Glo Cone Int’l offers a light-up stick that guests can use to wrap their own cotton candy around.The plastic base of the stick has multiple flashing light modes available and serves as a fun souvenir from the day.
GAMES and SAFETY
Laser Maze Challenge by Funovation
From Boulder, Colorado-based Funovation, the Laser Maze Challenge takes a cue from movies like “Entrapment” and “Oceans 12.” The attraction consists of a course of intertwining lasers set in a dark room of mirrors and black lights. Players must navigate through the maze, avoid laser contact, and attempt to reach the stop button in record time. Both kids and adults lined up at the show to see ifthey could conquer the maze and beat their personal records. The attraction is available in permanent installations as well as trailer units and has a foot-print as small as 200 square feet.
www.funovation.com.
 Lightspace Play by Lightspace Corporation
Three unique games debuted on Lightspace Play, the interactive system that invites players to run all over its giant touch-screen while competing and getting a workout in the process. “Super Jump Style” simulates an intense game of jump rope, as players keep in time to earn points on technique and speed. “Dance Off” is a “smackdown” style dance competition where players generate moves that their opponents must mimic and build upon. And “HyperStep” works like an updated “Red Light, Green Light” game, challenging players to run in place and spread their color before the play board turns red.
www.lightspacecorp.com
Mischief Mini Golf Card Game and Mischief Spinners by KnA Games
Putting a spin on classic miniature golf, Mischief brings new options into the equation. Players must carry the 52-card deck throughout the round, pulling a card upon reaching a new hole. The cards each present a task the player must add to their turn, whether it is putting with their eyes closed, allowing a free shot on a justmissed putt, or moving an opponent’s ball elsewhere on the course.TheMischief Spinner is similar in the options it presents; however, it can be installed at the beginning of each hole and is a more permanent option.The Mischief series is simple but revolutionary, as it opens up mini-golf games to new possibilities and lengthens the hours of fun players will have.
www.knagames.com/Mischief/Mischief.htm
  Krush KushioNZ and Aktion AttraktioNZ by Sans Gear
Inventor Freddy Osler, a former trapeze artist with 11 broken bones from separate falls, set out to create a truly safe, continuously inflated landing pad that doesn’t require harnesses, netting, or belay systems. He created Krush KushioNZ, which is composed of fingerlike inflatables standing straight under a protective mat. The cushion landing allows anyone from ropewalkers to rock climbers to fall headfirst or on their backs, with no chance of injury. Sans Gear also producesAktionAttraktioNZ products like
the Trap-EZE and the Rope Walkz— ideal devices to place above Krush KushioNZ. Eager kids at the Expo served as repeat testers of the device, proving falling can be fun.
www.sansgearnz.com
‘Pop It For Gold’ by Benchmark Games
“Pop It For Gold” is a new standalone ticket redemption arcade game that encourages players to halt amoving spinner in the correct zones to increasingly inflate a balloon
in hopes of popping it and winning the jackpot. Exciting light and sound displays accompany the classic but contemporary game, which also comes in a twoplayer
version.
www.benchmarkgames.com/game_popitfor gold.htm
RIDES
 Dinner in the Sky by Fun Fun bvba
Imagine a corporate meeting or a birthday party floating 164 feet in the air, replete with food and beverage service. The Belgium company Fun Fun bvba certainly imagined it—then made it a reality with one of themore gravity-defying attractions at IAAPA Attractions Expo: Dinner in the Sky. Hoisted into the air on a large platform, a long dining room table accommodates 22 diners, who are strapped in coaster-style to ensure safety. Food and beverage are then served, as guests float in mid-air above the city.
www.dinnerinthesky.com
ConeyTower and Magic Bikes by Zamperla
ConeyTower is one of Zamperla’s latest thrill rides—offering a whiz of
excitement instead of the dread of a freefall.The tower’s smooth and effortless motion left riders giggling and surprised at its spontaneous bounces. The company’s Magic Bikes are also new and already installed in several locations across Europe. The bikes’ speed and height rely on each rider’s pedaling skills.
www.zamperla.it
 New Action Arm by Moser
Moser’s Action Arm spins riders in every direction while swinging their cart back and forth in a cranelike fashion.The ride is similar to other Moser classics in its ability enthuse customers seeking thrills, but unique in its design and sleek movement.
www.moserrides.com
 Complete Online Rental Solution by Inflatabiz LLC
Inflatabiz’s new online rental system works in real time for owners and customers with a full suite of user-friendly tools. Customers are able to select a time and date preset by the owner and can then add additional products or services to their cart. Repeat customers can easily log in with their account information to rent another product or check their purchase history. Users are provided extra security with follow-up e-mails and free technical support.
www.inflatabiz.com
PlayBus byThe Playbus Company
PlayBus incorporates a plastic ball area, slides, and a play-it-yourself step-keyboard into one colorful and exciting double-decker bus.The unit’s padded floors and mesh lining are kid friendly and the mobility of the bus makes it an easy installation at any attraction.
www.theplaybuscompany.co.uk
 The Comfyland Experience by Comfyland The Comfyland Experience caters solely to an audience of toddlers and focuses on their developmental needs while creating a fun play space for them to interact. The Senses Corner, Cognitive Corner, and Music Corner in Comfyland focus on different learning experiences for toddlers as young as 12 months. Bright walls set up in mazelike patterns and interactive videos provide mental and physical challenges for kids. www.comfyland.com/cec
Mini Putt Prop by Custom Creations
Custom Creations specializes in theming attractions and blacklight roller coaster decorations. However, this year they’ve introduced a combination putter and ball holder for miniature golf courses. Custom Creations’ new Mini Putt Prop merges the two storage systems into one uniquely themed design.
www.custom-creations.com
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