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 It’s amazing how much can change in Central Florida in just two years. One of the creative wellsprings for the entire industry, Orlando certainly wasn’t idle in IAAPA Attractions Expo’s absence. Here’s a brief look at a few new attractions that opened since IAAPA’s last visit in November 2008.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
One of the most-anticipated theme park projects of the century officially opened June 18, 2010. This new 20- acre themed land features a massive, cutting-edge new dark ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” as well as several themed shopping and dining experiences, and two live shows. It also includes two rethemed attractions: “Dragon Challenge” (formerly “Dueling Dragons”) and “Flight of the Hippogriff” (formerly “The Flying Unicorn”). 
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Busch Gardens Tampa
This children’s area themed to the famous television show opened for summer 2010. It features a bevy of attractions, playgrounds, and more, all incorporating the beloved characters from “Sesame Street.” Children can fly with Grover, eat a meal with Elmo, and give Big Bird a big hug all in one
‘Manta’
 SeaWorld Orlando
This Bolliger & Mabillard flying coaster opened May 2009, the first coaster of its kind in the Central Florida market. “Manta” stands 140 feet tall, covers 3,350 feet of track, and reaches speeds of 56 miles per hour. Its queue, meanwhile, is an aquarium that’s an attraction all to itself. It features 250,000 gallons of water, 3,000 animals, and can be viewed while waiting in line for the ride or as a separate experience.
 CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort–Orlando
International Drive
Located on International Drive near Universal Orlando, this new resort opened in April and features an outdoor waterpark themed to the Florida Keys. The 54,000-square-foot park offers 14 waterslides, children’s play areas, pools, and more. The facility also features a 5,400-square-foot arcade, restaurant, a more adult oriented pool and lounge area, and more. CoCo Key Orlando’s accommodations are spread across 12 buildings with nearly 400 rooms. This is the 10th CoCo Key in the U.S.
‘Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’
 Universal Studios Florida
This one-of-a-kind roller coaster employs Maurer Soehne’s X-Car train in a way never seen before, including a “noninverting loop” and several other elements created especially for this ride’s unique layout. What’s more, the X-Cars are equipped with onboard audio and riders choose from a wide array of music to accompany their individual seats. Try and see it at night when the trains’ LED lights really sparkle as they crest “Rockit’s” 167-foot vertical lift and drop.
‘The American Idol Experience’
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
 Open since February 2009, this interactive show allows guests to feel a part of the pop culture phenomenon without having to travel to California. Park visitors audition for slots in several performances throughout the day in the 1,000-seat theater. Just like the actual “American Idol,” the audience votes a favorite and that person moves on to a finale show each night. The winner of each day’s “Experience” contest is then granted an actual audition on the TV show’s next season.
Contact Senior Editor Jeremy Schoolfield at jschoolfield@IAAPA.org.
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