WORLD’S LONGEST SPINNING RAPIDS RIDE OPENS IN CHINA

BY GABRIELLE

Waterpark manufacturers, WhiteWater, have opened the world’s longest spinning rapids ride at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, China.

Lava Drifting opened in May 2019. Not only is it the longest spinning rapid ride in the world, but its is also the world’s first spinning rapids ride with actual rapid rivers.

The Spinning Rapids Fusion water ride is approximately 1km long. Asides boasting actual rapid rivers, the ride takes visitors through tunnels, conveyor belts and multiple drops, before coming to a finale comprising of a steep drop into giant Manta feature.

The whole ride takes 11 minutes from start to finish.

Nathan Jones, president of Park Attractions at WhiteWater, commented on the new spinning rapids ride:

“It’s the first water ride ever to combine elements from the spinning rapids ride, a traditional rapids ride, and new iconic water slide elements. I believe that this is not only the longest spinning rapids ride in the world, but the longest of any rapids rides yet.”

WhiteWater collaborated with Legacy Entertainment, which developed the preliminary layout for the ride.

Taylor Jeffs, Legacy’s president and chief creative officer, commented:

“I have been a huge fan of this ride system since first riding L’oxygénarium at Parc Astérix in 2002, so it is a great pleasure to collaborate with WhiteWater on the most ambitious incarnation of this type of water ride ever conceived.”

“Legacy always puts a great deal of value on the integration of attractions into their environments, and as such, the ride path has been carefully woven through the Rainbow Falls section of the park, including a climax in the park’s iconic volcano. This symbiotic relationship is instrumental in activating the land,” Taylor added.

IAPPA EXPO ASIA OPENS IN SHANGHAI

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA Expo Asia 2019 opened today in the New Shanghai International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China. The three-day event is hosted by IAAPA, the worldwide association for the attractions industry.

Over 8,500 attraction industry professionals from more than 60 countries and regions across the world are gathered in Shanghai to learn from industry experts during the conference, pick up new business opportunities on the trade show floor and make connections at the conference’s numerous networking events.

A record-breaking 400-plus companies are exhibiting at the trade show floor, which stretches 13,000 net square metres. These hundreds of exhibiting companies, many of which are exhibiting for the first time at the leading attractions’ event, are debuting and showcasing their technology, products and services.

The eye-catching trade show comprises of many exciting products and features, including motion simulators, state-of-the-art rides, water attractions, virtual reality features, video gaming, theming and more.

Asides visiting the hundreds of exhibitors on the trade show, attendees can participate in learning events and networking opportunities, including listening to a keynote speech by Joe Schott, president and CEO of Shanghai Disney Resort, during the Expo’s Leadership Breakfast.

More than 500 industry professionals are attending the Opening Night Reception with entertainment at Shanghai’s newest, award-winning marine park, the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park.

Many other leading attraction resorts in Shanghai are featuring at IAAPA Expo Asia 2019, including the Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hello Kitty Shanghai Times and the Shanghai Dungeon during the Young Professional Reception.

More than ten expert-led education sessions are taking place over the course of the three days, with executive speakers from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, OCT Happy Valley, Universal Beijing Resort, AECOM, Sanderson, Whitewater, and more.

Topics will cover everything from visual media technology, theme entertainment, safety innovation, data-driven modelling, creative design, human resources, marketing, operation, and more

Hal McEvoy, president and CEO of IAAPA, spoke about the event.

“This year’s IAAPA Expo Asia features the largest trade show floor in the event’s history, and we know this reflects the strength of the global attractions industry.

“We are thrilled to return to Shanghai and bring together industry professionals from around the world. IAAPA is committed to providing global programs and Expos to help inspire members so that they can succeed and continue to grow,” said McEvoy.