Association supports theme parks across the world

Orlando has been the amusement park capital of the world for decades, with hundreds of millions of people visiting Disney World and Universal each year. But what many people fail to realize is the extensive workforce required to keep the parks up and running.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions is a worldwide organization in charge of the safety and planning of everything from zoos and museums to Six Flags and Busch Gardens, connecting the entire attractions industry. IAAPA has been dutifully helping amusement parks for more than 100 years, since 1918.

The industry is complicated and diverse, just like IAAPA. It employs professionals of education, safety, operations, communications and more. Across more than 100 countries, IAAPA has at least 800 member organizations. While this large number might seem unnecessary, the United States has more than 400 amusement parks and attractions alone. This doesn’t begin to include the amount of museums, zoos and parks in the rest of the world.

IAAPA currently has its headquarters in Orlando. Regional offices are located in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; Brussels, Belgium; Mexico City, Mexico; and Hong Kong and Shanghai, China.

Jakob Wahl is president and CEO of IAAPA. He began his position in January 2023, and has traveled around the world to different theme parks. As president of the organization, he works closely with IAAPA’s board and members and conducts the global team.

Wahl has worked with IAAPA for many years before his promotion. He was vice president and managing director of the organization’s European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) offices. Prior to this, he worked for four years with the management of Europa-Park, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe.

Even an organization as large as IAAPA has had moments where adapting was necessary. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people financial crisis, but IAAPA was able to combat the predicament. The association worked on providing safe guidelines so people could continue to enjoy themselves at parks. 

“We were able to provide safe spaces and offered much-needed fun activities,” Wahl said.

Even the use and application of technology is something that continues to change industries around the world. In a theme park, technology can be used to enhance an experience as well as keep guests safe. New advances in computers and machinery can give way to new attractions that might have seemed impossible, such as the “standing coaster” Pipeline at SeaWorld.

However, technology also has provided significant changes in parks over recent years. More places have implemented mobile ordering and digital quick queues or fast passes. Maps of attractions can be found online as well, helping reduce the amount of paper waste at parks. Safety on rides has increased because of the computer signals that can alert mechanics of faulty machinery.

IAAPA plays a part in this by keeping theme parks up to a code of safety. With these standards, guests are able to make the most of their experience.

In an era of social media and video games, theme parks still are holding their own. The opening of Universal’s Epic Universe has proved how attractions can win the hearts of people of all ages. The newest addition to Orlando’s roster of amusement parks encompasses five worlds that have drawn visitors in from around the country.

Designers of the park used ideas such as “How To Train Your Dragon,” horror films and celestial beings to create immersive sights for visitors. Throughout the park are menus themed to their environment. Because it opened recently, the park is able to have the latest animatronics, interactive games and virtual reality technology.

Epic also utilizes a central hub that spans out into the other four worlds within the park. Wahl thinks other theme parks might utilize this design in the future, as well as the technology within the attractions. 

“Epic Universe will elevate Central Florida’s status as a global destination and push the entire industry to reimagine immersive storytelling and guest engagement,” he said.

IAAPA has been the friend of amusement parks and attractions for more than a century. The association plans to continue to use its extensive talents to help guests have an exciting experience. Wahl especially loves the impact that comes with his job and the lives his group can change. 

“IAAPA connects a global community of more than 8,000 members corresponding to 50,000 individuals bringing joy to millions of guests every day around the world,” he said.

Amusement parks and attractions are a treat to countless families around the world. The special job of helping these parks is no easy task, but IAAPA has proved happiness is not just for fantasy movies; it’s provided by real people in Central Florida who are creating magic that inspires millions.