ORLANDO, Fla. — The world's biggest attractions expo may not be open to the public, but Spectrum News crews are there to show you what you could see soon at theme parks around the world.

• Annual IAAPA Attractions Expo kicks off in Orlando
• It's the world's biggest expo for amusement industry
• LIVE UPDATES from the convention center floor ▼ (App users click here)

The 2018 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo is underway at the Orange County Convention Center.

It's an annual trade show and conference for theme parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums and more.

About 35,000 people are expected to take in the latest in rides, food and other attractions technology, some of which could make its way to Florida theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens, or SeaWorld.

Disney discusses upcoming projects

During a keynote address at the GM and Owners Breakfast, Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek revealed new information about the new resort gondola transportation system, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, and new tech coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Lego model of new Legoland land

Legoland Florida on Wednesday revealed a miniature model of its upcoming land, The Lego Movie World — and naturally, it was made of Lego.

The themed area is set to open early spring 2019, according to park officials.

It will feature three new rides, character meet-and-greets and a giant themed playscape.

One of the new attractions, Masters of Flight, will be a rotating flying theater ride, with multiple simulator movements and sensory effects, such as scents.

The ride will be the first M-ride from Brogent Technologies.

Legoland Florida also confirmed it is building another hotel.

The five-story hotel is set to debut in 2020 and feature 150 rooms. The park didn't announce a name.

A few months ago, permits were filed for the hotel, which showed it would be built next to the Legoland Hotel. The plans also called for a pool and a pool deck area.

Coaster boasts powered cart

Dynamic Attractions revealed its new "Dual Power Coaster."

The design allows the coaster to do a variety of things that typical coasters don't.

Using a combination of a motion platform and hidden drive system, the coaster can simulate airtime, the company says. The coaster system is also capable of inversions and drifting in racing situations.

"The Dual Power Coaster is the world's most advanced roller coaster vehicle," Dynamic Attractions President Hao Wang said in a statement. "Most coasters are all about the track. That is only half of the excitement in this ride, where the cart itself is powered and moves, creating racing sensations."

The first Dual Power Coaster is set to debut in Malaysia next year. But after watching the teaser video that Dynamic Attractions showed at IAAPA, it's hard to believe the coaster won't eventually make its way to an Orlando theme park.​

1st look at Aquaman wax figure

An Aquaman wax figure is coming to Madame Tussauds Orlando next month, and IAAPA attendees are getting the first glimpse at the life-size figure.

The figure is made in the likeness of actor Jason Momoa and will be added to the attraction's Justice League exhibit, joining Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Just like the other superheroes, the Aquaman figure will be interactive. Visitors will be able to trigger special effects by grabbing a trident.

The arrival of the figure comes as the "Aquaman" film prepares for its theatrical release on December 14. 

VR takes center stage at IAAPA

Dozens of virtual-reality companies are filling the trade-show floor at this year's expo.

It's a sign of the times, since VR trendy technology is making its way into theme parks.

VR can put users in new, immersive worlds such as a race track, a zombie apocalypse or even on a roller coaster.

One company showing off its tech is Canada-based VRX Ventures Ltd. The company creates advanced racing and flight simulators.

Its RacerX Club puts users inside a multiplayer racing game using seats with realistic driving controls and headsets.

The seats use an actuator system with haptic generators that allow them to move based on what's happening in the virtual world. 

Within the headsets, players can see and interact with the other racers. If a player crashes into you, you'll feel it.

The track is created by scanning a real track and recreating it in a virtual space. It adds to the reality component.

SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida have both used VR components on their roller coasters. But, in the case of SeaWorld, VR was removed from it Kraken coaster less than a year after it was installed.

Still, theme parks are turning to VR as a cheaper way to add new, interactive attractions that can be easily updated or modified.

SeaWorld reveals new attractions

SeaWorld Entertainment shared another glimpse at its slate of upcoming attractions Tuesday at the IAAPA Attractions Expo.

The Orlando-based company is pushing ahead with its strategy to open new attractions at its park every year.

For Florida, visitors can look forward to KareKare Curl water slide at Aquatica Orlando, and Tigris roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. 

Both attractions are set to debut sometime in the spring. 

The biggest addition coming to SeaWorld Orlando is a Sesame Street-themed land. Characters Elmo and his friend Abby introduced the new land to a crowd at the expo.

Set to open in the spring, the land will feature multiple new attractions, Sesame Street characters and more.

Live Updates

Spectrum News entertainment reporter Allison Walker Torres and Attractions Insider Ashley Carter are there this week to bring you all the latest news and announcements. Here's what's happening on the convention center floor: