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Attended the opening of Rivertown this morning and so I can directly compare Movieworld's and Dreamworlds. Dreamworld opened the doors to the park about 9:55am (and had a small contingent of VIPs and Theme Park enthusiasts in at 9:30am) and then had up to Rivertown gated off. At 10:05am we were then escorted down to outside the Jungle Rush coaster and there was about 15/20 mins of speeches and then the ride was ready to go. From the beginning the rides were open, stayed up for most of the day (Jungle Rush had a few periods of short down time) and the experience was really enjoyable. There were plenty of staff rostered on, the area looks amazing and well themed (and i am sure there is more to come, but it looks pretty much finished) and the radio was there giving out prizes. It felt like a true 'opening'. I really like that Greg acknowledges theme park enthusiasts in his speeches and is so connected to the community needs. It's a much more humble approach to theme park management. His offsider Michelle (I believe she is Ops manager) spent the morning in the control booth of JR then went and helped serve at the Rivertown Restaurant, it is not uncommon to see Greg helping in these back of house areas, it shows that even the exec team will jump on board and help out - it's a really good look. This is in direct contrast to Bikash who was quick to scoop into the VIP fast pass queue at 10:05am for the WoZ rides. Dreamworld was alive today and it's great to see the hard work they are putting in paying off.

Jungle Rush soft opened again this afternoon, and I got another ride on it! They've actually added a lot in the few days! There's even more theming and audio in the queue and station, and they've added more theming to the turntable room. It's also a lot darker now too, which was a big complaint I had the other day. Also did Murrissippi Motors, which was a lot of fun.

So time to share my impressions Munchkinland/Forecourt the entrance photo op statues look great. Little close to the brake run for SE imo, but I get they working with limited space so will ignore it. The walkway down to the forecourt is great, the rainbow effect is great and the transitional music change is really good. The theming in the forecourt is great, and in the 50mins we were there there was photo op with Wicked Witch, a Dorothy performance, and a photo op with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. All great, however I’d like to see how regular this becomes or even if it still exists in off peak Emerald City Lighting and design is decent. They’ll want to keep those wall projections functional (unlike other projections in the park) or it will be bland and boring. The wizard projection is quite good, though would have been fantastic to have it have more random or lengthy dialogue sets as it does get a little tedious being so short and just on repeat. Flight of the Wicked Witch The internal queue is fantastic with the room of Poppies and then the enchanted forest. You feel immersed in the story, and even my son said “wow this is like a Japan-level queue” and then boom - you walk downstairs and you are in an outdoor cattle run with no shade, and ridiculous slow ops and burning to a crisp in the sun. I can’t overstate how much the experience is wrecked by this. The immersion is gone and you just want to get it over with. You enter the castle for the final part of the queue which does look good, but it’s not air conned so there is no respite from the baking you’ve just had. They only let 1-2 groups into the castle at the time. The ops just seem entirely haphazard. The 2 cycles where I could visually see what was happening has 4-5min waits between guest disembarking and next guests being let onto the platform simply because the sorter is also the harness checker and they didn’t start sorting until the previous ride disembarked. The entrance to the ride gates is in such a close proximity to the entrance, they have to fill gates 4/5 which are directly in front of the entrance last as you wouldn’t get people past them otherwise. the ride itself is punchy and smooth, and a much better experience than similar coasters I have been on, so gets a big tick on that. There is a short jolty break mid final turn prior to the full break run which is a little strange in terms of forces, and the ride photo for mine is far too late in the ride, but aside from that no complaints. Kansas Twisters I could probably copy the same as the previous tbh.. the starting internal queue is great, immersive and fun. Then you are outside. In the sun. The grouper, who is deciding whether you get in the yellow or the orange train queue, had absolutely no concept of counting. We were told to join the orange train queue, which is on the opposite side of the station so you have to head up and over the track inside the barn. After a couple of cycle, it was blatantly apparent he couldn’t count as we were probably 3-4 cycles from getting on the orange train, and there was only 6 people waiting for the yellow. Cue us excusing ourselves back past another 10 plus people and jumping the rail to join the yellow train queue. Did I mention it was hot? And the barn had no air con or fans? Who designed this place? the ride itself is fun on the forwards cycle, but to be honest I found the return journey just too slow to really consider re-riding again. You walk off to look at chain link fencing and the 30 year old back of house offices. We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto… i also didn’t mention that there was no announcements over the speakers on either ride, no “enjoy the ride” or “you’re about to take flight on blah blah”. The only thing said by staff was yelling “don’t touch the seatbelt, we will do it up. Don’t touch the seat belt” on FOTWW. overall if they spent $100m they need their better people making the financial decisions for the park. Whilst it’s clear nothing is going to change short term, they need to drop some money into this thing before next summer to at a minimum have some shade sails over the queue line, and put some air con or fans into the internal queues. Then they need to sort out their ops. promises so much, but just misses the high mark it set for itself unfortunately. It’s not a fail by any stretch, but if it’s a 2 horse race between Oz and Rivertown - DW has is won by the length of the straight

You should go check out Rivertown

Rivertown has soft opened. Not sure if the rides are yet available to guests, but you can walk under the archway and the store is open

It is amazing to have true competition back between the parks. However, in my non-expert opinion of someone who hasn't step foot in either new land, Dreamworld takes the prize for the best themed land.

Dreamworld have definitely put much more love and care into the whole land than MW with Wizard of Oz - every part just looks spectacular. The details placed within each part look fantastic, even a non E-ticket like this looks amazing, and will only get better thanks to weathering and the growing greenery. Good job to Greg Yong and his team for making Rivertown so great, I can't wait to see what is next. Hopefully some enhancements are made eventually, such as retheming Motocoaster into the land and redoing the store's facade to match.

Some more photos… (spoilers ahead) Flight of the Wicked Witch queue: As you can see, the first section of the queue is very well themed. Unfortunately though, all of the immersion disappears as soon as you walk through the haunted forest and are presented with a bland hallway and a direct view of the studio’s BOH areas. The rest of the area is nicely presented, but definitely not “immersive” as the BOH areas are visible at pretty much all times and no effort has been made to block them out (or at least make them less noticeable). One thing to note is that there is a lot of permanent lighting all through the land, so I’m betting it should look pretty spectacular at night (though I do wish some of the lighting fixtures were more “themed” into the land. Modern suburban street lights do not belong in OZ). Kansas Twister queue: At one point in the queue, you walk through Dorothy’s house. There are a number of effects (such as video screens in the windows showing debris flying past and lights that swing back and forth from the ceiling) that help support the idea that the twister is approaching. You then make your way out to the barn and the ride itself. Overall, I think the rides themselves are good additions to the park and definitely help boost the park’s family attraction lineup. However, the OZ precinct is far from the immersive experience that was promised. Though it’s very nicely presented and there are elements that are quite well done, the overall product sadly feels a little cheap and tacky IMHO.

Wow, the added greenery has really made the world of difference there is no doubt in my mind from an immersive perspective this is the best we’ve seen from a GC park, attention to detail seems fantastic and the weathered look and greenery still to grow in means the area won’t age negatively like many other themes areas we have seen in the past. Jane’s Restaurant looks on par with any themed offerings I’ve seen overseas

Just a couple of random ones my son took.

I’ve heard on good authority that there is certainly more to come but they’ve had delays with some shipments. We’ll see this land and attractions continue to improve over the next few months.

Within the park you do only find the characters within Dreamland (and now as a photo op for MM). It’s not like you find them at every corner of the park. If K&B appeared anymore than this then I’d agree, but I think this as a photo op is fine.

Am I reading you right - you think something is 'hit or miss' and you haven't even seen it? By that logic I think you're a bit hit or miss yourself... AKA: Enthusiasts can't even wait until they've ridden something before judging it these days. I know they've been leaning into K&B for nostalgia and lack of licencing, but i do with they'd ease off a bit. K&B aren't Rivertown. That's the Tasman Co. K&B have their own land. they should stay there. JMO.

Jungle Rush opened for technical rehearsals and is now taking guests.

Fencing aside… Staff are getting the chance to ride Jungle Rush today.

No one really gives a fuck bro. This looks likes its going to be the best themed area at one of our parks since WWF opened. You need a new hobby.

Side note, massive shout out to the entire construction and Dreamworld team who are working around the clock in all conditions to get Rivertown complete before the end of the year. What you are creating looks to be setting a new Australian theme park standard for immersion and story telling.

yeah the sightline is unfortunate, but like MDMC, I think their plan is 'yes, but not now'. they've clearly prioritised what is feasible and will turn their attention to the next park section when they can afford to do so.

Greg has been working tirelessly to turn DW around for 5-6ish years… and it’s done it by leading from the forefront. The man deserves some reward from his efforts via ticket sales, market share and share price *he’s

Got to experience JR today for 3 rides. the queue is fantastic and evoked memories from Indy at DisneySea. The atmosphere is great, the use of sound, the rumble/vibrations are felt when the train passes through etc. my only complaint would be I’d like to have seen the large snake have an animatronic involved to bring some movement to that area, but the water features and detail are fantastic and set a standard well above anything DW has ever delivered on. loading is simple and efficient. There are signs to direct you to one of 2 queues for either forward departures or backwards departures. Grouper lets through 2-3 cycles worth into the station so it’s quick and easy. great attitude and energy by staff, “get ready for jungle rush” etc by the main ops in the booth. the ride itself is a heap of fun. Won’t describe it in detail but the dark ride sections are fun, I think I personally prefer the backwards departure but understand there could be some level of variation depending upon the day/time etc. really punchy on the corners make for some rib tickling on the side of the train if you are an arms up rider. Did I mention a fully inside queue, air-con and fans? Because I should have, as it made all the difference to the guest experience ride photos were a bit problematic with the screens not refreshing which meant keeping track of time and heading to the photo place at the exit, but it’s still in tech rehearsals so I won’t complain about that. the clear winner by daylight in terms of the new GC park additions

It sadly just closed for the day when I arrived there, but the staff were nice enough to let us look around the restaurant! It looks REALLY good. There's theming everywhere, nods to Dreamworld's past everywhere (including posters for both Tower of Terror and Wipeout) and has its own theme song that plays. The entrance sign to Koala Country is in there, and one of the old Giant Drop Mammoth Skulls. It's Disney level.

I'd have to agree that the land is sadly pretty mixed, leading towards the negative. I love the initial themed indoor queues for both coasters, but after that... oh dear.

I don't think this has been shared. Not sure if it breaks any laws but an interesting look nonetheless.

Just stay home.

Relax Hollywood. Having a dig at you for your regular negativity towards DW isn’t all of us wanting to talk about you.

River Town entry arch being installed today

Tidbit about this from opening day: The drivers seat itself can now be slid forwards so that kids can reach the pedal.

I’ve really tried to remain unbiased, but damn the differences in openings are polarising. I really hope Clark or Bikash get a chance to visit Dreamworld today for some learnings they can apply to MW…

Asked just then, they may open today but not guaranteed. In other news they are installing the statues of Kenny and Belinda!

Glad to see they worked fast to get it open, who knew Rivertown would have a soft open before WoO? There are a few more bits and pieces but I am sure they can get them in before Boxing Day. The only thing I don't like about the area is how the Rivertown store is just brown instead of the temple like features of the land, hopefully they can eventually fix it up if they retheme Motocoaster.

Why build dedicated storage buildings when you can turn highly immersive indoor attractions and valuable show locations into them Saves on maintenance right

I'm not making shit up. I said 'According to you the current dreamworld bosses are incapable of running a park they have been employed to run'. Greg has been employed to run both Dreamworld and White Water World, and you have stated that he cannot run a water park. My statement is factual, and there are plenty of replies on the forum of you arguing that point that i'd love nothing more than for you to dispute this fact. Enjoy your flight, hope you have a really LONG holiday, preferably away from a data connection.

But when Jurassic Park opened, the machinery didn't eat the guests.

Maybe the original electric cars they planned had rooves and so they designed their concept around it. In the QLD sun I'm sure families would appreciate a roof

We have an opening date… To our valued passholders, We’re thrilled to announce that ALL attractions in Rivertown will officially open this Monday, 23 December!

Excited, but it seems there were no lessons learned from the Atlantis opening debacle. I see no good reason other than "getting ahead" of the competition to not just soft-launch tomorrow with a proper opening on Boxing Day. But I guess I'm not an executive, so I wouldn't know any better.

I have to agree after watching that video they have done a remarkable job with this project. The detail, the difference in elevation on the vintage cars path of travel to give you the sense of realism, scale and wow factor. Not to mention, sound and lighting that will also only positively contribute to the immersion. I'm just as excited to ride Murrissippi Motors as I'm Jungle Rush. When I look at the footage/photos we have seen of both Rivertown and WOZ, I feel like Dreamworld have defiantly executed the themed land to a high level, covering the entire area in great detail. Where as the ride areas for the two WOZ coasters seems pretty sparce and undercooked? Maybe the stations and queue areas will make up for that but i feel like Rivertown is genuinely a much more well rounded execution.

Why is it scummy? It’s offering a payment plan option, which for many is a legitimate way to fund what would be considered a luxury purchase in current high cost of living times.

The biggest doubter won't.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19qqYRAiq8/ Needs to be some hats eaten amongst the Parkz doubters.

Geezus Village really lucked out on the timing of Wicked, didn't they?

Don't speak too soon, i'm sure Village still has the digital sign printer - they'll want to get their money's worth out of it.

*chef’s kiss* I think the days of 2D shitty signage are gone for GC theme parks

The inside of the temple from this angle looks un-temple like.

Jungle Rush was testing a lot night during the Night Market! Went forward and backwards. Was awesome finally seeing it in person! Also looked like a small film crew was on site, so maybe expect something on the News soon.

We dropped into MW yesterday and today. SE was running one train at 3pm this afternoon, with a listed wait time of 30 Minutes. Low and behold, after 80ish minutes standing around, we got on. Such a shame that the ride ops only seemed to give a shit about how quickly things moved after the the line was shut, presumably to get home on time. Rivals was even worse yesterday. We bit the bullet and joined the 90 Minute line at 1215 yesterday, only to not be on until about 3. Staff seemed lethargic, uncaring, like they didn't want to be there, and were above all else slow. There also clearly was not enough of them to run things efficiently. 5 (and that's me being nice) Minute dispatches on your flagship attraction on any given day is deplorable, let alone with SE down and GL being as unreliable as it is. I will concede I Did not ride today so there could have been a better crew on. It's a stark contrast to how we saw things at DW. As much as lines were long, the place was organised, staff were working hard, friendly and actually looked like they cared about visitors and wanted to be there. The contempt that the Village seem to be treating the consumer with is disgusting - the fact that in an off peak time, I could only get on 4 things in a whole day is deplorable. The arrogance to do things like have a listed SE wait time on the app of 30 minutes yet close the line at 4pm is quite shocking (what is up with these clearly under-representing wait times?). I knew from on here Village were bad, but man the contrast between the places is insane. I really hope things turn around and trend Upward at DW with JR. They clearly care about and have a passion for visitors and their experiences at the park, where Village don't.

yeah i’m a bit disappointed tbh. where’s the rock work and smoke coming out of the tunnel? why’s there pool fencing surrounding it? why is it just all concrete and commercial looking? the white sheds left over from arkham too… i hope this video is old and more landscaping and theming has been added. it feels like all the budget went towards the indoor queues and emerald city facades, i hope im proved wrong. at this point, i am more excited for Rivertown and Jungle rush overall.