Leaderboard

It's on!

Im probably a bit late to add my 10 cents here but better late than never hey? In case you don't agree with AlexB and others, I suggest you start focusing on something else to get your hopes up on kiddies - there aint no fire comin to this here Storm. Aint nobody got time for that! - well at least I gravely doubt VTP do so best you all get over it hehe My rationale requires a quick history lesson peeps (spoilers): ● prior to opening PASS was to have a huge (80-100ft high) city skyline back drop -dramatic aesthetically but also highly functional sound barrier. Never happened ● LTRR was destined for a thrilling finale promising to take riders up to unimaginable heights before plunging into a thrilling splash down. Result, well NOT quite. Shame about the booster motors (like coasters have) these bad boys barely lasted a few months but added a much needed push and thrill to the finale. I would be very surprised if anyone here ever knew about these existing ● Roxy Theatre was meant to be sloped and with automatically operating doors (didn't even get them from bat ride/MM hand be downs. Never will either ● Batride was planned for an interactive passenger sequence and an 'airport style' boarding gate as well as the anility to alternate cycles. Somewhat costly and ineffective - especially when a very big part of the rides system was produced by Sony - cutting edge technology featuring LP sized disc players and 2 x $40k+ prototype image and sound filtering amplifiers. - custom made units that saved the road outside from being moved a metre toward the lagoon, for a larger building to accommodate motion bases that would have to be about a metre longer, otherwise with screens just too close to their audience to be clear! Smart and saved a fortune to be sure! ● WWF was originally planned for a dazzling suite of special effects, animatronics, thrilling scenes such as explosions waterfalls blocking every path, an actual train derailing as you narrowly pass under, cheeky critters at every turn and a really dramatic mine exploding finale! There was a time I had the original 'blue sky' plans, shame the mountain facade and landscaping blew the budget coz another 5 mil would have gone a looooong way, but was it necessary? ● scooby was meant to feature a haunted castle in the laser area - all fully enclosed walls around the track but still no floor so you couldn't see around corners! Shame the dark ride part didn't at least get a roof or at the very least, maintenance/operations leaving maintenence lights on during show mode grrr Point is EVERY SINGLE MAJOR NEW ATTRACTION IS ALWAYS PLANNED TO BE BIGGER AND MORE SPECTACULAR. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Sadly the reality of 'budget' kicks in and we wind up getting what they actually paid for. I must say this was a grave reality which over the years, the few of us that truly cared and worked so close to the magic came to accept after a while. Never changed, sadly never will. We aint Disneyland and never will be. No matter how hard they try. I think as enthusiasts it's best to just appreciate the 'opening day' versions as the best version that you're ever likely gunna get.. any improvement further on should be celebrated as an absolute bonus, albeit doubtful Nonetheless peeps I do fear that the big 'WoW' moments in our new rides are sadly in the history books. I guess they have found out that the general public just don't care enough about that kind of shit, so perhaps it's the 1st thing to go

CHEESE!!!