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Sea World's New Atlantis will redefine Australian theme parks With three new major attractions on their way over the next 18 months to form The New Atlantis, Village Roadshow are seizing a unique moment in time to not just rejuvenate Sea World, but to set a new bar for Australian theme park attractions. Click here to continue reading

For those wanting to avoid squinting and oil stains... Ann Wason Moore Opinion: Gold Coast theme parks need government support to bring back the fun ANN WASON MOOREGOLD COAST BULLETIN MAY 27, 2019 Our theme parks have endured a bumpy ride over the past three years, so the announcement that Sea World is set to open a new $50 million ride precinct, along with the imminent opening of Dreamworld’s $17 million Sky Voyager attraction, is welcome news. In fact, the Village Roadshow renovation was inspired by the Queensland Government and city council’s $90 million investment in The Spit Masterplan, which will transform it into Gold Coast Ocean Park. And while this quasi-private/public partnership is great news, with the potential to create thousands of jobs, an interesting point was raised by one of the Bulletin’s readers. “Jackson” commented that while he believes the push for a world-class theme park is a far better idea than a second casino as originally proposed for The Spit, he wondered whether there was any free public land being offered to theme park operators — such as has been suggested for a potential second casino? Nailed it, Jackson. It’s not that our theme parks necessarily need free land, but a cash injection from the government would certainly come in handy if we are serious about building world-class attractions. Sure, our theme parks are owned and operated by private corporations — but so are plenty of other businesses and entities which receive government investment. Why shouldn’t our theme parks — which, along with our beaches, are the backbone of our tourism industry (and the backbone of our economy) — receive a hand-up from the government? Yes, there is a small amount already received by our parks, such as the $2.7 million the Queensland Government has spent in partnership with Dreamworld to expand the park’s Corroboree and wildlife area to create a world-class Future Lab, which would be the state’s first native animal genome research facility. That’s great news for animals, scientists and students … but is it going to inspire a stampede of tourists? Knowing my kids, the answer is no. The truth is that nothing puts bums on rides like, well, rides. And the bigger and better our theme parks become, the bigger and better becomes our tourism industry … and, by extension, our economy. Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw says he believes ramping up our theme parks is critical for the future of the region’s tourism industry. He says the Gold Coast could one day rival Florida, home of The Walt Disney World Resort, with its four theme parks and one of the most visited holiday destinations in the world. Interestingly, as Sea World unveiled its planned $50 million Atlantis precinct, Disneyland itself was preparing to open the doors to its new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge expansion — a 14-acre, $1 billion development. Lord (Vader) knows Village Roadshow and Ardent Leisure could never compete with the sort of budget that Disney commands — but the truth is that their rides are expected to. Sure, in Australia we’re happy to settle for our GC theme parks, and Americans don’t come here for our thrill rides … but what about potential tourists in Asia? Which land’s World are they going to choose? Disney or Dream? The population of Australia means we never reach the critical mass of visitor numbers necessary to fund such huge theme park developments. Which is why we need to do it differently. We need to build those rides to bring the numbers. If we build it, they will come. What we need from our Tourism Minister is a focus on in-fun-structure. By all means, let’s beautify the lands surrounding our theme parks … but it’s what’s inside those gates that really counts. As for the risk to the public purse, spending on Gold Coast tourism seems like a pretty solid investment. In fact, China’s government is already taking the plunge. Their Ministry of Culture has listed a planned Gold Coast theme park as a “key cultural trade and investment project” that is linked to the country’s ambitious Belt and Road investment plan. The proposed Australian Legend World at Nerang, to be developed by Chinese theme park giant Songcheng at a cost of more than $400 million, has been listed among other government projects as a top priority for the ministry. And you know what they say — nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. So city, state and federal governments, my advice is to pull out your pocketbooks … and get in line.

Some packages for the DC event have gone on sale on themeparks.com.au. So whilst not yet officially announced we have confirmed dates. Not entirely sold on the escape room 😕 June 29 - July 13

Parade at 5:30 each night celebrating Batman’s 80th Birthday Joker’s Funhouse Party from 6-8pm each night with food trucks, music/djs and rides open late. Fantastic!

I doubt Greg would have left VRTP without firm assurances as to what change he will be able to lead at DW, especially considering he would have been involved in the planning of Atlantis @ SW.

@AlexB DW lost the English operational manual and are now attending night school to learn Taiwanese.

Bit more info on food options, and show schedule

Nope

If the pump cut off and DW didn't have a system to stop the ride, cages or no cages DW would be in deep rhino poo.

I don't know - the DW and AW projects started prior to whatever new regulations or scrutiny came in, and probably caught them off guard. SW on the other hand has the benefit of DW and AW's experience, and has 6 months to figure out what other compliance obligations they have, and implement them during construction, rather than after completion. I don't think an on-time delivery from SW should indicate the truth or otherwise of this speculation.

I want the monorail to breakthrough a big ass waterfall as it enters Atlantis.

What an awesomely optimistic article in todays Gold Coast Bulletin!

In the picture of the park with new rides, Viking revenge flume is still there so I wonder if they might save it and upgrade it to fit with Atlantis. I know unlikely but was a great old family ride and it’s another ride to spread out the crowds between rides

It's high time that they actually had one. Previous installations haven't fitted this mould, and have just been a case of 'plonk this where it fits' - I've seen masterplans for other parks, and while not all of it came to fruition, due to changing technology and budget, such a document gives them a direction. While we haven't seen a masterplan for Dreamworld since (i think) the White Water World stage expansions, I have no idea what they were doing with many of their previous installs. Given that his role is described as 'on the ground' - park ops, food and bev, right down to cleaning and grounds gives me great confidence we should see a lot of positive changes. Hopefully Greg brings some of his VRTP strategies (such as the world's tiniest microphone social media streams) to the park, which should open the communication channels and share 'what is the park doing' with the general public. More open communications (with follow through) is one of the big things Dreamworld needs.

I think Greg's appointment might be enough for us to park the "Dreamworld Acres Estate" option for the future of the park for a while.

May as well post this here given Greg’s move has already been discussed in this thread DREAMWORLD MAKES KEY EXECUTIVE CHANGES TO DRIVE FUTURE OPERATIONS MAY 27, 2019 ATTRACTIONS / SAFETY / TOURISM /WATERPARKS As part of a move to implement global best practice in all aspects of theme park and attractions operations, Dreamworld has announced significant changes in its executive team. The changes see the Gold Coast theme park’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Callander move into a newly created role as Chief Strategy Officer for Ardent Leisure Theme Park & Attractions. Callander has held various roles within Ardent Leisure over a long period of time and with his knowledge and understanding of the business, he will lead the development of a new masterplan for Dreamworld. The role will also include overseeing the implementation of a number of strategic growth projects and continue to have executive responsibility of SkyPoint and the Sales and Marketing function for theme parks and attractions. Taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer for Dreamworld & WhiteWater will be experienced theme park professional, Greg Yong. Yong has been described as “an asset to Dreamworld with an extensive background in the theme park and entertainment industry”. Yong, a board member of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) was previously Chief Operating Officer - Asia & Executive General Manager - Theme Parks for Village Roadshow Theme Parks and Australia’s first Topgolf. In his new role, Yong will oversee all theme park operations, food and beverage, retail, security, cleaning and grounds and Life Sciences. Announcing the appointments, Dreamworld Chief Executive, John Osborne stated “these recent executive changes have been designed to allow us to focus on future planning, managing key strategic projects and bringing new initiatives and attractions to the park. “They will also bring key guest facing roles together under one reporting line and will ensure a more integrated approach to the overall guest experience.”