Spotty

That's basically them saying instead of spending the money doing a refurb they'd rather something new and more marketable. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all, but I'm sure with a decent overhaul the ride still has plenty of life left in her. Remember Sea World said the same about the Pirate Ship before they got rid of it, and it's still running to this day. If it's for sale at the right price, for some parks it would actually be a great buy.

I'd love to know your source on that, as there's no such law regarding the sale / purchase of used rides to other theme parks. Otherwise how did Gumbuya world buy BuzzSaw etc.

I mean... that honestly would make sense. For a water park, there isn't really any point opening a new ride just before going into the quietest time of the year (winter). A September opening just makes sense, have a few months to iron out all the kinks before going into the xmas holiday rush. Easter just doesn't make sense really.

https://www.amusement-rides.com/product/gyro-swing-intamin - Looks as though Claw might possibly be for sale? I know the pictures are of the bigger model but all the stats match up to The Claw. They do have it listed as a 2005 model though (Claw was 2004). Maelstrom opened in 2002 and is still operating and the only other 32 seater Gyro Swing is Goliath at Adventure World. Very interested to see if the ride ends up being sold to another park...

Given they just spent a decent amount on Green Lantern doing upgrades to the evacuation system it's probably not going anywhere for a while still. Given that the park only has one flat ride (Batwing, and I guess Flash) the park really needs a few more. Pretty much every decent theme park has a decent variety of flat rides, water rides and coasters. This is what is missing in the parks lineup and what they need to focus on next. They already have a decent sized show already (pity about the content!) and Roxy. So I think realistically in order what they need is: Flat Ride Package > Replacement show for HSD > Kids Area overhaul before even considering replacing one of the thrill coasters with a new one. And honestly I think given its age I'd suggest it may be Superman before Green Lantern as the Hydraulic Launch coasters are getting harder to get parts for. I don't think that Superman should get the LSM conversion either. In regards to Vortex being moved... yeah let's not. It's a shame because the Top Spin model is actually a decent ride when it's ran properly (Sure it's no Wipeout but it's not inherently bad). But It's not something I would want at Movie World at all. I would honestly love a high capacity Screaming Swing or similar to replace Doomsday as I think it would fit the plot nicely, and is reliable for the most part. It's a thrill ride, but not so scary that younger people wouldn't want to ride it. They could either go for the 32 rider model or even the 40. The good thing is, on quieter days they can run a single side if the park isn't too busy (which given VRTP standards they will run only one side outside of the opening 6 weeks)

Which honestly is what I'm hoping for. The park does not currently need another roller-coaster. They need a few decent flat rides with CAPACITY. Something along the lines of King Claw that's opening at Dreamworld (for capacity, not ride model). I strongly think 2-3 flat rides, and a decent show would really round out the offerings in the park especially once Scooby re-opens.

FYI. I have not ridden this, or Jungle Rush so my opinion is just based on what I can see. I personally think if they went with a single large Vekoma coaster it would have been a bit too similar to Jungle Rush. I think the rides they went with were a good idea in theory, however with the way that Village operates their rides it's a big downer. I think if they can fix the operation procedures (which TBH, I don't see happening) I think FOTWW would be a great coaster. I'm not quite sure how good the dispatches on KT are, but if ran properly it would be pretty good for capacity which right now is what the park needs.

I was thinking the exact same thing lol. Having done many track walks on Superman in the past, the launch hold is pretty much as soon as you round the corner. Not really any wiggle room at all.

Based on that, I feel as though the outcome should maybe be a no loose items policy similar to Superman. Or have tubs at the entrance to the ride queue. It's a bit harder given that it's transportable but yeah. If anything should come of it that would be the only change I would maybe make to how it operates. But the way you suggested it sadly seems like the only way to somewhat effectively do this.

If I was Chant's amusements, I'd counter sue them tbh. It's honestly stupid if they think that they could actually win this given that she was stupid enough to walk into a restricted zone. Pulling the whole "The staff should have done more to stop me" card is just pathetic. Staff member said they can't retrieve it until later when it's safe... the area is fenced off. As far as any sane person can see, that should be enough to go "Hmm... maybe I shouldn't do this" but apparently not. Absolutely zero sympathy for her or the family tbh. She made a stupid decision (taking the loose items on board), followed by a second stupid decision (going into the ride envelope) and now she's making a third stupid decision by trying to sue someone for their own stupidity.

Yep... back in my days at Village it was $16.01 a hour for a ride op (Part Time) - Legit 3c above minimum wage. No weekend rates either, just public holidays. Any night time events (Fright Nights, White Christmas, functions) were paid at "Multi Hire" rates - so the casual pay rate which I think was about $19 a hour back in 2012. It really wasn't a very good pay. Weekend rates at Village has only been a thing in the last 5 or so years fairly sure, and it's still only just above the minimum wage. I actually got paid more per hour working at McDonalds than as a ride operator back in the day. But I did it because I loved what I do, but the wages could only go so far in the end...

Eh, there was still a few people around at that stage... but the cracks were starting to show around the time that I left (2013). Sadly pretty much all of those people are now long gone.

I haven't been on it since the ride was ruined by White Water West with the new station and boats. Might head back up there one day, but with the way things are being ran I'd rather spend my money at Dreamworld lol.

Some of them are still out of service since I was reporting them in 2012 lmao. I still remember doing a ride check, and as we were approaching lift 2... the boat I was on hit the approach, and we heard this MASSIVE bang... The main axle on the conveyor broke. Instant evacuation... at least I was on hand haha. That and the drive wheel in the reverse section conking out... and having to stand behind the wall where the reverse element was to "nudge" a boat if it got stuck. Ah the simple times haha.

In the mid 2000's (Greg Yong days) staff rides certainly did happen before the rides opened to the public. Green Lantern opened for approx 2 hours a day for about a week for staff to get rides in. We were also able to bring up to 3 family members one night for a preview. They did the same for JL as well (but not for Arkham). Not sure if this happens anymore though. In the summer months on West in particular we used to do a "ride check" once a day where we would just jump on a spare seat in a boat if there was one to check what theming elements were not working properly or had broken down to report back. Although TBH it was mostly to cool off... Sad if that's changed now though, as having a night for staff to experience something new before everyone else is a nice little perk. it's also good training for the ride staff too before tech rehearsals begin.