Psycho

I've always thought the only reason that Gold Coast parks leave it so late to announce upcoming attractions is for fear that it will have an impact upon attendance. For example, announcing a new ride due to open in December prior to the September school holidays will result in patrons "putting off" their visits until then. Seasonal parks, like Cedar Point, usually announce their new additions around September - when their season is winding down for the year. That being said, however, there are year-round parks in other parts of the world that announce their future attractions much earlier and with much more detail than parks in Australia.

As far as I'm aware Universal Studios Hollywood is the only Universal Park to have a studio tour. I know Universal's Orlando park doesn't have one and I believe the Japan park doesn't either. So it's not entirely impossible for a park to be movie-themed and not have a studio tour - to be honest I don't think a studio tour would add anything to the Florida park. That being said, it's a strange point you've all made about Superman. He used to be seen walking around Movieworld regularly... But perhaps DC Comics has changed their licensing agreement.

From Dreamworld website: Candy Nut Shop in Main Street Refurbishments from 12 June - 12 July 07. During this time access to the shop will be via the Ice Cream Parlour. It's been ages since I've been to Dreamworld, but does this back onto Eureka?

Well what about the Intamin drop rides in Asia/Europe? I haven't heard anything about closures in any other parts of the world other than the US?

Yes Goldrush has had minor improvements made over the past few years, but no major rehab. If you look at the way the park has progressed in terms of re-theming and major improvements, the entire Ocean Parade/Tiger Island etc side of the park is pretty much complete. Rivertown will probably be next with the new coaster/boardwalk area they seem to be constructing. It would make sense for Rocky Hollow and Goldrush to receive a rehab over the next few years - especially with the excess land they now have for expansion where Blue Lagoon used to stand. I'm not saying this is definately why Eureka Mountain Mine Ride is closed, but it's another possibility...

Or 4. Could possibly have something to do with the construction of the new coaster. Probably not, but in reality we haven't seen the plans or know how far this thing could extend. Or 5. They could be starting a rehab of Goldrush Country. That area of the park is long overdue for renovation and, with the excess land now available where the waterpark/skyride was and the other half of the park almost complete, it's time they started cleaning up Goldrush/Rocky Hollow.

Wow! Just read this! That'd give you a jolt! Although X-Scream wouldn't be the worst one to get stuck on in my opinion. I felt quite secure in that one. If I had been stranded on Insanity - now that would have given me a heart attack! That one made me feel like I was going to die! And just now, looking at the date of this article - I rode it about 2 weeks after this! If I had known about this I probably would've thought twice

I'm really torn about the way Universal has been ripping out older attractions and installing new ones in recent years. On the one hand, when I visited Universal Florida in December, BTTF looked incredibly dated and was in severe need of some TLC. On the other hand, it is one of those classic attractions that is synonymous with Universal parks. I can't wait to see what Universal do with the Simpsons franchise. It's a great park to have it in because, after all, Universal aren't afraid to be a little risque in their attractions. I just hope USF keeps their E.T. attraction - I'd be really disappointed to see that go!

Firstly, it could become apparent that the safety issue with Eureka is too costly to warrant repair. Secondly, the announcement about the ride being closed for maintenance only came after a lot of rumours regarding the track breaking etc etc (and I'm sure a lot of emails from members of this forum to the park). Thirdly, I'd say, even if it were closed to make way for a new attraction, it'd be far too early for the park to announce that. Those are the reasons I suggested it as a possibility. Also, I think it's definately possible DW's next addition will be 'something big'. Given the increasing competition from other Gold Coast parks, management would be foolish not to invest in something that will bring the thrill-market back to the park.

Well actually, over at ozcoaster it's now being said that Dreamworld has decided not to choose Vekoma afterall (they were apparently planning on a runaway mine train) because it would not be good competition. They'd be foolish not to open something more thrill-based considering Movieworld's recent additions. So Vekoma is out (thank goodness)...And with Eureka closing down, could the park be clearing space for something bigger?

The first-generation free-falls are actually quite cool in the way they work. I rode the SFMM one in November and they still give a really freaky free-fall sensation despite their age...Mainly because you end up on your back. The restraints on them rip up your collar bone though. They'd make a nice addition to a smaller park, especially if given some nice theming.

It used to bother me a lot more when I was younger (and shorter) and, despite keeping my head back, I couldn't make it a pleasant ride. Now that my head is higher above the restraints it is a more bearable ride, but only just. In my opinion, it's just not a very enjoyable coaster.

I actually thought Sheikra was a great coaster. Possibly a bit of a one-trick pony, but the first drop was worth the wait. The main reason I believe a B&M would be perfect for Dreamworld would be because they have great capacity, are a hell of a lot more reliable than some other coaster companies, and age well. Given Dreamworld's history of coasters, I think most will agree that they are the things that this park should be focussing on when selecting a new coaster. What's more, while B&M aren't all that willing to embrace a lot of new technologies (ie: launched coasters etc), I'd say that it just proves that they make the highest qualit coasters on the market when they can avoid those features and still be ranked amongst the best by enthusiasts.

Also, I believe the previous owners (who owned the park when TOT was installed - a Malaysian or Singapore company?) started the major ride every two years concept - before the park was sold to Macquarie Leisure. But you're right, the main reason for that was to compete against MW and Lethal Weapon I think...

Flow Rider...World class? Hmmm I can see what myk meant though. There was not a whole lot of capital expenditure at Dreamworld until about 97-98 (or when TOT was installed). Prior to Macquarie purchasing the park, not a great deal occurred - when compared to the past 5-8 years.

The reason there was more explicit swearing in this year's daily show is due to the changes that were made to television classifications and screening times in early 2005. Last year, PG-rated programs could not be shown before 7.30pm. Early this year, the rules were changes so that those programs could be screened from 7.00pm onwards. To be honest, with a couple of notable exceptions, BB Uncut was no worse this year than other years. It's tacky viewing, but has been since the Adults-Only version started in 2001. If you compare it to some of the European versions of the show, Australian BB is extremely tame. I also take issue to all those people who complain about 'under-age' children seeing the explicit content. Perhaps those 'impressionable' people's parents should try taking some responsibility and monitoring what their children watch. BB's figures were down this year, however it continued to rate relatively strongly in the 16-39 demographic which Ten chases so intensely. Also, it was up against Home & Away and Temptation - two shows that have been rating very strongly this year. So all-in-all, it held it's own relatively well for a show that has been running for 5 years. Also, a 120,000 drop in viewers of the finale is not huge considering the concept is a bit dated now. Basically, what I'm saying is...expect it back for one more season (probably in with milder housemates though).

Actually Matty, check out imdb. I was referring to the fact that the movie was distributed in theatres and on video by Warner Bros and that WB had a large hand in the production side of things...

* The Phantom promotion in 1996 (Paramount) * Hi5 performances * Marilyn Monroe in-park appearances (despite the fact nearly all her movies were made for Columbia, MGM or Fox) * The Saddle Club appearances Ok, a few random examples that just came to mind that MW has had over the past few years. Makes me wonder why people are getting so testy about Shrek when there are examples of licensed use of other studios products throughout the history of the park. And as for cheapening the brand...Universal Studios still uses Nickelodeon and Jimmy Neutron despite the brand being owned by Viacom (Paramount). Universal uses Beetlejuice - yet that was a Warner Bros release. They use Twister - even though that movie was predominantly branded Warner Bros. A lot of the movie parks cross-promote with other studios when it means $$. So, why all the fuss now?

If Dreamworld are going to replace TB with a new coaster, I really don't think it should use the same site that TB used to occupy. There are far too many major attractions in that part of the park as it is. That site would be better used for a new themed area with a lot of smaller attractions that would be better suited at dispersing the crowds already hanging around Ocean Parade and Nick Central. That's why a water park on that site (for example) would be a much better option than a new coaster or a major new ride. Assuming the water park goes there, the Blue Lagoon site should be used for the next coaster the park gets. That'll help to disperse the crowds a little more evenly through the park, while still being visible outside the park. I don't think DW should be trusted with a woodie. If we look at their track record with maintenance, it wouldn't be too long before a wooden coaster would be breaking our necks as badly as TB used to. DW definately needs something that is high capacity with proven reliability and a marketable appeal to it. While flyers are marketable, they are more expensive than traditional coasters and have a history of problems (while not major - they do tend to suffer from more downtime than other types). I think DW should go for a stand-up or a floorless. (Although it's been a while since B&M made a floorless. I think 1999 was their last. Are they still making them???) Maybe a floorless with more than 5 inversions. That way DW can market it as having two "firsts" in Australia.

Great pics! Is the building still labelled as "The Daily Planet" or has that all been taken down with the screen? Great idea for the screen but it really doesn't blend in well at all.

The main advantage I've read about RITA's OTSRs is that they give a bit more room to move than SR's, and they are more capable of accommodating....shall we say...."larger guests"

With all the problems Intamin had with their restraints, I wouldn't be surprised if MW doesn't go with the traditional lap-bar (like the one on TTD). The new Intamin restraints are a weird combination of OTSR and lap bars...Like this. More than likely, Superman will have this style of restraint fitted to it.

Might not be....Just seemed the logical thing to do with the new ride coming. Having the Daily Planet (the signature building related to Superman) at the opposite end of the park to the new ride. Although I guess Gotham City Hall and Batman: The Ride aren't situated together so they may not be moving it. Just a guess.

Ever dreamed of making it onto the silver screen? Well soon you can at Warner Bros. Movie World with the spectacular unveiling at Easter of the fantastic new Panasonic Big Screen! The Big Screen, located at the end of Main Street, on the Daily Planet building, will wow guests and ensure EVERYONE’S A STAR at Warner Bros. Movie World! Not only will guests ‘star’ on the big screen, but a fantastic line up of entertainment will feature daily including a revamped Matrix Action Show as well as the popular Bat Attack - ensuring guests don’t miss any of the action of the world class entertainment and shows that take place at Warner Bros. Movie World! - Source: Warner Village Theme Parks So it seems the park may be removing the theme of the old Daily Planet building so it can be recreated in the new Superman area. At least this means that park guests will be able to see the entire Batman/Matrix show despite where they are standing on the parade route. Hopefully they blend it well though, and that it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb...

It never was. But after Expo in Brisbane, it was rumoured that Titan was meant to be going to Luna Park in Melbourne. Something happened and the deal fell through, so Wonderland stepped in and bought it - rebranding it as Demon. Was the price of $1.7 million quoted by Visionland? If so, does that make it in American $$?