DaptoFunlandGuy

The technology isn't the problem. Using the technology improperly is a problem.

The plane i'll give you. that's a mangled monstrosity that is very clearly 'not' a plane. The other two images, while certainly digitally rendered, don't have any of the usual hallmark artefacts that I would associate with AI generated content. I'd like to explore that some more - can anyone else point out the specifics of these other two images that make them genuine wholly AI generated? So you're not a designer or an engineer, and since you're here its fair to assume that you're an enthusiast that wants good things from the parks - and yet this outrage over the methods they use to deliver them - I just don't understand what the issue is. What negative effect does it have on your experience in the attraction? Are you up in arms that other genuine creative agencies are using photoshop? are you protesting pixar for Renderman instead of inking and painting glass and cellulose cartoon cells and doing it the way the 'real' artists did it back in the 1930's? Technology has progressed, those who embrace it will flourish, and those who shun it will die off. Stop being such a luddite. We do not know the AI engine that was used for this. We do not know it's source material. For all we know, the engine has been built on art already owned by the builder. Many organisations are building their own AI databases using solely in-house materials, or materials that are public domain. If there is a genuine case to be made that this company has used an engine that makes use of other people's copyrighted works, let me know, and i'll grab my pitchfork. Until then, i'm not going to schlep around being bitter about "how much of this new ride has been soured" by a few early concept sketches and a mood board.

No it doesn't. Yes it does. People seem to forget that Raiders of the Lost Ark - the first film to introduce the Indiana Jones character - is somewhat factually based on people who have searched for the mysterious artefact referenced in the Bible. The city referenced in the film - Tanis - was a real archaeological discovery of the 1930's (though it was discovered by a Frenchman, not the Nazis). The film takes a lot of licence with story and characters (it is entertainment, not a documentary) but it is arguable that a somewhat factual historic story about ancient temples and lost artefacts isn't unique to Indiana Jones, with 'The Ark' being a somewhat well known myth amongst archaeologists well before Spielberg came to town. What is telling is that the design brief references Raiders of the Lost Ark, and not Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye \ Crystal Skull (depending on whether you prefer the US or JP versions). If they were referencing the Disney ride to copy, one would presume they would reference it? You still banging on about that? Since AI tools launched, many people have taken to utilising them for various functions. AI tools are still a case of input and output. Nobody went into ChatGPT and said "i bought a rollercoaster. theme it." And its very disingenuous to suggest that the people involved in this work - designers, engineers etc are just kicking back playing ping pong while some bot in the corner singlehandedly churns out the attraction. Seeing some of their early concepts that are clearly AI generated, and then seeing the later artworks that have taken inspiration from the visuals to create wholly original artistic works, I think they've done some amazing work. Of course if you think you can do better with a wholly original concept, i'd love to see it.

Everyone shhhh! Let him answer the question!

You'll be fine, though I can't comment on the new restraint positions for Wild West Falls, it should be ok. Depending on how you carry it, some chairs might be uncomfortable in the wrong places (though this is a point that can vary wildly for everyone), but all the harnesses should lock with your size, so if you are ok with a very slim chance of having to tolerate some discomfort to experience the ride, you'll have no issues.

I mean, Nintendo released Mario Bros in 1983 and its expanded universe of characters is pretty much the only IP to feature in the 2, going on 3 Nintendo World's built around the world (though Donkey Kong will soon be added). Nintendo has the added benefit of ongoing console development and the large array of Mario world games including Mario Kart, Mario Party and Super Smash Bros. (Fun fact - Sonic is also featured in Super Smash Bros) I'll grant you the Sonic universe is nowhere near as strong as the Mario one, but that doesn't mean it isn't timeless, lacking relevance. The franchise experienced struggles through the 2000's (primarily a legacy of Sega withdrawing from the console market) however they continued to release ports and new games for arcades and other console platforms and continue to do so. While not every title has been successful (neither has every Mario title) they continue to release games across all major platforms including Nintendo, Xbox, PS and even PC-windows, as well as arcade cabinets for various olympic games releases. The film rights have been circulating since 1994, with MGM and Dreamworks both passing in on the scripts. Sony bought the film rights in 2013, later selling them to Paramount in turnaround. It became the sixth highest grossing film of 2020, and the highest grossing film based on a video game in history. Sonic 2 then smashed that record by a further 30%. (Sonic 3 is set to be released at the end of this year) Is the franchise popular because of the films? OR were the films popular at the box office because of the franchise? I'll admit that there is potentially a bit of nostalgia driving the box office sales, from Milennials who grew up with a mega drive - but doesn't that prove the IP has a strength and timelessness to continue? (I also just found the Fandom, which goes far deeper than I ever imagined it would - Sonic Wiki Zone | Fandom)

We need more WWIAFT, stat.

The thought has never once crossed my mind that this was some sort of knock off of anything. Can you give some other examples of Parks that have copied indiana jones?

I'm almost certain that this is the reason. Sea World is in a relatively unique position for this to occur. Sea World in San Diego literally has cages for their dining areas to prevent birds from getting into the dining areas and stealing food. So other seaside parks do have their battles and deal with things in their own ways. It's a bit of a weird look, but Sea World isn't exactly "themed" to something where the WWIAFT 'don't fit' the theme. If it keeps birds from shitting on things, I don't see it as a super big deal.

I'd love if this community could take credit for the change, but for all we know they'd planned to change it up once they had the second seat installed and any bugs worked out. Either way i'm pretty happy and it's definitely something i'll give a go on a more regular basis at that price point.

Sorry little buddy, but you've got it wrong, i'm with Wiki on this one. The phrase you've isolated from the entire spiel is being twisted. Let's take a look in the entire context (my emphasis) As wiki has put forward already, what they're saying is they proposed physical set pieces and props to theme and tell the story - mechanical in nature - rather than representing these things with 'digital solutions' using screens or computers.

Could be the more receptive political environment down there that makes it more viable... I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the former Sega World in Sydney. The last time we visited Docklands it was a desert island of abandoned storefronts and not at all the premier entertainment district it had been intended to be. There's merit in this idea merely because of all the available real estate in the complex to make use of, however that did nothing to help Sega World Sydney and I don't think it'll work in melbourne either.

I had seen the original image, but I think there is some additional content on the site since then. If i'm wrong then my apologies.

Earthstory have posted Jungle Rush concepts on their website Earthstory | Dreamworld - Rivertown Jungle Rush Gold Coast Australia's Dreamworld selected Earthstory from an international field, to create and develop the engaging storylines, visitor experiences and exotic theming designs for their iconic "Rivertown", "Jungle Rush" roller coaster and "Murrasippi Motors" car ride. This was effectively a ‘greenfield’ site; Earthstory worked with Greg Yong and the Dreamworld team to set the bedrock for an iconic attraction. Together, we conceived and worked through the concept feasibility of a temple dark ride, and how to tie a two-ride precinct into a single coherent and exciting visitor journey. Our design philosophy was grounded in the old school, steering away from digital solutions to a ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ mechanical approach - for a cinematic feel where ‘you are in the story’. Our creative journey called for the origination of everything - from an ancient culture including its architecture and artifacts - to a motley crew of adventurers, hand-built jungle cars, a towering temple, massive mysterious statues, and a complete backstory to drive the visitor experience. Upon delivery of Earthstory's Visitor Experience package, Pico Play commenced the CAD and construction process to bring our conceptual designs to fruition.

Can confirm the EFTPOS machine has been with the sorter for at least the past two years.

The Wild West boats now have a smaller 'minimum close' position than they used to (they previously just had to touch the guest in the locked position, now they need to reach a minimum set point). The tester seat \ boat out the front has red\green lights, and there's a new A-frame out front of the ride warning people that larger guests may not be able to be accommodated.

What part of "there's a QR code in the queue you can purchase it from, and the ops staff have an eftpos machine at the front of the queue" did you miss?

I took a look around the park earlier today - not really anything of note. You can see the various ABC\Wiggles items and a bunch of crates of various sizes that could house anything.

I think the online limit just prevents it from being oversold. The last thing you want is everyone buying up the 4:30 slot and being in the position of either cycling for 4 hours past closing (not going to happen) or having to process a lot of refunds. I have seen someone who purchased online right before closing get turned away by the ops team (but that was when they had fireworks on, and the ride had to be shut down prior to them starting) You've still got wristband sales in the fairy shop, and ops team can take card payment at the front of the queue too. It quite frankly couldn't be easier to purchase if they had a paywave terminal mounted to the seat. /s I think at $25pp its a great one off. I won't ride it every time but will fork out when i'm bringing someone to the park that has never done it. If it were discounted off peak. BOGO or similarly priced to sell more than one for a discounted total, i'd be all for it. I think $10 or $15 per person, or in a multi-buy (say, buy 4 for $100, get two free) would ultimately see more revenue and less empty seats.

au contraire, sir.

How much easier do you think they should make it to purchase?

I've been talking about this with some friends for a while. I'd like to see maybe off peak hit $15 for 1 and $20 or $25 for 2 - just use a different wristband for the second one, so that it has to be used together.

From what is said in the video, a single sensor out of tolerance is causing a complete shutdown. This isn't standard in the industry and usually when there's multiple sensors to agree on things, most across the industry accept if all agree except one, the one disagreeing is discarded. You'd expect SBF VISA, given their time in the industry, would do this, but it sounds like they didn't. Not really Village's fault but we all know what happens when you assume. I still think Funtime should have been the direction but we can't know all their reasons - but I do know SBF shouldhave known better.

I guarantee you'd still probably beat me there if we both tried.

Fuck me i'm loving this transparency from Village. Very cool to hear all the things they're doing to try and bring it back up reliably.