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Maybe we could be getting a flat ride to replace the Pirate Ship?? That would then take the ride count back up pre BT closing and the ship closing. (Minus Castaway and the kids ride missing in the kiddie are) the park does seem to really be investing into returning it back to top shape! If it is a ride or flat ride I'm hoping for an S&S Screamin' Swing, VRTL seem to be doing some work with S&S lately! Though if it's for the water coaster, that would be awesome and would point towards a fairly good ride time! My guess is the water coaster would open sometime before the Spring next year to capitalise on the warm period, I don't see a water ride going in towards the cooler period and I don't think there would be enough time to get it done by Summer. But hey, I'm only speculating so who knows!!

Exactly my thoughts on the topic AlexB.

I would really love to see MW get something to do with 'Sherlock Holmes', however I don't think we would see our park get that, because correct me if I'm wrong, but Warner Bros. (who no longer even own the park) had the rights for the character in the movie. Much like Harry Potter, if VRTP wanted Sherlock, they would have to go to the people that owned the rights to the character. But given that WB just did 2 movies on the character a ride/attraction would be awesome. Same goes for Harry Potter at the park, but we all know with how much J.K Rowling will ask for the rights, thats never going to happen!

While they are redoing the facade I've got to say the signage around the building looks really cool, rather than just a boring tarp!

Wait, so this an advertisement by VRTP, or an article by Sunday Mail? Because if its an article, I'm taking it with a grain of salt. This is owned by the same company that brought us the info that Green Lantern would be a stand-up.

That is why I have been saying that I wanted the park to go down a different road with a water coaster theme instead of Atlantis like the American SW's because, although I've never ridden it, I've heard a lot of reviews about a confusing story! I really wanted to see SW make this their own. A question for someone who has more knowledge on this, but if they do leave the BT building for a dark ride section before the coaster, could they say leave the trough layout in the building, and have the ride go through the old layout before going into the coaster section at some point, helping save money... if that makes sense? Or would it not fit and they would have new troughs built with a new layout? Just thinking but if it would still fit then could we see the same loading area reused, the theming around did sort of look like washed up bits and pieces from boats and the park could utilise the same queue area.

Does anyone know why the steam effect left SE, was it mucking up the rides launch?

Not to worried about the blade on Scooby as MW have showed time and time again that they interested in reinvesting in their rides to keep them at their peak, so no doubt it will be fixed as soon as they can, even if they have to order parts in! Can I just ask when you say all effects are working on SE does that mean the steam effects are back, or still missing. If they're still gone then even if its a legitimate reason I still miss it. On audio, GL even though it is hit and miss still, I think at some point they will be able to fix the bugs and have it running on all trains at all times. AA I think it would have been cool to have it going during the whole ride, but then I can't help but think with the noise of the ride you wouldn't be able to hear it!!

The park in winter also runs alternate slides. One slide for one hour, then another for an hour. Why couldn't they just do the same as they do with their other slides?

That was my point, since both slides mirror one another keep one out in the open, enclose the other! I know one is newer than the other, but I don't think it really matters which one is enclosed, they both do the same thing. But it could bring life to an older ride and draw people to that side of the park, especially so the other side doesn't become clogged with people if that is where the new slide goes, having Aqualoop and the new addition. Question as well, but if the ride is taking the old Terror Canyon site, what will happen to the Zip Line? Is it in the way and will have to go, or are they going to be able to build around?

This is great news, and surprising, I really wasn't expecting to see something from WnW and didn't really think they needed anything, but nonetheless we'll gladly take it. It means VRTP have basically got something new coming to each of their parks in the next year and a bit if the water coaster is for SW! Also, I'm really liking how VRTP are utilising social media to create anticipation about upcoming attractions, unlike when we would something get built with no mention that it was actually there until it was basically open Slightly off topic, but I'd really like to see them update one of their Mammoth slides, keep one side open, but enclose the other, add some lighting effects and music, I think it would make two different experiences, for what is two of the same slide.

I'd like to point out, and is something that annoys me a lot is Wavebreak and The Spit from about the Yacht club on IS NOT NATURAL! It was man made and was built not to be natural and environmental but to serve a purpose and that purpose was to stop the huge coming into Southport and allow them to build a bridge between Surfers and Southport. As far as I'm concerned then development that will help improve the economy and the town should be allowed to proceed and support any idea to develop these areas. Stradbroke Island is natural so sure leave it that way, the rest I don't care. So that land I would love to see further developed and improved and would love to see some of that land go to SW to help them improve their park and give them some much needed space to improve!

Thats nice for residential/commercial/hotels high rises, but Sea World as a theme park I personally think should be exempt and thats not just as a theme park fan! I think for future expansion of the park in the rides department and help it compete with the other parks and give it something to attract the whole family the height limit should not be imposed on it. What, hypothetically, if they decided down the track they wanted a drop tower is it really going to take up that much of the view from people living on the other side of the Broadwater and is it really going to look that ugly, the northern half of the spit looks wayy worse!

I personally think a height limit is ridiculous!! Really? SW have no permanent neighbours, people across the Broadwater/Main Beach, will it really destroy their view, they have the rest of the ocean and these things are blip on their radar, when really does a ride completely intrude on someones view when you live that far away. The height should be gone and not exist AT ALL. There are permanent residents who live closer to MW and they don't have a height limit! How can a park truly expand if a height limit is in place?!?! Anyway, still can't see how this would go anywhere else but SW, unless MW wanted to expand or use it as their LT replacement. DW, maybe another expansion, Blue Lagoon? I did say they, I personally thought they needed another water ride since their two in Summer get HUGE lines that they can't handle! Hey, maybe While Sally are still out here if its going to MW could help with some theming and any animatroincs if there are any!! Also, if it is for SW, while I think an Atlantis theme is great, I wouldn't mind seeing our Aussie SW pick a different theme for the ride... give something for us to separate ourselves from and sell it as being unique, IMO anyway.

I thought this was their first time here too, but a little while ago someone else pointed out on here they have worked with MW before, which I believe was Looney Tunes River Ride, which is why I'm really looking to this since LT was such a great family attraction. I have no doubt this ride is going to be executed great and people visiting the park are really going to take to this ride, but what I really want to know next is what sort of capacity is this thing looking at. MW tend to build rides that are people eaters (I still say AA needs that second train), so I'm hoping this ride is no different and will be much needed to help spread out those big holiday crowds. Also, I'll get on the bandwagon here and say 'Hi', I love it when people directly involved with the parks or rides take the time to come on here!!

Are you sure the Batcave preshow will still be there, because, judging by this photo that MW posted themselves, the Batcave WAS located in the left of this photo, but it looks like it with the rest of building, has been gutted.

^^ Hahaha yes that was it, I remember seeing it and thinking "Thats would be so cool if Sea World actually got that!"

^ Yea, thats what I was trying to say was a car park coaster. One built over a car park, not next to it. You just just explained it better and shorter and added pictures! So thank you!

Really any park on the Gold Coast I could see this easily fitting in. However, I think the park that needs a new ride the most and now that AlexB adds that piece of information above (Bermuda demolition), I could see this/looks where it is headed to SW. I'm going to be sad to see the Volcanos go, I always thought of them to be a Gold Coast icon, seen from the Broadwater with flames erupting from the top!! I know the park always wanted one, this was shown when they last lodged the plans with council and looks like the park has returned to this attraction. Now the speculation begin on what the theme will be; I seem to recall Gazza actually came up with a plan for a water coaster to go where JR now sits, can anyone find that idea, it was pretty good, I wouldn't mind seeing it sit where Bermuda now sits! I just hope if it is destined for BT then people can stop complaining about how bad management and blah blah is. BT could have closed for any number of reasons that were unavoidable (the park has shown even if costs a lot they are willing to keep it going) and no doubt replacements take time. I don't argue the park lost some of its charm and I agree BT didn't look very good just sitting there so open to the public. However, the park has been taking some positive steps, Spongebob Parade, Jet-ski show, Dino Island and now hopefully BT replacement. Just do something about the train line, give the monorails a revamp (adding a new train to replace the one that was decommissioned and some air-con), kids area and just ensure the parks grounds are kept to a high standard and I'll be very happy to spend my afternoon's just lazing around the park. Hopefully, MW will add a LT replacement next year as well, construction will be underway for WnW Sydney and we will see VRTP's become a powerhouse!! Also, can we see this discussion in 'Theme Park Discussion' so it can be better discussed?!?!

See, I think this is where people are getting confused by your definition of a car park coaster. Aren't they car park coasters because as their name suggests they are placed in the car park?? Just because it has little theming I don't think you can class it as a car park coaster. Yes, Green Lantern may not be completely immersive, but what exactly is wrong with it, if it does have a theme, storyline and presented in the park well. Yes, Green Lantern is near the entry road and car park, however, an effort was made to set itself apart from the car park, doesn't actually go over the park (what a car park coaster does do) and beautify the area (something a car park coaster doesn't). Yes, MW is like a smaller Aussie version of Universal or Disney, but even those parks don't have every attraction as an E-ticket attraction. Universal has many generic/off the shelf rides. Disney has a few too, Goofy's Sky School (and whatever it was before it was re-themed, can't remember), Maliboomer (don't care the park has now removed it, they still built it) and Silly Symphony Swings (Orange Zwinger before that). All rides are well presented, doesn't make them "car park coasters" or "car park flat rides" So, I think everyone here is getting confused as everyone seems to have their own opinion of what a car park coaster is and really what is so bad if MW do a ride every now and then that doesn't have complete immersive theming and clever back story line, as long as it has been well presented and themed. After all MW's bigger (non-related cousins) have done the same from time to time!

Look I don't think Cyclone is that bad of a coaster, maybe before when it was just a car park coaster; however, now the park has WWW and the coaster twists around the park, it works and creates a good atmosphere. I think it also for younger kids and people building up to the bigger coasters like SE, every coaster can't be crazy with a high thrill, I think it works fine for the park. It doesn't however as the parks full circuit thrill ride coaster and shouldn't be marketed as such, thats where the park needs to make a rather large purchase in this department. Cyclone just needs a major overhaul and refresh, with a faster loading operation and a second train. On the topic of a Dreamworld with 5 year plan and refreshing its image there is this, which jedimaster1227 from TPR found: Not all my options are working right now with the forums but here is the article copy and pasted below: LINK: http://www.adnews.com.au/adnews/dreamworld-rides-with-sapientnitro Dreamworld rides with SapientNitro 19 Jun 2012 By Wenlei Ma Theme park brand Dreamworld has recruited SapientNitro as its creative agency as it looks to refresh its image. Dreamworld has rolled out a 'Dreamworks' precinct within the park which features characters and rides from the famed animation studio such as Shrek and Po the Panda. The park hopes it will broaden its appeal to families. SapientNitro will develop a new brand platform and refocus the brand around the experience of visiting Dreamworld. Brisbane agency Junior has previously worked with Dreamworld. Dreamworld general manager marketing Kathryn Valk said: “We chose SapientNitro to develop our new brand platform based on their expertise in translating the value of brand into the customer experience. SapientNitro's digital and strategic offering has shown us the future value of our business.” SapientNitro Brisbane managing director Stephen Forth said: “The launch of the Dreamworks films and products into Dreamworld is just one of the many exciting changes we will be working on to give the park a new edge. The true value of the Dreamworld experience goes beyond a monetary transaction. Dreamworld creates magic and memories that will stay in the family forever.”

If anyone is interested, The Morning Show is broadcasting from Universal Studios in Hollywood all this week for their 5th birthday! I'm hoping they also go down to Disney for the newly opened Cars Land, I would kind of expect it, considering Seven have the output deal with Disney.

Okay, this is something that has been bugging me on the forums, people bagging out VRTP closing Batman with no replacement. What do you mean by no replacement? The park closed it back in November and by Spring their will be a new ride in their, thats a turn around of less than a year. I know a replacement will eventually come to BT and LT, but they have been closed down longer with no replacement. I don't know the reason for their closure and I'm not going to speculate why they closed down so long before their replacement and left SBNO; and who know what Ardent are doing with Eureka. But please don't bring Batman into, I really don't think that ride applies. I agree with Joz, the park does need to find itself a new direction; I still mind it keeping the Australian theme, although Madagascar and Tiger Island don't fit. I would start with the entrance and that includes both inside and outside the the ticket gates, it would only be cosmetic but I think thats where you need to start as that what sets you up before you've even entered and gotten on a ride. Yes I would return the Fountain and make it something really spectacular, maybe even put something like the Universal sign outside their parks in the fountain but with DW obviously. Next, before I even add new rides I would revisit the lands that are fine and the rides and give them a refresh, much like Disney did to DCA, return theming to rides that left it, mining uniforms back on GD, water back in Wipeout, if feasible, work out some theme with Cyclone and add a second train, those sorts of things. On the topic of uniforms, I know people may not like this, and know QLD summers can be horrible, but I'd really like to see new uniforms for the park, especially ride operators, other than blacks shorts and a polo top; although something like beach type, lifesaver uniforms would work well in Ocean Parade. Mick Doohan, I think is okay as a family ride and thats what they need to market it as, get rid of it from the Big 7 list and give it a massive makeover, although if money was limitless, I would demolish, find another location in the park and build another family roller coaster. Wiggles, personally I couldn't care less if they were there or not, but I still would like to see a second kiddies area, maybe bring back the Kenny the Koala area, put it out near AWE. Gold Rush, with Eureka, something like Gazza once drew up, I just thought that was phenomenal. Keeping on going with the area around the back develop Blue lagoon as either part of Eureka, which I would make Rocky Hollow part of the Gold Rush area as well. Get rid of the old skyway poles and then as we move out that back some new, big exciting coaster added to the park. I'd also like to see another water ride, because in summer, forget about cooling off on their current 2 water rides, the lines are the longest in the park and a water ride that is a real people eater, they've got rapids, log ride, maybe one with a large drop on it to give it a real thrill, if by some magical way it was possible I would love to bring DW's rapid ride into the 21st century by extending it and making it bigger with a drop on it. I would also expand WWW to it full size and then add a hotel and entertainment precinct to DW attaching to the shopping centre, when it eventually gets built , and have something like a city walk at Universal, that way making it a place that when the day finishes at the park you still money with Ardent. You would also have a jump on VR, as they will eventually also do the same with MW, WnW and Outback. I would also extend both DW and WWW trading hours in summer, create a world class parade for the park running during the day and again at night, and have huge show to end the night like the Disney and Universal parks do maybe around the Rivertown area. I would also love to something like a tram/trolley or the like making it way from the entrance plaza to other areas of the park like Ocean Parade. Sigh, if only I was Gina Rinehart and money was no object!!

Is that what we really want though? Another one trick pony? All Kingda Ka is go really fast straight up and come back down. They already have ToT and GD is only a tiny bit shorter than it. Look at the coaster polls out there, the ride isn't number one. People want rides with a bit of substantiality, pull some G's, give some airtime, maybe go upside down a couple of times (although even then rides that go upside down heaps also don't rate as number one). I would much rather have SE over Kingda Ka any day (although I haven't ridden the latter). Doesn't everyone complain DW is full of one trick pony rides, how will this fix it? I'm not even going to the point that 15 million dollars will nowhere near close enough to build it either. Also, no more movie licenses for parks, we already have one themed movie park in Australia and that is enough, considering we only have a few parks that are all grouped together. DW needs to be an alternative with a point of difference, which for them is Australia, lets just keep it that way; or hope management do. Its actually interesting to read back before all the other points that people remember about DW, and the extra charm and touches it used to have that are now gone that even I had completely forgot about. My point I guess, is that people do notice, and it does impact on peoples experience, even if they can't put their finger on it. It then creates bad word of mouth; my suggestion to the park is go back to old days, or find a new direction, give it everything you've got and stick to it. I just remembered a few more as well: I remember when the park had a show filled with singing animatronic Australian animals. I remember the roar the Thunderbolt used to make as it went through the loops and could be heard all the way across the M1 from my school. I remember watching my family on Thunderbolt and not being able to wait till I was tall enough to do and watching in fascination as it went around and around. I remember standing outside the park on boxing day morning and looking up as the GD would slowly make its way to the top, looking how tall it was and going "NO WAY", then watching someone from the family do it and coming off looking like a ghost. I remember when the mountain that housed Angry Beavers Spooty Spin actually had a working waterfall. I do also remember the Votex, but that has some bad memories attached , so I thought I might leave it off!

I was just about to come back and add the water from Wipeout and the shark, but I completely forgot about the wizard.