MickeyD

I was just researching USS to see what new I could find on the subject and there was this.. "Themed after DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster movie Madagascar, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure will be a mega-attraction at Universal Studios Singapore when it opens in early 2010. Widely successful across audiences of all ages, the hit DreamWorks Animation film will be brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor boat ride featuring animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and special effects that create a one-of-a-kind, funny and fun family ride." - Read about this for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it's since got me thinking.. I reckon MWs next big thing for 2010 will be a LTRR overhaul

argh my favourite topic.. good old armchair imagineering! I'm probably going to echo much of what's already been said: DW - High time for some major new pull here and it's surely a given that big capital is heading north Coomera's way for 2010. I suspect they will do something a little 'left field' - perhaps developing an entirely new 'world' featuring not one, but a few new attractions to occupy the old Blue Lagoon site as well as involving existing surrounding Goldrush & Rocky Hollow areas. It would be an historical themed area of the Park that would not only feature some plussing of old favourites like the rapids and the log ride but see the return of the Park favourite Mine ride re-jigged for 21st century. The sloping landscape of the old Blue Lagoon site would make an ideal location for a next generation water roller coaster flume style ride. Such a new area would have broad appeal drawing all areas of the market - not just teens or people seeking raw thrills. Sure, I'm probably talking around the 20 Mil mark for all of this (at least) but that's really the kind of capital boost DW needs to get back on track. WWW - meh, agreed with Gazza, WWW is a value added extra to DW and given it's doing it's job quite well I can't see any major plans moving forward, perhaps just one or two extras added to the existing grounds. WNW - Without a doubt will add something new (they always do!) As others have suggested H20 Zone and back of white water mountain are obvious because there aren't a lot of other places spare. The water parks adding stuff doesn't really excite me. Sure they are a great place to cool off and run off useless energy, relax and play etc but to me they are just the 'fun'parks of the 'theme' park world, no matter how good you make em. SW - Despite the fact that SW has only just added a new ride in Christ know's how many years, I suspect this is not the last new addition of steel fun on the relative short term for the fish park. Most of you might recall the tentative plans pledged for a water coaster (similar to Atlantis at SW USA parks) that was suggested for the front of the Park? I believe that was the 1st choice and the council's restrictive height code forced the jetrescue decision. Or was it that there are several projects in the pipe? WVTP's don't easily back down once they make up their mind on something.. Sooner or later I believe they will have their way to have certain laws 'relaxed'. MW - Will continue to be DW's direct competition in 2010. Whatever DW do, as I suggested they will want to do it well enough to regain some ground in the Gold Coast Theme Park stakes. Expect MW are planning to stay one step ahead of them with a two-punch hit. -Especially now with their winning over the locals with cash lucrative Annual pass sales. The Western area of the Park is an obvious location and if DW go hard, then cross your fingers that MW will whack in a couple of new attractions next year too! I only pray that if they do just that then Poor old Looney Tunes & Batride get some much needed TLC for 2011..

it's all basically still there.. the slides have been removed and pools have been filled in now it's just gathering dust waiting for the 'oneday' enivitable bulldozers to swoon in and 'oneday' make way for a new ride.. Can't see that happening for quite some time though

^Interesting! Perhaps this is just the que VTP's need for an Australian budget friendly version of an awesome Disney family classic! -then again, whilst on this website I was checking out the graphics on the Pandora's Box concept.. Correct me if I'm wrong, this idea has still not been taken up by any Park anywhere at this stage? ? What an awesome addition to MW (or any park) this could make!

A soarin type of attraction was touted for the Park but Superman won over it.. It's believed MW acquired the IMAX projection system from southbank cinemas to develop an aussie version of soarin - I personally would still LOVE to see this happen at MW and think the old Maverick/show stage area would be an ideal location.. AGREED! The western area of the Park is lacking a major attraction and with such an addition, it would certainly better balance the crowd flow throughout the park

Personally I had never expected a September debut.. my bet is it will be promoted as a 'major'new attraction in the same way that HWSD was and be gearing up for a xmas holiday start..

yet another ridiculous move on part of the new CEO Mr el stingo cost cutter. Unbelievable that he continues to introduce tried and failed ideas from US parks because evidently we are so much like them after all... huh, yeah right! You can get that **** anywhere, why would you want it whilst visiting a Theme Park? And Domino's? ? ? YUK! It's substanded high fat, high GI garbage that will no doubt be offered for the princely sum of over $10 for a single sized pizza that you could probably fit on a side plate.. God I am so glad I don't work for that company anymore, it's all just going to the dogs

Indiana Jones & the Temple of the Forbidden Eye (Disneyland Cal). Just the epic scale, design innovation and sheer WOW! factor.. THAT does it for me! there are so many other experiences that rate on an similar scale though; Twilight Zone TOT at any park, Dinosaur, the now defunct Älien Enounter,Test Track, JTTCOTE, The Space Mountain's,.. the list goes on and on - yuh, I'm A Disney park freak through and through I reckon Indy has the edge.. well at least for what I've experienced anyway

... And there you have it Ladies & Gentleman... NICE 1 GAV!!!

^plenty of people on the outside care but unfortunately it seems no-one on the inside that pulls the punches really does

^ I think that's the whole argument - the place is looking pretty cheap and certainly not with cheap prices! It amazes me how correct the 'bucket of soapy water' comment rings true - which doesn't really cost anything!! I'm planning my 1st trip to DW in YEARS a few weeks time and look forward to offering my point of view then. As for the Wipeout incidents, this has been occuring for years. I remember one such incident making the news back when it was relatively new. I don't think there is much of an excuse for allowing people to be stuck upside down for 20 minutes - this is more of a matter of public liability. For Christ's sake, what do people expect for an admission fee of $69 huh?!?!?! POOR FORM IF IT KEEPS HAPPENING DREAMWORLD

I've been saying it for ages.. It's all a sad turn of events that current WVTP management continue to make poorly thought decisions that are cheapening their whole Theme Park experience in favour of maximising the bottom line for the short term. Resultingly, expect people will wrap up their days feeling unsatisfied and ripped off. Yeah try and convince the head honchos that won't have an eventual negative impact on business? Some recent obvious cutbacks: - Reduced operating / trading hours for rides and attractions - Fewer shows on any given day (even on Holidays when busy) - Retail trading in the Parks on limited hours and staffing - Upkeep of attractions at an all time low (Bermuda, Looney Tunes, Batman, Lethal etc) - Service standards dropped - ie 1 ply toilet paper in toilets. - Cost of F&B at an all time high - Banning park guests from bringing in their own snacks Not only does all this have a negative impact on the customer experience but also on the frontline staff as well - I can't say they would be to thrilled to have their hours cut back to the point where now they pretty much have to work a 7 day week just to get full time employment. MW & SW used to have a great reputation for guest care & presentation standards. I guess that doesn't matter any more either?

Or inclose a tunnel all around the track and call it "Sea Mountain" lol

^ I'd say that's most likely what it's for. They are probably working through a process of ellimination whilst limping the ride along with some service (better than not having it at all) All of these problems with Lethal beg me to wonder if the idea of acquiring the fandangle next generation supa smooth trains is on the agenda? Afterall there is no way they would get rid of it and unlike the Corkscrew it could hardly run for 30 years without some serious TLC Oh and re the Red train, expect it's probably in pieces atm. Both trains undergo a complete rebuild at least once a year. Each one usually after the mid year term breaks (ie now and again for Blue in October)

If the new train offers the same fundamental experience as now then I can't see how it can be promoted as a new ride but if there was some new feature that improved the experience - ie swivelling cars or riding backwards then that could be pretty cool

TOTALLY!! I have been wanting this ever since they shut the old mine ride. The Dollywood version is a pretty intense thrill ride and is something that could be done to fit dreamworld's budget

I am really pleased to hear this. Personally I have thought the ski lake has been under utilised for years and it's high time the area moved with the times with the park bringing forth something with a little more WOW! factor. I have to say I am suprised this has happened before John Menzies retires given his close affinaty with the show. It is dissapointing to hear many of the performers from the old show will not get a shot at the new show but say la ve, things like this have to happen sometimes when bringing about change. I am sure there will be plenty of people out there shocked by this decision but let's just wait and see shall we?

^ what is the Guest Services department for I ask? If people have problems with their experience at the park, I strongly suggest they voice their complaints directly to Guest Services. If enough complaints are recieved perhaps they will do something about them? I have 1st hand experience at MW taking part in Operations meetings where Guest responses are aired. granted, this may have been 9+ years ago now but I doubt the importance of this has greatly changed over time. Even so, ultimately I doubt much will be done to improve matters such as this. Whether it's Scooby, Looney Tunes or any other attraction showing it's age, truth is the average patron will notice little difference at the time - or at least until they get to the end of their day, sum up their overall experience and perhaps feel underwhelmed and even ripped off... This is the very real scenario that Movieworld management need to be aware of.

No offence but it sounds like the new GM there is a bit of a price Nazi! Reminds my of the days when Mark German was brought over from Universal in the late 90's to cut costs. Personally I think the Theme park's are using the looming recession as an excuse to cut back. In my experience they do not suffer a great deal at all during tough times - if anything, a one day Holiday is just what the doctor ordered to escape the blues of the times.

^No one mans the upper lift, only the lower one. From the lower lift staff door there is an exit which goes to the set of side stairs leading to turntable 2

LMFAO! Nice one Gazza.. I voted for a bowling Alley (just to be a smart arse)

I was thinken that with all of the capital re-investment WVTP's have put into MW this year I'm betting we will not see a major new ride now till at least xmas 2010. Typically, a major new attraction in the realm of 10 - 15 million dollars worth has been installed every 3 or so years but this year with a 10 million dollar new stunt show, Main street roof as well as other recent minor installments such as Intencity & a few kiddie rides for the WB's kids zone, the bigger part of short term capital growth has been spent. Whilst I'm not expecting a major new ride I am sure there will be some nice minor additions being planned for the Park for 2009. Three things I'm hopeing for: * Rumoured (and much needed) update of the Batman Adventure ride with improved simulator projection technology, FX + how cool would the ride be if it offered random alternate endings (ie 3 different show endings split over the 6 motion bases) * A total refresh and update of the Looney Tunes River ride - not only bring this MW classic back to it's original grandeur but enhance the attraction with improved technology and maybe even some new scenes and suprises to this sadly dating attraction * A Haunted Mine shaft walk through scare attraction in the Western area where Boot Hill currently stands. Using what MW does best, I think they could easily (and cheaply) pull off a spectacular spook house themed to a western setting. Rather than using live actors opt for lighting, projection, audio and animatronics could nicely do the trick. Such an attraction could be a fantastic filler to an area of the park so desperately needing balance. Of course I am hopeful for something bigger than this but given what's already been spent, this is my best possible wishlist for MW in 09. What do you think might be in stall?

^ I believe there were tentative plans for a temp attraction as was mentioned some months back - it was for a shark attack display

Lovin the look of the show.. The set, the cars, the cast & the costumes, all look great - I know from seeing part of the script there are also plenty of big bangs planned for the show too. Nice job MW!!

^ Yeah me too - from the looks of the space on either side of the track, there isn't much room for a decent show scene