MickeyD

^ 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

From the parts of script I have heard, it pays no mention of any specific film. Yes the theme of the set is an Italian village and the scene is around shooting a jewel heist sequence for a supposed 'upcoming film' that the audience too is involved with. I think to keep this attraction a little more timeless and perhaps repeatable, there will be no specific movie tie-in.

^ Well with two launches and a far more twisted layout, I think it's a given - this will be a far superior experience compared to DW's poorest investment. Isn't it amazing that by throwing a few extra million bucks at an attraction, how much it improves the overall experience? I'm intrigued by the enclosed scene - it sounds fun!! I can imagine it involving some turbulant water effects as well as some projectors perhaps? I too hope for some animatronics in the ride but I certainly wouldn't count on it! WVTP's have been moving away from AA's for some years now and when they are used, (AKA Scooby) they are more like moving statues - which is fine with Scooby, they merely compliment the attraction & as you are moving by so quickly you don't get a good chance to check em out anyway. The reason for the shift is general upkeep and the high cost of ongoing maintenance. Take for example the Looney Tune's River Ride - since removing a dedicated Sally Animatronic's specialist about a decade ago, the show has progressively gotten worse - an absolute shame because with that attraction, the Animatronics ARE THE SHOW!! It is one of the Park's flagship attractions that has been going downhill for years. MW Management I hope you read this and pay attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick update, the plan is to start the show on the 15th of December

well before you go calling people a dumb ass consider your topic choices 1st? BTW, Wild Wild West Adventure ride was the title of the original name for the Wild West falls attraction, I think you're meaning The Western Action Stunt Show.. Redundant topic, sorry

Love your work Gav - this news has made my day.. AND IT'S COMING TO SINGAPORE FIRST WOOHOOO!!! i think you are right about the Spiderman ride system being used but with the integration of full sized Transformers this ride is going to ROCK!! Awesome find

could you imagine the outcry from animal welfare lobby groups?? As much as I think it would be fun to see them up close in captivity, it really is just a selfish thing to do with such a massive and beautiful animal. For SW Australia, I very much doubt it would ever happen

One would also assume that with the weakening of the Australian dollar, we should see a significant increase in Domestic Tourism and therefore an upturn in Theme Park patronage over the coming months (if anything)... BAD FORM MOVIEWORLD!!! Something like this happened about 4 years ago when they decided to operate attractions sharing alternate cycles throughout the day. This was not at all well received by the guests & before too long got back to the media. They immediatly changed things back the way they were. I am assuming Gazza is correct and they have only closed certain quieter stores during the low seasons. IMO MW Management should continue working more toward attracting locals to bolster the Park numbers, at least until Domestic tourism picks up. Blatant increases in prices and shuttering stores is obvious cost cutting and not very clever either when it becomes so obvious to the guests in the park. Look at what accountants have done to Stella properties throughout Australia? They have turned successful Resorts and Hotels into lean, mean money making machines.. IF MW management go down this road it will again only be a matter of time that Patrons respond negatively to the changes in the form of Guest surveys and Guest Services complaints

OK, so about the show (or at least what I have heard about it so far).. For one, let me just say that from what I have heard the show is going to be pretty amazing!! I can only imagine Mitsubishi will be a sponsor for the show given the 10 or so Evos being specially made for the job. Interestingly, NONE of the original Police Academy cast will be returning for the job however thankfully Mr Vic Wilson will once again be 'taking the wheel' and directing the stunts for the Production. Come summer time when the show opens and as guests enter the huge arena, they will find themselves greeted by a Camera man and the 'film's' Director (two actors). The Directors character will somewhat play as comedy relief and the Camera man will be interacting with the crowd in all sorts of ways. As all of you heard earlier, a huge screen will be placed at the back of the venue. Perhaps what you didn't hear was the entire audience will be involved in the show in one way or another! The film sequences will be cleverly spliced with pre shot segments - the whole thing sounds mildly reminiscent of the old Movie magic show.. Enter the film's Producer - this character could be loosely compared to Police Academy's 'Harris' character I guess. He is there to disrupt things and clearly does not get along with anyone else except himself. As the lead up to the action ends, the scene is set explaining they are going to be involved in the filming of a jewel heist scene - shot in an Italian village setting as previously mentioned.. This is about all I can remember, the only other thing is expect loads of cool driving, action & MASSIVE explosions (as hinted by the Director and Camera man during the show's introduction.) Sounds like it's going to be a fun and much needed interactive show

I have been informed that MW has/is acquiring 10 Custom Evo's for the show. I have also found out loads more on the show and will spill my guts on what I have learned later in the week

Don't count on it - the usual opening for a major new ride is Boxing day. At best there could be soft runs in December, all going well

Yeah!! How bout those Gremlins huh?

I get you Alex but it depends on the type of show you are looking at really - both maverick & PA costed loads to run, hence why maverick was no longer viable to continue with. Not only were there pretty big casts for each show, there was also of course the back of house operations such as animal care (old western action show), mechanics, show techs, pyrotechnicians, prop, wardrobe and costume shops, trainers, audio visual, fitters etc.. Even with only 2 - 3 shows a day, operationally and cost wise, they were very much considered MAJOR attractions. I very much doubt a version of Soarin would cost as much as this. It's basically the functionality of the Batride with a big screen. Keep in mind I spent the best part of 10 years working in Operations at MW in a fairly senior role so I have a pretty good idea of backend running costs. Even so, MW management have always been very cautious with 'over capitilising' their Park. SW has it's exobedant costs of animal care whilst MW spends loads more on the behind the scenes stuff you don't see. I think this is the main reason why we haven't seen so much growth as we have seen replacements and upgrades (Gremlins, Western show, Studio tour, MM, PA). There is the obvious need to keep the place fresh as parts of the product date quickly but the main back end reason is to control capital expenditure and keep it in line with attendance growth. As I said, I believe the Maverick venue is the site for the next Major Attraction. Traditionally they have added a major ride to the park every three or so years & that number comes up again for MW xmas09. I don't regard Hollywood Stunt Driver as a major initial cost outlay, the venue is already there & the massive savings made from not running Police Academy can be dumped in to the initial set up cost of this new show. With other additions to the park over the years such as Wild West, batman, a bigger Looney tunes area etc, they no longer see it viable to run two major shows that swallow 1500 - 2000 guests at a time... However, we haven't really seen a new people eating addition since Wild West, that didn't already replace something else (unless you can't Batwing, Roadrunner, intencity)

^ I'm not sure if they did in fact acquire the IMAX projector or if the plan is still in the pipeline for a version of Soarin. I do know that was something that was tossed about before Superman was decided on. Who knows maybe it's still on the back burn? One thing is for sure the Maverick show venue is a hot spot for redevelopment. Personally I think a version of Soarin would make for a magnificant addition to MW's line up and would be a HUGE draw for international tourism. It could easily be themed to the western area with an appropriate Aussie outback themed entry. Something like this would be not only a massive crowd eater but would also prove relatively inexpensive to operate, needing only about 3 staff.