MickeyD

Visited MW today and had my first ride on DD.. Themeing throughout the area is impressive - I can't wait to return and see everything in all it's glory! The Weather was pretty terrible today which was great for us as we experienced little to no wait all day. I only rode DD once. We would have gone again however riding in the rain didn't seem like our idea of a good time. Tbh, if it was more thrilling, I wouldn't have cared less about the rain and gone again and again. As others have said, the ride is not super thrilling - it is a lot of fun. We were among only a total of about 10 riders aboard, so given the ride was only about a third occupied, I believe it would be a much better experience when riding with a full load, adding atmosphere to the experience. I would also like to caution those of larger size that this ride will be your most challenging one to be accomodated. Myself, I am of bigger build and have no problems with riding Scooby-Doo or any other rides at MW. In fact the only other ride I have found a similar squeeze has been The Claw. Personally, I would love DD to go faster. It feels very controlled (like wipeout) with no free/momentum based motion. I guess that's why ppl are less inclined to motion sickness? As free fall motion is not a possibility with DD, a faster ride would certainly add to the thrills. I would love to know if going faster is even possible? Judging by the size of the motors Im going to say so. Others would possibly find DD frightening if it is their first time being held upside down from a fair height. On the thrill meter, they might rate it 9/10. I would give it 5/10 and rate every other thrill ride ahead. Scooby-Doo included. The entire area as a whole, I rate 7/10 and would happily give it another point if the ride could be sped up or offer a faster, more thrilling mode. Thrill ratings aside, this is a much needed attraction for the Park and will further assist with balancing out the Crowds who will find themselves more evenly dispersed whilst adding a needed extra half hour play time. After the big coaster next year, I really want to see a classy spin and spew flat added to the old Lethal Weapon Q/cinema area. With no Adult/family spin rides to date, I believe it would round things out very nicely.

Correct. Movie Magic had emergency exit doors between stages 1 and 2 flowing out to Chinatown alley

Hopefully a plan exists to reopen the area, allowing it to flow to Arkham. A dysfunctional flow of Guests/ Park capacity is occurring because for whatever strategic decision, Management have refused to open the area. I visited the Park today and had a great time as always.. Staff were friendly and I must say I am very impressed with the Ops staff on how they have improved dramatically of late? A few things I noted from my visit: - the bathrooms throughout the Park are sorely showing their age and for the most part, the same original facilities since opening day. I have faith this is a matter currently being addressed, evidently with the Wbs Kids zone the first to be brought into the 21st century. I visited 3 separate facilities during my visit today and was quite alarmed by the amount of water (err hopefully water??) walked across the floors. Whilst the tiles are no doubt coated with a non slip surface, the dirt stains and puddles make them appear so poorly presented/maintained. Clearly the Park amenities are not maintained to meet the numbers through the door. It should be noted that despite a significantly higher number in daily patronage over 25 years, the Park still exists with the same number of Bathroom facilities. - Dead ends throughout the Park effecting guest flow. A simple first step would be reopen the corridor to Arkham, put some more vendors in if need be along the way with a future plan to envelope SDSC with a path running around the back connecting the new Villains area. I have a gut feeling that this will become a reality sooner rather than later -and hopefully so- The addition of a much needed thrill flat at the back of the Park will most certainly improve capacity, however unless they address the matter of Guest flow by opening up thoroughfares, Crowd activity will surely become further unbalanced with wait times fluctuating between 5-45 minutes, depending on how savvy a visitor you are not to ride with the tide All aside, I see these as minor details and glad to see the obvious areas being addressed. Management are obviously doing a good job keeping the frontline happy? All going well, it's certainly shaping up to be big things ahead for MW

The Spectacle and Grandiosness of scale will also do I guess, at a pinch... but thanx anyways...

.. I've seen enough. That 1 shown may not be the same size.. but you get the idea of what to expect.. perhaps this one is more up your sleeve? https://youtu.be/hR25KHmV6Lc Shall we wait and see then?

Helloooooooooo again everyone.. It's been such a long time, for sure. I sincerely hope that you are all keeping well? Symantics aside, I think this might be just the thing you are all looking for http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6ykvt71LfHI

Sea World Australia has never been about Capturing Animals - in truth it has always been about Rescue AND CONSERVATION! Sorry mate, I doubt you will win friend's here with this. For one, can you tell me about a time when a tropical climate has assisted in the continuation of an endangered species such as the Polar bear? No I thought not

I applaud DW for at least making the area comfortable and some needed shaded seating. I think you will find this is simply an interim measure at least until a positive solution is reached that will hopefully make everyone happy. DW WANT TO REOPEN THIS RIDE - just as many have speculated and one way or another, I am confident that we will be see something positive coming to the old Mine Ride site by the end of next year 2016 is going to be a bumper year for growth in our Parks. Without a doubt MW has big plans too and how awesome would it be if a runaway mine cart coaster was built over the Western show stage area - along with a fun flat ride for the old LW theatre. Game on I say!

Hotbod for a dead dude

It seems that by some (but not all) on here my point was misunderstood. I never said MW should accept fault - well at least not entirely - perhaps only some of it. By presuring the Developer to come up with something bigger and better than they have ever done before, on condition with the hand shaken pay cheque waiting at the finish line... Oceangirl, I reckon you are on the mark saying maybe more time should have been invested in R&D - but what if the potential Investor had the attitude of 'make it work or the deal's off'! ??? Case in point

I am sure that you have heard more stupid things than this in your day. Remember that there always two sides to every story in this case I am simply suggesting that the blame may well be equally split

Agreed Joz. This appears to be a design defect however could you at least accept that maybe just a smidge of pressure on VTP'S put the ride into operation prematurely? I have no doubt from personal experience that MW'S technical services have done their best from the get-go but as far as finger pointing games go, do you think there should be partial consenting? - Side note but I have always been sceptical of the Park's decision to not have a properly enclosed Maintenance Bay for this ride. Leaving cars parked outside, day and in the unforgiving Qld elements certainly can't have helped

Am I the only one that thinks this globe could have been done soooooooooo much better? Seriously, What's with the shitty garden hose fountains at the front along with the noticeable blue poles??? SOLUTION : Some mee-fog spray with outward splaying fountains (think of a Peacock's tail) along with just a tinsy pinch bit more detail on the Globe and this could have been the Spectacular water feature that DW should and still can deserve to have

As far as VTP'S not being responsible, well I'd say that may not be entirely the case. The fact is our Park (in this case mw) contracted S&S for an El Loco whilst demanding it be on the condition that they could provide the biggest version of such Coaster, somewhat raising the stakes, as historically the Park has always shown, despite our relatively modest Aussie Park budgets Facts have and will find that this Accident occurred due to the proportions of this unique ride including greater track dimensions and double breadth cars. Eventually, this lead to continual strain on the Bogies - ultimately 'uprooting' one from the track, nearly causing a SERIOUS accident.. Expect the new Green Lantern ride experience to feel much the same for the Rider, whilst offering less strain to the train with a cross brace to hold it in tact, providing greater support to strain from additional weight caused by overhang I'm sorry but MW simply has to accept some fault. This ride is in a way a prototype that the Company demanded and pressured S&S to produce

Evening fellow Parkz peeps Just wasted 5/10 minutes of my time trawling through this topic "future additions for Gold Coast theme parks". So far this topic is now up to 5 pages - 5 pages of pointless comparisons, trip reports, complaining and wait times. Not to mention the pie stare si stance - well known members once again showing zero respect for new (and often younger) parkz members. If you consider yourself as a senior member of Parkz, can i suggest you start acting that way? Honestly, where's the harm in an overly enthusiastic new member trying to get involved- only to be shot down for being wrong or not being able to demonstrate acceptable punctuation. If this sounds like you,PLEASE STOP ACTING LIKE A BULLIE & GROW THE FUCK UP !! Senior members, do keep offering you're opinions that matter. Our new members look up to you guys for your support, experience and advice. I reckon sometimes

It seems odd to me that after all this time they are reopening BSG in its original theme? I gather Singapore has extremely strict protocols surrounding Theme Park safety and some policies seem odd (ie taller people like myself having to sit toward the Centre of the car). I wonder if Government policy forced these coasters shut for longer than they would be in other countries? We will never know with no other ride like BSG elsewhere else. My guess is this is a major reason why Im at least hopeful they will have new trains to hopefully make for a smoother ride. Don't get me wrong, battle star is a good coaster (cylon side). Human side was a bit meh to me. Shame because I was hoping for a good and great experience. Especially coming from such greatness as Universal. It wanted to be Dragon Challenge and it fell so short of that. Here's hoping for better when it returns. Regardless, BSG is the missing big thrill that Universal Singapore has sorely missed

Like Joz said, sadly the success of an 'Act of Terror' would be measured on the impact it would have by targeting that which is universally recognized, has political, structural and/or cultural significance. Mankind's great icons that symbolize and individualize our world will always be targets so long as they are globally adored. Natures wonders on the other hand cannot be resented, used and abused in honor of stupidity amongst mankind - we remain Chief responsible for it's abuse nonetheless. For Australia, our iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Parliament house would be obvious serious targets because they are recognized distinctly on the world's stage As for Theme Parks, I believe only the world's most beloved and famous one could pose a signigicant potential threat - I'm sure any true Theme Park fan would know which Park that is. The act of Causing havoc inside a place of innocence and where people go to make their dreams come true would be an all new low for the Human Race. Now if only Mankind could find a way to un create those God's that created us before we created them? We need to be proven wrong to make things right. Easier said than done when you're at the top of the food chain with no one else but each other to question If only..

Ah yes we can always count on the good old Roxy Theatre bringing out a new attraction in an otherwise slow growth year for MW - always a welcome refresh! And to those of you oversized big kids out there wanting a shot at looking ridiculous by begging for a go on the kiddie cars, maybe it's time to pack those Transformers away in the toy box and let the Littlies have their moment in the spotlight? Still feel like you're missing out? Then maybe a job in Operations is for you! Whilst being a part of a new ride's launch'crew' has historically been an honour and a priveledge amongst the MW button pushers, perhaps this will be one role to err ' buck the trend'? Put it this way, If my supervisor wanted to 'reward' me with opening month in the driving school i think id be sick.. At least you would get to drive those cars around right? Particularly during morning testing - during the day it's handed over to the Littlies to run riot like gremlins tearing up mini movie world town whilst the poor Ride Attendants slowly go batshit crazy over the course of the day. Only to do it all again tomorrow.. and the next day.. and the next day.. Think I'm overreacting? The idea of Tijuana taxis on steroids is no laughing matter to someone in the know

Have a read around the other topics guys, I posted about this recently. You're right, mid 90'S it happened around the rocky hollow bridge where the track switch is located

^ sorry if I sounded defensive haha no, just trying to tie in what was going on at the time, maybe jerk someone's memory out there? Trouble is theme park nuts like us didn't really exist back then - maybe I'm just plain weird remembering shit like this. Vast majority of people really wouldn't care enough about this kind of stuff to remember it Yup, definitely weird;-)

^ exactly! As the ride's signature feature is 'interactivity', that which makes it unique amongst all other aussie park rides unwillingly disconnects a willing audience from truly being part of the experience. I've even said it before as so many others who WANT to love JL more. I make a point to ride whenever I visit wanting to enjoy the experience yet always felt unsatisfied. Animatronics, scenes, audio, lighting - all a stella job by any standard. So what could be the issue? Every time I rode, if anything the show just got better but still something was missing? Then it dawned. You need a great system that connects the ride with the game and game to the player. And in true MW style, it needs a surprising, exciting finale that's unexpected and the highlight of the experience. Something that makes people go WOW and talk excitedly amongst themselves as they exit.

I agree that a complete lack of suitable marketing let the ride down, from memory it never had its own advertising campaign - unlike the lead up to Batman adventure - easily the most hyped new ride experience aside of the entire MW park. Marketing aside, the ride just lacks the BANG! that people hope to experience. The loading area is exciting and sets expectations high. The usability of the shooting system itself is, IMO the MAJOR disappointment. You just can't feel accurately the results of your actions, making the action feel unconvincing and a little awkward. I believe this could still be upgraded / improved, only if it thought a worthy investment. As Flea said, the flat finale ends the ride with a whimper leaving most riders feeling a little wtf.. I love the scenery and animations throughout etc, really impressive.. Just a few relatively basic enhancement to give the ride the surprise finale it deserves (wind, motion, bass, smoke etc) All this aside it would appear our JL will have a clone coming soon to a USA 6 flags park..

Interesting that no such articles showed up? The train crash was on the front page of the GC bulletin (slow news week??) and like I said, we has the clippings displayed in the 'chap' office as we used to call it behind the roxy. I can only assume the incidents occurred mid 90'S and as Alexb suggested may have influenced the decision for airgates on future coasters. Like I said a young female was involved in the Thunderbolt incident and train driver was the only major injury that resulted in his subsequent hospitalisation (airlifted as I recall). All I can suggest is maybe verify this with someone else who worked at DW (or even MW management) at the time?

Sure! I can tell you some about these incidents, if it bleeds, it leeds so say the media ;-) - The Cannonball express accident happened during park hours when the second train was being fed onto the track. As the operating train full ofhappy Guest's passed Blue Lagoon, rail house and turning right under Rocky Hollow Bridge it was jacknifed by the other train that was being switched onto the main circuit. The operating train was shunted off to the right driver side and other passenger rail cars also thrown on their side The train driver was airlifted to Hospital with suspected neck injuries. Noone else was badly injured, I believe This happened around the mid 90'S The Thunderbolt accident occurred when a waiting female rider fainted, fell forward and onto the track at the loading platform and was cleaned up by the oncoming train returning to the station. I believe it pushed her some way down from where she fell outside the control booth. For whatever reason, there was no attempt made to estop the ride and avoid her injuries (busted ribs from memory?) Lucky the girl wasn't killed.. Not surprisingly, both incidents made the news. After that accident, riders would have to wait back in the queue and counted through only after the train was stationary Air gates were eventually installed yet the practice of keeping riders off the station platform remained in place regardless I remember we had these newspaper ads on display at the fishbowl staff noticeboard when I worked in ops at MW. A reminder of how not to run a theme park perhaps? Unfortunately for DW, they always seemed to be good at making the news for all the wrong reasons and as the competition, we liked them to know it ;-)

^ I heard a rumour that MWs gremlins ride cars and track system was the Queensland Pavilion.. Anyone else hear that one?