MickeyD

regarding the new SeaWorld addition, I think one of these Mack "Twist & Splash" tea cup style rides would be fun: http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fulls...nteractive.html Mack makes tea cups interactive Published: 04 January, 2010 Mack Rides has introduced Twist ‘n’ Splash, an interactive, water-based version of its classic tea cup ride. The perfect attraction for parks of all sizes, including waterparks, this spinning ride features multiple new patented features including boats that are able to float free on the water and rotate on their own axes. The water gun system, meanwhile, is the same as used on Mack's other interactive water attractions. The full-sized ride measures 22-metres (82ft) in diameter. Twelve 4 or 6-seater boats carry up to 1,440 passengers per hour. A “mini” (14-metre diameter) version is also available, offering a theoretical hourly capacity of 960. The ride can be built on a steel floor and offers low maintenance and operational costs. The first unit is scheduled to appear at the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England, in 2011, but Mack may introduce one before that at Europa-Park in 2010. - Interesting! The more I think about it, could this be SW's new ride too? also check it out on youtube:

Disney Parks have a system that involves infrared counters at the entry and exit to each attraction (pretty sure they all have em). This allows them to be able to not only count the numbers of people each ride hits in any given day but also assists all aspects of the rides Operation. The information is recorded back of house and provides an acurate wait time projection to patrons. I wrote a proposal years ago after spending quite a bit of time studying their processes.. A great idea but for our Parks it all comes down to dollars. MW used to hand out 'time wait cards' every hour to a random guest as they would enter a queue to measure the average wait for times throughout the day and would schedule their staffing accordingly. I am sure a similar, far more budget friendly approach than Disney's is still in place there today

funny i took some peeps on scooby for the 1st time a little while back (it was the 2nd ride for the day and yes about a 40 minute wait) - Superman was the 1st ride and Scooby scared them more than Superman did! I guess the element of suprise got them but the ride was in such fine shape on the day, maybe that had something to do with it as well?

It all sounds like an exciting list of additions coming to the parks for 2010 but I can't help but feel disappointed if a xmas lights display and show are all that's in store for WBMW this year. If a major new attraction is greenlit for DW, surely MW will follow suit? Afterall it will have been 5 years since superman opened come this boxing day. As per usual I am keen to see a refresh of the Batman Adventure and the Looney Tunes River Ride but unless they are MAJOR changes that are heavily billed and advertised, I don't expect they would have much of an impact at the turnstiles. The main reason no doubt why they haven't addressed these two areas as yet. I am sure the significant increase in attendance at WBMW of late offers a need to expand and not just replace. Especially with such an obvious void of attractions at the back/western area of the Park. I am hoping they are just playing their cards close (as per usual) and waiting to see how things pann out with DW's plans before releasing details on something truly exciting

not sure if anyone else has noticed this but it seems to take the average jo a while to cotton on to what's on offer in the Parks. For years the general attitude amongst the locals was MW was crap and there wasn't enough to do there. I guess finally the tables are turning? Likewise DW has enjoyed great attendances for years without any new (worthy) additions. It's just an assumption thing the general consensus has I suppose. Other reasons as well; Traditionally the days of the 27th - the 30th of December have brought MW it's highest attendance figures for the year. Add to this fact that the weather has been terrible pretty much since xmas with yesterday being about the best of the bad bunch. People were no doubt holding off. As for SW, I guess it's that same public perception rule that many people have. I bet you'll find that alot of people out there aren't even aware the park has a new coaster - and a dam good one at that too! er no i am not referring to the sea viper;) I always thought WVTP's marketing department lets their park's down not delivering a very clear message to the public (wetnwild adds aside). On the other hand DW's advertising is always very vibrant and showcases a bewildering range of features in such a short time, really capturing the market.

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I'm so glad they are building 4 of these Beasts, the sight and idea of this surely will guarantee success before the ground is even broken. I mean the mere idea of a vertically looping water slide is just crazy!!! I had completely forgotten about these and last I heard was that the design was still in the testing stage. Granted that was a while ago, just glad to hear it's all come full circle! I'm hopeing (after such a slack 2009) this is going to set the stage for an aggressively competitive 2010 for all Gold Coast Theme Parks bringing a variety of exciting new attractions

Lasseter was a very good ride but it lacked repeatability in that many of the scenes played over and over like a broken record.. Some scenes were infrared beam trip activated like with the Tune ride and Bermuda today but not all of them.. Some of you old enough out there might remember the scene with the guy stuck up on the rig yelling "Get me down! Get me down!"and the figure down below tugging a rope responding "Ï'm trying! I'm trying" - this scene played over close to half a dozen times EVERY time the boat went past - I can almost recite Lasseters Lost Mine ride word for word having a season pass back in the day. As I said, it was a very good ride. Great theming and the animations were excellant - in most cases far superior than what is offered by Aussie Parks today

hmm.. I don't wanna sound hasty because I know it's still in test mode, is it just me or does the ride seem slow? -In particular the "Human" side which, granted is intended to be the more family friendly side but it just seems to struggle to the finish line.

^hmm you could be right but I seem to recall the name of the WaterPark where the Hyperdome is today was called "Wild Waters". There was a Crocodile Character featured as the Mascot to the Park placed a top a section of slide outside the entrance to the Park by the Highway. The Park featured a bunch of standard Green Coloured slides (about 10 of em) ranging in speed and built from the top of a Hill. That Hill was completely flattened when the Park was replaced by the shopping centre. I remember as a kid looking out for the "Giant Tap" illusion featured at the top of the hill whenever we would go by.

Just got back from MW and I have to say that for Australia, there was simply no better place to spend this Hallo's Eve!! The place was PACKED! -and I do mean packed.. Not knowing official figures I would have to hazard a guess it was nudging around the 8000 mark but always hard to tell when you don't have the crowd swallowing shows running full swing. No matter which way you look at it, this evening was a MASSIVE success - can't speak for other nights having not been before but everyone was having such an awesome time out there tonight. The word of mouth advertising will surely spin off an even bigger run next year, and, like most other people at this years event Iwill be howling for an even bigger and better time next time around! Top show Movie World!! Even as a past employee I couldn't help but feel proud of the result. I am sure many others out there would agree:)

OK! OK! OK! So maybe the time has come to finally rip the lid on this mystery?!?! I'll give you two words: SOFT DRINK

^no offence but from what I've seen so far the new show looks SHIIIIIIIIIIT!!! Sorry Seaworld but surely your guests are not THAT STUPID to realise it when something stinks THAT BAD!!!

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