iwerks

Looks like Outback Splash is closed again today. The fires to the north of the city are still blazing. This shot was from their property on the weekend.

I got back from the GC last night and this is what greets me at Perth's Domestic Airport. Nice..

Trevor Long answers the critics. http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/the-truth-about-sea-world-gold-coast-theme-park-reveals-all-and-answers-critics/story-fnj90t7b-1227179971254

2015? I hope you don't miss out on adding Green Lantern to your list.

I think they should close AA for two months - ouch - that thing has not aged well.

Saw the new AOS show last night and thought I'd share my thoughts. Hats off to them for making the effort to add so much new content. I was quite impressed by how much new film they took for it. They still have the old staples like: the helicopter flying in (with a camera attached so people in the audience can see themselves), the audience participation bits (including a mower race), the amazing stunt riders, cliched dialogue (with a bit less battle of the sexes), singing and patriotic bits (like talking about the ANZACs). Some of the major characters have been carried over from the last show too (like Bluey). The circus bit is colourful, but doesn't really add anything of consequence. The ghost part is kind of wasted as it's at the end of the main course - so you're not quite engaged with it. The ghosts which the stage coach deposit were quite cool and the way Bluey engages with them. The food had mixed results. The pumpkin soup I found to be really bland. The steak was better than last time, but still not great. The corn was good and so was the apple pie dessert. The service is excellent - the wait staff especially. I quite liked the photo packs you can get as well as the fact you can download more pictures online. There were some cool new effects, like the electric cowboy outfits. The setting's in the high country, so there was plenty of snow fx and mist. The pictures projected onto the mist were clever too. I hope the riders have ice vests as they're wearing a range of RM William's winter gear - which would be very hot to ride in. Some people I went with thought it wasn't as good as the last show. It's pretty much on par as far as I'm concerned.

Dirt update - the grass is taking hold in some places. The old train bridge looks a lot worse for wear.

Caught the morning show of Affinity - it seems they are running it three times a day. Noticed a few cosmetic changes as well as a couple of new stunts. The order is a little different, but basically showcases the same skill set. There's an interview with one of the trainers and the part with the volunteer kid from the audience is done more towards the centre stage. Stunt-wise, what's different: there's the part with the canoe at the start of the show, there's a stunt where a dolphin spins on the stage and another one where it basically porpoises out of the water upside down (if that makes any sense). The music is fine (including a pre-show beach radio station), although I'm not too sure about the shacks and the outfit the poor host (Mitch) has to wear. So, if you liked the last show, you're probably going to like this one.

Caught the show today. It seems to have really expanded out into something that everyone wants to see. Mitch, the same host from the dolphin show, was hosting. It was funny to see what a costume change and an attitude adjustment can do to alter his 'persona'. They had a team of girls doing some dancing when the show began. This was followed by the introduction to the riders, a salute to the early days of jet ski stunts, a showcase of tricks, before they held a competition to choose their best rider. Still in love with that jet pack.

Thanks Noxegon. It's true about the comparison between GC and Orlando. I was just thinking that today, whilst visiting Sea World. The weather over here has been quite nice, despite the brief shower we had minutes ago. Enjoying some fine restaurants in the Hope Island area too.

Aussie World have been advertising strongly on the West Coast, which was pretty much unheard of in the past. I know a lot of people who have no idea where the park is, but at least the park is raising its profile.

According to Adventure World's Facebook page, it looks like they have reintroduced a Wildlife show for the school holidays. I think this is a great idea, as I do appreciate the keeper talks when I'm there for them. It's good to see AW upping the ante when it comes to shows and other things for people to do once they've had their fill of rides and slides. I think it would be really good for AW to renovate their entire wildlife area, above and beyond the new signs they've put in there this season.

Had a great day at DW. I think it was less crowded todax than it was in September. The early start helped. 10 minute wait for the river rapids and log rides.

Turbo Mountain! I once rode that 8 times in a row. I had to get off because I was getting dizzy. I think I've ridden Abyss about four times in a row, unfortunately they make you go up and down the stairs. You'll really like Abyss, Noxegon. It's more than an apt replacement for TM. I enjoyed your description of Dragon Express - very diplomatic.

We are all sad (and jealous) when we read Noxegon's credit list. He can say what he wants as far as I'm concerned.

The Festival of Perth is on February-March. Crazy things like 'The Giants' take over the streets. https://2015.perthfestival.com.au/Whats-on-by-Genre/The-Giants Here's a copy of Weekend Notes, with what's on in Perth during that time period, featuring a nice advertisement for Adventure World. http://www.weekendnotes.com/perth/date/2015-02-09/ Things like King Carnival, a non-travelling fair of sorts, are only open on weekends by that stage. http://www.kingcarnival.com/

Unfortunately, my holidays aren't that long. The park should be nice and quiet for you.

What was your reaction to the GD? I saw a few people pike out at the last minute when I went on it. It's quite the view. Actually saw the ocean on Freefall last time I went on it. Noxegon - any of the next couple of Mondays could be good, although I am paying the Gold Coast a visit too, shortly.

It's not like you're not going to recognise the place. They've added some nice attractions since then. I think the biggest difference is the attitude adjustment thanks to Mark and his training people. They're making the most of what they've got at the park. The kids who work there are super friendly and are trying their best to deliver great service. There's always one team member you meet who everyone remembers. Noxegon, love your websites. How long are you visiting for?

Very much. Onion rings were nice too. I don't know how I can visit AWagain without renting a cabana - it was very cool.

Yeah, I've seen what they're like when they're tough. In the early days I also saw them make people take their thongs off. I presume it must have been prescription glasses the guy had. The only coaster I've seen that was more strict than SE was BSG @ USS. They actually used a handheld metal detector on you.

They didn't do that in September on SE - they were very mellow. I'm pretty sure they collected belongings in a box and took them through to the end of the ride.

Saw some guys use it on the Aqua 6 Super Racers yesterday. Everyone is so competitive on that ride now.

I spent about 8 hours in Adventure World today and considering I saw Mark when I entered the park and chatted to him briefly on my way home around 6pm, that must have been a long day for him. From memory, I thought it was a little more crowded Boxing Day last year (I'm not complaining). The queues for the rides were very manageable. My favourite crew member was Matt on the go-karts - very cool with his long hair and whistle. Rented a cabana today, which was very useful as we had a few friends joining us. The cabanas are bigger on the inside than they look and a great place to recover during the heat of the day. They're so popular they're pretty much booked out until January 5. Here's the review from my blog: Thanks again to Mark and his team for a great day out. Plus I finally got to have a pulled pork burger for lunch.

Robert Niles, Theme Park Insider, was on ABC Radio last Saturday. They talk briefly about the differences between Theme Parks and Amusement Parks, before going on to discuss International Parks. http://www.themeparkinsider.com/ The Podcast is here: http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/local/overnights/201412/r1371143_19342323.mp3