iwerks

Thanks Strop Good point about the PR stunts. I think they are yet to step up the TV advertising campaign - last summer's one playing on Adventure World's 30th anniversary worked quite well. There's also been a bit in print with the school holiday program booklet things. I've been telling people since March, so all my friends know, but I still think that there's a large percentage of their target market that's in the dark. I have a friend who is a teacher and none of her students had heard about it. I also know that it's way too intimidating for most of the population. Those who like coasters and thrill rides will give it a try, but the rest are going to wait for something more family friendly. On the whole I've been pretty impressed by the way Adventure World has matured in the last few years. The gardens are looking pretty green and there's lots of shade for families. The food has improved out of sight and getting 20% off for being a season pass holder is very handy. The season passes themselves are very slick and a vast improvement on the 'library cards' that they had in the 1990s. They have introduced a $20 'fast pass' system that works for six of their rides, which could be useful considering that many of their other attractions are slow loading, low capacity rides. I think they're giving it a good shot; I just hope there's more to come.

More advertising madness - the chocolates sound interesting. Rumours are that the ride is testing, but I haven't seen it in action yet. There are still a lot of contractors down there finishing off things like the all important 'pool fencing'. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65854&sid=0eb3a0edaedebb215ead36b82e58ddb3&start=60

Heading into the last month before the attraction opens and AW is going all out with its advertising stunts. Guardians have been appearing around Perth and there's a video screening at Carillon City Arcade in the CBD. Even some Fremantle Hotels are doing package deals. https://www.facebook.com/AdventureWorldOfficialPage http://www.rydges.com/accommodation/perth/esplanade-hotel-fremantle-by-rydges/offers/adventure-world-family-package/

Went down to AW today. Park was humming along nicely despite a fairly overcast day. The Abyss looks good, although I didn't see any testing taking place. They are still erecting the statues, which eerily wobble in the wind.

Went out to The Maze today. It seems like a nice little park that was doing pretty good business for a Monday public holiday. They have been posting the progress on their website of the first stage of their waterpark, which is a pretty basic waterslide playground. You get a good view of it at the site of the current entrance to the park. Outback Splash is a pretty accurate description of where this place is as it is miles from anywhere. You basically have to travel up to Joondalup, then travel inland for another half an hour. It's close to the Pearce Air Force Base and all of the wineries in the Swan Valley. http://themaze.com.au

More info on their fright nights, including discounts for season pass holders..

You know they're serious when they have their own line of merch..

Some interesting shots on the Theme Park Review forum too. http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=65854&sid=e9fc360220263b0b8488210bae2500b0&start=40 The West Article: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/18902815/abyss-to-show-life-can-be-a-scream/

Looks like The Abyss made yesterday's 'The West Australian' as well as 'Theme Park Insider'. http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3659/ Both of theme featured this nice 'photo illustration'.

Looks like it's been a busy couple of days. This was posted on the Lost Perth Facebook Page today. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=525163307554728&set=pb.483374281733631.-2207520000.1376658139.&type=3&theater

Get a copy of the Unauthorised Guide to Disneyland - great book with plenty of advice.

Very Quiet on The Western Front Went down to AW again on Saturday. There's little progress on the coaster. They've put in a bit of the station floor, the kind of thing you almost smack your head on in the Saw Ride POV. On the otherside of the park a red brick building has appeared - presumably a replacement for the old toilet block. They've also put up new signs and banners announcing the coming of their new 'rollercoaster'.

Adventure World has released more pictures from last week's photo shoot on their facebook page. They're really downplaying the Saw 'clone' aspect, which is nice to see. Should be interesting to see how close it gets to the chair lift ride that they have nearby. They've even changed that ride's description on their website. https://www.facebook.com/AdventureWorldOfficialPage

I like how they said Fox was known for its longevity - how long was the Backlot Studios open for?

Today's West Australian - same as the press release.

Yes, it does look similar - it should be a great ride. I'm looking forward to the next stage.

Compared to this?

They have also released their prices for the coming season.

Yeah - strange that. That's either a big shed or small track, because there's lots happening inside of it.

Went down there this morning - track added.