aaronm

If these synergies are as incredible as you're suggesting it's a shock that they don't seem to translate into noticeable financial results for the company. But my point was more in response to the suggestion that there would no longer be a single annual pass for all three parks - it seems far more likely that any eventual split of the group would be down the film/theme park lines, rather than selling off individual parks.

I'm not sure the parks business would be split up. The most logical separation would be to sell off WnW Sydney, which has already been done. The GC parks are definitely worth more as a group, and are arguably a more reliable operation than the volatile film production/distribution companies - IMO that's the most likely split in the event a private equity firm decides to divvy up the group.

Valid point, though I think Macquarie/Ardent is definitely the "worst case scenario" example. It can go the other way as well - SeaWorld/Busch did pretty well under Blackstone ownership. It's great that we finally have people who understand theme parks running VRTP but the chain still isn't as profitable as it should be which doesn't bode well for the future of the parks under the current management team. They can only blame disappointing results on the Dreamworld accident for so long...

Curious what you're basing this view on? PEP pumped a stack of money into Hoyts right after they bought the business. Most of these private equity firms are looking to grow the value of their acquisitions and sell them off for a profit, which generally involves serious capital expenditure. Any interim operating profits are a bonus. I suspect that the parks are probably more likely to see major additions under private equity than they have as semi-public companies.

Depending on how the track is holding up, would it be out of the question for Vekoma to come in and replace the trains, ride controls, motors etc? They are still building new SLCs (albeit with more comfortable trains these days) and it would certainly cost less than replacing the ride.

Slides are generally cheaper than coasters, and WNW is definitely (over)due for some new additions - though given the scale of additions at MW and SW perhaps they want something bigger (think Holiday World’s Mammoth). Any investment might be delayed depending on what happens with the VRL takeover bid, guess we will see...

Indeed, my experience is that POVs are about as helpful as ride logos in determining the quality of a coaster. Can’t wait to ride our Blue Fire almost-clone!

Blue Fire is great, not quite as good as Maverick but still an excellent ride. Not sure where the hate is coming from for this one!

A number of rides seem to have lengthy maintenance windows this year. I guess it helps keep costs down in the off season... 😉

Might want to get your sarcasm filter checked chief 😉

Cut off the roof, problem solved

Don't worry, Timberliners are definitely a more pleasant ride than Maurer's terrible trains.

I mean, not exactly surprising, it's November and nothing has gone vertical so pretty unrealistic to expect it'll be open for the summer holidays. April 2020 it is!

Six Flags theme everything to DC or Looney Tunes as well, they seem to be doing ok. 😁 The challenge is probably finding brands that will go the distance, Lethal Weapon and Police Academy didn't date well, and Wild Wild West barely made it out of the gate. Look at Motiongate Dubai, bunch of rides with IPs people have either already forgotten about (Green Hornet, Underworld) or probably will have in a few years' time (Hunger Games, Step Up). I'm sure Village look at DC brands and think "well, that's likely to still be popular in 20 years" so it's worth investing in as theming to a ride.

I read in a transcript of the latest investor call that it was a combination of spreading out the spend and also the logistics of building both rides at the same time. I suppose it makes sense given they can just hang on to the Skyflyer for a few more months at minimal cost.

So there's no way this gets built, I will be stunned if they even manage a loose approximation. Lots of exciting, ambituous announcements come out of the Middle East but only a fraction of it ever gets built, and even then it's typically scaled down substantially.

I guess as long as it’s in the top 50% that’s technically true...? 🤔

Properly impressed by this, just shows Village seem to be willing to wait until they can build the “right” investment these days. All three rides are a good fit for the park, the “trident” will likely be a Spit icon, and the theming on Leviathan looks superb - let’s hope the real thing comes close. Another world-first in the backwards row on a woodie as well, great to see them pushing the envelope when it comes to building unique rides.

Solid case of "I'll believe it when I see it" but a smart first step would be a major WWW expansion (lazy river plus a 2-4 slide tower). Village have been sitting on their hands with WnW down the road, nothing new in quite some time (and it's not uncommon for half of the slides to be closed outside of school holidays) so there is an opportunity there. A great waterpark can be a solid driver of season pass sales and a good foundation for future growth of the dry park. Or it would be misunderstood and the new ride could be perceived as "unsafe" somehow even before it opens. Sadly they are better off keeping their cards close to the chest with the vague "we are working to ensure the best possible guest experience" sort of statements we've already heard.

Not surprising, they are hardly going to tear Aquaman out for FN. That one won't be replaced until Aquaman 2 comes out...

The lack of protein must do something to these people’s brains. Was volunteering down at Collingwood Children’s Farm this week and one of the workers was recounting how some activists came to set their horses “free”... into the wild prairies of inner Melbourne I guess...

Or at the very least they’d be promoting the pass offer with a pic of the new ride, not one that’s been there over a decade.

Apart from Universal Japan, all of those options have a great selection for young kids. If it was me I’d go for Hong Kong and save the Tokyo Disney trip until your boy is a little older. With a four year old the smaller Disney park will work in your favour and while Ocean Park’s ride lineup is just OK the aquarium and animal exhibits are excellent.

So the press release indicates that Minions will replace Madagascar, nothing on where NIntendo Land will go though. There is an expansion pad on the New York street but that doesn't seem big enough, can only assume they will sacrifice Waterworld and possibly part of the Jurassic area (maybe Canopy Flyer and the spinner?).

3D dome attraction makes me think it will be similar to Turtle Trek: https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201204/3025/