Adam C

You're right re the slow loader issue; especially if the fast pass people are hogging it.

I think the Go Karts are a good feature of the park. Just think how much you'd have to pay just to attend a Go Kart circuit. Probably more than a day ticket at AW. The only way I'd remove it is for something better like a wooden rollercoaster or something that fits the space.

If I had the spare cash, I'd replace the AW chair lift with a new one that would be twice as quick and 3 seats wide. Then open up the north side of the hill for the Australia's longest donut slide winding down to the go karts.

I stand corrected. Was it worth $270m?

Me and my brood are off to Paris and the U.K. next month to visit the rellies. We've bought a 2 park, 1 day ticket for DLP so I did some research on how to fit both parks in. I noticed that the new Ratatouille ride opened last month and that it cost $270m (US) $AU 300m+. What made me wonder is what size theme park could you construct with that sum of money?

I've sort of been to AW on my own. In the sense that my teenagers have brought friends as guests and I'm too uncool to go on the rides with them. That said, AW is quite a different experience on your own. You have your own agenda and end up talking to complete strangers from all over the place while waiting in line.

So the other thread has announced that Mi3 will cost $7.5 million. What attraction costs that amount of money? A lot of talk has been about a family coaster or log flume. Although Disney spent $8m on toilets. Any thoughts on what this sum of money might lead to?

I must confess, I did think Bounty's Revenge had run its shelf life and 30 years is a good innings. As for the new space, a flat roller coaster would fit nicely; although as the bumper boats recently had a pirate themed facelift, I wouldn't be surprised if the Pirates returned in the form of a lazy river or a log flume. Alternatively, what about following a car/racing theme? Along with the go karts, the bumper boats could be re themed to be raced around the perimeter and a new coaster could be similar to EPCOTs test track. Of course, everything might already be decided so we'll have to wait and see.

I might be repeating myself from a year ago but I also agree that an indoor coaster or Log Flume would tick the AW boxes. I'm not 100% convinced a horror theme is the way to go as younger visitors may be put off. Although Space seems to be the most common indoor coaster theme, I've always liked the idea of an indigenous Australian theme. Maybe projections of indigenous art on the roof/walls of the building. Digereedoo music, boomerangs and Aussie theming. The Crush coaster at DLP studios comes to mind. A very different experience to Abyss and good for all ages.

I recently read that A lot of the Paris attractions are currently closed (being refurbished). Thunder Mountain, Star Tours won't open until 2017 (25th anniversary) and there's a bucketload of other closures on their website. I think some stage is a good idea.

I was also at AW today with my 2 sons and started with bacon & hot chocolate on the top deck. Real rain died off by 10:30 and we did nearly everything once with extras on Kraken & Abyss. Early on, the go karts staff were sweeping the water off the track but around noon, we were told they wouldn't be opening. I did smile at a couple who claimed a 'free' cabana early on only to be politely removed by a staff member as someone else has booked it. It's been a great season and look forward to Sept 22nd. Onwards and Upwards!

Thinking of the LR, AW has developed a reputation for launching the best rides in Australia, any new LR could be the best of its kind. Including, waterfalls, water canon, jungle mist, etc. As for donating funds, I'd insist on the chair lift being replaced to something similar to Blizzard Beach. I wonder if any new lift in the future might qualify for a lottery west grant. Especially if it had a wheelchair facility.

I've always wondered about a Lazy River at AW; more specifically where it would go. I light of the pedal boats going, a LR could go around the castle with a tunnel going into the hill. Also a LR would have a big capacity relieving the strain on the rest of the park. Perhaps the middle of the lake could be filled in to accomodate other attractions. Big wheel, carousel, etc. That said, I did previously mention that the castle lake would make a good log flume. So I need to make my mind up.

Re IASW, might I quote Jeremy Irons in The Lion King. "No, anything but that!"

Favourite is Space Mountain 2 at DLP. Megaphobia at Oakwod and Expedition Everest in Orlando are close 2nds. Worst ride is Its a small world at any Disney Park.

I agree with the flume/raft idea around the lake. I've also thought AW could do with an indoor attraction to combat the 40c+ heat or the rain. Something on the lines of a simpler space mountain, even with an Australian theme with indigenous art projectors on the inside and didjereedoo music playing. Possibly located near the animal section. Just a thought.

Also, I'm not sure why Mark is quoted on my previous comment.

I'm with the teens at AW on the last day of the school hols. Despite it being an overcast day, its been dry and the park is the quietest I've seen it all season. 5 mins for the Kraken and walk on for the Abyss. The other plus for the weather is that the cloud cover has kept the water reasonably warm. I'm sure it was mentioned before but the paddle boats have gone. Is this the site for the new Mi3 project?

Hi Jacob, I've also not bee to Wet n Wild in Sydney but am interested as to why it gets a poor review. I only ask as its a global water park company and you'd think they'd be reasonably good at what they do.

Hi Iwerks, if I'd know it was you, I'd have said hello. Perhaps us Perthians can arrange a day in the summer to meet up and talk parks & ideas.

Must have been right next door to you, Adam. Already had the cabana booked and decided on the Fastpass wristbands after seeing how crowded the car park was at 9am. Yeah, that snake in the pool video has notched up 80 000 hits so far. Also caught the kids' show. The dragons now talk and sing (their part appears to be pre-recorded). Their costumes have changed too. If I may say, buying a fast pass with teenagers in tow can be a strenuous experience. We did 4 goes on the Kraken in the first 30 minutes which sounds great but by the 4th go, My hill climb was down to a walk. Also, 4 goes on Abyss in 20 minutes and the G-Force gets to you. But my kids were like Duracell batteries and were riding non stop. The Missus really enjoyed the cabana. Her only issue was the permanent shade when she wanted some sunlight. She did move her armchair outside however.

We also opted for the Cabana & Fastpass today. Fastpass was very worth it in light of the bumper crowd. Re the Kraken, I noticed Mark was overseeing a new loading procedure today. Namely two rafts in the loading pool. While one was being pushed into the tunnel, the other was being loaded with riders. As a result, the line was the smallest I've seen it to date. The snake incident was quite entertaining. It drew quite a crowd.

The single rider issue is a valid discussion but as long as 3s or 4s occupy the tube, the novelty will eventually reduce the wait time. Another option could be to open the park early for season pass holders during the school holidays. It might take the edge off the queue during the afternoon if the early birds have had 2 or 3 rides on the Kraken, they might spend their time enjoying the rest of the park. Perhaps a 9:15 entry for a 9:30 ride start.

Nice one Mark, I think resurfacing the hill was something we all agreed on. I appreciate this might be an bit early but do we have an idea as to the ETA for Mi3? Also, is there a consensus at AW as to what type of attraction it might be?

Thanks to all for the advice. I'm still leaning towards L.A. at present and probably Anaheim. Not sure if the missus will do Magic Mountain.