joz

Or better yet, don't....

Is that all you've looked up? Wow, thanks for that, should keep me amused for hours.

Blah, 2003. Might help if I know what year it is. It was defiantly - no discussion needed - around the early part of 2003. I know this because Shark Bay construction has started but was at a very primitive state. This places it sometime after March, and sometime before I got back from holiday in October (probably earlier then August though as there still looks to be sizeable sharks in the water park). BTW, I’m guessing they are sharks, because the car park looks empty enough to infer it was probably early morning, and the park was not open. The lack of monorail movement and the Sky gondola’s parked in the middle are also a possible indication of the park being closed. Know your home park kiddies

The Gold Coast park photos look like they were taken in the middle of 2005 (between March and July) for those who were still wondering.

You've only gotta keep stuff quiet as long as the park does

Tell you something, that photo will be an interesting point of reference in a few years when Wet 'n' Wild's expansions are complete

I think people have a pretty unrealistic idea of what our parks should be. The lesser Universal, in Hollywood, gets 5 Million visitors a year, compared to Movieworld last year with 1.2. Across the other side of the country, Seaworld in Orlando pulled in a bit over 5 Million compared to our Seaworld's 1.3. There is a difference of 4 million (or about 10,000 a day). Think about that, averaged out, they get 13,000 guests a day. We get about 3,000 guests (averaged out) a day. That’s a huge difference, but not one that I think has made as big an impact on the parks as it would infer. I think compared to their direct counterparts in the states; our parks are of pretty good size and of good quality. They really do punch above their weight. Of course the overseas parks are going to be bigger, there's 5 times as many guests to accommodate, and there is more income for the big $100million rides (even so the difference between our attractions and there's isn't much). Going by attendance alone, they should be 5 times better, but I don't think they make it to being twice as good.

Slightly out of date, but there's a park map here and an even more out of date photo here. Hope that helps, be sure to post screen shots.

Looking at that map implies that RiverTown will remain untouched. Can I place a bet on Rivertown being the place that gets re-done next? Its a mismatch of themeing there, and with rumours of a new coaster in the works, that looks like it could be the spot. Any thoughts?

Of course, they are going to move midway through the series! Zagan, your a genius! Obviously this isn't because either the shop sold out, or it was a dud location, but due to the whole production moving. Seriously, even it is moving, as if the status of the shop gives any real insight into the inner-workings of the show.

The good thing is we'll finally find out if its possible to keep a large wooden coaster smooth with a good maintenance crew. Looks like a heap of fun that one, and I think Holiday World has finally made it onto my 'parks I’d most like to visit' list.

I've moved it here. Hopefully it will settle in better, and not be bullied by all the Dreamworld posts that were teasing it for being "different" and "Un-Dreamworld". I really don't think the Casino is doing that much wrong here. Realistically the only issue is not having the right permits. I doubt the Casino would be negligent to the tigers, and as at Dreamworld, the Tigers can't be made to do anything they don't want to (I know so many people who have seen the stage show there, where at the end the tigers are revealed, and one or both are asleep). The other thing is you can't really stop hot sweaty tiger love can you? Would you like to be the guy who jumps in the middle to break it all up? Makes you wonder why the Government wasn't made aware that the animal was pregnant.

Obviously none of the construction workers I know are working on this project... Its good to see them using the old Jamboree building for something, and even better to see it used for a dark ride (I'm sure I suggested something along those lines, but always thought it might be too small a building to be possible). One thing that does come to mind is the issue of the under 1's. Realisticly, Big Red Car is a ride that is aimed at very young children (under 5 pretty much), and parents won't be happy if they can't take hand held infants on the ride. Otherwise though, its pretty much what we've thought it would be all along. That is, a new coat of paint and re-themeing the various outlets in the area, along with a ride and kids show. Not really dissapointing, but interesting to see Dreamworld go after the market that gets into the park for free.

Disney's Australian Adventure? I think this sounds much worse then it is. Realisticly, Disney is number 1, and the smaller reigional parks will probably make number 2. I've had people tell me that they've been to DCA and its the best park they've ever been to. A DCA style park would no doubt thrive in Aus, and could possibly be better recieved then a scaled down Magic Kingdom. I'll hold back judgement until we find out how much smaller they're thinking.

Guys, please put some effort into proper punctuation and spelling. We’re not expecting perfection here, but capitals and full stops isn’t a huge request. Also look over your posts and check for typos. There are too many creeping in at the moment.

Yeah, you’re just being jealous. Funny jealous though.

As at today, half the slide is in place. Haven't had a look at splash pool or how the top level is looking, but the slide part is nearly done. Next year? Easily, but check as sometimes the waterpark is closed for a while over winter, but it is probably a pretty safe bet.

Guess you haven't been to Sydney Aquarium then Honestly don't know what you mean about Shotty/Shoddy, the place appears to be exceptionally well maintained, and looks much younger then the 16 or so years old that it is. Don't know what’s wrong with it being endorsed by Olympians, or character placement that kids can relate to. I think the Nemo thing is a really smart piece of marketing; anyone whose been to the Reef side of Shark Bay (or any aquarium in the last 2 years for that matter) knows that kids are always trying to find Nemo in the tank, and get very excited when they see him (well, a clown fish). The place also boasts a pretty good line-up (as far as aquariums go) with a Seal Show, the well-done Shark Tank, Otters (Seriously, Otters rule) deep-sea fish, jellyfish as well as all the predictable assortment of reef fish, Stingrays and whatnot. The whole area is good, with some really nice little shops to grab a meal from (I had fish & chips purely for the sake of Irony) and cruises. I had a ball up there. Underwater World, is only meant to be a couple of hour’s attraction, and combined with the surrounding area is a nice relaxing day out IMHO. True if your not into marine animals you won't get as much out of it, but I reckon you'll still reckon you'll have a good time there. The Sharks and the Seals are alone worth the effort.

Guess you haven't been to Sydney Aquarium then Honestly don't know what you mean about Shotty/Shoddy, the place appears to be exceptionally well maintained, and looks much younger then the 16 or so years old that it is. Don't know what’s wrong with it being endorsed by Olympians, or character placement that kids can relate to. I think the Nemo thing is a really smart piece of marketing; anyone whose been to the Reef side of Shark Bay (or any aquarium in the last 2 years for that matter) knows that kids are always trying to find Nemo in the tank, and get very excited when they see him (well, a clown fish). The place also boasts a pretty good line-up (as far as aquariums go) with a Seal Show, the well-done Shark Tank, Otters (Seriously, Otters rule) deep-sea fish, jellyfish as well as all the predictable assortment of reef fish, Stingrays and whatnot. The whole area is good, with some really nice little shops to grab a meal from (I had fish & chips purely for the sake of Irony) and cruises. I had a ball up there. Underwater World, is only meant to be a couple of hour’s attraction, and combined with the surrounding area is a nice relaxing day out IMHO. True if your not into marine animals you won't get as much out of it, but I reckon you'll still reckon you'll have a good time there. The Sharks and the Seals are worth it in there own right.

About a 90min/2 hour drive depending on traffic. Get up to the Sunshine Coast early, and see if you can squeeze in Aussie World, Aussie Zoo, and (if its open) the Big Pineapple into one day. I'd reccomend staying up at the Sunny Coast overnight and check out all of those as well as Underwater World, as they are all good half day attractions.

I can 100% assure that there was a tilt a whirl at Grundy's. I was always to scared to go on it as a kid and thought it looked cool.

Its rated PG? I thought roller coasters would be pretty G material...

Haven't heard of a Batman 3, though the new Bat mobile will be coming towards the end of the year. Wouldn't shock me beyond belief to get a new batman movie, as apparently the park has got rid of Mr. Freeze and co from the street parade, on account of the new movie. If the new batman franchise is a success then perhaps it’s something that could be done. Still, I'd be less surprised to see them leave Batman alone and do something different if there was to be a new simulator attraction.

Not sure, be interesting to see how the recent rains/flooding have affected construction, even more so considering its at the stage where concrete is supposed to be setting.

Bassed purly on reputation, Cedar Point would be the pick for me. Six Flags Great Adventure seems to have a good reputation at the moment, and has a very good ride lineup. They're the two I'd hit, though distance might be an issue. I'm sure someone else can help you out