joz

Zamperla Powered coasters have never been so fun. I always thought that one on Tops was great, even after I went on it. Maybe it was the 6 storey drop over each side that made that ride. Does anyone know if any of the old Tops rides survivied?

Welcome to Total Thrills Syd Rider! I agree on that first point, and thats one thing I will give Thunderbolt, it was good eye candy, really made an impact while driving past the park. I tend to agree about it not being as rough in the past. I guess it just didn't age that well (or, more correctly, wasn't maintained very well :shock: ) How long are you staying on the Gold Coast for? I don't get back from holiday until the 26th of October (and even then I don't start working straight away). Must admit, this whole holiday thing is so difficult, sleeping in every morning, drinking everynight, going to great parks, (which I think is now 2 in total after 5 weels :? ).

On the way over, I went to DL & DCA in Cali. I'm still trying to get ride a ride on Nemesis. My plan is to go back Wedensday, the day the ride re-opens, but I might be going Tuesday instead. Either way I'm looking forward too it, it takes more then one closed ride to diminish the park

On Friday, I had the great fortune to visit Alton Towers, without doubt one of the best theme parks in the United Kingdom. The landscaping was out of this world. In a word it was beautiful. It was so nice, that I dare say that Alton Towers would be popular if you took out all the rides and attractions. Sadly, on the day of my visit, Nemesis was closed, but I still regard Alton Towers as of one of the best operated, beautiful, cleanest, most professional parks I've visited. As well as that is also has the best rides that I've been on (and less then a month ago I was at Disneyland). The whole park has a great atmosphere. Food prices were cheap, as Alton Towers has taken the unusual method of allowing the big fast food chains (KFC, McDonald's Pizza Hut) to set up within park, and since there is competition within the park, prices are no more expensive then you'll find elsewhere. I started the day (at about 12.30 thanks to the traffic) in X-sector, home to Oblivion, the world's first 89'5* drop Roller Coaster. Being the biggest attraction in this area of the park, it was the obvious first stop off: Well, if you've seen photos of Oblivion's drop, you've pretty much seen the entire ride. It really is; lift hill, turnaround, drop, turnaround, and brakes. The whole time I was in queue I must have watched the cars go down that drop 20 odd times. Even so, when your up the top, looking straight down, its is a huge rush. No matter how many times you watch it, the first time on it will give you a huge buzz. Many people say that the ride isn't long enough; I side with the people who say that that’s the whole point of the ride. That one drop makes this ride what it is, and if you were to add more track to the ride, you'd get a similar effect that you used to get on Thunderbolt; after the two loops it was all over. Yes, Oblivion is a short ride, but I don't think I could improve it. 9/10 Black Hole was X-sectors next challenge, and it also provided the longest queue of the day: 40 mins in total. After waiting in line that long, I've come to a very important conclusion: Dark queues where the crowd bunches up together provide a great way to meet people. What of the ride itself? Well, since like indoor rides, I thought it was good. Although it was very short, which does put me off. I'll probably go on it again someday, but I'm not ganna queue up 40 mins for the privilege. 6/10 Next we went right across the park, first to UG Land, where we found Vekoma's Corkscrew. Sadly, the line for this looked to be around the 30/40-min mark, and I was worried about missing the bigger rides. Instead of Corkscrew, we took the Chairlift to Forbidden Valley. The Skyway was a good in itself, even though it does need a bit of a facelift. The view from the ride is the best I've seen from one of these sorts of rides, and the fact it was walk on, makes it a winner too me. Obviously though, no one cares about that, so I'll move on to AIR, Alton Towers third B&M creation: The whole area is very open; the trains fly right over the paths, through tunnels, and back over another path. The whole queue offered great views of the ride in motion, and the queue flew past. I decided to wait for a front row seat, which took an extra 20 mins, however, it wasn't that bad, the reaction of every train load of people when the cars lifted into the prone position was quite a experience. Finally, we reached the front of the queue, and boarded our front row seats on AIR's sleek looking trains. Whatever people have told you about this ride being uncomfortable, forget it, the ride is comfortable even when in the prone position. Also despite what people tell you, you can put your arms out in front of you, and you can look up at the track in front of you. Also, despite what people tell you, the ride is pure fun! Every swooping turn generates fun forces, without being so powerful all you can do is brace yourself for each turn. I'll give it 9.5/10. I'd give it a 10, but I never give out tens After AIR, I unwound on the relative calm of Ripsaw, HUSS Topspin. The sequence of this ride is tame, and nothing compared to Wipeout. However, the water features are insane, unpredictable, and most importantly, fun. I must say, its an unusual sensation to be suspended upside, 40 feet in the air, inches above the tops of a water fountain, being lowed slowly into it. Great fun, although I think they could've done a better program 7/10 Next was Duel: the Haunted House strikes back. It was ok, would've been terrible without the guns to shoot stuff with. Probably better for little kids then my age group. 6/10 Runaway Mine Train provided a walk on ride, which was another ok ride. Probably its best feature was the fact it was walk on 6/10 The rapids ride was next. Well, I say rapids ride, it was more of a raft ride. It has barely one rapid on it. The person I visited the park with made a bet that the person who got the least wet had to buy a round of drinks that night. Neither of us got wet. Not one drop. Even the water cannons (not timed, but rather turned on for 10 secs, and off for 20) failed to place any water in the boat. 3/10 After a couple of Re-rides on Oblivion, we found ourselves in X-sector, where I got a ride on Submission - Hang in there. Not a bad ride, definitely better then the standard inverter you get in fair grounds, and being Alton Towers it was themed very well. 8/10 Overall, I'd say I'd recommend Alton Towers to a friend. Even if you don't like Roller Coasters, you'll love the scenery, and the 17th century castle and gardens in the middle of the park. If you like Roller Coasters and thrill rides, you'll also like this park. If your like me, and enjoy good scenery, and thrill rides you'll love this park. I'm so taken with the place, I'm going back to Alton to enjoy the atmosphere (and hopefully go on Nemesis )

Just a point, what I quoted was the profit for the 'Seaworld Property Trust', which was half owner in Seaworld Nara and lessor of MW and WNW

So we're allowed international coasters now are we? Probably the best I found internationally has been Cali' Screamin'. I think I'm a big fan of launchs, and it has nice little pockets of airtime and is a pretty long ride. The only thing I don't like is how it gets dragged up one of the hills mid way through the ride, really destroys the 'flow' for me.

That figure seems very low indeed. The year SW added Polar Bear Shores, the profit was $16million for that park alone, so $11million for all 3 parks is a bit odd. I guess the main thing is the capital expenditure that has gone on in that time. Last year you had Scooby Doo ($13mil), The new Batman Ride, Harry Potter, Splash Zone and Superstars Live in Concert new at Movieworld. Plus Whirlpool, and all the costs with fixing it up. Then the next year (was only a few months lather, but I believe it falls into the next financial year) there was buying of Paradise Country, and Shark Bay which is $12million worth of swimming pool right there and Seaworld's new helicopter fleet. Coupled with the SARS, War on Iraq and circumstances like that effecting attendance, and I guess its fair enough that the parks aren't making that much money. I'm guessing that the results you've seen have the capital expenditure already taken out. I somehow don't believe that the average profit per person entering the park is $3.66 before capital expenditure.

I dare say the night time attraction is the Outback Adventure that was meant to open for this year. The story goes that it was delayed by a year as the SARS virus and War on Iraq made it seem like a bad time to build a new attraction. Its not for Movieworld as such, its a night time dinner and show sort of thing, mainly targeting Asian tourists. Next door to the new show is where Paradise Country is supposed to be relocated to. It does now mean that you will be able to have a full holiday on the Gold Coast supplied fully by WVTPs (Stay at SWNara, 3 park super pass, dinner and show at the Outback Adventure, and enjoy the bar facilities of the hotel).

Why thank you very much! For the sake of those people reading this when the news flash changes: News Flash: Wonderland opens the 'new' beach with the same slides it closed with. Like I say though, don't be surprised when instead of a family trip to Wonderland every 3/4 years, people start going to all the Gold Coast parks instead every 3/4 years. Wonderland seems to be in danger of loosing its local market, which is realyy, quite an acheivement.

Just on skiing, you'll probably be happy to note Richard that I still haven't gone skiing yet, nor have I been to Alton. Looks like it could be nearly a week or two away now

Thats ok, Spongebob is afterall, the greatest cartoon ever. I just wih Dreamworld would've done a proper water fountain rather then just recycling the old jumping fountains from Kennyland. I think you could be right on the low budget attraction Richo. I'll be sure to check everything out (Whirlpool, Planet SOS, Matrix) of course, but you can't help but get the impression that this has been on the drawing board for along time, so I'm really looking forward to see what they can come up with. Still, with Matrix just opened, its probably not the best time to open a Movie themed walk-through (nor is it the best time to put a 3D IMAX movie on, which they probably would've already done if they could find a way to clean the glasses). So long as its not too close to whats already been opened, then it should be all good for the park. If it is the same as what Warner Village are offering, then I doubt it'll have the same impact.

I think a new attraction would do the park a world of good. I often speak to guests at SW who are from Sydney about Wonderland, and most people say they haven't been there for 3/4 years, and most other people say that "The parks crap since they got rid of Hana-Barbara Land". You get the feeling the park is reaching the end of what can be acheived by not adding anything, and I really think that a attendance decline is nigh unless some serious capital goes into the park soon.

Well, in reality, working at any of the Warner Village Parks is pretty similar. From what I can gather though, Paradise Country and WNW are the most popular to work at, followed closley by SW and MW. You are correct in saying MW does have the best amenities. Thing is though, its placed too far away for the staff to enjoy it, so most go to the smaller, less popular one. Do not despair though, the park is looking into upgrading the smaller one, since thats where most of the staff go. Within the Warner parks, I think it comes down to personal preferecne. Some staff love WnW, some prefer MW, and some wouldn't work anywhere but SW. Really, the difference between the parks isn't much, which I think is what they are going for. After all, when I get back from holiday, I could be working out at MW or WnW (not likley, but it wouldn't surprise me )

Pretty poor offering really. Every other park is opening a new attraction (Matrix Exhibat, Whirlpool, and Planet SOS), where as the best Dreamworld can do is Big Brother appearences (good reason to stay clear of the park), more character appearances, and the Sunset Sufari (which appears to be little more then a rip-off of Seaworld's early morning animal tour). Still, knowing DW, it'll probably work well for them

I think the only reason I didn't say Corkscrew Richo is that everyone already thinks I'm too biased

Its hard to go past Scooby Doo. Great themeing, good music, a lazer show and fun ride rolled into one? Instant winner for me.

I've spoken to a few staff at SW who have worked at both SW and DW, and more often then not, I'm told that SW (well, I should say Warner Village Theme Parks) is the better employer. Even though the pay is marginally better at DW, I'm told that the boss' out there aren't good to work under (hence a few people making the change to WVTPs). I work at Seaworld, and I think it’s a great place to work. I work in Food & Beverage (mostly, I'll get back to that), and that offers some great variety. It’s not like working at a place like McDonald’s, your job will be either serving or cooking. At Seaworld your job is serving, cooking, pushing the vending carts, setting up special events, working in the ice-cream parlors, Cafes, and Waitering, and that’s just scratching the surface. Best of all, the whole time, you work with some of the nicest people your ever likely to meet. There's also what's called 'Multi-Hire', where you can work in other departments for extra hours. Most people in F&B who do it work for Operations as a cleaner, but in my time I've worked for Sales and Marketing, and Marine Sciences. The great thing about it too is that you will get the tax-free threshold for your extra work. If you work at say, Maccas, and go to work at Hungry Jack's, you'll get taxed more on your second job, so its a good way to avoid that. The staff facilities are ok; they were re-furbed a few years back. At SW, there are two staff canteens, and they do provide cheap food (not the tastiest food, but its cheap ). The canteen at the top end of the park also has a great view of the Ski Lake. Apart from that, there's hot-showers and change rooms, lockers and the like for staff. Another good thing about it is that we qualify for industry discounts for most hotels (and some other attractions) on the Gold Coast (I have on more then one occasion treated me and my partner to a night out at a hotel. So far the best hotel/resort we've come across are the Sun City in Surfers, closely followed by Seaworld Nara. Of the two, Seaworld Nara was the cheaper). There are also free drink offers at various nightclubs in Surfers, as well as the occasional event night. Staff are also given free tickets to the parks (SW, MW and WnW), but are given free entry into the park of their direct employment just about always. On top of that, staff also receive tickets to check out new attractions at the three parks, and employee awards nights quite often include either a movie that hasn't been released, free beer or ERT on some rides (Since I've worked there, such events include Scooby doo at MW, Corkscrew, Pirate Ship and Cartoon Beach at SW, and the whole park at WnW). The boss' at SW are mostly pretty good to work under, but as with everywhere, there are a few... less popular ones . Must be said though, there isn't one of my boss' I wouldn't have a drink with. I even hear John Menzies isn't afraid to have a drink and a dance. Speaking of John Menzies, just thought I'd pass one thing along, since I think its unfair that only Holiday World boss' get credit for this: He is on the ground at the park quite often. Last time I saw him, he picked up a piece of rubbish and walked with it for about 10 meters to put it in a bin. I work for Warner Village Theme Parks, and I think its easily the best job I've had so far, and I for one don't intend on quitting any time soon.

Sunway has much bigger financial resources the Macquarie leisure. Macquarie after all runs a marina, Adventure World and Dreamworld. Fact is, even to Dreamworld, a park with less finanial resources, they have the cash to build anything they want to. The reason they don't is because they want to be sure they'll get a return on what they spend. Wonderland can already afford that big Hyper that everyone wants, just that Sunway don't wanna spend the money since the park is making enough money. At last count, Sunway has 219 acers in Sydney, Dreamworld is somewhere around 200, and Warner Village Theme Parks own 256 in Oxenford (around half of which is used between Movieworld, the studios and Wet 'n' Wild). Plenty of land each, but I doubt the amount of land Dreamworld had effected the sale price. I agree with GoBoi, $50million was a bargin, and you'd think it'd have paid for itself by now (I'm going on assumption, not fact). Not to mention the huge potential for expansion the park has. Its a shame that Sunway isn't using any of that potential though.

Damm, hasn't been a good week in general for Australia: (Sunday, September 21, 2003) - At Australia's Royal Melbourne Show, a mini bungee-trampoline ride for children blew over under heavy winds and fell onto some power lines. The accident happened before the fair opened for the day, and no one was injured. A spokesman for the show told reporters that the mishap "is just one of those things that happen." And in NSW (Sunday, September 21, 2003) - Two children were injured when a gust of wind tipped over an inflatable castle they were jumping in. The accident happened in the Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia. One of the victims, a 7-year-old boy, suffered a bloody nose and the other victim, the boy's 4-year-old sister, suffered an injured shoulder. The gust of wind reportedly lifted all of the ride's stability pegs out of the ground, then tipped it over. Several other children who were on the ride were not injured. The children were given first aid on the scene by workers who had been setting up a display on how to stay safe in wind and thunder storms. The display was part of "Storm Safe Week." (Both articles from http://members.aol.com/rides911/accidents.htm ) That's 4 major incidents in a few days. 3 of which were at the same place.... Whats going on?

Staff were being assualted by clubs? lol, what brought that on?

Haven't been on it myself, but Twisted Rails has a great ride report. Other then that, I can't help

Hang on, two USA trips? Thats so greedy...

After bringing Nick characters to the park, it was an obvious next step to add a big-breasted adventure to the park. Gives something for the dads to do while the rest of the family is off at Nick Central. :shock: So what are we thinking ride, show, or walk through?

Don't think of it as Aqua Golf, think of it as 'An exciting golf-ball acceleration experience for the whole family' (thats what they'll probably call it anyway. I wonder if Aqua Golf would actually attract anyone into the park? I can imagine the conversation now: "Mummy, I don't want to go to Luna Park, I wanna go play Aqua Golf!"

Even though I'd ride it, I reckon it'd scare the absoulte crap out of me, and the whole "trusting vekoma" is the issue (The same way I go on Giant Drop not trusting Intamin brakes ). There was a good on-ride video floating around ages ago, and the ride looks really cool, Dreamworld could do well with it