joz

Somehow I doubt that the staff will travel with the animals, :shock: I wouldn't rule it out however, sometimes animals travel with a their main handlers to help keep stress to a minimum. However this is normally done when planes are involved and the animals have to fly. Being a sheep handler would be good if they give you one of those cattle dogs. I remember once I watched "Heroes of the outback" at Wonderland, and after the show the trainers asked the dog on top of a platform, and the dog stayed there for about 20mins while they went off to have a coffee, even though it could have gone for a wander through the park if it felt like it. I was quite impressed

Ok a bit more research done today and the situation is like this: :arrow: The sale (all things going well) will be completed by April 30. :arrow: Only the business will be bought. The land remains the property of Christian Care Church. :arrow: Paradise Country will continue to operate as normal until October, at which point in time, the business will be moved to Oxenford (Next door to the Outback Celebration, not in the hills out the back as previously mentioned). :arrow: Staff from Paradise Country will not loose there job, but will be transferred to Oxenford with the animals. Just a thought on this development, it seems Warner Village will now own a water park, a theme park and an Australian animal park with separate entry fees. I bet Dreamworld are kicking themselves for not realising they could do that BTW, does anyone remember a rumour about a new animal park to be built by Village Roadshow...........

One thing to add though, wipeout rules in the rain. Seriously, its like being inside a washing machine (in a good way) :?

Seems Warner Village theme parks is make purchase of Paradise Country, a small animal facility catering for special events and tour groups, and transferring the animal stock and staff to Oxenford (In the hills behind Movieworld). The attraction (which could possibly keep the 'Paradise Country' name) will enable tour groups the chance to see things such as sheep shearing and some of Australia's native animals. This is to be an attempt by Warner Village theme parks to get a bigger share of the international tourism market, and its not the first time WVTP CEO John Menzies has bought other attractions for the sake of the parks. Back in 1973 he (along with Keith Williams) successfully bought out Marineland and the Jack Evan's Propose Pool.

It'd be interesting to see the roller coaster portion themed like the haunted version, but as far as I'm concerned, the lazars are too cool for school (been along time since I've said that). True the themeing through the roller coaster portion of the ride is a bit sketchy, but from memory it has something to do with being "At the Mersey of the spirits". While on the subject of Scooby Doo themeing, is it just me or is it incredibly gruesome? The whole way along the track there's skeletons which look like they've still got flesh on them. Add to that the fake blood that covers much of the hallway, add to that all the skulls that are lying around (particularly near the lift). Not a criticism, I like the gruesome themeing, I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed?

Care for a marathon? Thats something I learned a long time ago, if its raining, never sit in the front. The fact that it was vekoma just topped it off. At least you weren't riding Thunderbolt in pouring rain. :twisted:

Fine, if no one else will, then I'll just fly the launched coaster flag on my own Actually, like most people, I'll be happy with anything, although something original would be nice. Its just a bit saddening that there are so few custom rides in Australia, so hopefully that can be rectified in the future. Just curious, has anyone noticed anything going on around the old Maverick building? I know its probably not the easiest place to notice things happening, but I just thought I'd ask if anything has been noticed.

Just read the launched coaster rumour on Screamscape. A couple of questions that really need to be answered... 1. How credible is the rumour? 2. Intamin or S&S?

Its interesting that Wonderland that are talking steps in this direction. Animal displays are really gaining popularity, and if you don't believe it, consider that 2002 was Seaworld's most successful year on record, and the newest ride there is Bermuda Triangle, built in 1994. If Wonderland does things correctly, then they could do quite well in the near future, which will hopefully lead on to that new ride that everyone's wishing for.

Its all looking up at Dreamworld it seems, per capita spending is up by 0.9%, revenue up by 3.9%, and an attendance for the six month period of 567,294, which is up 0.9% (god bless Macquarie putting that information on a public domain). In other news, the value of Dreamworld's excess land is up by $2 million, with a decision about the rezoning coming by June this year. No news of the future of Dreamworld, but since any new major attraction would be nearly 2 years away, I dare say that even Macquarie have little idea on what the next major attraction will be. For the full release click the link below... http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/AnnDe...&&issuerid=4079

Not sure on the status of Seal Rocks, my understanding was that it was canned when it became apparent that it wasn't going to be ready for Xmas. Though I'm not sure, since I doubt the crocs will be built onto the old thrillseeker site. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it was only shark bay that got the chop, though I could be wrong. Since there were already plans for how they were going to expand cartoon beach (apparently) I would be thinking that something is going to happen sooner or later.

Just curious mate, where abouts are the pegs? Closer to the station or the road? Weren't the crocs meant to be next door to PBS? Are you sure the pegs aren't from the thrillseeker storage or stuff that's been leftover from the monorail rehab? Wow, I ask to many questions, I'm too nosy for my own good :?

Honestly can't remember what happened to it. From all the stories I've heard it sounds like a combination of what you've mentioned below, sadly, I must admit, I have no clue, nor did I even get the chance to visit. Probably might be an idea to try and look for info in Southport, at the Local Area Library. One of these days I might even go have a look myself.

Well, after going to Wet 'n' Wild, I can say that Whirlpool Springs fails in the "rejuvenate your mind, body and soul" department (plus the water isn't heated enough). As we all know, Whirlpool Springs is ten, twenty-person 'invigorating' spas, where "guests will feel like they are in another world as they sink into the calm waters of pure, self-indulgent bliss, that is Whirlpool Springs". Sadly, I wasn't invigorated, and I was pretty aware of what World I was on during the whole experience. I must also say that I was not "tempted to indulge in a luxurious massage by one of Wet N Wild's professional masseurs" and judging by the numbers of people in the park compared to the number of people 'indulging, not many other people were either. Also, I would like to dispute claims that "Whirlpool Springs has been designed to replicate similar natural restorative attractions found in Turkey and New Zealand. With intrinsic therapeutic benefits, you will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul." To be quite honest, It looks more like the spa of a cheap Gold Coast Motel. Its a shame they had to open a winter attraction in the middle of winter, but I'm sure Whirlpool will be a bit of fun when it opens, and Whirlpool Springs will be a bit more welcome in winter. However, in the meantime, Wet 'n' Wild is still as fun as it always has been, with the one point that the 'No pass outs' policy is a joke at best.

From looking at some of the concept art, Shark bay was to be a 4 meter deep pool, in some parts themed to a reef, and another section which was meant to house a great white. Presumably not getting the right species of shark has something to do with that going project going down the toilet. Seal Rocks was to be a new seal enclosure where the Thrillseeker used to be, with 2 primary pools and one nursery pool, each with underwater viewing on the side closest to the flume ride. The area was meant to include (among other things) a wave pool, different textures for the seals (wood, sand, loose rocks) improved drainage compared to the old enclosure, and environmental enrichment controls, similar to those found at Polar Bear Shores. The story I'm hearing most these days is that Shark Bay and/or Seal Rocks have been canned, and a crocodile enclosure will be built instead (possibly by Easter). The sea connection is that Salt Water Crocs have actually been seen quite a distance out too sea (60kms or something outrageous like that), and I get the feeling that Seaworld will milk that for all its worth. As for the Broadwalk, project name was 'Seaworld Wharf' and was due to be built next to main monorail station. There's some great colour concept drawings in the 1987 Seaworld Property Trust prospectus which is available for viewing in the 'Local Area Library' in Southport. For all those people not able to make it to Southport, here's a scanned version of a photocopy http://www.geocities.com/doza35au/History2.html Seaboi, welcome to Total Thrills, and I congratulate you on being able to hear that full sentence. Where I was sitting everyone was talking and I was only able to get the word 'Crikey!'

I'm sorta torn about the whole 'Nick Central' thing. As far as I'm concerned, Nick Central means a couple of new shows, a playground a new kids roller coaster, and some re-themeing of the parks (really) old rides. I wanna see how it looks, have a go of Reptar, but I'm not to fussed on the place after that. After that I'll do what I've always done at Dreamworld: Walk around aimlessly untill I see a ride I wanna go on. Personally I was quite happy with 'Big Dipper' moving to Dreamworld, and I thought the ride was pretty good. However, it helped that everone said it was total crap My only problem with Cyclone is the queue house and the eniffiency of the loading. Nick Central will be a good kids area, but I'm not all that fussed either way by kids areas, so it won't make me rush out there.

Don't know what the go is, but SW was packed today as well. I hardly got my work done this morning we had that many customers. I'm stumped trying to explain it, the only thing I can think of is that allot of people may have put off visiting on the weekend. At SW last year during the holidays, I noticed that we weren't quite as busy on the weekend, but had a big crowd on Monday every week. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it, but we weren't too busy over the weekend... either way, its ganna be a huge Xmas, and I for one can't wait :twisted:

Ah, Pacific Drive, where the sun meets the surf, and the sharks don't meet the actors nearly enough If I remember correctly, in the queue for the Movie Magic show (used to be studio tour. Apparently they canned it because people used to leave the tram and walk onto the sets) there's a sign indicating which films have been produced at the studios each year since 1989. Lots of 'Straight to video' films up there, and I can't remember a single one

I agree with both Richard and Rabid on the capacity thing. While the examples are going around, I just thought I'd mention that Bermuda Triangle, which has a capacity of 1,200 p/h and is walk on pretty much all year, during summer has a queue time upwards of an hour. During summer, parks need the high capacity, and if its a problem in off peak times, then they'll take a train off the track, and the problem will be solved. Rabid is spot on with what he mentioned before, attendance is up, and that's across the board, with the biggest improver being Movieworld. Since sept. 11, and the Bali Bombings, domestic tourism on the Gold Coast has gone through a slight 'boom', as the ''holiday at home" idea becomes more more and more fashionable. As for which flavor, well, I reckon its a fair bet that its not ganna be an invert, so I'm ganna put a floorless on my wishlist, having said that, I'll be happy with anything.

Rabid, I'm ganna throw a question in your direction, where is this thing going? I've heard 4 different stories about this, one story says south of the car park, another suggests behind Wild West Falls. The other 2 stories I've heard place Outback Adventure in the old Maverick set, and one particularly ambitious story claims that it will be built on land purchased specially for the show. Does anyone know for sure which one it is (or if its somewhere completely different)?

You have to admit though Richard, if they did can Police Academy now, they wouldn't exactly be cutting it off in its prime (Like they did with Western Action show RIP Old friend). I agree that the Warner Village Show department is down the drain. At Seaworld there's Ski Challenge, Reef Discovery which really make you wonder who approves the shows (Although a little birdie told me that even John Menzies doesn't like Reef Discovery. I've also heard that he personally delayed the opening of the show in a last ditched attempt to improve it). As for shows out at Movieworld, all I can say about that is: Super Stars Live in Concert. If you've seen that show then you'll know that the entertainment department of the parks is really performing below par. Although, I say give them a chance, their due for a big success any time now. As for the coaster, I have to ask.... When does construction have to start to get the ride open for the movie realise :?:

Gez, that sucks. I'll still be going out to WNW over summer, but its a real shame whirlpool won't be open. It really sucks when you think how much 'Whirlpool' material has already showed up. Still, its a great example of why its a good idea to open rides during the quiet time of the year. What's this you say Richard? Something Original, are you insane???

Couldn't have put it better myself Despite what I thought, its not one of those wirlpool rides like at Wet 'n' Wild Orlando, but its a huge pool built into the ground. From the stories I'm hearing, during winter the water level will be dropped (or something like that) which will reveal 10 twenty person hot tubs. I think it sounds pretty cool, but I bet its really ganna piss some people off in winter. Any chance of anyone getting photos?

Hows Wet 'n' Wild doing? Well, at a recent adderess to staff, Steve Peet made it very clear that there was an 'attendance problem'. The problem being that so many people are visiting the park that the park is bursting at the seems. (Holiday World Syndrome) Wirlpool and the hot tubs are also coming the same year as a major upgrade to park ammenities, and just 2 years after 2 extra gates were added to the front entrance. Wet 'n' Wild is the best performing park on the coast at the moment, with attendance up nearly 50% in the last few years, with help from the 3 Park Super Pass and increased awareness. As Steve Peet once said, Wet 'n' Wild is now up there as one of the Coast's major parks with Movieworld, Seaworld and Dreamworld. Their soon to be expanding the land which they cover, so WnW still has some growing to do... Also, just back on topic, if you haven't noticed already, there was a typo in my original post, the cost is $60, not $6... enjoy :?