Jobe

Hey guys!! Don't know if any of you have heard this but in the Daily Telegraph last Friday they ran an article about how Luna Park have unveiled "plans to build a five screen,720-seater boutique cinema complex. The cinemas will sit beside the cliff-face, above the Tango ride and the Lighthouse Cafe,replacing the current admin building.The plans also include a footbridge connecting the cinema roof to Glen street,with access provided by a lift and a stairwell." The cinemas are apparently going to show arthouse and independent films as well as mainstream. The article goes further by stating that for the first time in 10 years a project associated with Luna Park has gained wide local support. Plans have gone on display and will remain for 30 days. What is interesting is that the article does not give a start date for construction nor an estimated time of opening. :confused: What is good is that the proposal doesn't replace any existing rides nor does it take any space that could be used for future rides. I think that if this project goes ahead it can only bode well for the future of the park. My only concern is that I fear that the fun park aspect of the Luna Park is being slowly overshadowed somewhat. However if they manage to get 3 rides from Wonderland and continue to update their rides for the holiday season, then it appears Luna Park is travelling in the right direction. Comments? Cheers Jobe

Thanks Wonderbus, that would be great. Do you or anyone else know if Luna Park are still getting The Mega Drop and the Hard Rock for the Xmas hols? Personally i would love to see them lease the Spinning Coaster and set it up where the Tumblebug currently resides.Move the Tumblebug more to the cliff face and there should be enough room for both rides.This would give Luna 2 coasters again and the only park to have a spinning coaster set up in Australia. Either way this elevated area where the Tumblebug currently resides is heavily under utilised. This would look fairly effective with 2 small coasters facing each other at either side of the midway. Cheers Jobe

Wonderbus, In light of the Demon being sold overseas, do you have any confirmation on whether Luna Park are purchasing the four former Wonderland rides as was reported earlier and which ones are in the final negotiations?? Cheers Jobe

Wonderbus, do you happen to know if the Demon was offered to any park in Australia or if any park actually expressed interest in it before the decision to seel it to Visionland was undertaken??? I wonder if there is any interest in Space Probe...surely a park in Oz would pick it up!!! Cheers Jobe

I just hope it stays in the country Gazza thats all. It would be a shame for Australia to lose a coaster of this stature to another country,even if it is close to 16 years old. I honestly dont think that any of the Gold Coast parks will touch it but it would be a great inclusion for a few of the smaller parks such as Aussie World,Adventure World or even Luna Park ,Melbourne.(Which would be very ironic since that was meant to be its original destination) Cheers Jobe

Do you know where the Demon is being sold Wonderbus??? I hope that the it stays in Australia somewhere at least...I would hate to see it travel overseas. Cheers Jobe

Yes the Wild Mouse is definitely something that should be retained. Ted Hopkins (the legendary General Manager of Luna Park at the time) bought the plans for the Wild Mouse in 1962 from the Seattle World trade Fair and brought a car back to be copied locally. Three Wild Mouse tracks were built-one at Luna Park Sydney(which was also used at the Sydney Showground) and ones at the Melbourne and Perth showground. The Wild Mouse was the first coaster at the Sydney showground. In 1970, once again under Ted Hopkins supervision, the Wild Cat was built by Schwarzkopf in Germany to replace the Wild Cat. The plans and specifications were bought in Germany. However they had to be modified as the size of the ride had to be reduced to fit on the Wild Mouse slab and because Australian steel, being in imperial dimesions, was used for a ride of German metric specifications. Also extensive brakes had to be added to pull the cars up. The Wild Mouse remained at the Sydney showground site until the re-opening of the park in 1995. As for ideas about improvements as I have stated before I would like to see a Reverchon Spinning coaster installed on the slab where the Tumblebug is currently now. Call it the Wild Cat( in honour of the original). The midway would look good with the old Wild Mouse coaster(which still packs quite a punch) sitting opposite a brand new version with spinning cars. Move the Tumblebug to one side of the roof the cafe building and put another ride(maybe the Dragon's Flight from Wonderland) at the other side. The heightened elevation would make both these rides superb and the view would be spectacular-the thrill factor would also be expanded as both rides would travel close to the waters edge. :cool: I also think that in addition to a River Caves style ride, I would like to see something similar to Dreamworld's Eureka mine ride. This ride occupies a fairly small footprint and could be built under a building or on top of a building. As it is partially enclosed, zero problems with the whingeing residents.Call it Luna Park's Runaway Mine Car or theme it to a new "Ghost Train". I think it could work. Comments? I would be most interested in seeing what other rides people think could work at Luna Park.Maybe Huss could help out with some of the latest ride designs from Germany. Anyone? It is interesting to note that in an article by Miranda Devine in the Sunday Morning Herald, Peter Hearne, the General Manager of Luna Park, was commenting on the residents resistence to the building of the office tower on the clifftop. He stated that in reality, he was quite in his rights to install a ride here and then went further to state that would a ride such as Wonderland's Space Probe be more invasive thanan office block?? Does this mean that Luna Park management could be looking at certain rides from the defunct Wonderland,specifically Space Probe?? What about Demon??(I know this coaster isnt that popular on the board but i think that it could fit quite nicely in the area behind Coney Island,with the drops going over the roof of Coney to maximise space.) The only problem would be of course the residents. But the management of Luna Park would be silly to not look at what the rides at Wonderland have to offer and whether or not they could be utilised in Luna Park. Peter Hearne's comment at least shows they are looking at all angles. Food for thought. Great thread GoBoi and excellent ideas... keep up the great work!! Cheers Jobe

G'day Daniel. I have always been here mate,just reading and enjoying the forums. I add my own 2 cents worth when I feel its approriate or I have something to add or say. I like your thoughts on what rides should be in LPS Goboi. One off unique rides ARE the way to go and would instill a sense of atmosphere that the new park is lacking. However i feel that surely we could move forward and install some new,unique rides with decent thrills. I do like the historic angle being properly used(but only for rides that have real historic value ,as you have noted) LPS major vibe is one of history...one that only LPM can match in Australia Your idea on a River Caves ride is a good one. Disneyland Paris' Pirates of the Carribean ride is a good example of what you are proposing...along the course of this ride it slowly meanders past a patron filled cafe.Excellent ridewith great theming(but it is Disney of course!!) I still think that there should be a good balance to the function side of Luna Park to the amusment side of Luna Park. It doesnt need huge rollercoasters to warrant repeat visits but rather around 8 unique flat type rides to flesh out the rest of the park. The current roster of rides and placement doesnt fit this criteria at all and I hope they do redress this quickly. Are there any new or modern rides that you guys would feel would be suited to LPS?? Cheers Jobe

Interesting point Djrappa and one i agree with wholeheartedly!!! The return of the River Cavesto Luna Park is long overdue and would do much to revitalise interest and belief in the park that the current ride lineup does not. I also agree with GoBoi that the ridelayout is absolutely atrocious. The available space to my mind is wasted and could be utilised in a much more user friendly manner. I dislike the marquee at the back of Coney Island intensely....it looks very cheap and nasty indeed!! If we all agree that the current carnival rides at Luna Park are old hat or unsuitable ,what do you guys think they should be replaced with?? Especially given the current environment of pain in the arse, whingeing residents? Is there anything that can deliver decent thrills in the small compact space that Luna Park has available. Personally I would like to see a Reverchon Spinning Wild Mouse coaster installed. It would be a good foil to the "old " Wild Mouse and surely wouldnt be too noisy. Place it where the Tumblebug is currently, rename it the Wildcat(another old Luna Park ride name) and relocate the Tumblebug elsewhere?? Any other ideas guys?? As an aside with the new cafe set to open soon, do you guys think it feasible to operate any rides on the roof of this building, such as the Tumblebug?? They have to make use of any space available and this would be a great spot for a ride of some sort?? Comments? Cheers Jobe

Hi guys Having just visited Luna Park yesterday I thought I might give my 2 cents worth. In a word...disappointing. I firstly agree with the view that they have opened WAY too early.....the Rotor and the Wild Mouse were not operating and to me look as if they will be down for some time to come.The restaurant being built on the harbour side of the park is nothing but a shell..god knows how long that is going to take to complete. The rides that were running..I must say i think that their placement in the park is quite unusual..esp the Spider and the Ranger. This back area seems quite cluttered and could be re-arranged to be much more user friendly. The Marquee that is currently at the back of Coney Island I think is an eyesore and should be removed to allow a rationalisation of this back area for better placement of rides. I fervently hope that they replace the huge Spider and Tumble bug facade's that were originally in front of these rides. As for rides i feel that they need at least 2 more major rides(be they flat rides or something else.)This would bring their ride complement equal with the previous park's incarnation and coupled with the inclusion of the regular shows would subscribe to better value. There is definitely room for at least 2 more rides...but the question is what?? Well thats the negative out of the way.... now for the positive. The park did have a fresh,bright new look which is visually appealing. The Big Top DOES look great. Most importantly for me though,is that the operators seem to have preserved the unique atmosphere of the place. The park was also fairly busy with quite a good turnout of people. So hopefully (fingers crossed), this venture turns out to be a success. Give the park 6 months to bring everything online and then we will all be in a better position to judge its future success. And Schwarz.. i love the slides in Coney Island..they are great fun...judging by the amount of people enjoying them yesterday they are also favourites for many others!!! :cool: Comments?? Cheers Jobe

Hear, Hear Richard! I agree 100%. We all agree thats its a very sad thing that this has happened however there are right and wrong ways to voice our discontent Do you think Richard that most of Wonderland's rides will find home in OZ?? Which parks do u feel will stand to gain the most from Wonderland's demise??? Cheers Jobe

Well .The park is closing and there is no chance of it being given a reprieve in the form of a new owner. Lets look at the rides and at the possibilities within Australia of re-location.I dont think for a minute that one or 2 wont end up in the Gold Coast theme parks The Demon-Possibly Luna Park Melbourne(its original location after Expo '88). I think a more likely candidate could be Adventure World in Perth who could really gain from a coaster of the Demon's status. Definitely not Luna Park Sydney(as much as I wish!!) Dreamworld possibly as an interim replacement for the Thunderbolt. Space Probe- I think the best location here would be Seaworld. However any of the other parks previously mentioned would be ideal candidates.(Not sure about Luna Park Melbourne height restrictions and once again rule out LPS) Bush Beast and Beastie. I feel that these wont be relocated at all and will most likely be demolished. Luna Park Sydney could possibly gain flats like Dragon's Flight or HMS Endeavor. Luna Park Melbourne or Adventure World could also possibly gain. The Zodiac...who knows..could end up anywhere!! Anyone else like to add their 2 bits?? Cheers Jobe

Well. Its now official. I havent posted in quite a while myself but i certainly feel that this is a tragedy. Its terrible for the industry in Australia. Lets face it- you have to ask the question..what went wrong??? The place seemed to have good attendance levels and was located in Australia's most densley populated city. Its tantamount to criminality the way it was rundown. Still the writing appeared to be on the board. Is there any chance of a buyer stepping in and ressurecting the park to its former glory?? Shattered Jobe

Bussy, At no time have I ever designated Luna Park as a theme park!! Its a fun park.Always has been. Hopefully always will be. And as to my comments that they are basically 2nd hand travelling rides....well of course they are!! Its true!! However that doesnt mean I support your view of Luna Park likening it to a permanent Easter Show. :x All I was wanting to point out that Luna Park is a historic Sydney icon with volumes more atmosphere than the Easter show could ever muster. 8) Thats what really sets it apart. Its perfect location and now its slant towards functions,receptions,parties,concerts,shows and corporate meetings give it an angle that the Easter show or even Wonderland cant match. I will concede that the majority of its rides can be found at the Show but it still has some links to its historical past in the Rotor and Coney Island(both being special for their uniqueness.) So therefore once you take the sum of Luna Park's parts, its whole is really much more than just describing it as a tired old show. Denial thankyou for your concern. You will have to earn a apology outa me and you havent even come close!! Nope-I have reread your post and I have come to the conclusion that it really is too vague. You MUST have been tired or strung out on what ever drugs you take to keep your decrepid body alive and your vacuous mind awake as you indulge in some sick fantasy that your mind has devised-you know the one...the one where you think u are quite clever and that everyone likes you and that you actually have some respect? Then you wake up and your bubble bursts!! As you can see, my command of the English language is quite strong and I dont think you are as superior as you think!!! 8) Also a word of warning ..I can bitchslap just as well!!! :twisted: I love Crown's. As long as your buying!! You are right bout one thing though. I am enjoying the witty repartee!!! Cheers to you both Jobe :mrgreen:

I agree Goboi. They are basically 2nd hand travelling rides. However I think they are mostly alluding to the historical rides like Coney Island, The Wild Mouse and The Rotor. You make a good point in saying that they should get some of the newer Huss rides or even something unique or custom If one or 2 new custom rides were introduced this then would put Luna Park in a much more attractive position in giving people reason to visit. Any ideas on what you would like to see?? Given the space and residential restrictions -lets keep it realistic!! Cheers Jobe :mrgreen:

Here is some interesting info on the sale of Luna Park, Melbourne This is lifted from a article in Saturdays Daily Telegraph in the business section. The article states that there are three companies vying for redevelopment rights. However, the deadline for final tenders has been extended untill December 19th. The three companies are property developer Ivan Rijavec, Melbourne property group Australian Public Trustees and the third is ....wait for it...none other than Macquarie Leisure!!! The article goes on further stating that interest in the park has peaked because leases for the adjoining sites, the heritage listed Palais theatre, the Palace nightclub and a carpark ,are to end in 3 years. I think this is great news!! If the owners of Dreamworld bought Luna Park we could see some serious cashflow in the park. I dont think that Macquarie leisure would buy the park without having a definite plan in place and this can only be a huge positive for Luna Park and for Melbournians alike!!!! Comments??? Cheers Jobe :mrgreen:

Denial!!!! HOw ya Going mate "Next to the Galaxy Theatre, you will find a door that opens into HB. Go in there and look for yourself... If you get caught, tell them I said it was ok for you to go in" This would probably be funny if I knew what the hell it meant!!! All I can say is "What the????? Oh BTW i havent fallen of the face of the earth I only post when I have something to say or add!!! I am always here reading the forums though!! I will have to take your word on the Beastie's condition then,since I havent been to Wonderland in a couple of years. Has there been any official word from Wonderland stating that its demise is permanent?? Cheers, Jobe :mrgreen:

*sigh* I feel like I am repeating myself..... Quote-AGAIN "As for Blow Jobes comment, be careful old son. You don't know how much fire Wonderbus has in their belly. I strongly disagree with your uninformed remark. It could come back to bite you on the clacker soon enough. A friendly word of warning though. He's right you have no idea who any of us are." Ok the way I read this is thus. You are saying that Wonderbus has fire in the belly and that you strongly disagree with my uninformed remark. That is of course if that is what you meant to convey. The diction and tense seem to be all wrong and well i cant really be sure. Enlighten me. Who exactly are you directing your comment to?? It isnt really clear. And there is no way you are getting a apology outta me Denial!!! Maybe a beer but no bloody apology!!! I am over it!!! Wonderbus(no sorry BussY!!!)- mate I am not really touchy on this or any subject. I merely pointed out that you should give a little respect to the park and that your comment wasnt. You disagreed and I logically showed you what you said and the context in how u were wrong. Now you say that you cant be bothered to read the rest of my post.....grow up old son!!! You sound like a 5 year old kid with no real comeback!! Go away and learn to argue logically and coherently without resorting to personal insults. Besides we aren't really here to argue but to discuss. Y dont we all kiss and make up and build a bridge and get over it. I know I have!!! And Daniel...you can kiss my ass!!!! and then BUY me a beer!!! Cheers Jobe :mrgreen:

Nightshifter, I agree with your comment on Rail chase..it would have been perfect for Luna Park and re-themed could have been quite excellent. Daniel- I only brought up The Beastie as it is standing but not operating and is probably the closest example that correlates to the original Big Dipper. I personally believe that the Beastie isnt as unsalvageable as some on this board are led to believe but that is neither here nor there. The point I am trying to make is that I feel that there could be some room and scope down the track for a ride similar to Beastie behind Coney Island. The Luna Park website states that this area plus the grassland is all owned by the Luna park consortium and therefore could be put to good use. This area is fairly far removed from any close residential sites and could still retain the boardwalk round to Lavender Bay. Beastie would be an excellent choice. It isnt going to happen but it is a nice thought though!!! Cheers Jobe

Nightshifter, The childrens area behind Coney Island is a NEW feature so it can hardly be retained. This area is where the Old Dipper's sidewinder was located. It is where all the childrens rides will be located plus the Ranger. If you look at the Luna Park website more closely you will find that on their list of rides there is already a carousel included. This will house Luna Parks historical old pipe organ and will be directly behid the entrance mouth-the first thing you see on the midway as you walk in. It therefore cannot be construed as one of the new rides to be looked at for the March opening. Near the Ferris Wheel where the kids rides were located stands now a 2 storey restaurant and cafe, so unfortunately there is no more room here for new rides. A space probe like ride would be no good at all for Luna Park. This has been covered in previous posts. It would be too contentious and too tall and would attract to much attention from the residents. The operators of Luna Park would want to be avoiding that at all costs. Yeah it would fit in easily but the neagatives far outweigh the positives. The only real room that I can see is now in the space behind Coney Island. If they get 2 new rides that would equal what was there in '95. However I feel that they should get at least 3 more as there is no major drawcard like the Dipper. A balance of about 12 rides would deliver decent thrills (Wild Mouse/ Ranger) and also the ability to take in several shows would make for quite a family outing. I think that the new rides will be of the carnival type. What do you guys think will be brought in?? What would you like to see?-given the already existing rides, what would best complement them?? Cheers Jobe

Well!!! Hasnt that stirred the pot a little. Firstly Wonderbus. Lets examine your post. I was referring to you being uninformed whereby you stated that "all Luna Park is a permanent Easter Show with one crappy old rollercoaster." :evil: Yeah right. That IS REALLY showing respect to the place.I countered THAT in my last post showing you the how the park is improving its corporate and party appeal by having a multitude of function and convention centres available for any number of corporate, social or retail uses PLUS its historical and current rides. This isnt taking into account its perfect location and unrivalled atmosphere,which was all stated quite logically in my last post. So please ensure you read whole posts before attempting to rebut anyone. Facts first. Cool. And you are quite correct. I dont know who you are or what you do. Dont want to.Dont NEED to. I am commenting purely on what you have presented in these forums and unfortunately this time you left yourself open to a little criticism. It wasnt a personal attack. If you dont want to attract this type of attention,then do not post inflammatory material. If you had bothered to digest the whole of my post,you would have found thatI was actually agreeing with you on the subject of the post....that is that Luna Park won't adversely affect Wonderland's patronage. So i therefore stand by my comment of ill-informed and feel its is justified in this instance. Now Mr Daniel. Quote- As for Blow Jobes comment, be careful old son. You don't know how much fire Wonderbus has in their belly. I strongly disagree with your uninformed remark. It could come back to bite you on the clacker soon enough. A friendly word of warning though. He's right you have no idea who any of us are. :?: Mate...the sooner you give some people on this board a little more respect the better off we will be. The name is Jobe. I did NOT give you leave to call me by anything else :x and I know that you have been chipped by both Thunder and Joz for the same thing. So DO not call me that again please. You may find it humorous. I dont. :twisted: As for myself allegedly making an uninformed post,I consider myself to be an amateur historian of the park, and are deeply intimate with its colourful history,both past and present. I do not pretend to know more that what i do and only comment on what I know and what I am 100% confident in answering. Wonderbus's comment before certainly to me wasnt giving the place the respect it does deserve and did come through as very ill-informed so I will stand by it. I am sure you can see the discrepencies in what he calls respect. So..after all that no hard feelings. We are all here to discuss things that we love!! 8) Good discussion Cheers Jobe :mrgreen:

There are some valid points to be made in this discussion. Firstly i feel that the re-opening of Luna Park isnt going to adversley affect the number of visitors to Wonderland. However,Wonderbus i think you have it totally wrong though. Luna Park is much MORE than a permanent Easter show with "one crappy old coaster" :twisted: Firstly they are aiming Luna Park at a different market than what Wonderland is pitched at. Once opened Luna Park is going to have corporate and business function centres that far outweigh what Wonderland can presently offer. 4 fully self contained rooms each with their own distinct theming plus a 2000 seat indoor tiered room that can be utilised for anything-rock concerts,shows,performances etc!! You have new eateries and cafes' which will appeal to families. Plus you have the rides. Admittedly there arent as many as Wonderland and there are no major coasters but when they eventually open they will have about 12 major rides, which isnt too bad. Besides where else in Sydney can you ride a Coaster like the Wild Mouse or a Ferris Wheel at 10pm at night overlooking the best harbour in the world??? Certainly not Wonderland thats for sure!! And that brings us to something that Luna Park has which IMHO Wonderland will never really have-atmosphere. Utilising its unique location and its awseome history and heritage plus its nostalgic rides and features and you have a a location that is unrivalled for atmosphere in Australia. Period. So treat the place with a little respect ok?? It is distinctly different from Wonderland and it pains me to read uninformed comment like the ones Wonderbus trotted out in this forum!! :evil: I think that the park will succeed very well as long as they get quality shows and performances to keep attracting repeat visits. The best thing going for the park is its history and location and I think that given some time some surprises could be had in the way of thrills at Luna Park Good discussion though!!! Cheers Jobe

Dont worry Goboi, The Wild Mouse is defintely being retained. For one it also has a heritage order put on it. The trouble you heard was that they had a difficulty in getting new timber supports for its refurbishment. Nothing too major. Come March, the Wild Mouse will be open with all the other refurbished rides. Interestingly, on one of their newsletters, they definelty state that they are looking to introduce new rides for the March opening. Just what shape or form or number of new rides is not yet known but this is extremely encouraging. I hope that they get at least 3 major flat rides rethemed to old incarnations of the park's former rides( like Tumblebug etc). I feel about 12 rides would be a fairly good mix plus the Luna Circus and other non-ride related attractions. My question is though- what flat ride or similar would you like to see introduced to Luna Park??? I would personally like to see a Huss Rainbow( in the original plans of the 95' incarnation) or a Chaos. I will E-mail the park to see if I illicit any reaction or info.....will also ask about any plans(if any) for the River Caves reintroduction!!! Will post when I get something!! Comments anyone?? Cheers Jobe

Here's a thought!!! If Wonderland are not going to retain The Beastie, let Metro Edgely buy it and relocate it to the back of Coney Island at the back of the new kiddies area. This space is fairly far removed from any major buildings so noise wouldnt be a problem. I think with its relatively small footprint it would fit nicely. And having just looked at the Luna Park website,it states that where the old Dipper sidewinder used to run is a now a bitumen paved and grassed area where rides and a childrens playground will be.This land is all part of the Luna Park project. Surely something major and exciting could be done down in this space??? 8) Comments?? Cheers Jobe :bert:

I think that this is great news!!! As Richard has pointed out,new owners could mean capital expenditure on a park that is ripe for it. There is no chance of the park being demolished or anything like that-as in Sydney, there are heritage orders preventing this from happening on the iconic Mr Moon entrance and Scenic Railway. Definetly some money could be spent on the Scenic Railway and we may now see the intoduction of some major NEW rides as opposed to refurbished old ones. As far as i can tell there are no limits or obstacles preventing Luna Park from installing what they want, so this means that really, the sky is the limit. Depending on the new owners of course. Perhaps Metro Edgely, the owners of Luna Park Sydney could buy it and operate both simultaneously?? The park is crying out for a new coaster....given the room what do you think coud be achieved in the available space??? Food for thought.... Cheers, Jobe