AheadMatthewawsome

Hi all, here’s an update as to the decommissioning, demolition, and reconstruction of the Sky Safari. It’s been just over a month since the Sky Safari closed down. They haven’t touched that much of the Sky Safari as of what I could see outside. But the decommissioning process should be done by the end of the month, then demolition shall begin. In the meantime, signs have been put up next to the Bus Stop. Which seem like a lot of children will be crying and screaming at while the Parents have to accept the fact that because they were too late, they’ll have their mini Zoo Fans that they call their kids having trust issues for the next 2 years. And all mention of the Sky Safari has been removed from the map. There’s also some history signs that’s been placed over the windows at the Top Gate. But other than that, pretty much everything is still in tact from the day that it closed. None of the Gondolas have moved, even the ones they couldn’t get back up the hill! But keep an eye out as they should begin soon! Here are some photos that I took that’ll give a bit more detail. Have a great day everyone!

Hi all, Just wanna let you all know that I’m now officially employed with Luna Park Sydney! I’ll be working in Head Office helping with Disability & Inclusion within the park starting next month. As somebody who’s experienced the highs and lows of someone with a disability, you should see over the next few months changes around the park to make it as accessible as possible. If you have any ideas, please do let me know and I’ll see what I can do. But enough with the boasting, let’s talk about the actual interview! Please note that this is as of November/December 2022. This was for casual roles within the park for the summer. That was my original intent until they offered it to me instead as it’d be more productive and less stressful. The activities and qualifications required may change in the future. So always read the fine detail and check with the park what’s required before arrival. For more fine detail, please also contact the park before you arrive. And please don’t rely on some squeaky teen online for all your information, I’ll only be talking broadly about what happens. I‘ve kept it as a secret until everything was set up with my new role, which happened yesterday. To apply, Luna Park normally announces the application a few weeks before the interviews, and those are just under a month before you start. You also need to be 16, make a resume, and have some form of ID on you, like a Passport, Drivers Licence, or Photo Card. Then you can apply online with a Google Questionnaire. There were 12,000 people that came to the interviews on 22/11 and 3/12/22. So it was very busy and they had to do it in a way to process as many people through as possible. So please be patient and if you require assistance, please contact them before arrival (but don’t worry if you forget, there are staff there to help). You might be able to bring someone to support you if you ask in advance. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a staff member who’ll direct you over to the Coney Island entrance and you’ll sign in at Hungry Horse. You’ll be assigned a number in order of arrival, remember this number as it’s important for later. You’ll be given free Popcorn and Fairy Floss while you wait. Your group will then get called and you’ll get sent to Crystal Palace. You’ll start at the Sunset Room and be greeted by staff and you’ll sit in front of the TV and be shown a tape which explains what all the roles mean and what it’s like working at the park. After this, you’ll have one of many opportunities to ask questions to the staff. The group will then split to 6 corners of the room depending on what you applied for. There’s Sideshow/Merchandising, Rides (18+, not for THAT kind of reason), Guest Relations/Ticketing, Cleaning, Venues, and Food & Beverages. You’ll then get a colour sticker on your tag distinguishing you for which role you’re applying for. You’ll then proceed to the ballroom by your number. You’ll be greeted with some music played by the managers. You’ll then be put in a circle where you’ll introduce each other and get to know each other and do some more dancing! And remember you’re doing it in front of just under 100 people! Surprisingly everybody made it through that. The only comment I’ll make is that I aced it (probably)! You’ll then be put in a line behind the wall by number and be sent upstairs where you’ll wait to get interviewed. The lower the number, the sooner the interview starts. See? That’s why it’s important to be early! After the interview, you can go on free rides on Dodgem City and Big Dipper over and over again! And maybe even see a TV show being made! If you got hired, you’ll have a training day about a week or two later and then start when the School Holidays start. Hope that this helps anybody applying to the park and I wish you all the best!

I’ll just quickly add it here as I can’t edit the post: The Sky Safari took 20 million people around, travelled the equivalent of going to Mars, and carried the Olympic Torch! It was also renovated in 2000 for the existing gondolas. The old ones from before 2000 can be found here: https://youtu.be/wQcqKaVxZ7Y

Hi all, Just a few minutes ago, the Sky Safari closed down for the last time. I was lucky to be the last passenger on board the Sky Safari. So I’ll be talking about those last few minutes of the ride. The whole park was very empty as it was the first day for most students back at school. And it was not well known for people outside of Zoo Friends. The only press there was 9 News, so it was very low key. Shortly before the last trip, we were lucky to be allowed into the workshop for the Gondolas and got insider and in depth knowledge about how it all works. We were also lucky to get on the last ever service! All the staff were so kind and so friendly and went up and beyond for not just us, but everyone! After the last gondola came through, everything shut off and became eerily quiet. The last one was number 16, and then one by one by every staff member were packed up for the last time. Then there was a guard of honour and then a few speeches and photos before having a pizza party. Only 10 staff members will remain at the Zoo, the rest will remain for a few weeks for the decommissioning then become redundant. Apparently it’s been pretty difficult over the Pandemic due to both restrictions and the imminent closure that was delayed multiple times. All parts and gondolas will be sold over the next few weeks and anything that can’t will be destroyed. One of the gondolas MAY be kept to be displayed similarly to Scenic World. So now we got for the next 2 years the construction of a whole new system! I’ll keep this thread going for construction updates.

It’s a major attraction at the park! It’s that last little push to get someone to go. It’s not just your regular old boring transport system like a bus. Before the Sky Safari opened, I still have family who used to go when they were little complaining about walking back up the hill, it’s a literal hell going up there, and I know that with my legs that I surely wouldn’t be the last one to collapse going back up! They used to have trams from the City to the Zoo, then went down to the wharf. These have since become the 100 and 238 buses. They already have extra 238 buses going to the “Top Zoo”, they’ll probably just put in some extra services. Sure, it may cause a slight loss of patronage for people only coming for the Sky Safari, but more people are coming for, well, the Zoo! You know, the Giraffes, Elephants, Fishing Cats, and more! There’s a new Reptile area, and a new “Australia” area at the end of the year. That’ll definitely keep people coming until at least the Sky Safari reopens. And then there’ll be more people coming after that opens too! Zoos are having to change with the times, not just to boost Animal Welfare and focus more on education. But also new experiences like any other park to keep people rolling in the gates!

Here’s also a video from… ugh… Sky News which surprised me as being the only TV station that has made a report about this from what I’m aware of:

Hi all, it’s been a while! So if someone has already made a thread or even though it’s mentioned on the website it shouldn’t be on here, please remove this post, I won’t mind. The Sky Safari will CLOSE on the 31st of January. Originally built in 1987, and last renovated in 2000, apparently after speaking to some staff it’s starting to break down and is getting to the point of no return. After this, an $81 million new system will be built due to be opened in 2025. The new Gondolas will have a higher capacity, be safer, have air conditioning, and be compliant with current accessibility guidelines. It’ll also have 21st Century technology, and will go on a longer route. Only minimal information is known about this new Sky Safari, but we should know more once they start construction. To everyone in Sydney, you have 8 days! I’m currently at the Zoo, but when I get back home, I’ll give you some photos and other information.

Ah, it’s not that bad! I get to cuddle and squeeze them while they make a cold, dead stare saying “Mother, you’re giving me flashbacks.” I love them soooooo much!

This was from a few weeks ago. But you all wanted improved scenery in the park. And here’s the start! These cute little dolls based on Arthur Barton’s drawings who will enjoy Big Dipper I (hopefully) forever! The plan is to fill up all the seats on the carriage with other dolls as well! Once things improve a bit more, Luna Land and Big Dipper III will get better!

That’s exactly the point.

Is an understatement. It's been very tough on the staff with the endless complaints from customers. I know I'm gonna sound like Amy's Baking Company. But, just look at their social media and review sites! They're acting like pieces of s**t in there, which is what the staff are having to deal with every day! Come on guys, people don't need to be this rude! Look at these examples! There was even one person who had the audacity to spam his review over and over again on Trip Advisor! Well I never! Leave our staff alone! Everyone from HTM, to MD have put their heart and soul into making the park run! And this is what we get in return? If people are gonna act like this to our staff and other customers, then nobody will be at the park at all!

Hi all, I’ve been reading the Just for Fun book I bought almost 6 years ago on one of my first trips to LPS. And I normally read the pictures instead of the words, the words in the book strain my eyes and put my brain in a frizzle. I remember the video that I made which I remade the coaster in Planet Coaster (you can see it above), and remember another Big Dipper proposal which didn’t pass. This coaster can be seen at Page 124. The book says: “In June 1994, as another reopening was planned for a traditional-style amusement park, there were ominous signs that the Big Dipper could be a stumbling block.” It would be more than a “stumbling block” with a coaster even taller than the one that was actually built! It also shows an old Ferris Wheel, Flying Saucer, and a Helter Skelter with a weird roller coaster going into it! I’m assuming that’s the Wild Mouse. And fireworks and weird black circles on the wall. Another reason to shut down the park! Artist’s Impressions are extraordinarily insane! They also talked about on the same page for an expansion as a “stage 3”. It never happened, but what would have happened is “remove the railway storage and spur line for parkland, an amphitheatre, gallery and museum”. That might not have been so bad… “OI HIGHLINE, ANY CHANCE?” Now we get to the juicy bit: “Plans for a massive Arrow Huss roller coaster running the full length of the Park were made public in August 1984. The only catchwas that to fit the ride on the site, Coney Island would have to be demolished. Harbourside approached the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences to determine whether they would take the building. A report commissioned by the Department of Public Works on the importance of Coney Island recommended its retention. The dominoes were beginning to fall.” That’s available on page 118, it also includes a very funny cartoon about a young kid complaining to the government about the park! It also includes about relationships between Harbourside Amusements and Abe Saffron, don’t get me started! I said, don’t get me started! *drum beat* Although there are a few discrepancies between the artist impression and what’s said in the book (because some artist impressions are dumb), it makes a connection…

Just wait, and it’ll come eventually.

Hi all, I just want to let you all know that there’s been a few people, including staff spreading rumours about the Big Dipper. They’ve said that the seats have been ripped out and replaced. And that they removed a “loop” (inversion) on the ride. They did not say what, but I would assume it’s the Flat Spin. The staff member came up to me in a worried state with it apparently being taken apart. Somebody else also said I was wearing a red and white stripe half glove tie in a half Windsor knot. Oh I am, am I? Is that what you think? Well if that’s what you think, I have something to tell you. Something that may shock and discredit you! I’m not wearing a tie at all! Whoops… It’s just not true, it’s just not true! I got all the proof here! SEE?! I checked around the whole perimeter of the ride today, which was apparently when they were taking the ride down. And nothings changed! Although there’s been quite significant teething issues with the Big Dipper, and the ride has quite a habit of going on strike. Maintenance will be doing just a few little tweaks to make it singa, with the moona and the tuba! I’ve already reported the person making the false rumours on the Luna Park Instagram Page to, well, Instagram. While that staff member has already been reported by myself, and any concerns have been swiftly crushed by management. Fact Checkers, activate! And even if it was true, it would be extremely expensive, and would take months for the ride to reopen, permanently reducing LPS and Intamin’s reputation. So please keep an eye out for any of these kinds of rumours. If you don’t think my first hand, or second hand knowledge from management, please contact Guest Relations by phone, email, or live chat though here: https://www.lunaparksydney.com/contact Thanks Matthew

I make some odd choices to eat when I’m at the park. Usually, I’m not hungry. So I normally get popcorn a ice cream, and a slushie/milkshake from the Ice Cream Parlour. They got a special extra large ice cream at the moment called the “Big Dipper”. They get a huge scoop of whatever flavour available and squirt chocolate syrup and sprinkles all over! They used to have these yummy mini doughnuts that you used to be able to see outside with a special window them making it! It used to draw tons of people waiting for a squeaky voice with his pants dropping because he just couldn’t use a belt with a funny badge! They got rid of it about 3 to 4 years ago, what a shame. Otherwise, I’ll get a proper meal from either the Helter Skelter Café, or the Hungry Horse. It’s very boring what I get there because of an evil enemy called MSG. MSG converts you to a member of the Kardashians in an instant! No thank you! At least LPS do a better job at it than others! *cough* KFC *cough*

Hi all, due to a combination of storms and staff shortages. Luna Park Sydney will be CLOSED on January 5th and 6th! Anybody who was going to the park on that day will be issued Flexi Passes to book for another date within 180 days, which you can change at any time. I was lucky to be able to peek in there just before they closed, although having 0 ideas what was happening! There is also another COVID alert for those who visited the park on December 30th 2021. Anybody who was there on that day should monitor for symptoms, and get tested if unwell. I'll be doing a RAT test tonight, to make sure that I'm right. If you have any concerns about your ticket, please contact tickets@lunaparksydney.com More information is available at https://www.lunaparksydney.com/

Hi all, I just want to let you all know that if anybody was at LPS on Boxing Day, there has been COVID. I've gotten the standard COVID text. I've done a RAT today with it negative. I would also recommend anybody who was there to do the same thing! This has been a very common occurrence. Every time from what I remember I've bought home the Service NSW text! Thanks, Matthew

BTW… Please be careful when filming on the bridge, especially when you don’t intend on riding! It’s causing lots of problems for the staff with crowd control, as people are blocking the way for people wishing to ride!

Hi all, I'm sorry there hasn't been that much posting for the past few months. The lockdown came and screwed everything up, and it was pretty much done by the end of the lockdown! But now we got something exciting! I don't like to boast, but I just have to spread the word. I was very lucky to be the *first* rider on Big Dipper III (although that there was a press event earlier, and human tests. But at least the first guest...)! I throw up on Teacups, so there were high standards to prevent raining vomit. I never felt nauseous, even on my 3rd go (just because)! Your back gets pushed in as you launched, which forces a smile, even on the most upset of people, the photos will give you proof! Then at the second launch, you know truly a thrill ride. The most intense part for me was the Luna Land section of the coaster, it's like a strict parent pinning you to bed and yelling at you: "GO TO SLEEP! FOR GOODNESS SAKES, G O T O S L E E P!!!". At the last section of the coaster, you go very low to all the customers in the queue, and gives chills to those waiting to ride. They had a GoPro facing me to see my reaction, I'll try to grab that recording, and a few others that I have that should be available on my social media soon! There was a Red Train, and a Blue Train. The first one to go was the red train, but broke down around twelve hours and thirty minutes post meridian & was put into a siding. I went on the Blue Train the other 2 times. They had GoPro holders on both right now, they'll be using the Blue Train for more recording tomorrow. But they will probably take them off soon... I think that's a shame as it can cause trouble and violence against staff from people not using a chest strap for their GoPros, and this would be an easier way to do it in theory. There was also trouble with people using the bridge to cross the track to the queue for people filming the ride, blocking way for people wishing to ride. A good spot for a vantage point in the future they might want to add is either expanding the bridge slightly (unlikely), or use the area where the Big Dipper 1 queue painting is right now, and a few other places around the Foyer 2 area (more likely (at least) ). There were also new mascots at the park who arrived today! Meet Loop & Zag, and there were 4 people in full body suits in 4 different colours, I couldn't get their name because they can't talk, but they're interested in getting a 5th member, but I believe that's already been taken. Thanks so much to the builders, architects, managers, team members, media, guests, enthusiasts, and video bombers for making this day possible! Every single person has made this 20 year dream into a reality! Matthew

Congratulations! See you there soon!

This must be testing for the half spin version of the ride. When they do the full spin. I don't know if that many people in the local area would be pleased... I still can't believe they haven't done that yet!

It's due to the unemployment crisis at LPS. They were planning on opening every day during the school holidays (which is what they normally do). But will now go back to what they normally do during the School Term (not opening Tuesdays and Wednesday.

Good on you! Hope to see you there soon!

Hello everyone and this is another update to the construction! There is exactly 1 month to the opening of LPS! Things are slowing down construction wise. While operations wise it's springing to life! Safety fencing is being put around Sledgehammer. The first pieces of track for the Big Dipper, including the first launch track is now assembled! The construction of the coaster will continue till December as apart of Stage 2. I've heard about the employment crisis at LPS. I'd love to sign up to give more of a helping hand✋! Even though that I'm an honuary Team Member. That doesn't count as being Employed. Otherwise, Open Heath and Safety would shut LPS down like that! But I'll be able to in December! Pretend it's a promotion... I can only do the Boomerang at this time @Kevin. Next update will be whenever I get there!

@Gazza is gonna be really cross about this! I'm not a crackpot... *ding*