My Review of Movie World 18/11

[Obstructure]

Before I begin, I will just say that these are my opinions based on my experience on a specific day, they don't speak for every single day, or every single person, just a broad generalisation. Today was the first time I have been to Movie World in quite some time, so I was expecting things to be fairly fresh, as in the rides having a novelty about them. After arriving at Dreamworld, only to see ALOT of people, we decided to head down the road to Movie World instead, and test our luck there, just to change things up. We ended up arriving there just on 10, and walked straight through the gate - no line, relatively empty carpark, and a lot less busier than Dreamworld. Once getting through the gate, we pencilled in what shows we wanted to go to, and decided to fit the rides around them. LETHAL WEAPON: Decided in the case of things getting really busy, this ride would be best to do first to ensure a small wait time. We got to ride it twice at the start of the day because there was no one, and that was good. Only the one train was operating, which showed to me they weren't expecting many people. Anyway, the staff didn't say much, and to be honest they had a process of loading riders which lacked logic. As we came back time and time again throughout the day, the two staff members which were operating the ride, didn't interact with the public, nor did they pump the guests through as quickly as they could have. Now the day wasn't exactly packed out, they weren't using the room with the video to load guests through, so that kind of explains the queue. However, at certain intervals they would just load a heap of people through and you would have about 3-4 ride fulls standing where the gates are. Come the last ride, you would perhaps have half a ride full left, for some reason or another? And they wouldn't load anymore people through that were waiting. Now I don't know if there was any reason for this, but it was really annoying when I was standing next and saw spare seats, and large numbers of them. I was also expecting large numbers of staff there, seeing that's what this board raves on about, but no, I see they also cut staff in off-peak periods - shock horror, how dare they try save money.... Anyway, I will probably get crucified for this, but to be honest I don't find the Lethal Weapon queue/exit set up much better than Cyclones. The only significant difference is on the Cyclone, you need to walk up or downhill, rather than on flat land. If you wished to ride again, you couldn't just go on the spare seats that were there for some reason, you had to walk 5km around in a big circle. However, it is a top ride and I rate it as the best 'thrill' Coaster on the Gold Coast (at this stage in time). BATMAN 2: Waste of time, waited for ages in a queue with something like 50 people in it. When we finally got in, it was just as ordinary as I remembered. For a ride with so many introductory stages, they needed more staff to guide people through. It seemed like we were waiting endlessly for the staff to catch up. The ride was awful, might be ok for young kids, Batman 2, 0/10 LOONEY TUNES: Not really my kind of thing, the water ride was down for maintenance, no big drama there, so I went on the Roller-coaster, just because I was there and there was no lineup. Not of the callibre of Reptar, but still good fun for the kiddies. And I might add, at least a decent ride operator. By this time it was 12 o'clock, 2 hours into the day and about the 6-7th 'ride' and finally one with a smile, and one with a voice! That might have been because I asked if the ride was scary, but hey, still some customer service. He was doing a good job this guy, and I'm sure the kids would have loved him too. SCOOBY DOO: Quite well staffed and I can imagine this ride would get the guests through quite quickly at full capacity. I really enjoyed this ride and went on it time and time again today because there wasn't such a long wait, and the whole inside area was air conditioned, which made it comfortable. The attendants there were reasonably good, they showed some superb yawns and groans, terrific use of no eye contact, and brilliant silent treatment. That doesn't go for all of them though, there was one who didn't mind saying a word or two, and they even cracked a smile; and I thought they were all depressed. How wrong was I? But onto the ride, I can see why it cost the park so much money, and I'm sure it was money well invested. Although the ride itself isn't 'thrilling' I found it very enjoyable and a lot of fun. The effects and themeing were terrific and they surpass any themeing on any ride I have ever been on. Well done Movie World. The bonus for this ride is they can get people through quickly because: a) a lot of trains the harness system is basic and quick c) loose articles don't need to be removed They had 1 operator on, one load, one unload, and one at the entry measuring people. There also was one person inside the booth having a chat - good staffing. Got to keep the operator awake at all times. I can't see any way Movie World could staff this any different. WILD WEST FALLS: Very enjoyable boat ride, and not very busy today. Could go around time after time if you wanted. Occasionally there would be a small wait, but I guess that could be because one of the guys was too busy chatting up the operator and ignoring the guests. Cool, I like that. Go for it son, pick up. One of the girls there was doing a great job though, having a chat and being very friendly, so I just ignored the Perfect Match episode going on at the load area and focussed on the positive once I was exiting the ride. MATRIX EXHIBIT lol SHOWS: Marvin the Martian in 3D, I didn't know it was possible to bore people in 3D but it did. I liked the cartoons they had when I was younger, I guess I have grown out of Looney Tunes now though. I did like the touch of water added in though. Definitely one for the kiddies. Movie Magic was quite good, same as it used to be and its always good for a laugh. They got themselves into a bit of trouble when they picked someone to play the parts who didn't understand English, but they still got through. My recommendation would be to get a new movie, with new effects, just to change things every now and then. I think its been the same movie for too long. Police Academy: the same show as it has always been, but still a crowd drawer and will always be entertaining. I can't believe they still do the whole Rodney thing without fail. I'll admit that even though I've seen the show numerous times, and knew what was going to happen, it was a lot of fun. OVERALL The themeing and the keep of Movie World is terrific. I'd like to see Dreamworld continue to improve and strive to offer the same upkeep as Movie World. I understand that they have completely different themeing areas and what not, but it does look very attractive, and the changes in themes is very distinct. I believe in peak times that Movie World can handle the capacity issues that they would definitely be challenged with. In a park which draws a lot of people, they only offer a small amount of rides. This means the rides need to get the guests through as quickly as possible and I believe they have considered this. However, this does not mean that in off-peak time, just because there are only 50-100 people in the queue, that it is ok to slow down, have a chat, try to pick up a fellow employee or two, and so on. I believe that the ride operators at Movie World have a much easier job than those at Dreamworld. Saying that, I mean that they do seem to have enough people at certain posts, but their job doesn't consist of very much. I mean in all seriousness, the majority of the ride operators work in air conditioning, out of the sun. They don't have to talk because some of the speeches are prerecorded for them if they need to make one. And hey, its socialise central at Movie World too. Are the Movie World ride operators friendlier and more efficient then the Dreamworld ones? From my experience today, I would say they are on about even. Both park's ride operators can only do what they are staffed with. Also in every bunch there will be a bad, sour grape or two, or ten, or a few grapes that are trying to mate and make more grapes, but that isn't the point. At this stage I would say I'm quite disappointed, considering the amount people have talked up Movie World's staff on this board, but again, its just my opinion on a certain day. Maybe it was that time of the month for some of the ladies, because it seemed that way at times. I'm looking forward to their next attraction being unleashed. Hopefully they raise the bar and offer a challenge to Dreamworld. Scooby Doo and Lethal Weapon were the highlights for me. The Lowlights being Batman 2 (lol) and the 3D movie. Unfortunately, the 'lastability' of a park like Movie World is very brief. It isn't the sort of place I want to return to again and again because once I've done it, that's it. It needs to offer some more rides to its palette, perhaps change a show or two, and wow it will put itself right up there if and when it does. *These opinions only reflect those of Obstructure and may or may not reflect those opinions of Roller-Coaster.com.au. Obstructure is a 3rd party which has the freedom to like or dislike whatever he/she wants to, whenever he/she wants. The positive or negative comments are in no way bias towards or against those of Movie World or Warner Village Parks.

[steve$]

Sounds like you had a fine day at Movie world although seems like a very short day. Will you be heading to Dreamwolrd and the other parks aswell

[Flea]

MATRIX EXHIBIT lol

LMAO! That sums it up perfectly, I couldn't believe I wasted 20 mins in this thing + 5 mins in queue. I'm suprised it still exists.

[Obstructure]

Sounds like you had a fine day at Movie world although seems like a very short day. Will you be heading to Dreamwolrd and the other parks aswell

Yep, it was a good day. Wasn't short, just didn't want to go on and on anymore than I already did, I was there from 10-5 (the opening hours). If the queues aren't too short at Movie World you pretty much do all the rides really quickly. I dare say there are really only 4-5 worth going on. At times on some of the rides it was a walk-on, or practically (5 minute wait or less). The shows are a major draw card for guests. At times many of the shows/parades pretty much coincided, so that took a large proportion of the crowd away. I've got a Max Action Pass (season pass) to Dreamworld so I go there all the time, that's why we decided against going on a busy day - we can go anytime.

LMAO! That sums it up perfectly, I couldn't believe I wasted 20 mins in this thing + 5 mins in queue. I'm suprised it still exists.

I get the feeling the attendents feel similar. They seemed very lethargic and unenthused, but I didn't want to be too critical of them because I felt that way after the first 2 minutes. It wasn't very interesting at all, and I couldn't see any hardcore Matrix fan feeling any different. It was just a bunch of props. I don't know how much Movie World invested in this thing, but it could be the reason why they keep it running. That, and perhaps people actually visit it... Unaware of what's instore... Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

[steve$]

Hope you have a good day at dreamwolrd when you go, with queues and stuff and hopefully you can tell us about every ride

[Bussy]

hopefully you can tell us about every ride

Yay I can't wait for another boring trip report bagging out a theme park. "The Bus is now leaving for Yayah Creek, Northern Territory"

[steve$]

Sorry Wonderbus

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

I have to say this is good to get information about a bad experience at WBMW. As you guys already know on my previous gold coast visit, I was supremely impressed with the Warner Village theme parks, and severely disappointed with DW. Im sure Joz would have an opinion on this in regards to the morale of the staff. I know i do. I dont work for warner village, and never have, but i have visited the warner village parks countless times more than dreamworld, and have always found the staff impression to be the best I've seen anywhere. so very sad to see the staff dropped the ball on this particular occasion. And I'll concede that as I dont visit DW as often as I do WVTP, my experiences at DW can be simply one-offs as this experience at WBMW seems to be. but anyway....

[Obstructure]

Yes. Glad I made it clear that it was just one particular occasion, because it doesn't speak for all operators, or all days. I think a bit of the problem could have been it wasn't a very busy day and they may not have had a lot of work to do.

[steve$]

Hey obstructure. Have you been to the other Gold Coast parks yet? My 200th Post :eek:

[Adam]

I have found the staff at Movie World to be great everyday we have visited (during the peak seasion its the best). I agree, change the Special Effects tour movie!