Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster Overhaul

[STRAWS]

The ride was in horrible condition when it closed. It needed this refurb long before now and I was told it was having a lot of technical issues with the lift part as sometimes the lift wouldn't register the cart was on it or something like that. 

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

2 hours ago, Brad2912 said:

Not that their social media team is known for accuracy however…

Not unless it's Taylor Swift related. 

(I think I was right about their social team going to sydney though - spotted one of the guys that's in a lot of their videos posting attendance at Accor stadium over multiple days last week - though i'm sure they've got other people working on their content, it made me laugh a bit)

 

Honestly a missed opportunity though. P!nk just completed a bunch of concerts in QLD. Would have made more sense to try and attract them to visit - especially with their two kids on tour - than to try and get TS to travel interstate. 

[Brad2912]

Yep, hell even Travis Barker and that Kardashian would have been a better target as they’ve been all over the place with their kids 

[Ogre]

From the recent update video you can see this thing in the background in the laser room. Anyone know what it is?

[Jesse_xaivier]

1 hour ago, Ogre said:

From the recent update video you can see this thing in the background in the laser room. Anyone know what it is?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that appears to be a little guy 💁

[Rydah Hi]

4 hours ago, Ogre said:

From the recent update video you can see this thing in the background in the laser room. Anyone know what it is?

This is the Animatronic that slides forward to scare the riders before the Swinging Axes, it's been removed pictured here on Coaster Studios's video.

 

Edited May 16 by Rydah Hi

[Brad2912]

[Jokes_on_you]

7 hours ago, Brad2912 said:

wonder if we will get an unboxing or more updates on Scooby, as we get closer to 2025. 

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

Curious timing - DW posted pictures of crates that had landed at the park, and suddenly MW is posting pictures of crates that are in-transit...

 

[Ogre]

Noticed the old cars in the maintenance shed by Superman. Or I least I think they're the old ones...

[Rydah Hi]

17 minutes ago, Ogre said:

Noticed the old cars in the maintenance shed by Superman. Or I least I think they're the old ones...

I can confirm they are the old ones.

[Rydah Hi]

At 4PM, We will be getting an Update on The Scooby Refurb!

[GreenStormy]

Surprised to see them do an announcement like this on a Sunday.

Edited September 29 by GreenStormy

[Jokes_on_you]

2 hours ago, GreenStormy said:

Surprised to see them do an announcement like this on a Sunday.

I don’t think it’s an announcement, more of an update on the progress from the caption on the countdown above, but could be wrong. 

[jjuttup]

Merry Christmas

 

https://themeparks.com.au/blog/bts-of-scooby-doo?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0JsbBOW_82Onbly8rhxysgB8a6A9c2iC8bFtAz5a5KBJEbjokjQwx8xYU_aem_-BzqVm0b8zDwe1y_G-z5GQ

[red dragin]

Seems decent progress is being made. Up till now it's felt like they just shelved it whilst they were spending money on the Wizard of Oz precinct. 

[themagician]

Since its debut in 2002, the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster at Warner Bros. Movie World has been a fan favourite for thrill-seekers and Scooby-Doo enthusiasts alike. With its unique combination of dark ride elements, immersive Scooby-Doo theming, and wild twists, the ride has provided a spooky yet exhilarating experience for over two decades.

Following its temporary closure in 2023, our team have been undertaking a major retrofit of the beloved coaster, ensuring it continues to thrill fans for years to come. Let’s dive into the scope of these exciting changes and what it means for our guests.

 

Scooby Doo animatronic.

Internal queue of Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.

The Retrofit: Preparing for the Future

The current retrofit is an ambitious project that builds on the original design to improve capacity, and the overall ride experience.

Improved Capacity and Operation

Prior to the refurbishment, the ride operated with 14 vehicles, but the retrofit will increase this to 16. By optimizing vehicle dispatch and removing a train stopper at the final brake zone, the operation will run more efficiently, reducing wait times and ensuring more guests can experience the ride each day.

Refurbished Demon to be installed in a new location.

Demon hiding within the rock walls. 

Station Enhancements

Guests will notice new higher entrance gates, raised to 1.2 metres which, paired with upgraded handrails, provide a more streamlined loading process. The attraction will also feature a tester seat at the queue’s entrance—similar to the DC Rivals HyperCoaster—allowing guests to check if they meet the rider's requirements before boarding.

Concept of the new and improved load gates.

The new load gates arrived on site.

The Ride Experience: Keeping the Magic Alive

While much of the mechanical and structural upgrades won’t be visible to guests, they play a crucial role in ensuring the ride operates smoother and more reliably. Mechanical brakes are being replaced with advanced switchable magnetic brakes, offering better control and a smoother ride. The show doors, which separate sections of the dark ride, will be integrated into the ride’s new control system to enhance the theming and storytelling elements.

The reinstallation of the showdoors into the dark ride section.

New showdoors within the dark ride section.

Ride Vehicle Upgrades

Mack Rides has designed entirely new vehicles for the coaster, with reinforced frames and updated safety features. The new seat frames and chassis parts, including axles and wheels, are designed to improve ride quality and durability. Additionally, new restraint systems will feature handle grips on the lap bar to enhance guest experience. The iconic Spooky Jester will remain as the main feature on the ride vehicle.

The new vehicles will also feature an RFID system to track cycles, providing more precise monitoring and ensuring that the ride continues to operate safely and efficiently.

Mack Rides crates with Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster components.

Mack Rides logo and concept of new ride vehicle frame.

The Track and Structural Upgrades

Key parts of the track will receive upgrades, including new support structures and reinforced sections for the iconic backward dip. The use of larger bolts and additional support structures will extend the life of the ride, reducing vibrations and wear over time.

Tech Services working on the Highzone area of Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.

Turntable stripped back to orginal look with new features to be installed. 

A New Control System

Perhaps one of the most significant upgrades is the complete overhaul of the ride’s control system. The new system integrates the latest safety and operational technologies, from magnetic brakes to sensor-based monitoring. Not only will the ride function more efficiently, but it will also trigger show elements more precisely, enhancing the storytelling and immersion throughout the dark ride section.

Crate of new magentic brakes to be installed.

Magnetic brakes to provide a smoother ride experience. 

What’s Next?

As the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster undergoes its transformation, fans can look forward to a ride that feels familiar yet new. The spooky mystery-solving theme will remain intact, but with smoother operations, and updated theming elements, this classic will be retrofitted for a new generation of riders. Plus, several new spooks that will await you around the corners!

Warner Bros. Movie World’s commitment to preserving the magic while enhancing guest experience ensures that the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster will continue to delight fans for years to come.

[Brad2912]

Ridiculous elevator screens and off timed animations need a full overhaul 

[Tricoart]

31 minutes ago, Brad2912 said:

Ridiculous elevator screens and off timed animations need a full overhaul 

One of those issues has already been addressed:

2 hours ago, themagician said:

The new system integrates the latest safety and operational technologies, from magnetic brakes to sensor-based monitoring. Not only will the ride function more efficiently, but it will also trigger show elements more precisely, enhancing the storytelling and immersion throughout the dark ride section.

The other one (elevator screens) seems to be against what they’ve shown they’re wanting to do with this redo (replacing the mirror lighting ‘effect’ on the turntable with something new, adding back show doors & enhancing/including more physical set pieces), but they could’ve been fine if done better IMO.

Edited September 29 by Tricoart

[kdtry]

Village coming through with the goods?? Time will tell, but at least it seems they understand there are big shoes to fill this time round. 

[Ogre]

6 hours ago, themagician said:

New showdoors within the dark ride section.

Right after the drop with the swinging axes!

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

15 hours ago, themagician said:

 

 

Now that there are pictures of the crates all over the internet, someone needs to go and spraypaint the logos over with black paint.

It's the Movie World way.

9 hours ago, Ogre said:

Right after the drop with the swinging axes!

You're blinded by the camera flash at this point, and moving way too fast - i'm not so sure the new showdoors in the update are going to be in that particular spot just because its the same shape and colour.

[Gazza]

Camera flash can be moved.

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

4 minutes ago, Gazza said:

Camera flash can be moved.

Sure - but I don't think it should be - its the perfect spot for it, it takes new riders unawares, the blades make people think they're going to hit them so they're a little afraid, and the car is tilted in a way that all riders are unobstructed for the camera.

I also don't think the doors being in a high(er) speed place where there's no safety brake in case the doors fail to open is a good idea - if the doors fail, you either crash into the door or theres a new brake that results in a valley?

[Levithian]

It was always scheduled for a major control system upgrade. Previously relied on a barcode system to keep track of car counts, with no specific car positioning available during the ride. Everything is left up to establishing car order at the start, then relying on proxy sensors to do all the hard work as part of the block system.

I hope while they are in there replacing the track they link the high zone catwalks. Will make it easier for all.