Dreamworld - the good and the bad

[MaxxTheMonster]

Waiting for some battery life so I can transfer pictures to the computer for the other thread.

In the meantime...

Wiggles Area:

All traces of the old Wiggles combination is now gone with Emma, Lachlan, Simon and Anthony now in all images including the videos in the Big Red Car Ride. However the music for the ride as it moves from one to the other still refers to Murray during the song.

Kung Fu Panda:

At the academy the drums have been removed and replaced with gongs of about the same size. There is nothing to hit them with though.

Pandemonium was packed for hard style but my wife wanted to only do soft style anyways. After waiting 3 cycles she enquired if she would be on soon to be told that they have to wait until enough people queue for soft style before they will do it. So we left.

Corroboree:

Looks wonderful. A lot of repainting in the area with an overhaul of the Grey Kangaroo area. There are a few small areas set up where throughout the day a staff member shows the instruments used, weapons, gathering food and de husking coconuts as well as painting.

The new auditorium looks fantastic. A lot of information inside about the different tribes and their breakdown on a large map of Australia as well as some interactive touch screens. A large wall to wall screen as well which I dare say is used during shows but did not catch any today.

The chairlift is still at this end, thought they might have used the chance to remove it. Apparently not.

The freshwater crocodile area and outback areas have not been touched apart from some stencils.

Some signage still refers to it as the Australian Wildlife experience.

Giant Drop operating both sides today, train sounds terrible, half the park didn't open until 11am and almost everything was closed at 4pm despite signage stating 4:30pm or 5pm closing for the sections. Walked around to the Vintage cars for my son to go on again only to be told at 4:10pm that they closed at 4pm outside of school holidays, again signage and the website state "Seven days: 10am - 5pm". Area is also roped off until 11am.

3D movie screens at 10:45am, 4pm and 4:30pm. Showtime for Madagascar live was on show times as 1:45pm. Along with a lot of others that got there at that time, found it was marked for 12:45pm in that area.

Log Ride signage still makes reference to lockers in the Nickelodeon area, River Rapids makes no reference to age, only height restrictions on their website, queued up and was told my son could not go on because he was not 2 years old which I afterwards noted it states on the signage.

Was informed when we entered (as we got a World Pass that we could go there between 10am and 4pm to get it done. Headed over a little after 3pm to find it closed and signage stating open 12pm to 3pm. Had to walk to the entrance where others were complaining of the same thing.

Most signage for Big Brother has been taken down, no big loss there, and the temporary tattoo signage has been removed from the old location.

It would be nice if the website and the park information matched. It would be nice if the information given by staff matched. It would be nice if the printed information and signage in the park was consistent.

Overall a good day given it was more for my son and wife and both had fun and slept the way home. A lot of small things noticed that with very little attention could be fixed.

As a side note: Parkz members have commented on the cost cutting measures (which are obviously related to a lot of the mentioned above). But I had to laugh when I saw that the lights as you walk from main street into gold rush are energy saving bulbs...

[Reanimated35]

Those lights are probably the ones missing from the Buzzsaw queue line!

Speaking of, 1 of the TV's was working in the queue on Thursday (the one closest to the station entry)

[MaxxTheMonster]

None of them were on today. Maybe someone just didn't turn it on...

[Reanimated35]

It's weird. I thought people on here ages ago were saying they've been turned off, and while most of them have, this one wasn't working for about 15mins then all of a sudden came on. Maybe it's lazy staff forgetting, or the ~$10,000 worth of TVs for theming got too expensive to run now. Overall DW has good rides, good animal displays and good frozen coke, but that's about where the "good" finishes, for me at least.

[MickeyD]

Interesting if you google each of our Parks by title, Both MW & SW have been equally rated a 4 out of 5 by 80 votes each. DW scored 4.2 by 86 votes.. interesting I guess if the general public view is that DW still is the favorite park. I believe this to be true. Enthusiasts excluded naturally but really who is their target audience and are they continuing to satisfy that true demand? Like it or not people but I think they are!

[Reanimated35]

but......we've all known that and agreed upon that for ages. It's because their target market is teens and they've got the most thrill rides...

[AllegroCrab]

Interesting if you google each of our Parks by title, Both MW & SW have been equally rated a 4 out of 5 by 80 votes each. DW scored 4.2 by 86 votes.. interesting I guess if the general public view is that DW still is the favorite park. I believe this to be true. Enthusiasts excluded naturally but really who is their target audience and are they continuing to satisfy that true demand? Like it or not people but I think they are!

Nearly everyone I talk to (in Sydney I should add) look at me funny when I say bad things about dreamworld. They find it absurd when I try to claim that Movie World is the better park of the two, even when I delve into reasons why. The Giant Drop, ToT and The Claw are just the larger talking points among the general public when it comes to parks in Australia. It is an unfortunate fact, but we all know this is true. I am just one young 'un who is proud to say that Movie World is better than Dreamworld. (Who could turn down Superman Escape over the Tower of Terror anyway?)

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

Interesting if you google each of our Parks by title, Both MW & SW have been equally rated a 4 out of 5 by 80 votes each. DW scored 4.2 by 86 votes..

It wouldn't be too difficult for a community like this to affect statistics like that very quickly though.

[DWP]

It was interesting as I made my first ever theme park trip to the Gold Coast last year and going into it I had a pre conceived notion that Dreamworld was the no 1 theme park to go to but by the end of my trip and after doing all 4 parks I realised that Movie World was in fact the better one even though my pre conceived notion of that park was it was a bit too "kiddie" but I was pleasantly proved wrong.

In saying that I enjoyed Dreamworld a lot and liked the rides but was left feeling a tad underwhelmed by the place and that was even before I knew of this site and subsequently then reading about the various things that had gone or were SBNO at the place as it really seems a lot of the original charm of the park has gone

[New display name]

Looks like Dreamworld have not set any major money aside for anything important this year. Good to see all of Dreamworld money is going into marketing.

January attendance up over 20% with revenue of $13.0m up 7.1% on prior year.

― Theme Park Capital Campaign set to continue with a retail focus in conjunction

with Jetstar airlines.

― Lower Australian dollar exchange rate will assist in attracting domestic visitation,

after extended period of currency strength.

― On-going focus on internal team culture to refine customer experience.

― Continued development of website, digital and e-commerce capability to drive

on-line sales, increase marketing effectiveness and improve net yields.

[Brad2912]

well not this half anyway, are you are referring to the First Half Results Presentation,

They may have something planned for the 2014-15 First Half ... but seems unlikely at this stage... may just get the Wipeout refurb

[Jlindsell]

If you listen to the webcast in regards to the result presentation for Ardent at the end the floor is opened up to questions where an investor asks why there was no investment planned for the theme parks this year to which Greg Shaw stated that new rides and what not are listed under 'routine capex' which is at $8million. Yes they are spending money.. wipeout is a 1.6 million refurb which leaves other money in the kit for the planned new rides for this year. If you look over at Village in the same period they are only spending $9million across 3 parks.

[New display name]

If you listen to the webcast in regards to the result presentation for Ardent at the end the floor is opened up to questions where an investor asks why there was no investment planned for the theme parks this year to which Greg Shaw stated that new rides and what not are listed under 'routine capex' which is at $8million. Yes they are spending money.. wipeout is a 1.6 million refurb which leaves other money in the kit for the planned new rides for this year. If you look over at Village in the same period they are only spending $9million across 3 parks.

6.4 Million does not get you much. Could not even afford a new MDC. Maybe a new flat spiny ride. That would be great.

[Jlindsell]

6.4million is for the half yearly period (Jan 2014 til 30th June 14) which shows the approx amount of money that will be spent on park improvements between now and then.

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

― Continued development of website, digital and e-commerce capability to drive

on-line sales, increase marketing effectiveness and improve net yields.

This has got to be the smartest idea i've ever seen them come up with - get your money before you see the place.... sounds smart to me... once you see it, you're unlikely to spend money...

[MaxxTheMonster]

Dreamworld today...

Guests were few and far between, as were places to get lunch. Choices all day were the Main Street Café (one register) or the Market Place (2 staff). Nothing else opened at all.

Wiggles World had one operator alternating between Tea Cups and Big Red Boat ride, as did DreamWorks between Ogre Go Round and Dronkey Flyers, and again between Puss In Boots Swings and Gingy's Glider. However they had 3 people in the shop, 2 escorting the characters and at least 3 in character suits as well as a photographer. A lot of parents complaining due to this.

Every ride was launching less than half full except MDMC and Giant Drop which were full everytime. Log Ride had a 5 minute tops queue, Pandamonium was often starting with less than 4 people loaded, as was Buzzsaw. Being a hot day was surprised River Rapids was walk on.

At 1pm the music across the park cut out and we were left with a lovely loud buzz noise for almost an hour until it was fixed.

Was also surprised to see them selling chips a month past best before date in the Candy Store, and Tower of Terror (1), Big Brother 2012, and Stingray merchandise in The Emporium. Every shop was open, every on ride photo location was staffed, the hair wrap place was open, the sketches were open...

Hate to say it but the current state and the offers currently available ($30 for 30 days)... Smells like Australia's Wonderland...

[Reanimated35]

Dreamworld today...

Wiggles World had one operator alternating between Tea Cups and Big Red Boat ride, as did DreamWorks between Ogre Go Round and Dronkey Flyers, and again between Puss In Boots Swings and Gingy's Glider. However they had 3 people in the shop, 2 escorting the characters and at least 3 in character suits as well as a photographer. A lot of parents complaining due to this.

Every ride was launching less than half full except MDMC and Giant Drop which were full everytime. Log Ride had a 5 minute tops queue, Pandamonium was often starting with less than 4 people loaded, as was Buzzsaw. Being a hot day was surprised River Rapids was walk on.

This was just like when I went except - The kids area was fairly deserted. Both with staff and guests though.

MDMC was max 8 ppl in a cycle. GD didn't go on so didn't notice. Log ride and rapids were both <5min queues and it was about 33 degrees.

[MaxxTheMonster]

Kids areas were busy which is why I was shocked and people seemed annoyed about them using 1 staff member alternating between 2 rides.

They could have run one staff for claw and reef diver and there would have been less people waiting.

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

Correct me if i'm wrong but I don't believe Claw can run with one operator, due to the safety system requiring both to press simultaneously to begin the cycle?

Of course that can be re-wired, but last I checked, the opposite ops booth was still manned.

Wyn - I don't think you should return to the parks anymore. It doesn't matter which park you go to, all you ever come back with is negative experiences, and nitpicky little flaws.

You're saying it seems like Wonderland, but where all rides are dispatching half full or with no wait times, how many staff should they have on? How much money should they waste?

Sure, i'm just as much an advocate for saying if the park is open, then everything should be open, but at the same time, smart business sense suggests you're not going to be in business long if you keep pouring money down a wages black hole, and having them all sit around waiting for someone who wants to ride.

As for concessions like hair braids or sketches, whilst i'm not aware of the actual arrangements, I know from my experience at Wonderland that stalls like that are usually external contractors working within the park's boundaries, so the expenses for them aren't costed to the park, and they'll open every day to try and earn an income. This would ring true given only a couple of food outlets were open (which you usually have a much higher margin on and would want to make as much money as you can)

[MaxxTheMonster]

In the last week alone...

Corroboree:

Looks wonderful.

　

The new auditorium looks fantastic.

　

HWSD2:

I did love that they have made this as a filming of the teaser trailer for their next big budget movie. Ally, Dave and Morgan Ross all make a return as well. The green screen component currently places the female in front of a shot of the painted alleyway at the back of the set, but that is also going to be changed down the track.

This show has great potential and I feel this will be a bigger hit for the park than HSD was.

So your comment of " It doesn't matter which park you go to, all you ever come back with is negative experiences, and nitpicky little flaws." is incorrect.

Claw has only one staff member operating it. They walk around and check harnesses, step into the opposite booth then walk back to the main booth. Despite that, the comment I posted of "They could have run one staff for claw and reef diver and there would have been less people waiting." was a point to the fact they are not cutting in the places that should be given the rides they have cut staffing to were always busy and the ones they hadn't had less than half capacity loads... My wife got on Pandamonium 3 times, twice she was the only rider (11am and 2:00pm) and the other time one of 4 riders (3:30pm). The Claw twice where she was 1 of 6 and 1 of 11. Reef diver (when I saw it) seemed to never have more than 5 people on it.

As far as "smart business sense suggests you're not going to be in business long if you keep pouring money down a wages black hole", I agree, however as I stated they are not putting on the ride ops but having 3 people working in one store standing around, 2 people attending to one character costume and then a photographer as well. If they are that worried about wages then get rid of the 2 additionals in the store and 1 at the characters and put on another 1 or 2 ride ops.

"You're saying it seems like Wonderland, but where all rides are dispatching half full or with no wait times, how many staff should they have on?" At least one operator for a ride instead of 3 ops for 6 rides... Especially when there are people queuing or actively complaining about the situation... Hell even opening one from 10am to 1:30pm and the other from 1:30pm to 5pm would be better.

I have been to SW twice in the last 3 weeks... Can't think of any negatives posted there... Or WnW... Or WWW...

You want positives... okay...

Dreamworld today...

Was a lovely quiet day today with not many guests to have to try and get around to attractions. Choosing a place to eat lunch was exceptionally easy as was deciding what to eat with the park opening 2 food outlets. Staff were efficient at their jobs serving people and although there were long lines the queues moved through at a pace.

Wiggles World had a more personalised experience with one operator alternating between Tea Cups and Big Red Boat ride meaning the one operator that looked after you on one was also available to do the same on the neighbouring ride. As did DreamWorks between Ogre Go Round and Dronkey Flyers, and again between Puss In Boots Swings and Gingy's Glider. It was nice having additional staff in the Dreamworks store to assist with selecting merchandise with 3 staff in the shop. The character appearances were well under control with 2 staff escorting the characters and at least 3 in character suits. They also had a photographer on hand to take your happy snaps. A lot of parents were commenting on this.

Every ride was easy to get onto as they were launching less than half full except MDMC and Giant Drop which were full everytime. Log Ride had a 5 minute tops queue, Pandamonium was often starting with less than 4 people loaded, as was Buzzsaw. Being a hot day was surprised River Rapids was walk on.

At 1pm the music across the park cut out and we were left with a loud buzz noise. This however only took an hour to fix.

Was also surprised to see them selling chips a month past best before date in the Candy Store, and Tower of Terror (1), Big Brother 2012, and Stingray merchandise in The Emporium. Talk about nostalgia. Every shop was open, every on ride photo location was staffed, the hair wrap place was open, the sketches were open...

Hate to say it but the current state and the offers currently available ($30 for 30 days)... Smells like Australia's Wonderland...

Better???

Edited February 26, 2014 by Wyncenuros

[DaptoFunlandGuy]

LOL. I'm sorry I didn't mean that to come off like an attack - it was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek. Yes you do make positive observations, and I don't mean to spin a negative into a positive - but it just seems to be a shit list most of the time.

I'll be the first person to bag Dreamworld for poor operations - but when you're looking at staffing - of course you're going to have merch staff on board - thats where you increase your per cap - not on rides!

And you've said people are queueing and complaining about queueing, but you're also saying rides are cycling half empty... it doesn't make sense that the two occur at the same time...

Again, i'm sorry - re-reading it was worded a bit harshly - i wasn't on the attack, it just seems you always seem to have the worst bloody day at the parks (regardless of the positives) and I wanted to jokingly say that perhaps it would be better if you stopped going...

[MaxxTheMonster]

If I was a bit more detailed... The kids rides were full in Wiggles Area, and the kids rides in the DreamWorks areas where busier than the Big 8/7/6 seemed to be hence my comment about put the staff there instead.

I agree shops make more money than the rides... But if your rides are not going, people wont attend, and hence the shops don't make money. Guess it is a catch 22.

If I went on rides my posts would be about them and how interesting they are... But with a back condition that prevents me from doing most rides, that is not something I can do.

Most people here are ride enthusiasts and as such that is what I see more presented hence I reflect on the other side, not hyped up from rides and so on. Just a person wandering around noticing, as has been pointed out, the small things.

[Spotty]

Correct me if i'm wrong but I don't believe Claw can run with one operator, due to the safety system requiring both to press simultaneously to begin the cycle?

Of course that can be re-wired, but last I checked, the opposite ops booth was still manned.

I have seen Claw operating multiple times with just 1 ride operator, they installed a security camera on the hut where the second staff member sits. If anything it would be like the way RoadRunner operates with 2 trains, not Superman. The operator can hit the button to confirm that they have checked the area that they are required and then there is a timer (20 seconds for Roadrunner) and the dispatch button then has to be hit on the MOCC (Main Operator Control Console) before that timer runs out to dispatch.

[nitromefans]

Considering the Road Runner attendant panel is on the opposite side of the platform (Exit Side) I highly doubt that would be used as they need to cross the train to get back to the op booth. But yea, they usually make rides capable of functioning on the least amount of people they possibly can which is dictated by logistics. For example on Jet Rescue the controller checks their side and does the marshaling while the attendant does the opposite side an exit. Once both attendants have checked the harnesses they both press the pre-dispatch (Yellow Flashy Button which is the same on Superman). Then the controller heads back and both press their dispatch dual button. Intamin accelerators like Superman and Jet Rescue are made so that they can be programmed so only 2 yellows and a green + control are required for dispatch. I would assume that other rides have similar systems so parts of control panels can be disabled.

[Brad2912]

Just spent the day at DW. I will say it is frustrating that the only place to buy a drink (or food) is at the front of the park. As we had the little tyke (18months) enjoying wiggle world it was a decent hike just to buy a drink on a hot day. They should at least get new model vending machines that u can pay by card or notes for those that want a quick drink. As reported by others - 1 attendant on The Claw, and 1 attendant alternating rides on Teacups/Big Red Boat as well as Carousel/Dronkey Flyers. Longest wait all day was 5mins for GD. Claw, ToT2, Cyclone, BuzzSaw, Rapids, Log Ride all walk on. Didn't go on MDMC but the few cycles I saw running never have more than 4-5 people on. Probably the most quiet I've ever seen the park. Quite strange to be able to stand in ocean parade out the front of the claw and not have a single person walk past you for a few mins. Can see why they've introduced the $30 for 30 days, will at least get some bums in the park who will hopefully stay for lunch given the cheap entry.

Edited February 27, 2014 by Brad2912