2010s in Review

[themagician]

So it’s been a massive decade for Australian theme parks, with some of the smaller parks around the country really showing that it isn’t just the Gold Coast parks that can have some awesome rides. Focusing on the Gold Coast though, there have definitely been some major highs and all time lows. The industry was beaten down a few times and there were some incidents that were major wake ups. Just want to get peoples thoughts on what they think our parks have done right and where they are still missing the park? What have been some good turn around points? What decisions did managements make that make you think, why? But also you wish to congratulate them on. 
 

Here’s a quick list of what new attractions have opened this decade:

2010

- Wet ’n’ Wild: Aqualoop and Flowrider

- Sea World: Castaway Bay

- WWW: Wedgie

2011
- Dreamworld: Shockwave and BuzzSaw,

- Movie World: Green Lantern Coaster.

2012

- Movie World: Justice League

- Wet ’n’ Wild: Constrictor

- Dreamworld: DreamWorks Experience

2013

- Sea World: Storm Coaster

2014

- Dreamworld: Tailspin

- WWW: Triple Vortex

2015

- Dreamworld: ABC Kids World

- Sea World: Nickelodeon Land

2016

- Movie World: Super-Villains Unleashed

- Dreamworld: Tiger Island

2017

- Movie World: DC Rivals Hypercoaster

2018

- Movie World: WB Studio Showcase

2019

- Dreamworld: SkyVoyager

- WWW: Fully 6

Edited December 30, 2019 by themagician

[Brad2912]

Rivals and SkyVoyager are by far the highlights of the decade. Nick Land at SW in third for its fantastic family offerings, the best on the coast. The improvements in DW over the last 18 months are also a shining light, in terms of cosmetic and additions (Halloween, holiday entertainment options etc). 
 

the lowlights for me being SDSC 2.0, the lack of upkeep on some cherished attractions (TOT2 and WWF of note), log roofs, and lack of any quality shows at our parks (stunt driver has long run its course, as has any show SW seem to produce, the DW Madagascar show hasn’t changed in near a decade). VTPs evening programs have dipped in the past 3-4 year. FN’s needs reinvigorating, Carnivales move to SW was poor decision making (made up slightly by the Aquacolour program, which hopefully lifts again in 2020). 
 

i think the landscape will be far different in our parks in another 10 years with many notable rides having been retired (HWSW, AA, RHLR, the entirety of MWs kids area apart from RR and JDS, possibly GD, WWF even may be gone if they don’t give it some love soon). Atlantis will be in full swing, DW will have added 2 coasters, I think 2020-30 will be the biggest decade of change for our parks in their histories, should be a fun ride. The potential ownership change for VTP could impact plans, and who knows what Ardent has planned long term for DW...