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Just getting article now - Opening 2024 - Two new rides (but really 3) - Wizard of Oz Precinct - "like nothing we've ever done before'" - new Marvin the Martian ride in Kids WB coming in 2023 "Gold Coast Theme Park Movieworld is taking a journey over the rainbow with plans for the world's first Wizard of Oz Roller-Coasters. Featuring two new rides, the Wizard of Oz Precinct is the theme park's first major addition in more than 5 years and comes with sister park Seaworld in the midst of a multi million dollar revamp for the New Artlantis Project. It will feature two family-friendly rides, including a multi launch coaster, capable of reaching speeds of almost 70 Km/h around a 454m track and a racing coaster where thrillseekers will travel simultaneously on two 220m tracks reaching speeds of up to 58KM/h. Height restrictions will apply but the rides are geared towards families and kids as young as five. Clark Kirby Quote "This precinct is going to be like nothing we have ever done at Movieworld and we are working closely with our partners to make this one of the most beautifully themed precincts in Australian theme parks. Crews have spent the last few weeks hauling away track and equipment to make way for the new Oz Precinct. Movieworld is also building a brand new kids ride in the Kids WB! Fun Zone in April 2023 featuring theming inspired by Marvin the Martian. Credit: Gold Coast Bulletin

I zoomed in on one of the recent photos and found this.. Termites A termite infestation is to blame for the ride not opening...

I found this thumbnail image on Goldcoast bulletin when I searched for movieworld! Emerald city, the farm house and the wicked witches castle! This looks incredible, seems like the next level theming we were hoping for! I cannot read the report because I have to pay, if anyone is signed up read and share!

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Sources or not @Baconjack I personally think a 'timeless' theme like The Wizard of Oz, is far preferable to some flavour of the month superhero shit. I mean, it's "Movie World" not Super Hero World or (god forbid) DC World... That said, I have little faith that what was apparently a 'villains' themed DC precinct will ~seamlessly~ transition into a Wizard of Oz themed precinct, that said I do appreciate the attempt. Honestly the entire park needs to undergo a retheme, if it was my decision I'd immediately find a new theme for Green Lantern (maybe Matrix, that way you don't need to repaint just add some features like lights and tunnels), completely gut Justice League and put something more cool and timeless like a Blade Runner experience (motion simulator or whatever new tech exists that's comparable). Pie in the sky kind of thinking but put a wooden roller coaster (even if its just something small) next to the Wild Wild West and retheme the entire area to Mad Max/Furiosa. Then while you're at it just put the dumb generic car stunt show to literally any movie franchise, Police Academy was iconic but whatever you've got just not what it currently is. As for the kids area (whatever passes for it in its current state) just at least place one signature ride that draws people in, as a kid for me there was nothing more exciting than the Loony Tunes River Rapids, I literally had no fondness or nostalgia or whatever for any of those Looney Tunes characters, I was a 'Nick kid' growing up but the overall presentation, dedication of the ride attendants and seamless integration between the queuing experience and ride experience was so good that even though it was intimidating to venture to the centre of the earth, I still bought it hook, line and sinker even until I was a teenager - that's how immersive of an experience it was - or maybe that's how dumb I was. Nevertheless it was a Disney-tier attraction, and more than epic, record-breaking roller coasters that is what Movie World needs more than anything else. Oops, did I rant a bit long there, sorry, whiskey will do that to ya...

Wild will be open first.

Bought the article myself, full-res concept image:

TL:DR - Return To Oz is owned by Disney and it's unlikely you'll bring those characters to Movie World. If you don't want to read a century long history of the land of oz, skip the rest. If you want to read a page long rambling summary of the even longer Wiki article then settle down and read on... (Don't complain and say you weren't warned. If I could still use spoiler tags I would have.) All of the original L Frank Baum stories entered the public domain throughout the 80s and up to 1995, although several other writers have written Oz based works later than that, 27 of them (including Baum) are now public. There are still 19 different stories released later that are still protected by US copyright, with the last to expire owned by a still-living author, which won't expire until 70 years after they die. All that said, since the original works are out, so long as you stick to the concepts presented from the originals, you'd be fine, but any imagery from film adaptations that is a trademark of the film may still be subject to protection - which means no Green Wicked Witch, and no Red Ruby Slippers. (it's why Winnie The Pooh can now be used by artists at will, but not if he has a red shirt, which is a disney trademark still protected by law). The first films for Oz were silent films, all of which entered the public domain by 1954. Imagery from the MGM 1939 film (Judy Garland) was renewed in 1967 for a 95 year term, so won't expire until 2035. The Disney film 'Return To Oz' mentioned above wasn't even the first sequel - as 'Journey Back to Oz' (1974) was an animated sequel loosely adapted from one of Baum's original sequels. Disney owned all the film rights to Baum's books (except the original Wizard Of Oz). Like many of the current live action films we're seeing produced by the mouse house, the Return to Oz film (1985) was an attempt at extending their rights to the stories by producing further derivative works. It was a critical failure and so they abandoned further Oz films. Disney even used Ruby Slippers - which aren't in the original Baum story, but were a creation of the MGM 1939 Judy Garland version, but by 1985 the Ruby Slippers were so synonymous with the story that they paid MGM for the rights to portray the ruby slippers in their film. Likewise the Wicked Witch of the West is portrayed as a particular shade of green, despite her not being green in the books. (And interesting side note, but I learned just recently that the Margaret Hamilton character was portrayed on an episode of Sesame Street - I think back in the 70s, that aired once to much controversy and was buried by the childrens television workshop, and it has only just recently been released to the public after almost 50 years locked in the vault.) As for the James Franco 'Oz the great and powerful' (2013) by Disney - it was billed as a 'spiritual prequel' to the original 1900 story and loosely based in the world 20 years before the 1939 film. Disney had no permission from MGM or the rights to use the still-protected works or imagery - so the film retained a copyright expert to ensure that the wicked witch's green was distinctly different from the protected shade used by Margaret Hamilton. The Emerald City had to be distinctly different also. While WB and Disney didn't directly battle it out over this film, they did file rivalling trademarks to the name 'Oz the Great and Powerful' however the US patent office suspended WB's attempt as Disney had filed a week earlier. I know. it's tenuous at best but I knew the Disney film was still protected and off-limits to Village for use in the park, but in researching and fact checking this I found a far more interesting story with very complex rules and dates for various different written and film works, and I find this interesting, and thought i'd share it in case others found it interesting. If you did actually read this far - let me know by a reaction to the post! All that said, clearly the park has licence to the characters in main street, but as we've discovered, IP rights in parks can vary, and roaming characters, and ride themes, and shows can all be very different licences. The copyright on the film adaptations (those for which MOVIE world would likely want to attach) are a little complicated, so I would suggest which characters and what elements are used within the rides and theming would be very carefully curated and controlled.

Sinking isn't similar to structural integrity.

Don’t worry to MOST people that was very clear. Same as most people realise next to zero staff or insiders have any real info on a project until it’s handed over by the builders to the park.

I don’t trust you

My first thought was that it was actually quite a flex to find an IP with less relevance to kids today than Looney Tunes, but here we are.

Actually, a churro vendor told me that the whole precinct is rising out of the ground due to construction awakening a monster from the depths.

I personally feel Wizard is one of those unique IPs that transcend generations. If you have kids above 8 years old that don’t know Wizard of Oz you’re failing at parenting… (maybe not, but you get my point). now if only they theme one of the attractions to the often-forgotten, critically-panned but fantastic sequel Return to Oz, I’d be impressed beyond words. Jack Pumpkinhead’s Great Adventure! The Gump Takes Flight!

Leviathan would make a good dark ride @Naazon

Because why else would they check the structure and clearance before running the train around for the first time right? The whole structure sits on one giant slab, parts of it are not sinking for christ sake. Didn’t people stop listening to the dippin dots guy and random staff that say “dont expect it to open anytime soon” a long time ago? 🤦‍♂️

Well holy shit didn't that all explode overnight! I don't think the public has elected you their speaker - and it's probably for the best. Do remember, MW made a 'big' announcement a little while ago, which turned out to be an online merch store. So big, like everything, is a relative term. Despite your opinion, big doesn't have to be giant new ride. Big can just be an entirely new themed land, or three new attractions in one go, or an online merch store... its whatever you want it to be. Are we thinking BGH gives a shit about long term? I had very similar thoughts, but don't close the superman entry - and reopen the scooby entry too. Yellow-brick-road the heck out of all three pathways and lead them all to the main land area. In addition to the rides though, they need a shop \ outlet - something more than just the ride and a viewing area to keep people there \ give them a reason to go there even if they aren't riding. Theme the chinese alleyway to Munchkin land. Plant some legit apple trees. Emerald City one of the sound stage sheds. Heck the possibilities keep going - you could drop a small carousel in there for the little kids with standard horses - and just paint each one a different colour. (Trust me, nobody riding a carousel cares that the park has more than one). I genuinely hope they have plans to redo chinatown alley - and that they put even the most basic effort into making it fit the overall theme. As pointed out, different area. Chinatown alley sits between bakery and the bank, though there is another alley to scooby. As part of this expansion, perhaps there is potential to run a pathway between the lethal plaza and wild west, allowing them to incorporate their maze buildings into the park's footprint and utilise them at other times of the year for various things too. Or, as pointed out in a recent video I saw on youtube - does the attendance spike just prove to them the best thing they can do is ensure their one-shots are profitable?

That’s more of a hindrance than a positive.

I have long thought that Movie World need another decent family thrill, something in an IP away from Superheroes and which reflects the idea that Movie World is about the classics too... this is perfect... and if rumours are true we're essentially getting 3 coasters... I don't get why people are complaining. They literally have a hyper coaster, an el loco and an intamin accelerator... why would they need to add another thrill at this point in time?

Genuinely excited if it is Wizard of Oz-themed and hugely relieved they're moving away from DC Comics. Ties in nicely with their recent efforts to capture the spirit of the "golden age of Hollywood" as well. My money's on (and fingers are crossed for) a fully themed Oz precinct (yes, the dirty word) headlined by the new coaster/s, with a couple of small, family-friendly attractions in the supporting cast. Despite the apparent foreboding pessimism of the Parkz community, I'm stoked to find out more.

I've been making it this argument for years and honestly people just need to accept that it doesn't matter. Pent up demand post-pandemic means that guests are flooding the park in record numbers despite all the concerns such as continued criticism from the general public and enthusiasts, rising costs, lowered operational capacity, poor attraction upkeep, and it being almost five years since they added a new attraction. Cash flow is likely to remain positive for the interim because of this, and despite a visibly obvious poor guest experience, we wont see any changes until that cash stops flowing. Sadly, Movie World has been cashing in on decades worth of positive experiences and nostalgia at the expense of consumer trust. Much like a certain mouse celebrating an anniversary in Florida. If you've ever been scorned by a brand then you know that it takes a lot to build trust, and very little to lose it. This business mentality is great for short-term monetary gain, and it's going to bite them on the ass in the future - Especially when the world comes to Brisbane in 2032 and all the park has to showcase are a couple decent rollercoasters.

Hilariously I have tried to ride Scooby specifically get two different 'shows' and hilariously managed to get the same one twice, I did have a chuckle. ...but I think you know what I meant in my original comment

So long as it also does connect to Main Street, that's a perfect family precinct in my book

Here's my analysis: 1) A barnyard-style building that serves as the entrance from the Superman plaza, rebuilt from the former Arkham queue building. 2) An enclosed walk-through of the woods area ("Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!), rebuilt from the Arkham loading station. The path continues, weaving through the SFC. 3) SFC entrance. Clearly, the SFC is themed to the Wicked Witch's castle. Guests will climb up and into the towers to board and exit through the gravel pathway just below the banked turn. 4) Another (?) barn-style building, split in two, for the dueling Boomerangs. I believe the station would be on the left side, with a fork-off from the main road (the one that goes towards the SFC). 5) Emerald City plaza, with lots of things for the little ones to see, do and touch. Possible "yellow brick road" alleyway back to Main Street. Could be off by a bit but that's just my two cents...

If the finished product looks even remotely near like that consider myself impressed. That’s a lot to promise given what Village has shown they’re willing to do in the last 10 years. Looks like a sizeable chunk of the area will be re-using the old Lethal Weapon courtyard.

Yes, I think it may be an error. The concept art is definitely an SFC with traditional lift hill...

Cheers for the history lesson, that was actually interesting to read and something I wasn’t aware of. Sucks we won’t see TikTok stomping around! Dreamworks does have its own retail store right outside Escape from Madagascar, “Cargo Hold” from memory it’s called.

I agree with this. It is a left of field IP that is not particularly relevant with today's youth. But at it's core, Oz is a whimsical, fantasy world, that if done to a very high thematic standard (in combination with the right rides/attractions, retail and themed F&B) could lend itself to a stunning themepark land. Similarly to how Pandora - The World of Avatar has been a huge success, even though the land is based off a largely forgotten 2009 movie (with lack of widespread appeal). Because Pandora doubles down on creating a truly immersive environment with stunning vistas. The Goddard Group (now called Legacy Entertainment) designed up a whole Wizard of Oz Themepark LINK. If realised as per the concept artwork, it would be stunning. However, I just can't see VRTP being able to realise such an immersive land. And the attraction mix of only family coasters doesn't particularly suit the Oz theme. A high capacity indoor/outdoor dark ride, a family coaster and a family flat would have been a much better spread. But with many of VRTPs attractions, a ride system is purchased first, and then the theme/story is an afterthought. Usually lending itself to themeing that doesn't really suit, and overall mediocre execution. Which is the complete opposite of themepark design 101.

Honestly, I don't even think that 'relevant IP' matters. Cedar Fair consistently uses Snoopy in their childrens areas, a whole new family-oriented park was constructed solely based around Peppa Pig, and families here already enjoy the Looney Tunes section, ABC Kids World, and Scooby Doo coaster. If you were to make something with the sole purpose of relevancy for current youth, it'd run the risk of being incredibly dated and boring in like 5 years (e.g. trending games or even social media personalities). What matters is if it's somewhat whimsical, relatively timeless, and perhaps recognisable.

@RivalsIf the ride was sinking they wouldn't be about to attach a new slab to it.

Talk about Chinese whispers. structural integrity🤣 How did you jump from sinking to structural integrity?

I'd say Oz is still very much relevant to this day and age. You have had countless movies etc based off it and even stage shows like Wicked. If it ends up being this, I'm cautiously optimistic.

You could even have some entertainers in Wheelers costumes.

They saw all the people complaining about the lack of Atlantis theming and thought the cheapest way to give it authentic theming was to just sink the whole precinct.

Relevant question. How many kids of the age and demographic they would be targeting are actually overly familar with the Wizard Of OZ IP? Potentially this will have more nostalgia for the parents?

Is the Wizard of OZ still popular with this age group?

Wait a second - I zoomed on the termites and you wont believe what I found... Freemasons! The rumours are TRUE. Freemasons are behind the delays!

Wizard of Oz? Safe to say nobody was expecting that! I love the idea. A Mack Spinning Coaster would fit the theme pretty well. I'd like a scenario where Gumbuya World gets the SFC while MW gets a Sierra Sidewinder / Storm Chaser paired with the duelling Boomerang.

OMG are we still making this insane argument. It could be an area with 10 kids rides and it would still be big.

At this point Mission Ferrari will open before Leviathan does