DaptoFunlandGuy

I wouldn't say 'mystifying'. The calls were made 'yesterday' - if we're in real time here - thats 17/12 - precisely one week before christmas eve. My wife works for a developer whose final office day for 2013 is tomorrow... and they have multiple projects currently underway - if this is the only project for them, what's to say they didn't knock off early for christmas? The "journalist" works for a local rag, and made 'multiple calls' to the developer on a single day. We don't know if they spoke to a receptionist, or an answering machine. We don't know if the answering machine said 'our office is closed for christmas' or if it said 'we'll call you back as soon as possible'. When I try to contact someone who isn't expecting my call for work, I am REQUIRED to call them on three separate days, at three separate times of day before I can close off the request without actioning them. The newspaper obviously had to go to print to make deadline, they made a few calls because the media is required to give any party to a news story a right of reply - but they only have to attempt to make the call, not make any serious effort. This is why you see stories like this saying 'we were unable to reach so-and-so for comment - because it acknowledges that they at least tried to do so. Let's wait and see what news comes out say - by the end of january, when businesses like this are back in full swing. Thankyou for posting the news article and the picture - I can't wait to see what they do after they've sat back and watched WnWS go up... should be interesting. (unrelated side note - Wyndham Resorts are a timeshare group)

I wonder whether the park will survive attaching itself to franchises like Night at the Museum, or even Rio. AvP and Planet of the Apes fair enough - they've got some staying power - but I hope they don't 'date' too quickly.

I've been thinking about this and while we all know they couldn't really make the ride bigger or longer, there is something they could do to improve the experience and extend the ride time a little... If the theme is storm - then imagine this: the flume section between the despatch station and lift hill is long enough for it to be segmented. The first section at the station is the dock where you board your coast guard vessel to escape the storm. If we divide that area from the next section (where we see the window with the video of the storm raging outside) with some doors (say - how Scooby or JL3D do), then the boat could enter the next block, the doors could close, and with the addition of some strobes and high powered fans, the prelude to the lift hill (hidden by another set of doors) could imply that, while we started in the eye of the storm, the storm has now come back full force, and things are about to get rough! Of course - the doors would come with a set of blocks also, where the boat would be held (similar to how other flumes are held) for each scene prior to the doors opening. It would require some major reprogramming to the ride systems, so is likely not to be feasible until the ride comes due for a refurb. At the very least, they could still install the fans and strobes, and just 'shield from view' those particular effects with a slightly longer wall than is there presently.

Leaving out of course the great detail we have in the JP rapids river rides in Universal... singapore... hollywood... florida?

Bermuda lives on... for those that haven't seen it - Movie Park Germany - virtually identical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_loycrZ27A#t=249

Swagjord, at the risk of being slightly offensive - just get over it and go, or lose some weight and get the confidence to go. Of course there are BIG people on rides. As a nation we are on the higher side of normal. Most people carry a little extra weight (by average)... and fat people swim too! We've already provided several and numerous assurances and you keep asking the same questions. Sydney WetNWild is not going to be that different to the GC park. Most rides will post weight limits at the entry to the ride, or on the park map. Know how much you weigh before hand. If you're 130, and the weight limit is 135, you're ok, but if it's 120 - don't ride. If you're unsure, ask the attendant. It's usually pretty noisy at the top of the slide from all the rushing water so most people aren't going to hear what you're asking them anyway. Aqua loop out of all of them is likely to be the only one with scales, because of the need to get through the loop. If the limit is 130, and you're 130 - either line up and get weighed, and risk being 'over', or don't ride - it's as simple as that. Grow some balls and just ride for crying out loud.

the fact that it is larger than claw doesn't make it 'major'. It's a sideshow in my opinion. Sure it's a great ride experience, but with pathetic capacity, and extremely short ride cycle time - this one trick pony (in my opinion) is not a major addition. I think Gdalby has joined the dots from what Thunder001 has implied on this and other threads. Thunder has indicated he has insider information that the park (or other parks, or both) are planning a large attraction to coincide with the Commonwealth Games in 2018... which would be just shy of 5 years from now. Nothing says that's true except thunder, and only time will tell if it is true. I've expressed my opinion on Buzzsaw - which is only an opinion and i'm happy for others to disagree with me on that. You've counted Dreamworks AND Pandamonium which are actually part of the same install (albeit staggered by about 6 months). Pandamonium, while a nice flat - is still just a flat - it's like the Rockets in tomorrowland, or Dumbo in Fantasyland. It still needs the blockbuster attraction to anchor the area. The rest of Dreamworks (with a few minor additions like Dronkey Flyers) were just a retheme of the existing attractions with a new show... So no - I don't consider Dreamworks OR Pandamonium to be a MAJOR addition. Arguably, Claw is also a flat (by virtue of it not being a coaster), but it's in a different league to Shockwave for example - which arguably has a very similar experience. Claw was also marketed heavily with very creative advertising - none of which we've seen for almost anything they've done since. It is interesting to note that - what on paper would seem to be a very major attraction is the one thing that nobody has put forward as a 'major' attraction - and that is MDMC. You guys would prefer call a paint job on the old Nickelodeon area a 'major' attraction than a full circuit (albeit lame) Coaster! In the same period of install, we've seen MW retheme Arkham, install Green Lantern and Justice League, and Sea World built an ENTIRELY NEW world with Castaway Bay - battle boats (and the two others), open the Seal enclosure, the Penguin enclosure and now Storm. If pressed, I would concede Buzzsaw to be a major attraction, but I don't consider any of the others are - just my opinion.

Yeah I saw a few 'coasters' that had a 'splashdown' rather than a flume element, so I didn't really pay much attention to them. I managed to get down there sunday at around 9:15, and with the aid of a little known secret, managed to be first in line for storm's opening ride. I am impressed with the theming elements, and the splashdown (as well as the 'soak zone') is wonderfully done. The concept that you're inside an upturned ship is a little lost in there though. Those I was with were disappointed at the length of the ride. I realise the space limitations they were working with but I just wish it'd been a little longer. Atlantis at San Diego was (obviously) a fair bit longer and while I wasn't expecting anything that big - I hadn't realised the experience would be this short. That said, It is just what the park needed - a way to get absolutely soakingly drenched on a hot day. I don't know if there will be a winter setting though... unless they lower the water level for less of a plunge...? (not sure if that would be possible). Now all they need to do is open up the soak zone to general guests, so you can get soaked without having to line up... maybe pull the 'loose items' cast members back to the black rubber curtains? Lastly - I found the 'OTS' seatbelts to be restrictive - they barely went high enough for my shoulder without a little crouching, which over the course of the ride was a bit uncomfortable. So first ride, front seat, immediately re-queued for another ride in the back seat, and then a thorough soaking in the soak zone means this is now the number 2 way to cool off at Sea World - by far exceeding the offering of Viking, Battle Boats or the Water Park... What's number 1? Why - the animal encounters of course!

Why would you assume that? Perhaps the "replacement for an old flat ride" refers to Stingray or Vortex as the 'old flat ride', rather than signalling that yet another old favourite is going? (ok, yes - it's dreamworld so it likely DOES mean that another flat is going... but that just goes to show how entrenched we are with Dreamworld's poor showing in the attractions front...)

Let's be honest - they haven't introduced any "MAJOR" attractions since Claw... but thats all point of view perspective really.

I too was surprised when I checked my facts Rappa - the count is soon to be 7 with one being built in China (Ocean Kingdom, Guangdong). Interestingly - Ocean Kingdom is a brand new park to open in April next year. RCDB lists three coasters on the lineup due to open when the park does - A Mack water coaster, a Mack SuperSplash, and a B&M custom Wingrider. Other than Mack, RCDB lists E&F Miler Industries as a water coaster manufacturer - there are 3 of them in existence all within the continental USA... which is less like a coaster, and more like a flume with a dry section. Let's just be thankful we didn't get that one!!!

i'm almost certain the Aqualoops will have scales. Most others it's just a matter of 'too much weight will pop the raft' but Aqualoop - it's very important for everyone's sake that you are within limits. If it's like the GC, the scales face away so noone will see your weight, but if you're over the limit those near the front will know.

I realise what you're trying to say Thunder, so i'm not doubting it - but in my own opinion, opening new attractions in or just before 2018 would be a waste. My logic is this: The parks bring in something new in order to drive attendance. A new attraction brings more visitors, which in turn leads to an increase in revenue. In 2018, regardless of the most recent addition, the park will get some massive attendances because they are within 'that area'. Athletes will visit... officials and other organising groups will visit. People who are staying on the GC for the games will go on a day that 'their' sport isn't on. In my view, attendance in 2018 will be driven by the games. A new installation isn't needed at that time to drive revenue... just my 2 cents.

Fair call - i guess thats why I just didn't get what you were saying - For clarity and future reference, all large scale investments in rides are usually overseen by the manufacturer. In every case, the manufacturer sends a team of people down to implement it, test it and get the systems working - it's part of the package. It's not like buying a TV unit at IKEA or a lego set at K-mart and then getting it home and trying to interpret instructions printed in 17 different languages by a a guy who only speaks one... The parks don't buy the coaster in a box, and put it together based on an instruction booklet - the programming, PLCs, testing etc are part of the contract. The manufacturer is generally responsible for delivering a working, functioning attraction - and until it's up and running without a glitch or fault - the manufacturer is generally required to fix it. WATER coasters are built for cooler climates? WTF is California... Arctic? Well, as far as you're concerned, you're wrong. Storm is the 6th Water Coaster in the world built by Mack Rides. The first, in Sea World Orlando opened 15 years ago. Orlando's average temperatures range between 10-25 degrees in the winter and 25-35 in the summer. The other four are: Germany - Europa Park (2000) 10-25 degrees in summer San Diego - Sea World (2004) 22-32 degrees in summer Portugal - Aquashow (2006) 19-29 degrees in summer Denmark - Djurs Sommerland (2011) 15-25 in summer Compared to the gold coast - 20-29 degrees in summer and 7-21 in winter. *Note: all temperatures are AVERAGE temperatures - of course there are hotter days here, but naturally there would be hotter days elsewhere too. Orlando has hotter average summers than we do, as does San Diego, both of which have (almost) been operating for more than a decade each.

...The rear of MW is not just prop storage and staff requirements - it's also sound barrier. As it is, the park has had to retrofit Wild West with scream shields because of resident complaints - how well do you think they'll do if they build closer? - Nope - behind the show stage would be as far as they'd go IMHO. The approved plans for WWW to expand will, (in my own opinion) never eventuate. That said i'm pretty sure the plan approvals were for 5 years. THAT said, aren't we past that now? Hasn't the time since the approval exceeded 5 years? Constrictor hasn't 'just' opened. It opened well over a year ago (September 2012). It's already had it's debut season.

I've not been to WnW Sydney - but the AquaLoops at WnW Gold Coast do have a set of scales at the entry to the queue.

Yes, but the engineers and other technicians from Mack are on hand for all new attractions regardless of the country it's in. You're implying that because we've never had a water coaster in the country, it's going to have problems that they've never had at any of their other installations??? If you just mean 'as a new attraction, it's going to have teething problems' then yes, you're right. But as you keep saying that it's the first water coaster in Australia, it just seems that you're saying the problems are because we've never had one in the country.

He's definitely full of himself... but since he ran for parliament he's been trying to distance himself from the 'financial' aspects of the business. Of course, it's a bunch of shit... but an eccentric man with some money and a bit of a dream is how we ended up with Disneyland... Of course, i'm not suggesting Clive 'titanic' Palmersaurus Motorama is in the same league as Walter Elias Disney... but if nothing else, these attractions may prompt competition in the area, and the quality of the competition is bound to improve... (God knows it can't get any worse)

What - do the American and European water coasters break down in a different accent? This isn't going to have extra problems just because of the country it's in.

if the theatre is burning down, the grassy knoll is the last place I want to be standing. As for an evacuation point - it's a pretty shitty one. It is landlocked by attractions on all sides, and is minimally accessible at best to emergency services who need to get to the injured. If SW need an evac point, they'd be better suited to direct people to the grassed area to the south side of the Seal Show, or better yet, behind the dolphin stadium... both areas provide far better accessibility in the event of an emergency.

^ This. Fans of movies with theme parks in them will well recall shots of flume boat rapids rides coming down a final drop while the unsuspecting star is having a conversation on a bridge going over the splashdown area, before the raft lands, and absolutely saturates the bridge and all on it... (you'd think they'd notice this structure 12ft above ground that is totally soaked, but alas, they have bigger problems going on in the movie). The point of it is - it'd have been awesome to have a 'soak zone' in general public area. A place where you could get wet and cool down on a hot summer's day without having to queue up for an hour first... On that note - which parks were featured in movies such as described? i'm trying to remember... SW has all-day lockers near Dockside (just near kids area) that are slightly more convenient than the ones at the front of the park... same price though, but for all day, not a bad deal for not having to carry your stuff everywhere (if you carry a lot)

good shot... i wonder what 'logo' they're putting on the coathanger this year.

No - i don't think so. I mean the only thing that gives it a 'viking' feel is the boats themselves... and the dragon head actually shields a 'direct hit' of water on splashdown. The ride is as popular as ever - probably because it's one of the few family rides that everyone can go on (pretty much). The queue is always miles long (even in colder times of the year), and the vikings storming the castle is a perfect fit to the theme. What would you retheme it as? How would it fit with it's current surroundings? Since they have only just moved the flume trough (and concreted it in to boot) i can't see them changing the layout at all - so what we're left with is a cosmetic re-theme... and really - what is there? The rafts, a few bridges, and the castle... You can't change the castle - it fits perfectly with how it is. the bridges - there isn't much you can do with them anyway that would add to the theme, and the viking boats as they are suit the 'storming of the castle' concept of vikings perfectly... No - i think SW need to leave Vikings well enough alone and focus on something else. I know we have Wild! coming - but i'm not talking about an animal attraction - we do see enough of them in Sea World IMHO - let's see a replacement for pirate ship, either on the ship's site (if wild isn't taking it up) or alternatively, on the 'grassy knoll' between the castle and the storm show building.

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Love the update... is it too soon to start talking about SW's next attraction? Looking at this: http://cdn.parkz.com.au/photo_update/general/2013/12/1212-1_Storm_Coaster_25.jpg That grassy hilled area would seem like a perfect spot to drop in a small attraction - something like a spaceshot would really go well. *Disclaimer - 1 ) I know MW has a spaceshot. I said something 'like'. 2 ) I know the spit has a height restriction. Perhaps allowances \ relaxations could be made. 3 ) This probably goes off topic and needs a post of it's own, but I figured i'd wait and see what traction it got first... What else could fit in there? That grassy spot was a nice quiet spot to relax away from the crowds - few people ventured that way - but now that Storm's entry is practically on top of it - maybe it's time to put that small parcel of land to good use?