DaptoFunlandGuy

So a new survey has come out from Futureoffun.com.au today relating to a 'potential new attraction' at Sea World. I started out thinking they were referring to 'Wild' but the description given states it would only be for a limited time, so i'm not sure this would be 'Wild' but the wording kind of implies it as a replacement for Dino Island... here is the blurb at the start of the survey... The survey continues providing pictures of current and prehistoric sea creatures and asking whether it would be of interest, and whether it would make you want to visit the park. The survey then asks whether the attraction would make you want to visit more regularly, and states the attraction would likely be open for 1-2years (which would seem perfect with the current 'Wild' opening date change). The survey continues, asking whether you would purchase a VIP pass to see the attraction, and then if you would be willing to pay a separate entry price to visit the attraction (and how much is thought to be an appropriate price) It then asks what age group we think it would appeal to, before giving some possible names for the attraction, including: Sea Creatures Alive Giants of the Sea Under the sea monsters Sea Monsters Alive Sea Monsters Revealed Creatures of the Deep and asking you to rank them in order of preference. Lastly, it asks for any other comments you want to make in relation to the proposed attraction.

European Union? No... I don't think so.

There are a number of possibilities in this situation - so I want to put a hypothetical to you: first the facts: The ride had an unsupervised rider height requirement of 130 cm It also had a supervised rider height requirement of 110cm (with adult). Now: Consider the possibility that the kid is in line with his friend, and is either immediately before or after an adult, or teenager that appears to be related to them. They might be talking together (some adults randomly engage young children in queue lines to discuss the ride, whether they're scared - i've seen many mothers do this with children who aren't theirs to sometimes allay their own concerns, of those of their own children.), and this may have led the operator taking tickets to view the child as 'accompanied' and therefore meeting the 110cm height requirement admitted him on the ride. Next consider the possibility of harness restraint checking. In most of our theme parks, operators physically come and pull on the restraint to check it - thereby eyeballing each rider. In the case of a carny ride - i have seen some carny operators who dispatch the ride manually, and allow it to complete a slow rotation before engaging the 'program' mode of the ride (some operators may recognise what i mean when i say a jogshuttle button). Doing this permits the operator in the booth to visually check that all harness restraints are in a locked position (it's usually very easy to spot as the handle has to be updown. THe booth operator can't see the kid standing, and if he's on the ride, he may assume the ticket-taker has height checked the kid against the "130cm-unaccompanied" measurement, rather than wondering where the supervising adult is. Is there a flaw in this safety procedure? Yes - it gets screwed up by two people assuming. But while the assumptions may seem ludicrous, the booth operator has to be able to rely on the ticket taker because he can't stick a yardstick against every kid that gets on the ride - so the ticket taker is the one at fault here. However - the only way to fix that is for the taker to stop every kid at the gate who is between 110 and 130, and ask them who their parent guardian adult is. Seems simple, but many adults (especially when they're standing right next to the kid) would be upset or angered by the ticket taker asking such an obvious question... yet in this scenario - it was obvious to the ticket taker the kid was with an adult... so why should they have asked? It is an unfortunate occurrence, and i'm glad to hear that as of last night the kid is breathing without a respirator, and yes there does need to be a review into how the ride operators ensure the safety of riders on the ride (which may require them scrapping the 110cm limit and just running a 130cm limit... thereby losing money on the ride, but my point is - many people will stand around speculating what caused it, and it most likely was an operator error... but those that jump to conclusions (like 'they should have checked his height') should allow for the other possibles and not assume... that was the operator's error too.

Talking about an 'idea' that needs to be 'explained' implies to me that they're not just talking about a scary layout... but a scary THEME. I can't see them using submitted layouts, but they could certainly take submitted THEMES into consideration... Here's hoping...

I have to say though, the post from Belinda is probably the first time i've seen the Dreamworld PR machine show a little emotion (even if that is frustration) and put forth a frank (albeit vague) statement about the park's future. At least its far better than the standard drivel we're used to from them, along the lines of 'thanks for your feedback, we at dreamworld believe that *continue talking about something that has nothing to do with the original poster's concerns*'

Pretty sure this ride is identical to 'stingray' formerly of Dreamworld... Anyone remember what Stingray's height requirement was?

My statement was in relation to Pandamonium, Escape from Madagascar etc (the rides in Dreamworks land) being given a different theme, just so those themes could be used elsewhere (making GD a KFP attraction would mean Pandamonium would need a new theme too). I didn't make any reference to MDMC or Cyclone. The suggestion was the retheme the entire park as Dreamworks. My challenge was to come up with viable themes for each attraction without wasting money. It was put forward to theme GD to KFP. I pointed out that doing so was a waste. So no - nothing I said in any way backs your argument... it's all hypothetical and playing devils advocate. Now - let's try a few other suggestions: *argument *completely Since we've agreed he's a Lunatic... can we just flick this idiot?

That isn't re-theming. Thats a theme concept. The clue was where i said 'without structural modifications' and 'minimal investment'. You've come up with a new theme concept, but not explained how the re-theme would practically be implemented. You've even gone and re-themed attractions that already HAD a plausible theme. If we're talking about the survival of the park, spending money to retheme an attraction that already has a feasible and viable theme is a waste of money.

*course Well - aren't you an irresponsible and dishonest person (well i think we knew that already). I personally don't see the merit in Dreamworks taking over Dreamworld. The diversity you see in the park today would be lost to an Itchy&scratchy world type park, where everything is themed around a very small, very limited repertoire of characters and themes. Try this - re-theme EVERY ride and attraction in dreamworld to Dreamworks. Do it without any structural modifications, and without 'stretching' the link to be somewhat tenuous. Do it with minimal investment (otherwise it isn't worth it) similar to the changes made to Nick Central... if you can cover off EVERY ride and attraction with a feasible, reasonably cheap conversion, and then your idea is mildly plausible. But then we run into another problem - why would a film company that has dabbled a little in experimental theme park involvement and investment want to take on a park that from all accounts is nonviable and going down the toilet? If your answer is that it is still viable, then the point of selling the park to another investor is moot.

the post you quoted spelled it correctly and you still couldn't get Petition... Signing petitions multiple times usually invalidates it. The whole point of 'x number of signatures' is that each signature represents another person. Signing one ten times undermines the value and the purpose of it.

Yes... Obviously....

I take that on board - if it went down the day before, it should certainly be displayed at front gate - however, if they anticipate bringing something up that day, and it doesn't happen, they don't throw their hands in the air and decide it's not going to open... they keep trying. they aren't going to tell guest services to put a sign up because they're trying their damndest to get it online in time...

I didn't quote you. my statement wasn't in a quotation code. I was actually quoting a long running meme quote http://www.google.com.au/search?q=i+saw+it+on+facebook+so+it+must+be+true&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46471029,d.aGc&biw=726&bih=668&pdl=300&wrapid=tljp1368670934872054&safe=on&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=IUOUUf-9OqfriAf8s4CQDQ So I haven't mis quoted, and I certainly don't owe you any apology.

Nah Joz - since they're currently removing it from it's present installation, that still gives them 4 months to get it down to SW and installed - it's a big ask - but if you look at how quickly they're packing it up - I reckon they've got a chance of meeting the september opening.

the display signs at the front of the park are set first thing in the morning. If anything goes down in final testing (as in - the few minutes before they open the gates) or if it goes down early morning or even lunchtime - they won't update the signs... the only things that appear on those boards are the rides that they know won't open at all that day because it was intended that way.

'it's on facebook... so it must be true.'

Officials have finally begun the demolition of the Jet Star RollerCoaster - a victim of Hurricane Sandy... Pictures here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/05/15/nyregion/20130515-coaster.html?_r=1

It is no wonder that people get so upset with you for the statements you make. Unless you are an influential member of the Jetstar board (which I know you aren't) you cannot possibly be able to state that this deal WILL be there in Feb 2014. Has the airline proven in the past that this price guarantee is renewed at it's expiry? Yes they have - but that doesn't mean it will continue. What if the new brokerage between Qantas and Emirates means they need to change that offer? You just don't know. You make statements - like the one above (and others such as 'Eurofighter!') which are only your assumptions or presumptions. You then get extremely defensive when you get called on it, and argue the point as if it was a certainty. In some cases, you make some really good assumptions that turn out to be right. In others, you lay claim to the knowledge of the gods that makes you the butt of many future jokes (Mack Restorations anyone?). When are you going to learn that all you need to do is to phrase yourself a little differently, and you'll irritate people far less than what you do currently - and perhaps might earn a little respect. For example, a better way of phrasing the above could have been: "I wouldn't worry too much about the June 2013 cutoff date. They've had these in the past and so far they've extended the offer every six months. They might change it, but it's still very possible that it will still be there for you next february" just cover or qualify your statements a little better - thats all most people on here want from you.

It's not limited to Dreamworld and Aussie world. On my recent Disneyland trip, our first day (a Tuesday) they closed Fantasyland (and the castle) at 4:30pm, due to a wedding. They had their usual 'some attractions in fantasyland will close early today' signs, but the assumption was that it was for fireworks (ie: around 7pm). We later discovered fireworks weren't on that day (only fri-sun) but there wasn't even signage at the gate announcing the early closure. We'd planned on doing fantasyland in the late afternoon early evening - and couldn't. Had we known, we'd have done it first!

Yep - i'd nix the travel agent thing as well. Surf around wotif and similar sites to find some accommodation you're happy with (most surfer's accomm has something worked out to get you to the parks, even if it is the surfside buses), check them out on trip advisor, and you're set. Use webjet or similar to find the cheapest flight suitable to your circumstances, then go to the airline's site direct to book. Get a flexible fare if you want to be able to change, but remember that hotels charge sometimes to change dates as well - and they may not have the deal you originally found at the later earlier time. In all honesty, I wouldn't start looking or booking until at least september. it's not like it's an overseas trip where you need to plan visas and passports etc. Heck - I just got back from the USA, and I didn't start planning that trip until the end of January!

Ok - so i'm at work, and can't link it (i'm sure someone will beat me to it before i get home), but TPR on facebook recently shared a story published by the travel channel, featuring Robb Alvey's 'top 15 coolest coasters' in the world.Although not specifically ranked, the story shows our very own Superman Escape as the 14th coaster in the list, along with a brief explanation on why it made it there.If nobody beats me to it, i'll post the link when i get home.

So not sure if it got mentioned whilst I was away - but I haven't seen any discussion on it -Sea World's Liya gave birth to two cubs on May 9th. One died at birth, but the other is looking good so far...http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/polar-bear-cub-born-at-qld-theme-park/story-e6frfku9-1226641337569

Considering she said she's going in February, and Storm is planned for September-December, i'd say thats a safe bet.Only thing I'd mention is that as february is just outside peak season, be prepared for some rides to go down unexpectedly. If a problem arises (one that isn't a vital safety issue) they may 'limp' the ride through peak season, and take it down once all the kids have gone back to school. Best advice I can give is to get a 'multi-day' type ticket, so if something is closed on one day, you can come back in a few days to give it another shot.If something is closed - be sure to stop by guest relations while you're there, and ask them whether they expect it to reopen (and when) if it was only down for a day or two, you could aim to return at the end of the week. Most parks will try and fix things before their busier days, so if its down on Monday and it isn't a big issue, it's usually going to be back up by the weekend to help cope with the crowds.The websites are your best bet, and the parks always try to keep them as up to date as possible - just keep checking it whilst you're on the coast - especially in the morning before you trek out there just in case something has changed... be prepared to switch which park you're going to in the morning - in case you need to.

out of curiosity Linus, what words SHOULD they have been using to indicate small or standard, if not 'klein' ?

No matter where you stay, if you're in the area and at a halfway decent place, they'll have an agreement with Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) and you'll be able to catch an ART bus pretty much all day.