MickeyD

For anyone interested, this Blooloop editorial from Lance Hart at Screamscape is worth a read: https://blooloop.com/coronavirus-trouble-in-the-amusement-park-industry/

I updated my post by the time you finished yours AlphaLimaBravo😀 I note that management don't have to pay support to their staff should they have to close, per my point. That doesn't make it right should they receive Govt support as an eligible part of the tourism sector affected; How much support would our Parks get from #Scottyfrommarketing's stimulus package? Even if they do get support, what's to say Operator's don't just pocket the cash & give their staff jack shit?

^ Big & costly move by Disney right there! After reading the latest micechat report only yesterday there was speculation that the Park would close temporarily, now it's happening. A good time to get those refurbs worked on! At least till the end of March at this stage but I am sure that date will likely be extended. Also what about WDW, business as usual? I wonder if other Parks like Universal will follow suit? Also for our Parks here in OZ? Our Gold Coast Parks alone hire thousands of People, most on Casual & PPT low award wages. How much support would our Parks get from #Scottyfrommarketing's stimulus package? Even if they do get support, what's to say Operator's don't just pocket the cash & give their staff jack shit? Spoke too soon, now Universal Hollywood - credit Micechat.. The health and safety of our team members and guests is always our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, Universal Studios Hollywood will temporarily close beginning Saturday, March 14. The theme park anticipates reopening on March 28 as we continue to monitor the situation. Universal CityWalk will remain open. We will provide timely updates as conditions evolve.

Well done MW! Now please give that facade some love - after decades covered, I can still see the brick slot just above the Planet where Lasers projected for those once epic parade's/light shows. All the same, this is such a great improvement.. Please keep it up!

^ not since the "roof"? Agreed.

If you have a spare $500 to put down, I reckon it would be worth it - surely your odds would be significantly higher than say a night out at the Casino?

Personally I detest the screens at the end of the street. They block the buildings and have absolutely zero thematic cohesion to the rest of the classic 1950's Hollywood Main Street style. Adding more screens only worsens the problem & will draw attention to the ratshit picture quality of the main one in the middle. I do however quite like @AlexB idea to add screens down the front area - I'd prefer between Superman & Batwing so it doesn't affect the aesthetic of the buildings of Main St and again so People down the entry area can see what's going on.

In time for the new Coaster to open? Maybe the new area will be promoted as a Country Australia theme - little effort required and would tie in well to the Corroboree Animal area it extends to.

Given it's close proximity to the new Steel Taipan Coaster, what if "Hiss-teria" will be a re-branding of "Buzzsaw"? Just like the "GoldCoaster", it seems like a good (and cheap) way to promote an old ride as something new. It would fit the slightly different theme of the Coaster more accurately too, while distancing from the Gold Rush theme once and for all. Thoughts?

^ hey I found some of them are pretty hard to get going, others not so much. The ones on the outer seem easier to spin, however before the ride even starts, some you can flick the wings & others you can't. Similarly with Pandamonium, only 2-3 of the cars spin quite aggressively when the direction changes half way through, while others don't change direction. Try standing back and watching before you ride next time so you know which carriage to pick!

I missed that part, unfortunately I haven't had a lot of spare time for things like Parkz of late. @themagician you should get back to DW as soon as you can - same goes for everyone else on here! A lot has changed/improved with the likes of SV most definitely worth an annual pass purchase alone.

^ I remember getting harassed by a gang of teens there Waaaaaay back in the late 90's, sorry to hear not much has changed since? One other thing I do remember about MM is the layout and it's impact on your feet. This place will destroy your soles worse than any trip to Disney or Universal ever would. When you enter you basically go left or right -the Hill/Mountain is at the Centre & the Park surrounds it, well sort of. It's a very taxing day on your feet. I had blisters on my blisters. With so many "must do" Coasters, a lot of time is needed just to make your way around the Park once! So yeah, travel light, try not to look like too much of a Tourist & wear good walking shoes 😀

I stand by the @themagicianon this one, DW has not looked this good probably in decades. @AlexB have you actually been there recently? I hope so because it is pretty hard to judge the place on other people's pictures alone. To be frank, the best decision Ardent ever made for DW is a relatively recent one - that was taking the skill & passion kicked to the curb by MW. One man's trash is another one's treasure!

Great update thanks @Gazza! I love the tightness of those loops on B&M inverted's - those hectic G's that push you outward and the way they eject riders from the loops & on to the next part of the course. Would love to see MW replace AA (when the time comes) with a decent B&M inverted.

^ dark times ahead for anyone in creative at Disney🙄

^ apparently the ride experience is surprisingly uneventful. A shame really because it's great to watch.

Steel Taipan is a great power name that could easily become a household name, unlike the "Joker" ride that most prefer to call the "DC Rivals Hypercoaster" (because that name sucks!) Gold Coaster - perfect fit for Ocean Parade and a great last name for the old girl. If DW are rebranding this, surely MW can squeeze some more life out of AA which is slightly younger & in better shape. Hissteria sounds like a better name for a spinning flat ride than a Coaster.

As fun as it looks, not sure this Rocking Boat design would go down well at DW? It does look like Mack was inspired by the Shanghai Pirates Ride's design and as unique as it looks from the outside I wonder if it would actually be as fun to ride? Also reminds me of the old Jaws ride at Universal Florida (does Japan still have this?). The boats rocked side to side at times as the Shark would lunge at the Boat. The added Shark/fire etc really added to the thrill.

^ at least we know what SW are getting!

^ At 5 bucks a pop when it costs what .50 cents at best? But (as always) you do have a point MistaSkeeta.. With all the great Wildlife that DW has out back (in particular the Koalas) what about half price Animal interactions for AP Holder's with all revenue going to the Australian Wildlife Foundation?

.. and is it too much to expect a piece of bread & some sauce to go with your $5 snag?

Worry not @Brad2912 the Holidays will be over again soon and things will start going back to normal😁

It'll be ready by the end of the year, well and truly - there's really plenty of time.

While right now is Peak Season for our Theme Parks, it's Holiday time for most People across Tradie industries. The daily DW Tech Services People's responsibility is to maintain the daily operable Attractions and of course, be available to assist if/when stoppages occur. Regardless of whether the LR will reopen or not, you won't see any action in the area right now.

Is it because the People are sitting upright and/or wearing rashies that slow them down? Physical weight also plays a role.. Question what is the upper weight limit? Shame, it does look a bit like a kiddie ride? Harking back to my WnW speed slide stunt riding days, try laying down, arms crossed under neck, arch your back so basically your heels and shoulders are contacting the greatest amount with as little drag from your arse as possible. If that doesn't work I got nothing!