joz

Well, as reasonable request as this is I can't see it happening, but you never know.... Just a few quick points, the sharks involved will probably not be the great whites we were originally promised. The most successful Great White in captivity only lived for 9 months, and it costed $750,000 to keep it alive for that long. The sharks involved are confirmed (well, kinda) to be around the 8 foot mark, and probably be a combination of grey nurses and Bull sharks (like those found in Gold Coast cannels) as these two species are relatively safe to go scuba diving with. The area is also to have a touch pool, where kids can touch different (safe) sea animals. Groundwork is continuing, so far a small bird rehabilitation building has been demolished (the building was holding Owls from Movieworld. The birds have since been taken back to Movieworld) and thats pretty much all I can report. In other news, it appears that the new Seal Enclosure will go ahead on the site of the old Thrillseeker. Apparently Seaworld is very interested in expanding Cartoon Beach, and moving 'the Rock' out of the way is the first step in achieving this.

I'll take a guess but its not really an educated one Maybe it has to do with the drop height verses the tower height? Since the drop may not be quite as tall as that on Drop Zone. Like I say thats not educated, since I don't know the drop heights on either ride Just a point on this, in the past I've only seen Superman: The Escape as the fastest ride in the world (Despite the fact it never was). Did Tower of Terror ever make it into the Record books?

Look forward to seeing the photos Flea In the meantime, I have a couple of photos showing where the new enclosure will be built http://www.totalthrills.com/forums/album_p...c.php?pic_id=16 http://www.totalthrills.com/forums/album_p...c.php?pic_id=15 So far, this garden/picnic area has been removed, and looks as though it takes up about 2/3rds of the land between Polar Bear Shores and the Waterpark.

Well Richard, I have some good news for you, Wirlpool Springs is now fully heated! The word I'm hearing is that the tubs are set at 30*c. While on the subject, it seems the 'Wirlpool' will be open by the end of the year, apparently after the whole attraction is completly re-designed and re-built. There was a problem with the way the pipes/pumps were set up. The problem which delayed the opening is currently being worked on, and at the moment there is a scaled down 'model' of Wirlpool at SW where engenieers are working out all the kinks in the system.

Just a quick note that a fence has gone up next door to Polar Bear Shores, construction has begun!

In what can be described only as a victory for common sense, Seaworld has decided that the crocodile thing has been done to death, since in the local area, Dreamworld, Aussie Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Fleas' Fauna already have crocodile exhibits. That's right folks, word off the street is that the Crocodile project has been given the chop!!! So what now? Well the word I'm hearing is that Shark Bay and Seal Rocks are back on the agenda, and one or both attractions will be open by September (although I'd like to make a bet on that date getting pushed back ).

It goes like this: Movieworld/Wet'n'Wild 251 acres Wonderland 219 acres Dreamworld 200 Seaworld 86 acres (and you thought Cedar Point had a space problem ) The land across the road from the public has been zoned for 'Low rise resort style development', the park is not allowed to expand into the Broadwater any further, the land north of the park is blocked off by Seaworld Nara, and the land south is currently subject to a native title claim (See what your up against?) The only pockets of free space left in the park are in between the Corkscrew and Bermuda; & between Water Park and Polar Bear shores, plus the plot of the land where the thrillseeker used to be. The only real option for new rides is to remove old ones, or to be creative with the available land (such as running an Impulse track opposite cartoon beach). So far I've got a good quality chicken burger, and more focus on family experience (and the idea for a Mcdonald's as the new staff canteen from Rabid )..... What else?

lol, of course not Well yes, but I thought it was quite a good question, and since people seem to single out Seaworld as the park that needs the most improvement, I thought I'd make the question an open one. Since I'm making a post, I thought I'd ask which ride system you'd like, and where you'd put it (remembering the limited space which Seaworld has to work with). Any food and beverage suggestions would also be welcome .

I've got two questions for people on these boards: What facilities/services do you think Seaworld need to add to the park? What General improvements would you like to see? Give your answers here, and I'll forward the best ones to park management.

Somehow I doubt that the staff will travel with the animals, :shock: I wouldn't rule it out however, sometimes animals travel with a their main handlers to help keep stress to a minimum. However this is normally done when planes are involved and the animals have to fly. Being a sheep handler would be good if they give you one of those cattle dogs. I remember once I watched "Heroes of the outback" at Wonderland, and after the show the trainers asked the dog on top of a platform, and the dog stayed there for about 20mins while they went off to have a coffee, even though it could have gone for a wander through the park if it felt like it. I was quite impressed

Ok a bit more research done today and the situation is like this: :arrow: The sale (all things going well) will be completed by April 30. :arrow: Only the business will be bought. The land remains the property of Christian Care Church. :arrow: Paradise Country will continue to operate as normal until October, at which point in time, the business will be moved to Oxenford (Next door to the Outback Celebration, not in the hills out the back as previously mentioned). :arrow: Staff from Paradise Country will not loose there job, but will be transferred to Oxenford with the animals. Just a thought on this development, it seems Warner Village will now own a water park, a theme park and an Australian animal park with separate entry fees. I bet Dreamworld are kicking themselves for not realising they could do that BTW, does anyone remember a rumour about a new animal park to be built by Village Roadshow...........

One thing to add though, wipeout rules in the rain. Seriously, its like being inside a washing machine (in a good way) :?

Seems Warner Village theme parks is make purchase of Paradise Country, a small animal facility catering for special events and tour groups, and transferring the animal stock and staff to Oxenford (In the hills behind Movieworld). The attraction (which could possibly keep the 'Paradise Country' name) will enable tour groups the chance to see things such as sheep shearing and some of Australia's native animals. This is to be an attempt by Warner Village theme parks to get a bigger share of the international tourism market, and its not the first time WVTP CEO John Menzies has bought other attractions for the sake of the parks. Back in 1973 he (along with Keith Williams) successfully bought out Marineland and the Jack Evan's Propose Pool.

It'd be interesting to see the roller coaster portion themed like the haunted version, but as far as I'm concerned, the lazars are too cool for school (been along time since I've said that). True the themeing through the roller coaster portion of the ride is a bit sketchy, but from memory it has something to do with being "At the Mersey of the spirits". While on the subject of Scooby Doo themeing, is it just me or is it incredibly gruesome? The whole way along the track there's skeletons which look like they've still got flesh on them. Add to that the fake blood that covers much of the hallway, add to that all the skulls that are lying around (particularly near the lift). Not a criticism, I like the gruesome themeing, I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed?

Care for a marathon? Thats something I learned a long time ago, if its raining, never sit in the front. The fact that it was vekoma just topped it off. At least you weren't riding Thunderbolt in pouring rain. :twisted:

Fine, if no one else will, then I'll just fly the launched coaster flag on my own Actually, like most people, I'll be happy with anything, although something original would be nice. Its just a bit saddening that there are so few custom rides in Australia, so hopefully that can be rectified in the future. Just curious, has anyone noticed anything going on around the old Maverick building? I know its probably not the easiest place to notice things happening, but I just thought I'd ask if anything has been noticed.

Just read the launched coaster rumour on Screamscape. A couple of questions that really need to be answered... 1. How credible is the rumour? 2. Intamin or S&S?

Its interesting that Wonderland that are talking steps in this direction. Animal displays are really gaining popularity, and if you don't believe it, consider that 2002 was Seaworld's most successful year on record, and the newest ride there is Bermuda Triangle, built in 1994. If Wonderland does things correctly, then they could do quite well in the near future, which will hopefully lead on to that new ride that everyone's wishing for.

Its all looking up at Dreamworld it seems, per capita spending is up by 0.9%, revenue up by 3.9%, and an attendance for the six month period of 567,294, which is up 0.9% (god bless Macquarie putting that information on a public domain). In other news, the value of Dreamworld's excess land is up by $2 million, with a decision about the rezoning coming by June this year. No news of the future of Dreamworld, but since any new major attraction would be nearly 2 years away, I dare say that even Macquarie have little idea on what the next major attraction will be. For the full release click the link below... http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistics/AnnDe...&&issuerid=4079

Not sure on the status of Seal Rocks, my understanding was that it was canned when it became apparent that it wasn't going to be ready for Xmas. Though I'm not sure, since I doubt the crocs will be built onto the old thrillseeker site. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it was only shark bay that got the chop, though I could be wrong. Since there were already plans for how they were going to expand cartoon beach (apparently) I would be thinking that something is going to happen sooner or later.

Just curious mate, where abouts are the pegs? Closer to the station or the road? Weren't the crocs meant to be next door to PBS? Are you sure the pegs aren't from the thrillseeker storage or stuff that's been leftover from the monorail rehab? Wow, I ask to many questions, I'm too nosy for my own good :?

Honestly can't remember what happened to it. From all the stories I've heard it sounds like a combination of what you've mentioned below, sadly, I must admit, I have no clue, nor did I even get the chance to visit. Probably might be an idea to try and look for info in Southport, at the Local Area Library. One of these days I might even go have a look myself.

Well, after going to Wet 'n' Wild, I can say that Whirlpool Springs fails in the "rejuvenate your mind, body and soul" department (plus the water isn't heated enough). As we all know, Whirlpool Springs is ten, twenty-person 'invigorating' spas, where "guests will feel like they are in another world as they sink into the calm waters of pure, self-indulgent bliss, that is Whirlpool Springs". Sadly, I wasn't invigorated, and I was pretty aware of what World I was on during the whole experience. I must also say that I was not "tempted to indulge in a luxurious massage by one of Wet N Wild's professional masseurs" and judging by the numbers of people in the park compared to the number of people 'indulging, not many other people were either. Also, I would like to dispute claims that "Whirlpool Springs has been designed to replicate similar natural restorative attractions found in Turkey and New Zealand. With intrinsic therapeutic benefits, you will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul." To be quite honest, It looks more like the spa of a cheap Gold Coast Motel. Its a shame they had to open a winter attraction in the middle of winter, but I'm sure Whirlpool will be a bit of fun when it opens, and Whirlpool Springs will be a bit more welcome in winter. However, in the meantime, Wet 'n' Wild is still as fun as it always has been, with the one point that the 'No pass outs' policy is a joke at best.

From looking at some of the concept art, Shark bay was to be a 4 meter deep pool, in some parts themed to a reef, and another section which was meant to house a great white. Presumably not getting the right species of shark has something to do with that going project going down the toilet. Seal Rocks was to be a new seal enclosure where the Thrillseeker used to be, with 2 primary pools and one nursery pool, each with underwater viewing on the side closest to the flume ride. The area was meant to include (among other things) a wave pool, different textures for the seals (wood, sand, loose rocks) improved drainage compared to the old enclosure, and environmental enrichment controls, similar to those found at Polar Bear Shores. The story I'm hearing most these days is that Shark Bay and/or Seal Rocks have been canned, and a crocodile enclosure will be built instead (possibly by Easter). The sea connection is that Salt Water Crocs have actually been seen quite a distance out too sea (60kms or something outrageous like that), and I get the feeling that Seaworld will milk that for all its worth. As for the Broadwalk, project name was 'Seaworld Wharf' and was due to be built next to main monorail station. There's some great colour concept drawings in the 1987 Seaworld Property Trust prospectus which is available for viewing in the 'Local Area Library' in Southport. For all those people not able to make it to Southport, here's a scanned version of a photocopy http://www.geocities.com/doza35au/History2.html Seaboi, welcome to Total Thrills, and I congratulate you on being able to hear that full sentence. Where I was sitting everyone was talking and I was only able to get the word 'Crikey!'