GoGoBoy

I personally think Cyclone fits in rather well with the Ocean Parade theming and therefore I don't think it need its own land anyway. Regarding this Delirium thingy... I must say I'm not overly thrilled at the idea of another flat ride but after looking at the Huss website it looks pretty cool. I like rides with water features incorporated into them. I think the Aztec theming would be great, but would it fit in with Ocean Parade? Still, if this is the ONLY new ride for 2004 I will be disappointed. It will mean we will have waited for AGES for something ok but not spectacular. Bring on the hyper coaster!

Ok so most of us agree that we like the landscaping and layout of Wonderland. I truly think if they are not going to invest regularly in major new attractions then they definitely do need to maintain a high level of detail. I don't want to turn this post negative but while we're talking about the aesthetics of the park I thought I'd mention one area which could be improved... Goldrush. There are 3 problems in this area where the attention to detail is lacking: 1. There is a new trend in Goldrush to start using banners instead of proper signs for the main ride signs and facades. I feel this looks a little cheap as the banners fade and go mouldy very quickly. Just look at The Great Race banner... not pretty. I think each ride needs exciting signage as it adds to the atmosphere of the whole park. 2. The elevated wooden water chute which used to run all the way around the front of Broken Hill mine and then down further. It was removed for some reason with just chunks of it remaining. 3. All of the badly sealed over pot holes where I assume poles holding up awnings used to be. In the games area in between Bush Beast and River Rampage there are tons and tons of these on the ground. That's all. Apart from that keep up the good work Wonderland's park presentation team!

I am so sad to read all of this. The first time I went on LW I fell totally in love with the ride and so did the friends I was with. It simply felt like you were flying. I thought it was the best thing I had ever been on. Years later, I went on it again and found it to be rather unpleasant. I was hoping this was just my imagination. But, obviously it wasn't. I find it so unacceptable that this ride has deteriorated so much. I never knew a roller coaster required so much maintenance to remain smooth! I don't know who to blame - Vekoma or Movie World? I have a lot of respect for Movie World so I'd rather blame Vekoma (they seem to be responsible for a fair bit of roughness) but I get the feeling Australia has, perhaps, not yet learnt how to look after its precious few coasters. Not good enough

It would be absolutely fantastic if DW added Spongebob 3D ASWELL as a massive new coaster next year. How happy would we all be! The Paramount parks often add multiple attractions in the one year... each one different to keep everyone happy

Yes, that is probably THE thing I like about Wonderland... beautiful landscaping. From Botany Bay with its fountains and neat little flower gardens to Goldrush with its native Australian landscapes to Transylvania with those awesome entry gates and spooky surrounds.

Joz... you definitely made a good point. It is quite likely that Wonderland would count wildlife park attendance in their overall park attendance figures. The wildlife park is basically counted as one of Wonderland's themed lands, not a totally separate facility. From what I hear though, a large number of families are still happy to fork out the bucks to enter the main park. And yes, if some of the people posting overly negative comments here are employees then you really do need to get out. A good work ethic is important for everyones sake and you should never bite the hand that feeds you. Afterall, they have given you a job. However, a little constructive criticism can go along way (whether it's from employees or not)... just leave the aggression out of it.

I've driven past a few times and there have often been workmen on the track at the place you are talking about - just at the bottom and pull out of the first drop.

I totally agree! Some (most) waterparks in the US look incredible. That's why I've always respected Wet n Wild 'cause each year they have added new attractions which have usually been of a world class standard. Unfortunately something went terribly wrong the past 2 years with the only addition being Whirlpool. They've taken a bit of a step back and now have some catching up to do. Definitely more tube slides please! It worries me though that you mention that wnw has had a busy year. If they have a busy year without adding anything decent then that might tell them that they can continue to get away with it. What's wrong with people? Why do they seem to visit parks more often when there are no new attractions? The Aussie public is going to give park owners the wrong idea. Anyway, I'm rambling a bit now (getting caught up in the wonderland sentiment). I noticed that Cedar Point is adding a new indoor waterpark this year. Looks great and HUGE. Lots of theming too. It's set to have loads of slides (it'll probably start out with more than wnw) with an uphill watercoaster (master blaster style) at its centre.

I definitely agree with Richard on this one. I doubt those numbers would be false. Overall, Wonderland still gets a pretty good attendance no matter what people on hear would like to believe. I have heard that even the mid week attendance has been pretty good lately. And as Richard said, all parks have quite a large number of quiet days during the year. They go from one extreme to the next. Wonderland does benefit from big group bookings though, in particular school groups. Is it really possible that wonderlands attendance is increasing? I have heard from a few sources that it is. Seems like they hardly have to lift a finger to get more people through the door. What is the explanation for this? Surely if the Gold Coast parks didn't add anything for 10 years their numbers would truly dwindle?! Now as long as we continue to look at Wonderland objectively, these forums will remain fair. Let's not get too caught up in emotions (particularly aggression).

You guys seem to be implying that attendance is seriously dropping at wonderland due to the lack of money being spent on the place. But the fact is from what I hear the park is still getting plenty of people through the gates. I often make this point. You hear about all these people complaining because rides are shut and there is nothing new and then they go and buy a Wonderpass! Doesn't make sense. If all these families and kids stopped going then maybe Wonderland would start improving or adding attractions. It doesn't seem fair to me that the Gold Coast parks constantly inject capital while Wonderland keeps taking and not giving anything back to the guests. So why do people keep supporting them?

Just adding some more to what I was saying before re Tony's show... I would really like to see it replaced with a big Marvel show (based on one of the characters... hulk, spiderman, whatever). The show would need to be better than action man (I hear that show was a little bit average) and have plenty of effects (lots of explosions please). Obviously it would never be as good as Police Academy but SOMEWHERE near that standard would be nice. Does anyone else think it's ridiculous that all of Wonderland's branding and advertising is filled with the Marvel characters and yet when you arrive at the park there is no Marvel themed show or attraction. All you've got is the occasional walk-about character and a retail shop. At this point it seems to me like they are really cashing in on the Marvel name without giving something in return.

I believe Nightshifter may be partially right about one thing. A staff member who knows one of the dancers in the Tony Laffan magic show told me that his contract is indeed up for re-negotiation around Jan/Feb. No one is sure at this stage whether Wonderland will renew his contract. I reckon it's time to say goodbye to Tony. It's time for something new! Hmm that should be Wonderland's new slogan...

The Tumble Bug at Kennywood is very similar to the original Tumble Bug which was built at Sydney's Luna Park in the 1930s. It was removed many years ago. A 'new' version of this ride was installed at Luna Park for its 1995 incarnation but it was just a typical Wittingslow travelling flat ride (one that made me feel quite queasy too). The facade design (a giant psychadelic bug) was based on the original 1930s design. I'm fairly sure they are reinstating this new version of the Tumble Bug in the 2004 Luna Park. I think they are keeping the giant bug from 1995 too.

Love, love, love the idea. I recently had a similar thought. A Perilous Plunge ride would be the perfect match for Ocean Parade. It looks like a thrilling ride... I sure hope at least one of our Aussie parks get it. But it truly would be best suited to DW.

That's a great idea Nightshifter. And imagine the views too! It would be incredible...

Haha that's so funny psycho and so true! I had never actually thought about that...

I think you guys are perhaps forgetting about one thing - the Wild Mouse which is being reinstated into the new Luna Park. Jobe, you suggested they build a smaller version of Scooby Doo. Um, but that's kinda what the Wild Mouse is, minus the indoors part and the theming. Djrappa you mentioned that a coaster would work better at Luna Park if they utilised single cars... again that's the Wild Mouse. A lot of you also think it's a shame that the park missed out on Rail Chase. The fact is Rail Chase was never a particularly popular roller coaster. The track was very basic and did not deliver many thrills in the general publics opinion. I believe Sega used to get complaints about it all the time "I lined up for ages for THAT!?". The ride became slightly better when it was re-themed before Sega closed but still remained the same basic coaster. If you are talking about choosing one over the other, you would probably find that the general public would get more laughs and thrills out of the WM. Not to mention the fact that the WM is an outdoor ride and makes the most of the incredible Sydney harbour views. If you are talking about including BOTH rides in the park, well that doesn't make much sense either as they are both a tiny bit too similar (small single car coasters) and space at that park is PRECIOUS.

Wow, this is the first I've heard about the re-theming on Thunder River. Did anyone else know about this? Congrats to Dreamworld for paying such attention to detail and putting money back into existing rides. Dreamworld's rapids were always well themed (especially when compared to Wonderland) so it's great to hear they have been enhanced even more. Can you give any more specifics about what has been changed? I remember the last time I went on that ride the elephants that shoot water were looking a bit worn out. Have they upgraded the already existing theming also?

Daniel, I liked your above post regarding all the staff cut backs etc. It's interesting to hear an opinion from someone that has worked there. I have started a new topic in the WS forum for those of you that want to continue to discuss Wonderland's lack of expenditure etc. etc.

I went to post the following in the 'Space Probe vs Giant Drop' debate but read Richard's post re steering back on topic so decided to create a new topic for this. Some of my comments do follow on from the other topic though... You'd probably find that a lot of the current management WOULD like to implement the various improvements you guys have mentioned above but it all comes down to one thing... money. My guess is that the Malaysian owners have put out a directive to keep operating costs at an absolute minimum... thereby increasing returns to their shareholders. I know that Sunway has had a tough couple of years financially so their goal has been to gain maximum profits from their existing assets through minimum expenditure. Sad but true. So keeping that in mind you have to realise that even small improvements cost money. When you look at a place as big as Wonderland you can imagine that there would be tons of requests from the various departments every day for various expenditure. I'd imagine the CEO's goal is to spend money only on the essential items. Unfortunately though, Sunway (Wonderland's owner) will be able to continue to get away with this so long as people keep visiting Wonderland. At this stage it seems that they still manage to pull the crowds. It's hugely popular with the family market (particularly those western suburbs families). I also understand that a large proportion of Sydney's middle eastern community (families and teenagers) are happy to continue to support Wonderland also. So until these people stop visiting and renewing their Wonderpasses, Sunway probably won't start spending.

Hmm I have been slightly persuaded by Richards post as I wasn't aware that GD was double the height of SP. That's quite a difference. However I have always thoroughly enjoyed the SP experience. Everything from the landscaping around it (love that huge waterfall), the fact that it's on a hill, the great queue and station theming and the dome. I think having the Dome is a great feature (only when the tv monitors are working though!). It creates an intense sensation being in a semi enclosed room and then all of a sudden dropping out into the open again.

Ok, now we're COMPLETELY off topic. Let's steer back...

Their target market is not really going to be ride-goers anyway. As the park is so small and constantly plagued with complaints from neighbours it would not really be realistic for them to try and compete with modern theme parks (just look at the last version of the park which tried to aim at that market but was riddled with problems). Imagine the nightmarish time they would have even trying to get approval from local authorities to add a new ride every so often. I think it's great that they are still going to have some sort of rollercoaster however, even if it is just the tiny wild mouse. Mind you though, I love that particular mouse, especially the way it is situated so that the corners overlook the harbour. The Luna Circus looks to be completed already and I think it looks great. The roof is a massive yellow and white striped canvas. I'm not sure what material it is made from but it looks very permanent while still retaining the old tent 'big top' feel. I believe it will be used for other shows too, not just circuses.

I definitely agree with the first 2 posts. Richard - I have been thinking EXACTLY the same thing re Blue Lagoon for the last few months. What a great idea for their next refurb/expansion. I really don't think any of the slides in that area are any good at all now (way too dated)... they'd be better off to demolish parts and start from scratch. If Dreamworld does end up with a great water park, I think people would think twice before buying a 3 park super pass. I wouldn't be surprised if it's already on the drawing board. And I have never really liked the main entrance either. I agree, it truly is very 80's!

Ok someone... we need some pics of the Whirpool and an on-ride report please! I think WNW is a great park and would love to hear what this new addition is like. And I couldn't agree more about the Simpsons Extravaganza - pathetic! Those hosts from Cheez TV were dreadful. So, so bad. Australia tends to put together a lot of cheap shows where they just show a whole bunch of old eps and put a crappy host or two in between each ep. Foxtel does this all the time.