GoGoBoy

You see this is the problem. By giving a new ride the same name as a well known travelling carnival ride, people (like Scott) are going to get confused. Not a good move. Will be interested to see how the new ride comes together. Shouldn't judge too much yet until I see how it all fits into place. Come on Dreamworld - (cough) impress us...

It's interesting that Sydney Aquarium Ltd is going to be running the SkyWalk and Observation Deck business. Very soon they will also be opening up a new wildlife park right next to the aquarium. They are really branching out at the moment. Good on them - they obviously have experience operating world class attractions (not that I have ever been a big fan of Sydney Aquarium... always thought it could have been better layed out and themed a bit more)

And with that last comment Daniel I reckon you've been watching way too much Ryan from Big Brother. Or has he been watching you?

Where do you work again Gazza? Is it Maccas?

Ok joz after much searching I finally found the offending annual report. As you will see it is quite a different reason to the one Wonderland's CEO gave the public (no surprises there) The exact wording is: 'Wonderland Sydney Theme Park undertook various cost cutting and productivity improvement measures to improve its earnings. This included reducing the sprawling 60ha park size by 3ha through the relocation of rides and facilities, thus reducing running costs and enhancing the park presentation. Coupled with new revenue generation programs, the theme park had significantly improved its gross operating income in 2002.' The report takes a while to download as it is quite long but if you want to check it out for yourself it's at http://www.sunway.com.my/sunwaygrp/invest/...ty%20pg1_44.pdf

Ok joz after much searching I finally found the offending annual report. As you will see it is quite a different reason to the one Wonderland's CEO gave the public (no surprises there) The exact wording is: 'Wonderland Sydney Theme Park undertook various cost cutting and productivity improvement measures to improve its earnings. This included reducing the sprawling 60ha park size by 3ha through the relocation of rides and facilities, thus reducing running costs and enhancing the park presentation. Coupled with new revenue generation programs, the theme park had significantly improved its gross operating income in 2002.' The report takes a while to download as it is quite long but if you want to check it out for yourself is at http://www.sunway.com.my/sunwaygrp/invest/...ty%20pg1_44.pdf

Ok joz after much searching I finally found the offending annual report. As you will see it is quite a different reason to the one Wonderland's CEO gave the public (no surprises there) The exact wording is: 'Wonderland Sydney Theme Park undertook various cost cutting and productivity improvement measures to improve its earnings. This included reducing the sprawling 60ha park size by 3ha through the relocation of rides and facilities, thus reducing running costs and enhancing the park presentation. Coupled with new revenue generation programs, the theme park had significantly improved its gross operating income in 2002.' The report takes a while to download as it is quite long but if you want to check it out for yourself is at http://www.sunway.com.my/sunwaygrp/invest/...ty%20pg1_44.pdf

I even recently found proof of Sunway's lies regarding the closure of Hanna Barbera Land. In one of their annual reports I noticed a section which said something along these lines - 'In order to cut costs at Wonderland Sydney a large section of the theme park has been closed. This will save a considerable amount in staff and maintenance costs'

Well that's too bad because you wouldn't be tall enough to go on anything else... besides maybe the jumping castle

I don't know why you wouldn't want to go on it Schwarz... it's fun for any age group but it's especially suitable for children under 5 years of age such as yourself

On the afternoon news today there was a report about a staff strike at Movie World regarding pay rates. The strike is moving on to Sea World tomorrow. Anymore details anyone?

Wonderland Sydney didn't have any good coasters except for the Beastie which Sunway decided to close a few years ago

Shifty - those old photos are great. Well done. I have never before seen any pics of those old rides. Do you think that Spider ride is the same one that is now in Melbourne's Luna Park? It looks very similar

Welcome back Daniel. You've been a bit quiet for a while haven't you? Or is it just my imagination? Anyway glad to see you're still alive and kicking

I found a picture of a ride which looks quite similar to the new kids ride next to the Tumble Bug. This particular version is called 'Storm' but Luna Park's version is called 'Twister'. LP's version is also a bit more colourful. Apparantley the ride is actually for all ages although I'm guessing young kids and their parents would probably get the most out of it. It has a very cool design and looks good in motion. Have a look at http://www.carnival.net.au/rides.htm

I found a picture of a ride which looks quite similar to the new kids ride next to the Tumble Bug. This particular version is called 'Storm' but Luna Park's version is called 'Twister'. LP's version is also a bit more colourful. Apparantley the ride is actually for all ages although I'm guessing young kids and their parents would probably get the most out of it. It has a very cool design. Have a look at http://www.carnival.net.au/rides.htm

Slick have you taken your special medicine this week? The thing with all those names you mentioned joz is that they at least fit in with the themed area they are in (ok, ToT stuffs up this theory slightly). Claw, from what I can tell, has nothing to do with its surrounds. I'm hoping DW will stay a theme park and not become an amusement park. By the way, I've always liked the name Giant Drop because the 2 words sound good together and it is themed as an oil rig hence the 'drop'. It is a fairly clever double entendre. Angry Beaver's Spooty Spin is fun for little kids to say and is perfect for the area it is in. Same with Runaway Reptar. I even quite like Reef Diver. With that name and its related theming, it shows they went to great lengths to enable the ride to fit in with Ocean Parade. I just wish they'd do the same with all the rides otherwise what is the point?

Slick have you taken your special medicine this week? The thing with all those names you mentioned joz is that they at least fit in with the themed area they are in (ok, ToT stuffs up this theory slightly). Claw, from what I can tell, has nothing to do with its surrounds. I'm hoping DW will stay a theme park and not become an amusement park. By the way, I've always liked the name Giant Drop because the 2 words sound good together and it is themed as an oil rig hence the 'drop'. Angry Beaver's Spooty Spin is fun for little kids to say and is perfect for the area it is in. Same with Runaway Reptar. I don't even mind Reef Diver. With that name and its related theming, it shows they went to great lengths to enable the ride to fit in with Ocean Parade. I just wish they'd do the same with all the rides otherwise what is the point?

Well said Psycho. Exactly what I was thinking. What a boring and unoriginal name for a ride, not to mention the fact that it doesn't fit the theme of the area it is in. On top of that, it is already the name of a well known travelling carnival ride

Thanks for the trip report Scott. That's probably the best contribution you've made to the site so far. I am also a big fan of Vikings Revenge flume ride (have been ever since I was a very young boy) for the same reason you mentioned. I love the long yet fast meander in the boat before it gets to the castle. It's relaxing and fun at the same time. It could do with some upgrading to bring it up to todays standards but otherwise it is a fun ride. Same with Bermuda Triangle. I remember before it became Bermuda it was called Lasseter's Lost Mine Ride. It uses the same ride mechanics, track (some sections were changed slightly) and ride housing but was completely rethemed. It was very atmospheric. Bermuda has some nice effects but seems a little worn out now

Yep, that looks like the EXACT same Dominator now at Luna Park for the holidays. Can I just say that although these new rides may not be hugely exciting, their addition is more than what Wonderland gave Sydney (in terms of new rides) for the last 10 years. Luna Park should be congratulated. Let's hope they keep it up

Yep, that looks like the EXACT same Dominator now at Luna Park for the holidays. Can I just say that although these new rides may not be hugely exciting, their addition is more than Wonderland gave Sydney (in terms of new rides) for the last 10 years

Yep, that looks like the EXACT same Dominator now at Luna Park for the holidays

In preparation for the school holiday period it seems that Luna Park has added a couple of new rides. I would not suggest any of you need to race to Luna Park to try these as they are not particularly special but it is a good sign all the same. The first new addition is a nifty little spinning ride for kids which I think is called 'Storm'. It is made up of 2 colourful tornado funnels which circle each other. It is probably the best looking junior ride in the park. They have placed it in a good spot up on the rooftop next to the Tumble Bug (I suggested a while ago in these forums that this area could do with another ride). It has a good light show which works well for Luna Park nights. It would be an ideal permanent addition if they created some signage and artwork for it. The second addition is a big kids/adult ride called 'The Dominator'. It is a standard Miami ride. It looks rather temporary (the hiring company name is plastered all over the side) but also has a good light show. It has been placed in Maloney's Corner which is the unimpressive area out the back behind Coney Island. This whole area does look a bit better now with The Dominator in position. As I said ages ago, the temporary look of Maloney's Corner could only really be justified if they plan to change the ride mix out there regularly (which seems to be the case). However, it would still be nice to see a few more facades, artwork and maybe a bit more infrastructure out there to tie it in with the rest of the park. Overall it is reassuring to see that Luna Park Sydney are still commited to the amusement aspect of the precint

I could never understand why on earth they put that Looney Tunes Revue right at the front of the park in the strangest area and not tried to fit it into the Looney Tunes Village area. Talk about a bizarre mix of themes. I'm guessing it has something to do with space but surely there must be some more room for expansion out the back of Looney Tunes village?