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There are now several more posters available, including Journey to Atlantis (SeaWorld Orlando) and Xcelerator (Knott's) - both work out to around AUD$24 + shipping each. Also, there are now seven Disney framed prints available. They work out to about AUD$70 + shipping each, so I know it's fairly steep but I'd personally say they're probably worth every penny if you're into Disney parks and rides. Remember that if you're after the shirt/calendar deal, you've only got about a week to get orders in. I've gotten a few orders, but you still get your choice of a shirt or poster. Please if you do order, contact me, so I can get in touch with you about your choice for a freebie and your postal address (it's done entirely independent of CafePress).

To all the staff that worked there over the years and made it the way I will always remember it, Thankyou! and goodluck! I almost know the feeling... I went through the same expeirence after working 4 years at the Disney store... we had a huge private meeting where it was announced then we had the option of staying on or look for new jobs straight away. All I can urge EVERYONE to do is PLEASE take as many PHOTOS as POSSIBLE!!!! I mean photos of EVERYTHING!! bins, parking signs, ride entrances, different buildings etc.... as it's the only way this generation will be able to remember it and tell future generations about a park called Wonderland! Thanks My family will sure miss it!

Well, on that same token, Walt Disney also had a few other things going for him. His name was a household name, synonymous with entertainment and family values, he had a brother, Roy, who knew how to make dreams a reality, and more importantly knew how to sweet-talk the bank managers in New York. I also think trying to link the claim that there will be any rise in crime rates etc. is no less than absurd.

Okay, around four weeks during the summer, a week at easter, two weeks in both June and September. That's nine weeks. That's about two thirds of the USA summer vacation period. Then the UK holiday times play a huge role in the Orlando parks attendance (to the extent where the parks are jam packed with no one but Brittish holidayers). Spring Break, Christmas, absolutely enormous "three day weekends" (Memorial Day and whatnot), and you're probably looking at around at the very least three times the length of peak periods. Let's get back to the basics. Disney presumably installed the system because they were getting complaints that the parks were too difficult to "complete" within a given holiday period. A family will spend three days at Disneyland alone and likely only barely get everything ridden, FastPasses left, right and centre. Meanwhile, how often do you hear people saying during the peak season they didn't get everything done at one of the Gold Coast parks? And of them, how many do you think weren't because five year old son loved Road Runner so much he had to ride it 40 times in the day? I'm guessing very few.

I'll concede that my queue estimates for Wet'n'Wild were a little low. Let's take that 45 minutes which some rides are able to get up to in the peak season. Taking the eight major rides (i.e. everything but those things you don't queue for - Wave Pool, Whirlpool/Springs, Calypso Beach), and I'll be generous and assume they get up to 45 minute queues. Given probably half or more of those rides couldn't get queues above 30 minutes even if they tried, I think it's more than fair. In the 11 hours that the park is open in the peak season (i.e. the only time these 45 minute queues would happen), you'd be able to get in every ride once, and still have five hours for eating, rerides and the night's Dive In Movie. The thing with FastPass is it doesn't really start to work to its best until ride queues start getting up around the 90 minute mark. 45 minutes and under and it's almost a joke, because its only real purpose is to get a FastPass, queue and ride once, then use the FastPass to ride again immediately. For the 80% of the year when Wet'n'Wild has 5-15 minute queues max, you have a lot of expensive equipment and infrastructure that's going completely to waste. For that $150,000 or more they invested, Gazza could have gotten you a new slide, which has a much better marketing effect than "New to Wet'n'Wild, a virtual queuing system that's too confusing to bother with!". Really, outside of Dreamworld, how often do our parks get queues greater than 90 minutes? If they ever do, it's for that four or so week period in the middle of summer. A similar period at Disney parks would be getting queues in excess of 2:30, where FastPass is doing its thing to perfection.

I'm pretty sure the songs you are talking about disney are just stock standard background tracks. They would come on a generic CD and are not by any particular artist or group as far as I know. I have actually heard those same techno (and other) tracks on various commercials and TV shows. Not sure where you could get them from though

Thanks for the info Disney. That's great news and it's about time! What is Luna Park without some sort of roller coaster afterall? Are most of the park rides doing ok trade on the weekend? Is it busy overall?

sadly the only new rides Luna park will be bringing in is the small kids rides during the peak times like holidays to offer more for family,now that the wild mouse is done all the attention is now on the front cafe which is opening soon, i've also heard its going to hold a night club on the lower lever underground. after that its up to the grassed area above the new carpark. LPS wants to build a small shopping complex with offices and a small 4 screen cinema. LPS is not a theme park, its a entertainment area like Downtown Disney in california and are more worried about building new entertainment venues like the new cafe and cinema complex.the only rides which will come and go are the small fairground rides which sit out the back next to the Ranger at the moment. Also the tent out the back near the ranger is still TEMP, they will be building a better one later in the track. the only new thrill type ride which may come is a new film for the simulator. also to rest a few minds at easy, Luna park sydney is not planing on building or buying any of the rides at wonderland sydney. The only thing which may come soon is a trackless train for kids, which will play a part of the tours which a done on tue and wed. anyway thats all for now, enjoy

You make a good point, but I've never had a similar problem at WnW with lockers, nor have I seen a problem at SW or MW with our stuff which has a deposit. You would expect to need more staff, but I can't see it being a huge problem. I still like Disney's way of handing out the tickets as you enter, and making it free most (though I'm yet to try any other version). I'm just thinking (relativly) realisticly.

Well, Disney etc. don't use electronic systems. That's only select Six Flags parks with QBot. The most painfully obvious answer to that problem would be to use a waterproof device. Disney's are printed on small pieces of plastic-coated paper. I'm not sure I'd trust people to not loose them on slides, and I'd hate to be in filtration maintenance if this were the case. Still, I think there'd be no need for them at Wet'n'Wild. You'll never queue more than 15 or so minutes for anything. FastPass and similar are really designed for two or more hour queues, where guests really do get ticked off and start trashing bins, benches and lamps.

At Disney parks, every guest is given the ability to get a FastPass for any relevant ride, and are limited to just one until their timeslot opens up. They issue a certain number per hour for each ride, somewhere around about a quarter or so of the ride's capacity I'm guessing. Universal have a similar system, only you have to be either a resort hotel guest, or pay an extra $30 or something for the thing. Six Flags also have an upcharge system. Anheuser-Busch (Bush and SeaWorlds) to my knowledge only have an odd system for platinum pass holders (season passes come in a range of different packages at different prices), where they get reserved premium seating for shows (more comfortable chairs in a better spot and everything), and they can ride twice in a row on any ride without re-queuing. The only problem I see is that if Australian parks were to get it, they'd make it upcharge like most do. The system works absolutely perfectly at Disney - far better even than the upcharge systems. But I'm really not sure Australian parks would see the value of this, or how it would improve their parks. What I can see is a few upper-managements going on a trip to Orlando, seeing Disney's FastPass, noting how fabulous it is and praise the hell out of it when they get back, then proceed to install the same thing, with a $30 pricetag on it. I can also definitely see Movie World benefiting from such a system, more so than any other Australian park. The only attractions you'd really need it for would be Scooby-Doo, Lethal Weapon and Wild West Falls - all of which are high capacity rides, but really do suffer in peak periods because it's all the park's really got when there's not a show on. I've been to Wet'n'Wild on packed days, though I'm not sure they really would need such a system. Most rides are bearable to queue for, even when the place is packed. I personally think they'd benefit much more just by adding more slides. Nothing groundbreaking, but just some things to take the stress away from the few slides they do have.

Disney's fastpass is a system where guests enter their entry ticket into machines located outside major rides. The machine spits out a return time when guests can return to a minimal queue. I agree with DJs idea. A similar strategy is used at Alton Towers (ie, only using it when you need it) so its most definitely workable. SW & MW could begin to give out the tickets with barcodes on them at the gate, and WnW use a returnable card (like the one you get with your locker) or a refundably deposit system and work it that way.

Let's move back, what is Virtual queuing? I know slightly about Disney's fast pass, but not too much..... :confused:

With your first two points you've missed one major key point (that was constantly repeated throughout the article) - differing attendance is totally irrelevant because of the way this system works. The actual values were attained more or less through timing the dispatch time. Essentially, time the time it takes between dispatches (or the time between cresting the hill, or any other point of a ride, so long as its consistent throughout), 60 divided by this time will give the number of dispatches per hour, and multiply this by the number of riders in a full load. The same was not done for Cedar Point, because reports consistently state that their rides operate at the listed capacity, execpt in extenuating circumstances, such as Top Thrill Dragster's reliability issues last year (which was resolved before the season was out). If you don't like my actual values, then take the blissfully optimistic official values given next to it. I used those figures shortly after in the article. I'd like to do some more comparisons, especially with Disney as they, like the Gold Coast parks, are destination parks. The problem is that with a plethora of shows, in-street entertainment, walkthrough attractions, and so many areas that are so nice that you could just sit down for two hours and take in the sights around you, it'd be next to impossible to do a similar comparison with a Disney park. I'm plucking this out of thin air, but I'd expect a large Disney park such as Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, factoring in everything, to have a ratio of at least 0.2 or more - without doubt higher than Cedar Point.

G'day Daniel. I have always been here mate,just reading and enjoying the forums. I add my own 2 cents worth when I feel its approriate or I have something to add or say. I like your thoughts on what rides should be in LPS Goboi. One off unique rides ARE the way to go and would instill a sense of atmosphere that the new park is lacking. However i feel that surely we could move forward and install some new,unique rides with decent thrills. I do like the historic angle being properly used(but only for rides that have real historic value ,as you have noted) LPS major vibe is one of history...one that only LPM can match in Australia Your idea on a River Caves ride is a good one. Disneyland Paris' Pirates of the Carribean ride is a good example of what you are proposing...along the course of this ride it slowly meanders past a patron filled cafe.Excellent ridewith great theming(but it is Disney of course!!) I still think that there should be a good balance to the function side of Luna Park to the amusment side of Luna Park. It doesnt need huge rollercoasters to warrant repeat visits but rather around 8 unique flat type rides to flesh out the rest of the park. The current roster of rides and placement doesnt fit this criteria at all and I hope they do redress this quickly. Are there any new or modern rides that you guys would feel would be suited to LPS?? Cheers Jobe

I agree with Rappa's idea of making Luna more of a historical park. I would like to see some of the current clone carnival rides replaced with unique one of a kind rides, similar to when the park first opened in 1935. The excitement wouldn't be in the rides technological factor but more of a sense of history and old fashioned fun which you can't find anywhere else. Family rides like U-Drive, Flying Saucer, Hey Day, Whip, the original Tumble Bug etc. I liked the fact that in Luna Park's earlier days many of the attractions had great facades and artwork which gave the park more of a fantasy atmosphere. I also have some more ideas for the installation of the River Caves, which as I said, I'd like to see installed at the back area of the park behind Coney Island. In keeping with the parks new focus on functions and entertainment, I think the River Caves could work well if combined with some kind of restaurant (with River Caves themed function rooms ofcourse). The restaurant could be right on the harbourside but with the added attraction of part of the River Caves water channel meandering past or through the dining area. Dining patrons could be entertained by both the harbour view and the passing boats filled with Luna Park guests, floating along the man made channel. The boats would then continue through the remainder of the dark ride portion of the ride. I think I got this idea from one of the Disney parks in the US which have a similar type of attraction. Any thoughts?

I kind of agree and don't agree with you Disney... I would class an Atendant as a member of the ride crew putting people in cars, checking restraints, etc. I would call an Op. the person at the control panel pressing buttons. The people playing a 'part' like you say Richard with Batman or BT I would call cast. I agree that Atendants should be on higher pay than Cast as they have the responsibility of safety to riders, however ultimately the responsibility lies with the person at the controls so they should be on top in the pay stakes. I am also of the opinion though that you should be paid based on your qualification not the job your doing on any one day. If you're Op. trained you should be paid as one no matter what your'e doing on any given day. That's only fair after all. All this however means nothing at Wonderland where everyone of those roles were performed by the one person :-p

Your shoes will go off so keep them neatly? Excellent advice! Does anyone else think this park is a bit of a disney rip off?

I don't know about that Goboi, they can also steal names from Paramount (Reptar and pretty much every ride in Nick Central) Six Flags New England (Cyclone, Thunderbolt), Disney (Tower of Terror) Chance Morgan (Wipeout). That's not even going into actual generic names like Enterprise and Giant Drop. Why would Dreamworld do something creative and original name wise now? I mean what was their latest effort? Angry Beaver's Spooty Spin? No wonder they're going for crap stolen names these days.

I can tell you that Dreamworld does a lot more of their graphic design etc. in-house than you'd think, and employ no less than one graphic artist. I think Dreamworld, once they've reached their own conclusion, would then pitch it to Macquarie to get the budget. There are definitely round-table discussions etc., but they'd be pretty much limited to Dreamworld's own staff. I'd also put forward that Niel Balnaves is more of a savvy business man rather than the next Walt Disney. I don't doubt for one second that he is quite involved with Dreamworld due to his background, but again I think his role is more strategic (such as securing Big Brother, which was done before Dreamworld actually had the position of CEO, which when Tony came in replaced the slightly smaller position of general manager) rather than creative or design. To add to that, his position as chairman doesn't make him a part of the management team (those that essentially run the show), but a member of the Board of Directors. He's the chairman of about three or so other companies, so I can't see him as having that much time to join in on brainstorm sessions at Dreamworld. While on Cyclone, given that the premise for the ride is that the cyclone has been caused by a bizarre large turbine, the whole coastal thing with cyclones is thrown out the window as a suitable explanation for the ride's location. My point with the example is I guess that rides don't necessarily have to be explicitly themed to the general area's theme to fit in. Cyclone really does fit in reasonably nicely, even if most of the ride is tucked away, back behind maintenance buildings.

The perspex shields aren't for mishaps. They're to reduce noise, presubably because of the close proximity of surrounding residents. Maliboomer at Disney's California Adventure has the to, and I'd expect that it'd be unlikely that any ride at Dreamworld would ever get them.

bankers are like cockroaches...they all should be shot..period look at the NAB #$%@! :mad: theme parks are made with dreams, and plenty of imagination they kill young childrens dreams...dreams of fun and enjoyment with family and friends. maybe they can change the logo from WONDERLAND TO FACTORYLAND or GETTOLAND? :eek: they will NEVER EVER get one cent of investment money from me.. allready I have told all my friends with ING saving accounts to pull out. a note to ING Managers "#$%! you and #$%! your family" Have a nice day as you would say..in a mono-toned voice.. "imagination is more important than knowledge" WALT DISNEY... Cheers Sean

Yeah I don’t really know what my thoughts are on this one... Honestly I don't know how anyone ever falls out of these non-inverting rides. Like if I was going to fall from a coaster I'd bloody well grab something. Also having ridden many rides with this same lap bar design I have no doubts the system is very safe, there just isn't a way you 'should' be able to come out of that seat. IMO, it may sound harsh but I don't think mentally handicapped people should really be allowed to ride intense thrill rides like this one. They can just be too unpredictable in their actions, resulting in incidences like these. Just look at the person who fell out of the drop ride, and the guy on the Teacups at Disney. I don't think manufacturers should be responsible for ensuring its impossible to get out of a locked restraint, only that you cannot be forced out...

And it is, as seen at Disney's California Adventure, known as Sun Wheel. One of the most oddly thrilling rides I've ever been on. There's truly nothing like just reaching that critical angle, then coasting down a gentle slope and hitting the end, swinging up to about 30º back and forth until the thing moves back around - you're up to 150ft in the air don't forget, and sitting unrestrained in a little cage. On the Sun Wheel, the purple cars give better swinging than the orange ones, in case you're wondering. Not sure if I liked the design of Intamin's larger Wheels. They're not as nice looking, and where other larger Ferris wheel manufacturers go for less larger gondolas, Intamin seem to have kept the smaller, more individual cars, but have many too many of them. I was surprised to read that Meisho are considered the world's major suppliers of not only Ferris wheels, but also amusement rides in general. I guess what goes on in that Asian amusement industry is really unknown to the rest of the world. Regarding the alleged water park, it's supposed to be similar to what Atlantis in the Bahamas has, or that crazy one in the Middle East whose name is slipping me right now. Incredibly optimistic, but we're talking the real deal, fully themed top to bottom - making Wet'n'Wild look like a backyard pool slide. Heat it and they'll come from around the world.

The only equivalent to a Disneyland Australia could ever get would have Disney somewhere in its name. Sorry, but worldwide, no one has ever come close to pulling off anything nearly as great as a Disney park. Even Universal with their Islands of Adventure aren't quite in the same league. Just a peeve of mine, if it's not something you've picked up on in any posts of mine to do with Disney parks.