Dreamworld Confirmed As Home Of Big Brother 2012

After months of anticipation, Australia’s favourite theme park, Dreamworld, has today confirmed that the park will be the home of the hit television series Big Brother Australia in 2012.

There has been a flood of speculation as to where the iconic Big Brother house and studio will be located, and Dreamworld is pleased to reveal its involvement in the new show.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer, Todd Coates, said “Dreamworld is incredibly excited to be the home of the new Big Brother series. The Big Brother house and studios will be an iconic attraction at Dreamworld and for the Gold Coast.”

It is fantastic news for Dreamworld, and also for the local film and tourism industries. Dreamworld is proud to participate in this significant investment into the Gold Coast,” Mr Coates continued.

Southern Star Executive Producer, Big Brother 2012, Alex Mavroidakis said, “Southern Star Entertainment is thrilled to bring Big Brother back to its natural home, Dreamworld on Queensland’s Gold Coast.”

“Our hub at Dreamworld always allows us to create a show that is truly dynamic and after a four year break, we’re excited to build a brand-new House that will exceed Housemate and audience expectations,” Mr Mavroidakis continued.

The programme is scheduled to air on the Nine Network later this year. Tickets for shows have not yet been confirmed.

For more information as it comes visit www.dreamworld.com.au or follow the only official Big Brother Facebook page facebook.com/BigBrotherAU, or twitter @bbau9.

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Dreamworld To Open New DreamWorks Animation Precinct

NEW LANDS TO OPEN THIS EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD

Dreamworld, on the Gold Coast, has commenced construction on new DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) themed lands due to open in time for the 2012 Easter school holidays.

The most exciting and extensive development currently underway in any Australian theme park, Dreamworld will be the only park in the nation to feature DreamWorks Animation themed lands.

The new 8,400sqm DreamWorks Experience precinct will transform the heart of Dreamworld. Guests will be welcomed into the very worlds of their favourite animated characters, inspired by the iconic DreamWorks Animation films.

Guests will start their journey at the DreamWorks Experience entrance before crossing a bridge and arriving in Madagascar Madness, an overgrown jungle where chimps hang from vines, penguins are on a wild mission with King Julien in charge.

Madagascar Madness is an action-packed family haven, with newly themed rides and attractions and oodles of added fun.

Guests can run wild in the MAD Jungle Jam with foam ball cannons and rainforest bridges while junior adrenaline seekers can join the Madagascar characters to take on the kid’s coaster, Escape from Madagascar.

Drop into King Julien’s Theatre in the Wild and enjoy the colourful, 20-minute Madagascar Live – Prepare to Party Show featuring the much-loved characters, King Julien, Alex, Gloria and the Penguins. Following the show guests can have their photo taken with the cast.

Grab the latest MAD merchandise in the Madagascar Cargo Hold before leaving the wilds behind to enter the medieval fairy-tale land of Shrek’s Faire Faire Away.

Bursting at the seams with family fun rides and attractions, Shrek’s Faire Faire Away is all themed around the lovable ogre and his friends.

Swoop on the Dronkey Flyers, soar on Gingy’s Glider, fly through the air on Puss in Boots Sword Swing and enjoy a spin in an onion carriage or on a noble steed at Shrek’s Ogre-Go-Round.

Guests will find numerous cheeky photo spots including Shrek’s family photo, the bubbling bath and the Shrek babies. You can even meet Shrek himself along with Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots and Gingy.

Grab a bite to eat at Shrek’s Treats menu and browse the latest merchandise in Forever After’s for a magical memento to take home.

Having conquered all that is to do in Faire Faire Away, guests will enter a land of pure awesomeness, where legendary dragon warrior, Po, can be found. Po’s Garden is just a taste of the land to come and guests will be able to meet Po and master all new Kung Fu moves. Kung Fu Panda land will be completed in late 2012 featuring brand new rides and attractions.

In order to construct these new lands, Dreamworld has invested in transitory rides and attractions to ensure families can continue to enjoy an action packed day. During construction there are still more than 10 rides and attractions in addition to more than five daily shows for families to enjoy together.

Families can also enjoy Tiger Island, the Australian Wildlife Experience and world pass holders can enter WhiteWater World for worlds of water-based fun.

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Lethal Weapon retheme

We have an exciting Easter planned with an experience straight from your darkest nightmares! This insane new experience will replace the Lethal Weapon Coaster and is sure to be a scream. Stay tuned here to know what’s coming to get you..... and it’s not the Easter bunny!

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Kennywood Announces Black Widow as New Ride for 2012!

Something wicked is coming to Kennywood. With the start of the summer season a short five months away, Kennywood is proud to announce Black Widow as our newest ride for 2012!

“Black Widow will have a combination of height, airtime and thrill factor,” explains Kennywood General Manager Jerome Gibas. “Kennywood offers a great variety of ride experiences and Black Widow will provide our guests with a new dimension of thrill.”

The Black Widow experience starts with riders sitting in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle with a total of 40 riders. With legs dangling freely, each rider is secured with a shoulder restraint. Then the thrill begins.

The giant circle begins to swing in a pendulum motion while rotating counterclockwise. At the peak of the swing riders will reach a height of 146 feet above the ground and experience that feeling of weightlessness coveted by thrill seekers.

The counterclockwise rotation and pendulum motion creates a variety of different sensations depending on a rider’s specific position. The combination of both elements results in a unique ride experience every time!

Black Widow will stand at 90 feet tall but will reach a height of 146 feet in full swing with an angle of 120 degrees from the center. The pendulum motion propels riders back and forth at 68 miles per hour.

While riding Black Widow, guests experience a one of a kind perspective of Lost Kennywood.

Black Widow will have a height requirement of 52” tall. Each of the 40 seats has an individual shoulder lap restraint. For pictures or more information on Black Widow’s manufacturer, Zamperla, visit www.zamperla.com/en/product/145/giant-discovery.html

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Hogwarts is Coming to Hollywood!

Warner Bros. and Universal Parks and Resorts to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood

Significant Expansion Also Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

"I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting," said J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

“The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”

“This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.”

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Warner Bros. Movie World Announces Green Lantern Rollercoaster!

A shining new light will dawn upon Movie World this December with the opening of the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster. Guests will experience fun and thrills of a galactic proportion as they take on the steepest drop in the Southern Hemisphere. This new multimillion dollar rollercoaster will truly be in a league of its own!

“This exciting new ride will reach speeds of up to 66kmh and pull 3.5Gs on hairpin bends and a crazy inverted spin,” said Warner Bros. Movie World General Manager Bob White. “This amazing GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster is like no other coaster experience at Warner Bros. Movie World and is sure to be a hit with families and thrill seekers alike.”

The Green Lantern coaster will take the thrill factor to the extreme with 488 meters of electric green track and a gut wrenching drop of 120 degrees, well beyond vertical.

Guests can face their fear on the Green Lantern coaster by Christmas 2011, but beware, it’s not for the faint hearted.

With a host of exciting new attractions and shows opening summer 2011, including the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster, the Super Pass is the best way to experience amazing theme park fun while getting the best bang for your buck.

The Super Pass provides 28 days of unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World for the incredible price of just $129.99.

ABOUT GREEN LANTERN:

Guardians of peace and justice, the GREEN LANTERN CORPS is a group of intergalactic police officers charged with the protection of the universe. A GREEN LANTERN must be someone who has the fortitude and willpower to overcome great fear. Recognized as the greatest member of the GREEN LANTERN CORPS, HAL JORDAN was the first Earthman ever inducted into the Corps. and also became a founding member of the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA. Green Lanterns are outfitted with a weapon unlike any other in existence, a power ring that channels pure willpower in the form of solid green energy that can manifest any construct the bearer imagines.

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Dreamworld Unviels Spectacular End to 2011: New World-Class Entertainment Alliance with DreamWorks Animation

Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Australia has revealed a new and world-class alliance with the innovative global entertainment brand, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA), in the park’s most anticipated announcement for the year.

The most exciting and extensive development currently underway in any Australian theme park, Dreamworld’s new DreamWorks Animation-themed lands will welcome guests inside the very worlds of their favourite animated characters, inspired by the iconic DreamWorks Animation franchises. Well-loved characters including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Po from Kung Fu Panda, Alex the Lion from Madagascar, and many others will soon appear at Dreamworld all year round.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Todd Coates said, “We are really excited to have formed a long term strategic alliance with one of the most visionary entertainment companies in the world. The DreamWorks Animation brand is a household name, and we have no doubt that featuring the characters and worlds from their movies will be a great draw for our park.”

“Dreamworld has done a fantastic job of creating quality entertainment experiences for their customers and we look forward to joining forces with the largest theme park in Australia, a hugely important market for us,” added DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg. “The alliance between Dreamworld and DreamWorks represents yet another opportunity for families across the globe to interact with our characters in new and exciting ways.”

The alliance will be revealed over three phases commencing with the DreamWorks Holiday Shrektacular Show this summer season. The stage spectacular will feature eight of DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters performing a host of popular holiday-themed songs.

In an Australian theme park first, phase two will open for the 2012 Easter holiday period with a new 8,400sqm DreamWorks Experience precinct, which will transform the heart of Dreamworld. Guests of all ages will be invited to step directly into the story as they enter these immersive lands: come face to face and interact with their favourite animated heroes, enjoy festive musical shows, ride all-new attractions, and delight in imaginative food, beverage and merchandise offerings. The precinct’s cornerstone rides will capture memorable moments from DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster films.

The exciting third phase, which is currently in development, will include a Kung Fu garden where families can meet Po from Kung Fu Panda and enjoy lunch or refreshments.

The addition of the DreamWorks Animation brand tops off a huge year for Dreamworld as it celebrates its 30th birthday. An impressive line-up of new attractions, including the new exotic animal enclosure, The Lair, family adventure ride, ShockWave, and Big 7 thrill ride, BuzzSaw, account for the largest capital investment spend in a number of years.

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Legoland Billund builds world novelty in 2012

Polar Land is the name of the completely new area in LEGOLAND® Billund. The main attraction will be the first roller coaster in the world to combine a 5-metre-drop with an outing among live penguins.

The poles meet in LEGOLAND, in the new 12,500 square metre Polar Land area. Here guests can take a ride in the Polar X-plorer, which is the first roller coaster to combine a 5-metre-drop with a visit into the world of penguins.

Moreover, the area holds a penguin display, a restaurant and the existing Power Builder, which will be transformed into a flight simulator.

The expansion is the largest expansion in the history of LEGOLAND Billund and needs a 75 mill. DKK investment.

A crazy ride
The new area has been developed by the LEGOLAND Park’s own designer Tom Christiansen:

- New young polar researchers can expect quite a ride in the Polar X-plorer. The coaster has a top speed of 65 km/h and leads guests through an ice-waterfall, past impressive polar animals built of LEGO® bricks, into a giant mountain, just to crash through the ice in a 5-metre-drop. Then speed decreases, allowing guests to enjoy the view of live penguins, Tom Christiansen tells. He is looking very much forward to testing the ride himself.

Only two roller coasters with drops already exist in the world, but this is the first to combine the experience with a zoological element. Polar X-plorer will be the fastest roller coaster in LEGOLAND Billund and will take guests 20 metres up in the air.

New residents in LEGOLAND
The penguin display will be a central part of the new area. It will house 15 Gentoo penguins, which are easily recognized by their distinct donkey-like sound. From a special amphi theatre guests can experience talks and feeding of the penguins by professional communicators.

- The Gentoo penguins are very active animals, who love to swim. We have arranged the display so it’s similar to their natural habitat. The display is soundproofed and the windows are darkened from the inside to prevent the penguins from getting stressed during our high season, when the park is filled with happy guests, biologist Lars Nørholm Jensen from LEGOLAND tells. He is responsible for the penguins’ new home.

Dine with the penguins
A new polar-themed restaurant will be built next to the penguin area. The restaurant can seat 350 dining guests, who can view the penguin display and almost actually dine with the penguins.

The 75 mill DKK investment in Polar Land will be the largest investment ever in LEGOLAND Billund’s history. The area will be located in the far corner of the park replacing the existing Event Area. The expected opening date of the new area will be May 2012, about one month after the official opening of LEGOLAND Billund.

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Heroes of the Light Horse Closing Soon to make way for a New Show

On Wednesday 23 November Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ will close its doors for the final time to make way for an exciting new show launching in December 2011.

Australian Outback Spectacular first opened in 2006 and has entertained over a million people from all over the world, with its celebration of Australian stock men and women at work and play.

After a hugely successful runoff the original show, Australian Outback Spectacular launched it second show ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ in September 2009 and has not looked back.

Australian Outback Spectacular Production Manager Shane Phillips said that Heroes of the Light Horse has been an amazing show which celebrated the link between our stockmen and the legendary Australian Light Horse.

“The crowds have loved this show and the entire cast and crew will be sad to see it go, but the new show will be an exciting new chapter for Australian Outback Spectacular.”

“The third chapter in the Australian Outback Spectacular story will be titled ‘Spirit of the Horse’ will celebrate the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and honour the legend that is Phar Lap,” he said.

Presenting partner, R.M.Williams is proud to continue their support for Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Spirit of the Horse’.

Don’t miss your last chance to see Australian Outback Spectacular ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ before it closes forever. Tickets are selling fast so call 133 386 or visit: myfun.com.au to secure your tickets.

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Green Lantern Coaster for Warner Bros. Movie World

A shining new light will dawn upon Warner Bros. Movie World this December with the opening of the new GREEN LANTERN rollercoaster.

Experience fun and thrills of a galactic proportion as you take on the steepest drop in the southern hemisphere.

More details to come soon!

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