Thursday, 29 May 2008

Dreamworld adopts a singleton Sumatran cub in anticipation of a new litter

May 29, 2008 … There may only be 400 of them left in the wild, but in the space of one month, Dreamworld hopes to double its population of Sumatran tigers thanks to the news that Soraya, the mother of one year old tiger twins, Indah and Rahni, appears to be pregnant.

Heralding the hopes of a new litter is a tiny six week old Sumatran tiger cub named Sali that was delivered to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17.

Born on April 11 to a litter of four at the Perth Zoo, Sali, which means “steadfast” in Indonesian language, had an ill-fated start to life. Rejected by her mother after the death of her three siblings, she faced a future without social interaction. Sali was flown to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island to be hand reared by a team of trainers with a combined 60 years experience.

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “It’s not unusual for tigers to mis-mother their offspring and while survival was not an issue for tiny Sali, the Australian Species Coordinator for Sumatran Tigers, Chris Hibbard, considered it best to relocate her to a more social environment with the goal of integrating with other cats.

“In the long term, this will improve Sali’s chances of breeding and hopefully bolster the insurance population for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species.”

Dreamworld already has ten big cats, including Indah and Rahni, the two Sumatran cubs born on Tiger Island March, 2007 and now weighing around 75 kg. All except two of the tigers have been hand raised.

Martin-Vegue plans to integrate Sali with both the giant Bengals and the one year old Sumatrans sometime next week.

“If things go according to plan and Soraya has a successful pregnancy, Sali will also be assimilated with the new litter of cubs which we anticipate will be born in early June.”

He is unconcerned about 200 kilogram Bengal tigers meeting a 4.5kg cub.

“The different personalities on the island will actually improve Sali’s behavioural skills,” he said.
“This is the fourth time that Mohan has met a tiger cub and he’s likely to be the least phased among all the Bengals. But knowing their characters, I’m betting Taj will be the one to teach Sali proper tiger etiquette.”

Sali is now on full public view in the Tiger Island nursery. She is bottled fed four times a day and content to play with her favourite Teddy and SpongeBob SquarePants toy. To see Sali and her step sisters, Indah and Rahni, visit Dreamworld on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Warner Bros. Movie World - Police Academy Stunt Show - A New Era Begins!

For more than 18,000 incredible action-packed, fun filled, breathtaking performances over 16 years, the final curtain is set to fall on the ‘Police Academy Stunt Show’. Guests visiting Warner Bros. Movie World prior to the end of April will have their final opportunity to see one of the longest running stunt shows in the world.

The ‘Police Academy Stunt Show’ successfully premiered as the flagship live production for Warner Bros. Movie World in 1991. Drawing on the then immensely popular franchise of ‘Police Academy’ films, the show combined wonderful characters with slap-stick comedy, drama and above all else - nail biting stunts.

As an important chapter in the history of Warner Bros. Movie World is set to close when the ‘Police Academy Stunt Show’ wraps, it will effectively make way for an exciting new state–of–the-art production unlike anything else ever seen in Australia.

Opening October 2008 is ‘HOLLYWOOD STUNTDRIVER’, an action packed celebration of stunt men and women who risk it all for the cameras and the magic of making movies!

The thrill a minute production will boast some of the most precise and daring high speed drive sequences ever brought to a live arena. If you have ever marvelled at Hollywood’s most famous car chases and wondered just how they did it, then hold on tight for an exhilarating ride that puts you in the driver’s seat and behind the scenes!

‘HOLLYWOOD STUNTDRIVER’ – coming October 2008.
Buckle up and take a high speed ride into a world of action packed fantasy, fun and excitement!

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Get set for the brand new Mega Pass!

Warner Village Theme Parks has unveiled the theme park pass to beat them all – the all new 3 park MEGA PASS!
Guests can now experience the magic and excitement of the Gold Coast's favourite theme parks Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World 364 days a year for as little as $5.95 a week.

For the first time ever guests can choose from three sensational multi-park annual pass tickets to experience the Gold Coast's best theme park entertainment, with options to suit every family, and every budget!

For the ultimate theme park annual pass, the 3 PARK MEGA PASS offers unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World! Guests can visit any park, any day as many times as they like, 364 days a year.

While the 2 PARK MEGA PASS offers 12 months of fun to either Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild Water World or Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World.

The new annual pass options not only offer the best value for money, but they can also be purchased on a payment plan for as little as $5.95 per week per pass, making them even more affordable.

This unique selection of annual park tickets has been designed specifically to suit the needs of guests, whilst offering the region's best selection of theme park experiences at the very best value available.

Paul Gloster, Marketing Director, Warner Village Theme Parks said "Warner Village Theme Parks offers the most diverse range of theme park entertainment on the Gold Coast, and with the launch of the new 3 multi park annual pass combinations, guests now have the flexibility to choose a pass to suit their needs.

"Each pass also represents the best value for guests, not only in price, but in the opportunity to access the newest attractions on the Gold Coast, including the fantastic Surfrider now open at Wet'n'Wild Water World, Kids' WB Fun Zone! at Warner Bros. Movie World and Sesame Street Beach at Sea World" he said.

The new annual pass options will launch in early November and are a fantastic Christmas gift option for the kids or even grandkids.

Tickets can be purchased at front gate, via our website www.myfun.com.au or by calling 133FUN.

Thursday, 15 November 2007

Warner Village Theme Parks Win Annual Spirit of Excellence Awards at IAAPA Attractions Expo

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced the 2007 Spirit of Excellence Award Winners during the Spirit of Excellence Awards Luncheon at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 in Florida at the Orlando County Convention Centre.

The Spirit of Excellence awards recognises the leaders in Human Resources initiatives in the attractions industry which include training, recognition, and safety procedures.

Warner Village Theme Parks in Queensland, Australia won the Best Supervisory Training Program. With its new structured training program, the park fosters a unified culture and equips leaders with confidence and skills, while identifying a clear measure of success.

Warner Village Theme Parks also won the award for Best Orientation Training Program. Its orientation process helps to inform leaders of the necessity in teaching and informing staff of appropriate and compulsory procedures with meticulous attention to detail, while acclimatizing staff to the corporate culture and welcoming them to Warner Village Theme Parks group, incorporating discussion and encouraging feedback throughout the process.

Monday, 1 October 2007

Halloween Family Fun at Warner Bros. Movie World

From Tuesday 30th October thru to Thursday 1st November, Warner Bros. Movie World will host three fantastic Halloween Family Fun night-time events from 5.45pm to 9.00pm each night; join Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc gang as they enjoy all the mystery and intrigue associated with a night of ghoulish fun and scary antics.

There’ll be a host of spooky special guests including all your favourite Movie World characters and loads of entertainment taking place in the ghostly atmosfear of Main St, with a selection of spine tingling thrills and chills on the Big Screen and spooky happenings throughout the park – heaps of ghostly games will be played and great prizes will be won.

Prizes for the best fancy dress costume and free Trick or Treat for the kids; presented by Cadbury. All this, plus the fun of Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Shrek 4-D Adventure, Superman Escape, Batwing Spaceshot and heaps of eerie entertainment to keep you on your toes!

Only $70 for a family of four (any combination of child/adult/pensioner), or $20 per single ticket entry if pre-booked - $25 for a single ticket if purchased at the gate on the night (this is subject to tickets being available on the night - as Halloween was Sold Out last year).

So get into some Spooky Fun at Warner Bros. Movie World on Tuesday October 30th and Wednesday 31st and Thursday 1st November from 5.45pm – 9.00pm!

Monday, 30 July 2007

Dreamworld’s Bilbies Dig Their Brand New Enclosure

The Honourable Rod Welford, Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts joined dignitaries and VIPs at Dreamworld today for the official opening of the park’s new Bilby Display Area.

The opening marks the very first time that guests can actually get up close and personal to these critically endangered Aussie icons previously housed off exhibit, behind Dreamworld’s Australian Wildlife Experience.

The specially designed, semi-nocturnal exhibit aims to increase awareness of the grim plight faced by bilbies in the wild and aims to educate guests about how they can contribute to their conservation.

Simulating their natural environment, the enclosure sports ready-made burrows, plant life and lots of red dirt for digging, all offset by a magnificent mural of the Australian outback at dusk.

Dreamworld is home to nine bilbies, which it displays on behalf of the Save the Bilby Fund. The park is a Gold Sponsor of the Fund, which works tirelessly to bring the bilby back from the brink of extinction.

Dreamworld is currently working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with hopes of becoming a bilby breeding centre as part of a cooperative captive population of Queensland Bilbies.

Dreamworld contributes through direct donations, the sale of ‘Save the Bilby’ merchandise and donation boxes set up in-park for guests to pledge their support for the fund.

Last year alone, Dreamworld donated considerable cash and in-kind support to the Save the Bilby Fund and its co-founder, Frank Manthey, who has been based at Dreamworld since March 2003.

“The new Dreamworld Bilby Display is like a dream come true for me. Through this display, people will appreciate how special the bilby is and how we will lose this species unless we all help,” Mr Manthey said.

Dreamworld donations assist important conservation initiatives of the Save the Bilby Fund including the construction of a feral-proof, bilby fence in Currawinya National Park in South- West Queensland, the area used to release bilbies back into the wild as part of the Recovery Plan for the species.

Dreamworld also takes the bilby conservation message on the road through a mobile education unit, Wildlife for Kids, reaching over 10,000 students every year.

Dreamworld General Manager of Life Sciences, Al Mucci, said the new Bilby Exhibit would be an entertaining and educational experience for both parents and children.

“Because bilbies are nocturnal, it is a rare thing to be able to catch a glimpse of them in an environment that resembles their natural habitat,” Mr Mucci said.

“The new Bilby Exhibit encourages guests to develop an empathy and understanding of this threatened species and their struggle to survive in the wild,” he said.

Bilby numbers are rapidly declining as they compete with rabbits and livestock for food and contend with predators like feral cats, foxes and dingoes.

There are an estimated 600 bilbies left in the whole of Queensland.

Dreamworld’s Australian Wildlife Experience home to more than 800 native animals and birds, and is one of the largest native wildlife parks in South East Queensland.

Dreamworld is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and ANZAC day morning (25/4). Australian Wildlife Experience is included in Dreamworld’s general admission price. For more information or to buy tickets online visit www.dreamworld.com.au.

FAST FACTS
  • Of the six bandicoot species that once lived in the arid/semi-arid areas of Australia, bilbies are the only species remaining.
  • Bilbies do not need to drink water, they get all of the moisture they need from their food.
  • The bilby’s pouch faces backwards to prevent it from filling up with dirt when they burrow.
  • Bilbies shelter during the day in burrows underground that may extend to 2m in depth.
  • Bilbies have a strong sense of smell and excellent hearing which is no surprise due to their long muzzle-like nose and big ears.
  • The Greater Bilby is endangered but the Lesser Bilby has been extinct for more than 50 years.

Friday, 27 July 2007

Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster Revealed

Dreamworld is “Doohan” it like it’s never been done before and is getting set to take motobike racing to the skies.

In September 2007, Dreamworld will launch the hottest thrill ride to hit the coast this decade pushing adrenaline junkies to a brand new level.

The park has teamed up with one of the greatest names in motorbike racing history to bring the thrill and exhilaration of moto racing magic to the masses.

Five time, 500cc World Champion and World Record Holder, Mick Doohan will launch his very own thrill ride at Dreamworld this year allowing guests to get behind the handlebars on a circuit that has to be seen to be believed.

“I’m extremely proud to be associated with a great Australian icon working on a venture that celebrates and pays respect to a great Australian sport and its achievements,” Mick Doohan said.

Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster features a fast, fluid track with breath taking changes in elevation, high speed corners and plenty of quick left handers.

It’s a motorbike rollercoaster, the first of its kind in Australia and the only motocoaster in the world featuring life-size replicas of 500cc racing bikes.

The news has created a real buzz in the motoracing industry with Honda already signing up as the first official sponsor.

The bikes launch from the starting line and will reach speeds of just over 72 km per hour.

The tight, 605 metre track is made up of 18 banks, bends and turns placing emphasis on last- gasp braking and plenty of open throttle.

The track is built low to the ground to provide a great sensation of speed and movement and riders are held in by a unique restraint system that creates an incredible feeling of freedom and exhilaration.

Each train is made up of 14 custom-made motorbikes and 2 aero-dynamically profiled, purpose built sidecars designed specifically for the pint-sized, thrill ride enthusiast or those looking for a more relaxed ride.

Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Gregg said the new ride was designed to be a shared experience the whole family could enjoy.

“We want to showcase Australian motorbike racing history and celebrate its victories, milestones and most importantly, its legends through theming, memorabilia and our Hall of Fame.”

“This new attraction shows Dreamworld’s commitment to introducing cutting-edge ride technology and new experiences to the Australian market and will complement the park’s existing suite of scream machines including the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror, Cyclone Rollercoaster, Wipeout and The Claw,” he said.

“Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster will be a great escape to adrenaline, fun, excitement and anticipation and will give riders a sense of accomplishment and freedom like never before.”

“It underpins Dreamworld’s positioning as the ‘Australian theme park’ celebrating our unique Australian culture and its heroes,” Mr Gregg said.

Mick Doohan’s Motocoaster will be located in River Town on the old Vintage Cars site, the Dreamworld classic relocated to make way for Dreamworld’s new multi million dollar, moto-monster.

Get ready for hard acceleration as Dreamworld blasts further up the thrill ride ladder with Mick Doohan’s massive Motocoaster this September.

Saturday, 7 July 2007

Macquarie Leisure announces $51 million uplift in Dreamworld valuation

Macquarie Leisure Trust Group (ASX:MLE) today announced an independent revaluation of the Dreamworld theme park had delivered a $51 million uplift to $226 million as at 30 June 2006 compared to $175 million as at 31 December 2005.

The Group’s chief executive officer, Greg Shaw, advised the 29 per cent gain primarily reflected a material change in valuation assumptions. The discounted cash flow has incorporated a lower discount rate of 14 per cent, which is in line with recent market sales activity for major Australian tourism and leisure assets. Mr Shaw said the uplift also reflected the Group’s ability to improve operational performance of the asset.

“The valuation reflects the consistent revenue and profit growth of Dreamworld to date, the park’s prominent location and the favourable zoning that underwrites future prospects for ongoing development and profit growth,” he said.

Mr Shaw highlighted the favourable market environment for the Dreamworld business was also taken into account in assessing the asset’s value. “Dreamworld derives approximately 80 per cent of its customers from the domestic market, which has been supported by steady population growth in South East Queensland, major tourism accommodation developments on the Gold Coast and the ongoing availability of discounted airfares to the region,” he said.

Moreover, Dreamworld’s ability to capture this demand by establishing affiliations with other leading brands has created a range of unique attractions that appeal to all ages Macquarie Leisure Trust Group 2 and demographic markets. Standout attractions such as Wiggles World and Nick Central combined with Australia’s largest collection of major thrill rides helped to secure the impressive increase.

The valuation was completed by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels and will be incorporated into the 30 June 2006 accounts. The valuation excludes the excess development land to the north of the Dreamworld site that forms part of the future Coomera Town Centre and excludes any construction costs associated with the recently approved water park that is being developed adjacent to Dreamworld.

Mr Shaw also advised construction of the water park was progressing well with major ride structures being erected over the coming month. “The water park will provide a new level of customer experience with an inventory of new rides and attractions never before seen in the Australian market,” he said.

The water park will be operated as a separately gated attraction, allowing the Group to promote both parks through two and three day passes designed to suit local, interstate and international markets. The water park is on track to open for business before Christmas 2006 and in time for the peak January trading period.

Thursday, 31 May 2007

Your Playground…Your Ticket Type... Your Choice!

Come and borrow a cup of sugar-coated fun at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World because great theme parks make great neighbours!

Dreamworld and WhiteWater World are launching a suite of brand new ‘freedom passes’ offering innovative options and unbeatable value.

Gone are the days of ‘one park, one price.’ Dreamworld is breaking the mould and re-defining the theme park experience giving locals a tailored ticket type with more choice, flexibility and value than ever before.

Earn your fun stripes and treat your cubs to the ultimate day out as Australia’s hottest theme parks celebrate the local community with 3 brand new ways to save.

Your Playground…Your Ticket Type…Your Choice!
Play Pass
  • $32.00 (Adults), FREE (Children under 4)
  • Launching June 1, 2007
  • Play Pass holders must be accompanied by a child under the age of 4.

Play Pass holders get the best of both worlds with unlimited access to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World.

Valid on Tuesdays only, this pocket rocket is your passport to fun giving parents with young children more freedom at a fraction of the price.

Best of all, the more you visit, the cheaper it gets! Take the play pass journey and reap the rewards with two FREE visits to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World along the way.

Ride the Big Red Car at Wiggles World, then splash and play in Wiggle Bay. It’s big value for your pint-sized party.

Special Offer for locals only: Vaild 1 June – 30 November
1 Day World Pass

* $79.00 (Adults), $57.00 (Children 4-13), FREE (Children under 4)
* Launching June 17, 2007


The 1-Day World Pass is the only theme park ticket on the Gold Coast that allows you to hop between two separate theme parks as often as you like!

Conveniently located right next door, you can tackle the hair raising rides and spine tingling slides all in one day.

The 1 Day World Pass is just for locals giving you the freedom to do what you like, when you like!

Valid 17 June – 24 December.
2 Whole Worlds of Fun in 1 Great Location!

Check out www.themeparksgoldcoast.com.au for more information and specific Terms and Conditions on the ticket types mentioned above.

All passes are available to South East Queensland residents with postcodes between 4000 and 4581, and Northern New South Wales residents with postcodes between 2460 and 2490 only.

Best of all, the freedom passes are available during June/July school holidays.

Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Introducing Indah

One of Dreamworld’s gorgeous Sumatran tiger cubs received her name this morning after a week long national naming competition on the Today Show.

Dreamworld received over 15, 000 entries online and after much deliberation, the team from Tiger Island chose the name INDAH meaning beautiful or precious in Indonesian.

The name was an extremely popular choice with over 100 viewers putting it forward. Once selected, it was the lucky Jodie Merryman's Indah entry that was randomly drawn.

Jodie was the lucky winner of an amazing family holiday to the Gold Coast and a meet and grrrreet with the adorable cubs.

For those who missed out the Dreamworld online competition is still running until next Tuesday.

The second cub's name will be announced on Friday 18th May when The Wiggles drop into Dreamworld and will be spend some one on one time with Indah and her sister.

Our website competition is currently sitting at over 30,000 entries. The winner will also receive their very own meet and grrrrrreet with the bubs in their special cubby house behind Tiger Island.