Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World
Slogan "Hollywood on the Gold Coast"
Location Oxenford, Queensland, Australia
Coordinates 27°54′26.17″S 153°18′45.54″E / 27.9072694°S 153.3126500°E / -27.9072694; 153.3126500Coordinates: 27°54′26.17″S 153°18′45.54″E / 27.9072694°S 153.3126500°E / -27.9072694; 153.3126500
Theme Warner Brothers entertainment & show business & movie studio
Owner Village Roadshow Theme Parks (under a license from TimeWarner)
Opened 3 June 1991 (1991-06-03)
Operating season All year round
Area 415 acres (168 ha)
Rides
Total 18
Water rides 1
Website movieworld.com.au

Warner Bros. Movie World (more commonly referred to as Movie World) is a popular movie related theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is owned and operated by Village Roadshow since the take over from Time Warner and is the only movie related park in Australia. It opened on 3 June 1991.[1]

The park contains various movie-themed rides and attractions ranging from motion simulators to roller coasters and slow river rides. In addition, costumed character performers also patrol the park, allowing visitors the chance to take photos with them. These include Batman, Austin Powers, Marilyn Monroe, Scooby-Doo and Shaggy and various Looney Tunes characters. Minor street shows including skits and singing performances are also present. The All-Star Parade showcases costumed characters alongside vehicles and movie-themed floats.[2]

There are a number of active film studios within the Movie World complex. House of Wax, the first Scooby-Doo film, the 2003 Peter Pan film, Ghost Ship, The Condemned and Fortress are amongst the many films and television series produced at Warner Roadshow Studios, adjoining Warner Bros. Movie World.

On 3 June 2011, Warner Bros. Movie World celebrated 20 years of being a theme park.

On 3 June 2016, Movie World celebrated its 25th anniversary.

History

The former Police Academy Stunt Show, one of Movie World's opening day attractions.

Park set-up

In 1989, C.V. Wood was employed to design a 415-acre (168 ha) theme park adjacent to the existing Warner Roadshow Studio complex. His portfolio included the design of six theme parks including Six Flags Over Texas and Disneyland.[3] The park was completed within 16 months, converting swampland into a theme park modelled after similar movie-based theme parks overseas such as Universal Studios Hollywood or Disney's Hollywood Studios.[4] The park's official opening was held on 3 June 1991.[1][5] Queensland Premier Wayne Goss marked the occasion by cutting novelty film reel at an opening ceremony which was attended by celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.[5][6]

Initial attractions at the park focused on learning about and getting involved in movie related scenes and behind the scenes action. Opening day attractions included a Movie studio tour, Movie Magic Special Effects Show, Western Action Show, Police Academy Stunt Show, Warner Bros. Classics & Great Gremlins Adventure, Young Einstein Gravity Homestead, Roxy Theatre and Looney Tunes Land which featured the Looney Tunes Musical Revue and Looney Tunes River Ride.[5][7]

The 1990s

In 1992, Batman Adventure – The Ride opened to the left of the park's entrance.[8] In 1995, the Western Action Show was removed and eventually replaced by The Maverick Grand Illusion Show. The park's first roller coaster, Lethal Weapon – The Ride, also opened.[7][9]

In 1997, Looney Tunes Land was renamed Looney Tunes Village and a variety of Zamperla rides were installed including Marvin the Martian's Rocket Ride, Taz Hollywood Cars, Tweety and Sylvester Carousel and Yosemite Sam's Railroad.[10] Additionally, Marvin the Martian in 3D opened in the Roxy Theatre, replacing Adventures in the Fourth Dimension.[11]

Road Runner Roller Coaster

In 1998, Warner Bros. Movie World opened the $18 million Wild West Falls Adventure Ride (then known as Wild Wild West).[12] In 2000, the Looney Tunes Musical Revue was relocated and the Road Runner Rollercoaster opened in its place.[13] Young Einstein Gravity Homestead was also closed.

10th Anniversary and the 2000s

In 2001, the park celebrated its 10th anniversary with 1000 invites being given out via radio station B105 in August 2001. Guests were treated to live performances by Human Nature, Invertigo, A Touch of Class and Joanne Accom.[14] The park also closed The Maverick Show, Warner Bros. Classics & Great Gremlins Adventure and Batman Adventure – The Ride. The latter was modified into Batman Adventure – The Ride 2 with a new film and simulator movements.[15] The Looney Tunes Splash Zone was added to Looney Tunes Village.[15] The Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience opened where Young Einstein Gravity Homestead once stood.[7]

The Official Matrix Exhibit existed at the park from 2003 until 2007.

In 2002, the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience was updated to feature props from the second Harry Potter film. Additionally, the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster opened where Warner Bros. Classics & Great Gremlins Adventure once stood.[7][16] In 2003, Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience was replaced by The Official Matrix Exhibit.[7][17]

In 2005, the Movie Magic Special Effects Show was replaced by Superman Escape forcing the relocation of the Looney Tunes Musical Revue again. The Roxy Theatre was upgraded following the closure of Marvin the Martian in 3D which was replaced by Shrek 4D Adventure in September.[7][11][18][19] In 2006, the now-annual Halloween events began. In December, the Batwing Spaceshot opened.[20]

In 2007, The Official Matrix Exhibit was replaced by Intencity, County Fair Fun 'n' Games and Bumper cars. Looney Tunes Village was renamed to Kids' WB Fun Zone with the addition of two new rides.[21] In 2008, Hollywood Stunt Driver replaced the Police Academy Stunt Show.[22] Looney Tunes: What's Up Rock? opened replacing the Looney Tunes Musical Revue.[23]

In 2008, Movie World constructed a roof over Main Street, similar to those at Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland. The roof measures 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) and provides an all weather venue, whether it be hot or rainy. The permanent structure will also make a substantial difference to after hours scheduled program of events including Fright Nights and White Christmas events. The roof was completed in September 2008.[24]

The roof over Main Street being used for Warner Bros. Movie World's White Christmas event.

The 2010s

In 2010, Warner Bros. Movie World held a DC Comics 75th Anniversary Heroes vs. Villains Parade. It was run in the June / July school holidays.[25] Shrek 4D Adventure closed on 29 August.[26] It was replaced by Journey to the Center of the Earth 4-D Adventure later in the year.[27] Also in 2010, the now-annual White Christmas events began.[28]

Looney Tunes River Ride was closed on 1 February 2011. Showtime FMX's MotoMonster Xtreme show replaced Hollywood Stunt Driver from 26 June 2011 through to 18 July 2011 as alternative winter holiday entertainment.[29] Halloween Fright Nights became Fright Nights. Green Lantern Coaster soft opened on 16 December before officially opening on 23 December as the park's fifth coaster.[30][31][32] Batman Adventure - The Ride 2 closed to make way for a new 2012 attraction.

In 2012, Lethal Weapon – The Ride was rethemed to Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy with the addition of a new train. In the Easter school holidays, Warner Bros. Movie World began a trial of Fast Track, a virtual queue system similar to Disney's Fastpass.[33] Journey to the Center of the Earth 4-D Adventure was closed on 4 June to make way for Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – The 4D Experience which began showing on 23 June.[34] Batman Adventure - The Ride 2 was replaced on 22 September 2012 with Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D.[35]

In 2013, Warner Bros. Movie World originally planned to open the Mini Cars Driving School. After a short delay, the ride opened in June 2014. The ride allows children to drive their own cars around a miniature version of the theme park.[36] The ride is located in the Kids' WB Fun Zone where the Looney Tunes River Ride once stood. The plans to build the ride were reportedly put on hold due to Village Roadshow reallocating the investment towards an expansion of Sea World's Polar Bear Shores.[37]

In February 2014, the Hollywood Stunt Driver stunt show was closed and replaced by the revamped 'Hollywood Stunt Driver 2'.[38]

In 2014, Rio: The 4D Experience opened on October 25 at the Roxy Theatre replacing Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - The 4-D Experience.[39]

In September 2015, Looney Tunes 4D opened at the Roxy Theatre replacing Rio: The 4D Experience.[40]

In 2016, a new themed area dedicated to DC villains will open where the old Boot Hill once stood. With this land will come a new ride, The Doomsday Destroyer, which is a giant looping thrill ride.

Park layout

Green Lantern Coaster
Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy
Batwing Spaceshot
Superman Escape
Wild West Falls Adventure Ride

Warner Bros. Movie World can be divided into four broad sections: Main Street, Kids' WB Fun Zone, a wild west area and a DC Comics superhero hub.[41][42]

Main Street serves as the main entrance path for the park.[41] It features many attractions that are based around movies and filmmaking including the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster and Hollywood Stunt Driver 2.[43][44] The area is also home to a vast array of shows including the All Star Parade, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – The 4D Experience, Marilyn tribute, Scooby-Doo Disco Discovery and Batman – Shadows of Gotham.[45][46]

Kids' WB Fun Zone is the park's children's area themed after the Looney Tunes cartoons featured on Kids' WB Australia.[47] It is located in the northern portion of the park and can be accessed via Main Street.[41] Kids' WB Fun Zone features a number of rides specifically designed for children including the Looney Tunes Carousel, Speedy Gonzales Tijuana Taxis and Yosemite Sam's Railroad.[48] The area is also home to a Vekoma Junior Coaster named the Road Runner Rollercoaster.[49]

A wild west themed area is located in the southern portion of the park.[41] Its main attraction is the Hopkins Rides water ride named Wild West Falls Adventure Ride.[50] A large show stage houses the Looney Tunes – What's Up Rock? show while the Western Town Show Down show is performed outside.[45]

In 2016, a brand-new themed area named DC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed opened.

A DC Comics superhero hub[42] is the final section of the park and is located towards the front of the park off Main Street.[41] The area is home to three roller coasters (Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy, Green Lantern Coaster and Superman Escape) as well as two other attractions (Batwing Spaceshot and Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D).[42]

Attractions

The following is a list of current attractions at Warner Bros. Movie World. Fast Track is a virtual queue system where guests are able to purchase their position at the front of the queue for Superman Escape, Green Lantern Coaster, Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D and Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster. It is available during selected peak seasons. A similar system is in operation at Wet'n'Wild Water World.

Name Section Type Manufacturer Opened
Unknown Lakeside Precinct Hyper Coaster Mack Rides 2017 [51]
Doomsday Destroyer DC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed Thrill Ride Intamin 24 September 2016
Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy DC Comics superhero hub Suspended Looping Coaster Vekoma 26 December 1995
7 April 2012 as Arkham Asylum 		[52][53]
Batwing Spaceshot DC Comics superhero hub Space Shot S&S Power 20 December 2006
Bumper Cars Intencity Bumper cars Preston & Barbieri September 2007 [54]
Great Gatsby ShowMain street Street show N/A 2014
Green Lantern Coaster DC Comics superhero hub Steel roller coaster S&S Worldwide 23 December 2011 [55][56]
Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 Main Street Stunt show N/A 26 December 2008 [44]
Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D DC Comics superhero hub Interactive Dark Ride Sally Corporation 22 September 2012 [35][57]
Junior Driving School Kids' WB Fun Zone Mini-cars Unknown 2014
Looney Tunes Carousel Kids' WB Fun Zone Carousel Unknown September 2007
Looney Tunes Splash Zone Kids' WB Fun Zone Water play area Unknown December 2001
Marilyn tribute Main Street Street show N/A Unknown [45]
Looney Tunes 4D Main Street 4D film SimEx-Iwerks October 25, 2014 [58]
Road Runner Rollercoaster Kids' WB Fun Zone Junior roller coaster Vekoma 26 December 2000 [49][59]
Roxy Theatre Main Street Movie theatre N/A 3 June 1991
Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster Main Street Wild Mouse roller coaster Mack Rides 17 June 2002 [43][60]
Speedy Gonzales Tijuana Taxis Kids' WB Fun Zone Children's car ride Zamperla 3 June 1991 [48]
Superman Escape DC Comics superhero hub Accelerator Coaster Intamin 26 December 2005 [61]
Sylvester's Pounce 'n' Bounce Kids' WB Fun Zone Frog Hopper SBF Visa Group September 2007
Tweety and Sylvester Cages Kids' WB Fun Zone Aerial carousel Zamperla December 1997 [48]
Wild West Falls Adventure Ride Wild West Flume ride Hopkins Rides 26 December 1998 [50]
Yosemite Sam's Railroad Kids' WB Fun Zone Miniature railway Zamperla December 1997 [48]

Events

A number of events have been held at Warner Bros. Movie World over the years. The park currently holds three annual events: Fright Nights during the Halloween season, the Carnivale festivities during April and May and also White Christmas during the Christmas season where you can even meet Frosty and Santa.[28]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "History and Development". Warner Bros. Movie World. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  2. ↑ "Main Street Entertainment". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 18 October 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  3. ↑ Dobbin, Windsor (28 May 1991). "Hollywood 'down under' in new park". Kentucky New Era. Associated Press. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  4. ↑ "Our History: 1991 Construction". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 3 June 2004. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 Hong, Tan Bee (26 January 1992). "Australia's Hollywood". New Straits Times. Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  6. ↑ "Our History: 1991 Grand Opening". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Warner Bros. Movie World". Parkz. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  8. ↑ "Our History: Batman Adventure – The Ride". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  9. ↑ "Our History: Lethal Weapon". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  10. ↑ "Our History: Looney Tunes Village". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  11. 1 2 "Our History: Marvin the Martian in 3D". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  12. ↑ "Our History: Wild West Falls". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  13. ↑ "Our History: Road Runner Roller Coaster". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  14. ↑ "Our History: 2001 10th Birthday Celebrations". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  15. 1 2 "Our History: Batman 2 and Looney Tunes Splash Zone". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  16. ↑ "Our History: Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  17. ↑ "Our History: The Official Matrix Exhibit". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  18. ↑ "Our History: Shrek 4D Adventure". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  19. ↑ "Our History: Superman Escape". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  20. ↑ "Our History: Batwing Spaceshot". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  21. ↑ Kids WB Fun Zone – Warner Bros. Movie World
  22. ↑ "Meet the Hollywood Stunt Driver 'Hell Drivers' – now performing at Warner Bros. Movie World". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 22 February 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  23. ↑ "All New Looney Tunes Live Show at Warner Bros. Movie World". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 21 November 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  24. ↑ "Warner Bros. Movie World has the Gold Coast covered". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 22 February 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2010.
  25. ↑ "Warner Bros. Movie World Celebrates DC Comics 75th Anniversary". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  26. ↑ "Attractions Maintenance". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 16 August 2010. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  27. ↑ "Journey to the Center of the Earth 4-D Adventure". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
  28. 1 2 Ardern, Lucy; Westthorp, Tanya (30 December 2009). "Gold Coast theme parks in ride war". Gold Coast Bulletin. News Limited. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  29. ↑ Ravn, Mackenzie (24 June 2011). "Monster motocross thrills at Movie World". Gold Coast Bulletin. News Limited. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  30. ↑ "Roller-coaster ride will shock". Gold Coast Bulletin. News Limited. 25 June 2011. p. 11.
  31. ↑ Warner Bros. Movie World (4 September 2011). "Just heard theres a...". Facebook. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  32. ↑ "Green Lantern Coaster". Warner Bros. Movie World. 17 September 2011. Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  33. ↑ Warner Bros. Movie World (1 April 2012). "Wall Photos". Facebook. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  34. ↑ "Attraction Maintenance". Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
  35. 1 2 "Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D". Warner Bros. Movie World. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  36. ↑ "Mini Cars Driving School". Warner Bros. Movie World. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  37. ↑ "Mini Cars Driving School (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  38. ↑ "High-octane new Movie World show Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 is wheelie good entertainment". GoldCoastBulletin. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  39. ↑ http://thethemeparkplace.com/news/review-rio-the-4d-experience-now-open-at-warner-bros-movie-world/
  40. ↑ "Review – Looney Tunes 4D Experience now open at Warner Bros. Movie World | The Theme Park Place". thethemeparkplace.com. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  41. 1 2 3 4 5 "View Park Map". Warner Bros. Movie World. 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  42. 1 2 3 Ardern, Lucy (11 March 2012). "Superhero 'hub' coming to Coast". Gold Coast Bulletin. News Limited. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  43. 1 2 "Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  44. 1 2 "Hollywood Stunt Driver (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  45. 1 2 3 "Show Times". Warner Bros. Movie World. 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  46. ↑ "Star Parade (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  47. ↑ Santana, Kenny (10 January 2010). "The battle of the amusement parks". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  48. 1 2 3 4 "Kids WB Fun Zone (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  49. 1 2 "Road Runner Rollercoaster (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  50. 1 2 "Wild West Falls (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  51. ↑ Richard Wilson (1 September 2016). "Mack Rides parts on site at Warner Bros. Movie World". Parkz. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  52. ↑ "Arkham Asylum (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  53. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy  (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  54. ↑ "Dodgem Cars (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Parkz. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  55. ↑ Saurine, Angela (23 December 2011). "Southern Hemisphere's steepest roller-coaster opens at Movie World". The Australian. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  56. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Green Lantern Coaster  (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  57. ↑ "Justice League Stars in Epic 3D Dark Ride Battle". Press Release. Sally Corporation. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012. line feed character in |publisher= at position 7 (help)
  58. ↑ http://movieworld.com.au/rides-and-attractions/family-entertainment/rio-4d.aspx
  59. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Road Runner Rollercoaster  (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  60. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster  (Warner Bros. Movie World)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  61. ↑ "Roller Coaster DataBase: Superman Escape".
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