How to save at Queensland’s wildest theme parks without cutting the fun factor
These are our top tips on how you can save on each theme park – plus your chance to win the ultimate Gold Coast holiday valued up to $15,000.
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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s some of the world’s most heart-pumping thrill rides and attractions at the wildest theme parks in Queensland.
Whether it’s a classic family holiday or a last-minute getaway, a trip to the Gold Coast is not complete without a visit to Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld.
Here are our top tips on how you can save on each park – plus your chance to win the ultimate Gold Coast holiday valued up to $15,000.
FAMILY, CAMERA, ACTION!
From exhilarating rides like Wild West Falls and the spine-tingling Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, to the colourful Kids’ WB! Fun Zone, Movie World has magic happening every day.
Immerse yourself in the world of Gotham’s caped crusader in Batman Legacy, the park’s newest attraction.
“It’s the largest official Batman exhibition in the southern hemisphere and features a stunning collection of costumes, cars and props from the iconic Batman cinematic universe spanning over three decades,” Village Roadshow Theme Parks chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa says.
“Tom & Jerry are the newest (WB Fun Zone) characters and guests are able to watch on and meet them as they cause chaos.”
Book online and save as tickets can be up to $20 more at the gates. Avoid the crowds by arriving at 9.30am, giving you extra time to enjoy the rides before queues form later in the day.
Movie World has a Fast Track pass that allows you to skip the queue on selected rides. Download the Village Roadshow Theme Parks app, a one-stop shop to load tickets and make the most of your day.
It also includes interactive maps, virtual ride queuing, ride wait times, show and entertainment schedules and more.
DREAM A LITTLE THEME
Dreamworld caters for the whole family, with rides, shows and awesome attractions such as the rare Bengal tigers on Tiger Island.
Adrenaline lovers can get their kicks in the new $32m Steel Taipan rollercoaster.
“It’s the first triple launch coaster in the southern hemisphere, with 1.2km of track reaching 105km/h and 3.8Gs, plus it features the world’s first rear spinning seats, offering a truly unique experience for thrillseekers,” Dreamworld chief executive Greg Yong says.
Dreamworld also holds activations that are free with entry every school holidays.
To get the most out of your experience, Yong suggests pre-purchasing tickets online and if you’re buying a multi-day ticket or pass, upload your photo from home so you can save time at the gate.
“Visit the website before you arrive to plan your day,” he says.
“Check out the ride offering, entertainment schedule and map so you can make the most of the time you have. If you’re visiting during a peak period, purchase a Ride Express to reduce your time in queues and enjoy as many attractions as possible.”
FISHY FUN FOR EVERYONE
While visiting Sea World you can get up close and personal with the dolphins, have fun with the loveable seals, watch the polar bears frolic and be entertained by an array of exhibits.
Randhawa says this year is shaping up to be the biggest in history for Sea World with the official opening of the New Atlantis precinct.
The multimillion-dollar area will feature three new world-class rides: the Vortex, spiralling 18m above sea level; The Leviathan, the largest wooden coaster in Australia; and The Trident, Sea World’s tallest landmark, where guests spin 42m above the sea.
Tickets can be purchased online, where you will find low ticket prices and package deals, as well as extras such as animal encounters, tropical reef snorkelling and the marine rescue ranger.
Sea World Resort is a few steps from the park and includes an adventure playground, kids club and more. You’ll find a range of package deals online to tailor your Gold Coast holiday.
HOW YOU CAN WIN
Scan here for your chance to WIN a fun-filled holiday on the Gold Coast.