Movie World’s hypercoaster to draw in thrillseekers from across the globe after official launch

MOVIE WORLD has raised the bar for all theme parks across the globe after launching its new DC Rivals hypercoaster.

MOVIE WORLD has raised the bar for all theme parks across the globe after launching its new DC Rivals HyperCoaster.

And the operators, Village Roadshow, revealed Sea World could be next in line for a new attraction, with families the likely target.

Movie World will officially begin taking its first customers today for the 1.4km ride, which is 61.6m high and reaches speeds of 115km/h.

Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby said the ride, reported to have cost around $30 million, represented a significant, unique investment.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO RIDE THE HYPERCOASTER

Journalists Kate Donadini and Amanda Robbemond (left) try out the hypercoaster as its launch yesterday. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“It’s a risk, but that’s where the magic is created,” he said.

“We are a strong believer in the theme park industry and the Gold Coast itself.

“This is going to be a landmark for not only us, but the Gold Coast in general.”

“It’s a risk, but that’s where the magic is created,” Mr Kirby says. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Mr Kirby said the ride was sure to tempt other parties to replicate it, but as it currently stood the hypercoaster was the pinnacle of theme park rides.

It has been touted as the biggest hypercoaster in the southern hemisphere.

Mr Kirby believes other parties may try to replicate the hypercoaster. Photo by Richard Gosling

He said the ride added a whole new dimension into the market of thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, who are expected to come from all over the world.

“The reaction has been phenomenal,” Mr Kirby said, adding the next attraction will be more family-oriented.

“We would look to do a very different type of attraction, possibly something at Sea World — we spread our investments across our properties.”

$30 MILLION CATALYST FOR THEME PARKS

L-R: Julia Collins, 19 and Caity Konners, 19 from Morayfield on the new DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Movie World. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

The theme park worked hand-in-hand for over two years with German coaster manufacturer Mack Rides in designing the ride.

Gold Coast Tourism executive director Dean Gould said the ride was a welcome attraction to the Coast as a “mature” destination.

“One of the things the Gold Coast is in desperate need of is new attractions,” he said.

“People love the Gold Coast, so different reasons to come is critical to growing the (area).

“People will definitely put this on their list of things to do on the Coast. The hypercoaster is something to tick off.”

The hypercoaster will help to draw in thrill seekers. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Mr Gould said statistics showed more than one fifth of tourists visited the theme parks, representing a “significant” share of the market.

He said the theme park industry experienced a challenging 12 months but the hypercoaster showed Movie World’s commitment to the leisure market.