Movie World unveils first glimpse of new entertainment precinct
Movie World is splashing out on a new entertainment precinct paying tribute to one of the world’s most iconic films. FIRST LOOK
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Gold Coast theme park Movie World is taking a journey over the rainbow with plans for the world’s first Wizard of Oz roller-coasters.
Featuring two new rides, the Wizard of Oz precinct is the theme park’s first major addition in more than five years, and comes with sister park Sea World in the midst of a multimillion-dollar revamp for the New Atlantis precinct.
Movie World’s own redevelopment, which will take place on the site of the decommissioned Arkham Asylum rollercoaster and is expected to open in 2024.
It will feature two family-friendly rides, including a multi-launch coaster, capable of reaching speeds of almost 70km/hr around a 454m track and a racing coaster where thrillseekers will travel simultaneously on two 220m tracks reaching speeds of up to 58km/hr.
Height restrictions will apply, but the rides are geared towards families and kids as young as five.
Village Roadshow theme parks CEO Clark Kirby said it was exciting to create an entirely new world for park visitors.
“This precinct is going to be like nothing we have ever done at Movie World and we are working closely with our partners... to make this one of the most beautifully-themed precincts in Australian theme parks,” he said.
“Movie World fans in Australia will get to step into Oz like no fan has done before.”
Peter van Roden, SVP, Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment said visitors would experience a magical journey down the yellow brick road.
“This will bring of one of the most iconic and beloved films to life in an amazing way,” he said.
Originally called the Lethal Weapon ride in honour of the 1990s Mel Gibson action movie, Arkham Asylum closed to the public in 2019.
Crews have spent the past few weeks hauling away track and equipment to make way for the new Oz precinct.
While it promises the world’s first Oz roller-coasters, there is a theme park devoted to Oz in the US, though The Land of Oz does not have any thrill rides and only opens during summer and autumn.
The multimillion-dollar Movie World project is the latest from Gold Coast theme parks emerging from the ashes of the coronavirus pandemic with big-spending plans to lead a renaissance for the industry.
Movie World is also building a brand new kids’ ride in the Kids’ WB! Fun Zone in April 2023 featuring theming inspired by Marvin the Martian.
Queensland Treasurer and Trade Minister Cameron Dick said Village Roadshow’s multimillion-dollar investment showed the growing confidence of tourism businesses as tourists flock back to Queensland.
“Our nation-leading economic performance sends a strong signal to business that now is the time to invest in Queensland,” he said.
“The Wizard of Oz will give tourists even more reasons to visit Movie World and the Gold Coast.
“And those tourists support jobs in hotels, restaurants and small businesses right across the coast.”
Sea World is also in the middle of an impressive Atlantis-themed revamp while Dreamworld opened its first new rollercoaster in years during the Christmas holidays.
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