Ardent Leisure confirms Gold Coast Openings

Ardent Leisure has confirmed that its Dreamworld and WhiteWater World parks will open new attractions in time for the April school holidays.

Dreamworld will welcome a night-time spectacular named Illuminate, which will combine an emotional soundtrack, special effects, pyrotechnics and architectural lighting to create a show that will transform the park's Main Street into SpongeBob SquarePants' underwater home.

Dreamworld Chief Executive Noel Dempsey explains that Illuminate, which will be a permanent fixture at the theme park, is "a laser showlike you've never seen it before. It takes viewers on a journey into a magical environment of artistry using light and emotional effects."

Nickelodeon cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants will be the first star of the 3D laser technology, with the possibility of reprogramming the equipment for other shows in the future.

The attraction has been imagined by Sydney based Laservision. Laservision Chief Executive Paul McCloskey said that park-goers would be able to move around and still enjoy the images.

"Two aqua screens will provide for startlingly high contrasting images in pseudo-holographic format."

WhiteWater World will also launch The Wedgie, a new slide in time for the school holidays.

The ProSlide manufactured Wedgie will shoot people feet-first in a near vertical descent before they barrel through a loop and smash into the splash pool below - sending their bathers skywards in the process.