Dreamworld unveils plans for new flying theatre attraction

Coinciding with what is expected to be its busiest time of the Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld has unveiled plans for a new simulator ride that could open next year.

With reports suggesting significant Boxing Day crowds at the theme park, owner Ardent Leisure has revealed a 40-seat ‘flying theatre’, to be housed in Dreamworld’s former IMAX theatre.

The ride will see passengers taking a virtual journey across Australia, experiencing special effects such as wind, sound, light, mist and scents as they soar through the air.

Advising that the new experience will be the start of a period of investment in the troubled attraction, Ardent Leisure Chairman Gary Weiss told Brisbane newspaper The Courier-Mail that he is confident Dreamworld could return to its former glory, luring more visitors with new attractions.

Weiss stated “we believe reinvestment into Dreamworld will result in a material increase in earnings over time.”

With Ardent having last week confirmed the sale of its bowling and entertainment centres for $160 million, Weiss advised "the sale of Dreamworld is not part of our plans for the future."

Weiss also suggested that a new ‘dark-ride’ attraction is being considered on the site of Dreamworld’s long-closed mine ride along with new attractions for children and significant additions at the WhiteWater World waterpark.

He added “(at Dreamworld) our goal is to reinvigorate customer attendance through the introduction of new attractions and further expanding our strategic partnerships, as well as continuing to explore opportunities to develop our surplus land.”

Boxing Day crowds at Dreamworld have reportedly been boosted by discounted single entry tickets and annual/season passes.

In the aftermath of four fatalities at Dreamworld in October 2015, Ardent recorded a loss of $62 million in 2017. Most of the earning collapse was related to the Dreamworld catastrophe.

Image: Artist’s impression of Dreamworld’s planned ‘flying theatre’.

20th December 2017 - ARDENT LEISURE SELLS BOWLING CENTRES DIVISION FOR $160 MILLION

9th November 2017 - ARDENT LEISURE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SIMON KELLY TO LEAVE AFTER JUST FOUR MONTHS IN ROLE

26th October 2017 - DREAMWORLD MARKS RIDE TRAGEDY ANNIVERSARY WITH QUIET STAFF COMMEMORATION

21st October 2017 - QUEENSLAND POLICE SAY NO STAFF SHOULD BE PROSECUTED OVER 2016 DREAMWORLD DEATHS 

16th October 2017 - QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT PASSES INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER LAWS IN WAKE OF DREAMWORLD FATALITIES 

29th September 2017 - GARY WEISS TAKES ON CHAIRMAN’S ROLE AT ARDENT LEISURE

14th September 2017 - DREAMWORLD TO REMOVE MOUNTAIN SURROUNDING ITS EUREKA MOUNTAIN MINE RIDE

4th September 2017 - ARDENT LEISURE INVITES REBEL SHAREHOLDERS TO JOIN BOARD

27th August 2017 - DREAMWORLD TRAGEDY HIGHLIGHTS LEGAL DUTY OF CARE FOR THEME PARK GUESTS