Dreamworld’s Giant Drop reopens as Big Red Planes ride takes off

The Giant Drop, one of the signature rides at Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld, has reopened after a 14-month refurbishment program.

One of Dreamworld’s best-known high thrill theme park rides, The Giant Drop closed in April last year for a refurbishment which has included the installation of new lighting, repainting and continued removal of the track from the former Tower of Terror II ride, which closed in November 2019.

Manufactured by Intamin, the ride was first opened in 1998 as an addition to the existing Dreamworld Tower which housed the Tower of Terror.

The tallest and fastest thrill ride in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching speeds of up to 135 kilometres per hour and with a free-fall of 39 stories, for 14 years, The Giant Drop held the record for the tallest drop tower in the world.

Dreamworld has also, as of 21st June, opened its new childrens ride, Big Red Planes.

Opened for the school holidays, The Wiggles themed children’s attraction transports up to 32 guests spinning at a family-friendly pace suitable for all riders to enjoy.

Big Red Planes will open as part of the $15 million Kenny & Belinda’s Dreamland precinct, which will feature reimagined and relocated attractions with two new rides joining the dream team under the Play School, Bananas in Pyjamas and The Wiggles brands.

The upgrades to the refreshed children’s precinct were announced late last year alongside the expansion of Ocean Parade, a brand-new wave swinger ride titled The Dreamworld Flyer, and a new themed area aptly called Rivertown along the Murrissippi River. Works to deliver the new attractions and upgrades will continue over 2023 and 2024, delivering a $55 million revival for Australia’s favourite theme park.

Welcoming the new ride as part of the theme park’s multi-million-dollar revitalisation, Dreamworld Chief Executive, Greg Yong stated “we continuously think of new ways we can provide fresh and fun experiences for the whole family and our new Big Red Planes ride is no exception.

“The Wiggles have been a staple in every Australian childhood and we’re looking forward to delivering an ongoing legacy to future fans within our revitalised children’s precinct.

“The Wiggles have produced lasting fun and entertainment spanning multiple generations that continues to capture the hearts of our young community and we’re thrilled to continue working in collaboration with them to provide new and future guests with an opportunity to make lifelong memories.”

Kenny & Belinda’s Dreamland will open fully alongside Ocean Parade and The Dreamworld Flyer later this year with Rivertown scheduled to open in late 2024.

Images: The Dreamworld Tower (top) and The Wiggles welcome the opening of the Big Red Planes ride (below).