Theme Park Nut News Update - 31st March 2015

Lots happening in Theme Parks this week.


In California, Springfield U.S.A. has soft opened at Universal Hollywood. There is a lot of a little details that's been added to the area compared to it's Orlando sibling, but you can't help notice the little Wizard Village that keeps popping into the background. It's a distraction in what is otherwise a great area. My only other complaint with the area is that there are more of the restaurants for characters that don't exist in the show. That only bothers real Simpsons nerds like me, but still I feel that it's a fair point. With so many good in show restaurants and shops, it's a little distracting to have the random additions. They are still well done, just not in theme for me. I digress.


This week saw a collection of Tech geeks descent on Universal Orland for NBCUniversal's Hackathon. I can call them geeks because I'm a developer myself. The contestants were set challenges from the modern theme park environment and winner's were announced at the end of the week. It's a really interesting initiative, and a great way for Universal to attract great talent.


At Disney World, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto has opened at the Polynesian Resort. This is more than just a bar, with specialty drinks, novelty glasses and special effects for particular orders. While I think the people waiting for 3 hours were totally nuts, I can see how this place will be a popular destination at the resort. It goes to show, that a little bit of theming can make a bar a ridiculously popular attraction.


In Australian Theme Park news, we are coming up to the Easter holidays, which is essentially the start of Autumn here in Australia. This is not the time when big rides are normally launched. And so it is this year..


However, Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast is bucking the trending opening two new attractions this week. Firstly, Professor Bogglesworth's Illusionarium has opened in the centre of the park, as well as their brand "new" kiddie coaster Bug Run down next to the Redback. It's hard to tell that it has opened, since the only sign that I've seen is literal signs on the Sunshine Coast highway that has appeared in the last week. It's still exciting that this little park is continuing to grow. And I've got to say the theming on the Bug Run does look pretty cute. I'm pretty sure that my little girl will love it in a year or two's time.


As for Dreamworld, the biggest news is that the Buzzsaw has reopened this week after it's unexpected maintenance. It has added some new retrofitted seatbelts to the attraction, just to beef up the safety a little bit. In light of what has just happened with Green Lantern, I don't hear anyone complaining.


At Sea World, the first pieces of their up coming creatures of the deep exhibit has arrived. We only have seen a few back of house photos, but it doesn't sounds like it will take to long for this to come together. We'll keep an eye on it.



For more Theme Park coverage, follow me on Twitter @themeparknut. Until next week, Cheers!