Overview
If you're thinking about the Gold Coast, you're likely thinking about theme parks. Most Brisbanies have been to Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World, and not just once. Anyone visiting from the rest of the country seems to head straight through one of their gates the moment they get to Queensland.
Soon, there could be another ride-filled area luring in locals and holidaymakers alike — and we don't mean Dreamworld offshoot White Water World or the similarly splashtacular, slip 'n' slide-centric Wet'n'Wild. You'll have Chinese conglomerate the Wanda Group to thank for this new source of fun and fried foods, given that they're currently in negotiations with the State Government to add to the tourist strip's attractions.
The theme the park might adopt is still anyone's guess, even if The Gold Coast Bulletin has dared to throw the D word — yes, that'd be "Disney" — into the mix. Wanda did buy Australian cinema chain Hoyts earlier this year, and do have an entertainment focus as part of their operations in China. You can never have too many rollercoasters based on movies, of course — and who doesn't want to see two competing parks battling it out to be crowned the real 'Hollywood on the Gold Coast'?
Whatever the branding, keen thrillseekers can expect something big if Wanda's existing Chinese spaces are anything to go by, including the Wanda Xishuangbanna International Resort and its five lands, 27 recreational facilities, 45-metre high rollercoaster and 1200-seat theatre. Then there's the Wanda Movie Park, which the company claims is the world's first film-oriented indoor space of its type. It seems when it comes to theme parks, they don't do anything by halves — and nor should anyone.
Image: Dollar Photo Club.