Warner Bros. Movie World | |
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Location | Oxenford, Queensland, Australia |
Theme | Movie studio |
Website | Official website |
Owner | Village Roadshow Theme Parks |
Opened | 3 June 1991 |
Operating season | All year round |
Area | 415 acres (168 ha) |
Rides | 16 total
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Slogan | "Hollywood on the Gold Coast" |
Warner Bros. Movie World (more commonly referred to as Movie World) is a popular movie related theme park on the Gold Coast in Australia. It is owned and operated by Village Roadshow since the take over from Time Warner and is the only movie related park in Australia. It opened on 3 June 1991.[1]
The park contains various movie-themed rides and attractions ranging from motion simulators to roller coasters and slow river rides. In addition, costumed character performers also patrol the park, allowing visitors the chance to take photos with them. These include Batman, Austin Powers, Marilyn Monroe, Scooby Doo, The Mystery Inc. Gang and various Looney Tunes characters. Minor street shows including skits and singing performances are also present. The All-Star Parade showcases costumed characters alongside vehicles and movie-themed floats.[2]
There are a number of active film studios within the Movie World complex. House of Wax, the first Scooby Doo film, the 2003 Peter Pan film, Ghost Ship, The Condemned and Fortress are amongst the many films and television series produced at Warner Roadshow Studios, adjoining Warner Bros. Movie World.
On 3 June 2011, Warner Bros. Movie World celebrated 20 years of being a theme park.
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In 1989, C.V. Wood was employed to design a 415-acre (168 ha) theme park adjacent to the existing Warner Roadshow Studio complex. His portfolio included the design of six theme parks including Six Flags Over Texas and Disneyland.[3] The park was completed within 16 months, converting swampland into a theme park modelled after similar movie-based theme parks overseas such as Universal Studios Hollywood or Disney's Hollywood Studios.[4] The park's official opening was held on 3 June 1991.[1][5] Queensland Premier Wayne Goss marked the occasion by cutting novelty film reel at an opening ceremony which was attended by celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.[5][6]
Initial attractions at the park focused on learning about and getting involved in movie related scenes and behind the scenes action. Opening day attractions included a Movie studio tour, Movie Magic Special Effects Show, Western Action Show, Police Academy Stunt Show, Great Gremlins Adventure, Young Einstein Gravity Homestead, Looney Tunes Musical Revue and Looney Tunes River Ride.[5][7]
In 2001, the park celebrated its tenth anniversary with 1000 invites being given out via radio station B105 in August 2001. Guests were treated to live performances by Human Nature, Invertigo, A Touch of Class and Joanne Accom.[8]
In 2008, Movie World constructed a roof over Main Street, similar to those at Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland. The roof measures 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) and provides an all weather venue, whether it be hot or rainy. The permanent structure will also make a substantial difference to after hours scheduled program of events including Fright Nights and White Christmas events. The roof was completed in September 2008.[9]
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