It doesn’t surprise me that the Gold Coast Theme Parks are one of the main tourist attractions with tens of thousands of people streaming through their gates each year.
Even as locals we have been buying passes for years alternating between Dreamworld and the three parks (Movie World, Seaworld, and Wet’n’Wild).
As you’ll see below, it’s brilliant entertainment for all ages. I have also added the top theme park favorites in each park ranked by our 6-year-old
Movie World
Fun awaits you and the family as you walk through the giant Warner Brothers Movie World gates. What makes this park stand out is its diversity. You can meet your favourite stars and super-heroes as they wander around throughout the day, experience thrills on adventure rides and enjoy the attractions and productions Movie World offers.
Favourites
- For years the Carousel would have been the top of this list but as children grow so does their desire of the adrenalin The Road Runner Roller Coaster has now jumped to the top of the fun meter.
- Wild West Falls Adventure Ride – you’ll see these come up trumps at all the parks. Fast water ride – Hit!!
- The Junior driving school is one of the newest attractions where kids can drive through the streets of the miniature version of Movie World. An adult can sit on the back of the car and assist, or the child can go it alone.
- The Main Street hosts a parade every afternoon where the Movie World characters come together to entertain you with music and dancing. It is always very popular and worth getting to earlier to secure a spot with good viewing.
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SeaWorld
Seaworld is home to Dolphins, Penguins, Seals, Polar Bears and much more. You could spend all day just looking at the marine life and watching the live animal shows. The kids will have lots of rides to enjoy and can meet some of their favourite characters in the Nickelodeon-themed area. Seaworld is special for the whole family as there is so much entertainment for everyone to enjoy, so check the information brochure upon entry, so you don’t miss something you want to see.
Favourites
- Vikings Revenge Flume Ride (another water ride)
- Dora Show – This I know off by heart as I have watched it that many times, but kids love it!!
- The Seal and Dolphin show – These are two separate shows, but we just couldn’t leave one out as they are both superb to see.
- In 2016 Seaworld opened up lots of new rides in Nickelodeon Land, which is wonderful for the younger children.
- Castaway Bay is an interactive playground with a pirate theme. There is a climbing structure for those brave children, and of course, the boats are on the water. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
Wet‘n’Wild
It is very hard to choose a favourite park, but during the warmer months, this one is well up the top of the list. It’s a family day’s outing with awesome entertainment! Dive into the world of thrill rides, adrenaline-pumping slides, a giant wave pool and much more. Since introducing a huge zone designed especially for kids, it has increased Wet‘n’Wilds allure.
Favourites
- Wet’n’Wild Junior – The younger kids (must be under 10 years of age) can now experience the same thrills as everyone else with this area featuring miniature versions of the Tornado and the Aqua Racers.
- Calypso Beach is where you let the current push you along as you float around on giant rings.
- The Wave pool – Jump the waves or learn to body surf.
Dreamworld
Dreamworld has separate themed areas which host a collection of rides, animal exhibits, and shows. With it being the biggest theme park in Australia you could easily spend multiple days at the park if you choose to see all the attractions and become familiar with all the rides. Meet your favourite DreamWorks heroes and ABC KIDS characters, and ride any of their “9” big thrill rides plus a large number of family and kids rides.
Favourites
- There are many great kids rides for the younger kids enjoyment- Wiggles Big Red Car; Big Red Boat; Tea Cups; Flying Donkeys; Merry-go-round and much more.
- For the next age bracket once a child is 110cm there are a few extra rides they can try, such as – Puss in Boots Sword Swing; Gingy’s Glider and Escape from Madagascar.
- Madagascar Live is filled with all the favourite characters from the movie. It’s a fun, interactive show for the family. You may find yourself humming the song “I like to move it” for the rest of your day.
- There are two daily presentations at Tiger Island where you can watch these magnificent animals in their element. The all-new enclosure that Dreamworld has created makes you feel extra close to all the action.
The New Blocktastic LEGO store at Dreamworld
Another fabulous addition to Dreamworld is Australia’s first official LEGO store that opened in November 2016. The Lego store is a stand-alone shop at the front of the park. It offers access to anyone, even those without Dreamworld passes. The shop has an enormous selection of LEGO products and interactive benches for children to test out some of the LEGO pieces. Have your photo taken with the life-size LEGO models and fill a bucket from the pick-a-brick wall, which allows you to choose from dozens of canisters with different shaped blocks and colours.
White Water World
White Water World is co-located with Dreamworld and offers a variety of slides and attractions for everyone to enjoy. The bonus is once you purchase a ticket to Dreamworld you also have access to White Water World. Just another example of why one day is just not enough time to spend at these theme parks. Granted it may not be as big as Wet and Wild, but it still hosts enough rides for the whole family to enjoy.
Favourites
- Pipeline Plunge is an enormous ‘forte’ structure and a kids ultimate water playground with a water bucket and large slides.
- Temple of Huey – a brilliant inner tube ride. Younger kids don’t have to miss out if over 100cm they can ride with an adult.
- Wiggle Bay would be in the top position for younger children and parents will feel comfortable with their little ones in this area. It has superb shade and great facilities, including mini slides, interactive sprays, colourful water cannons and giant instruments.
Theme Park Tickets
The parks will sell you tickets at the gate, and there are many websites that offer theme park tickets as well. It’s a great idea to keep your eyes open if you know you intend to visit the parks as special offers sometimes pop up from time to time.
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Do you have a favourite Theme Park?
