During my yearlong working holiday visa I spent just under six months working the gold coast, in the best job I have ever had. I was a ride Operator at Dreamworld for one amazing summer season Even when I was sweltering under the Aussie sun and fending off mosquito bites for five hours straight l had a blast and not just because of the brilliant perks like free entry and staff parties after hours. Unfortunately most of my free time in the parks was either before or after my shifts so not many photos I'm afraid In fact, I could only find one photo of Dreamworld in my entire collection of Oz pics so here l am with Shrek, Puss & Princess Fiona.
As you may have guessed one of their themed lands is Dreamworks themed. Now, to a Disney veteran like myself the themed lands are not quite as clearly defined as they are in many other theme parks. With the exception of gold rush country, it is sometimes a little difficult to know which land you are in. The biggest give away is the music. Wiggles World plays exclusively hits by the Wiggles whereas Ocean Parade is usually playing top 40. In fact the highlight of my day used to be when Moves like Jagger would play at the same time every day. Not only is it my jam, but it also signalled thirty minutes before home time!
That said the rides and attractions more than speak for their selves and so without further ado, my top five Dreamworld attractions are (Drum roll please)
5. In joint fifth place: Wipeout & vintage cars.
Okay, this first one is a bit of a cheat. I didn't actually enjoy either of these rides. Vintage cars is primarily for under 10’s to pretend to drive and Wipeout left me nauseous for 48 hours after the first (and last) time that I rode it; but these were the rides I worked as a ride operator at so they hold a special place in my heart. Here's Wipeout doing her thing:
4. Giant drop.
After my 'almost bungee jump' for my 21st birthday I've had a bit of a fear of heights. Giant Drop both terrifies and exhilarates me. The slow climb to the top & the pause before the drop to the ground, it's a classic recipe for suspense and thrills.
3. Tower of Terror 2.
Tower of Terror 2 is a launching rollercoaster which shoots you backwards & up two thirds of the same tower as the giant drop, all whilst facing straight down to the ground. Its scary and adrenaline pumping. My only gripe is the name: Tower of terror is one of my all-time favourite Disney attractions and the two are completely incomparable.
2. Animals!
Dreamworld is not just a theme park for adrenaline lovers. There's also a mini zoo. Tiger Island (obviously) features Bengal tigers and Dreamworld corroboree features indigenous Australian animals, including my Australian favourite, wombats. Seriously, how cute are wombats? There are not enough words to describe their adorableness.
1. Buzzsaw.
Buzzsaw is an amazing looping coaster which is completely different to any other rollercoaster l have ever been on. The track layout is deceptively simple but with an extreme twist (and it is exceedingly difficult to replicate in Rollercoaster Tycoon, trust me!). I was lucky enough to be working at Dreamworld during the opening of the ride & as a special treat staff members were invited to stay behind and try the ride. I think I rode it about twelve times that night. That's how fun it is. It's thrilling and white-knuckle inducing without being uncomfortable. I only stopped because I had to get the last bus home. If I had another way home I probably would have made it to twenty.
Anyone else love Buzzsaw as much as me? Any amazing rides I have missed?
Disclaimer: My last visit to Dreamworld was in 2012. Not too much seems to have changed since then apart from a few new additions. See http://www.dreamworld.com.au/to make up your own mind.
