Sea World’s New Atlantis precinct launches with opening of the Vortex

December 21, 2020

Attractions / Entertainment / Finance / Tourism /

Guests have today been riding the new Vortex ride at Sea World on the Gold Coast.

The first part of Village Roadshow's new $50 million New Atlantis precinct, construction of the ride, first announced in mid-2019, was delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now, after extensive safety testing it officially opens to the public today in time for the Sea World’s peak season.

Advising that the ride will give the theme park and tourism on the Gold Coast a major boost, Village Roadshow Chief Executive Clark Kirby told the Gold Coast Bulletin, “we are incredibly excited to officially open the Vortex ride at Sea World, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests to experience this thrilling attraction.

“While on the ride, guests will tumble and whirl through the air as they experience pendulum movements and circular rotations all while taking in the spectacular views of the park.”

The Leviathan wooden rollercoaster and the Trident ride remain under construction, with both attractions scheduled to open in June 2021.

Video showing the the Leviathan wooden rollercoaster under construction.

Village Roadshow Chief Operating Officer, Bikash Randhawa added “this is the culmination of more than two years of planning and work and we are certainly hoping for big numbers (of guests) coming through.

“Our team has done a lot of technical training for this and (the Vortex) is spectacular to see in action.

“The level of sophistication which comes with it is phenomenal.”

Village Roadshow takeover
It has been confirmed that the private equity company BGH Capital is to take over Village Roadshow Theme Parks’ parent company Village Roadshow Limited (VRL) in a $586 million deal that will see it taken off the Australian Securities Exchange.

Speaking to The Australian Business Network earlier this month, Kirby, who will remain as Chief Executive advised that the group planning a rejuvenation of its theme parks and cinema network.

Main image: Promotion for the new Vortex ride.

9th December 2020 - BGH Capital confirmed as Village Roadshow’s new owners

9th December 2020 - Sea World and QPWS staff combine to free dolphin after days trapped in North Stradbroke Island rock pool

8th December 2020 - Village Roadshow reveals new imagery for Sea World’s New Atlantis Precinct

27th November 2020 - Village Roadshow leads Queensland tourism operators in advertising summer positions

13th November 2020 - World Animal Protection unveils new campaign calling for end to captive dolphin breeding at Gold Coast’s Sea World

13th October 2020 - Takeover offer for Village Roadshow ‘fair and reasonable’

29th August 2020 - Village Roadshow commits to theme ride regeneration despite impact of Coronavirus losses

17th August 2020 - Village Roadshow moves toward acquisition by private equity firm

17th July 2020 - Village Roadshow reopens Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast

17th June 2020 - Village Roadshow announces reopening schedule for Gold Coast theme parks

5th June 2020 - Ardent and Village Roadshow look for early reopening of Gold Coast theme parks

15th May 2020 - Fair Work Commission rules against Village Roadshow Theme Parks worker who opposed being forced to take leave

12th May 2020 - Village Roadshow Chief Executive calls for JobKeeper extension as Queensland Government’s Coronavirus easing roadmap suggests reopening of theme parks, entertainment venues and stadiums in June

6th April 2020 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks backs staff during lockdown

24th January 2020 - Private equity group BGH Capital submits rival bid for Village Roadshow

23rd December 2019 - Sea World hit with new protests over dolphin care

20th December 2019 - Private equity firm makes $750 million offer for Village Roadshow

17th December 2019 - Sea World Helicopters opens new multi-million-dollar terminal

15th October 2019 - Village Roadshow reveals profit turnaround in last financial year

11th September 2019 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks reveal schedule for opening of new Sea World attractions

1st April 2019 - Sea World’s newest multi-million-dollar ski show officially opens

3rd November 2018 - Sea World Resort retains status as ‘Best Australian Family Resort’

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