Queensland State Premier and Gold Coast Mayor in May 2019 with construction also commencing at this time.
The ride was unfortunately delayed as a result of COVID-19 with construction being halted, however was successfully opened on the 21st December 2020.
PW: Were there any other partners involved? SW: In addition to the manufacturer, Huss, we worked closely with local Australian companies, Badge Constructions, ADG Engineers and Burling Brown Architects on the construction of the ride.
PW: Were there any challenges during the construction phase? If so, how did you overcome them? SW: The major challenge during the construction of this attraction, was the impact of the global pandemic COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, Sea World and other Village Roadshow Theme Parks (Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country and Australian Outback Spectacular) were closed for three- months. While the park was closed, minor works were able to be conducted however there were several setbacks and delays as a result of the pandemic. The border closures had the most impact as they made it difficult for the international ride manufacturers to conduct their commissioning process. We worked closely with our State and Federal Governments on a plan to get the manufacturers into the country to allow
Vortex - Artists impression
us to commence the commissioning process. Once we managed to get the manufacturers into the country, the commissioning process was completed as normal which allowed us to proceed with our internal training of team members. Despite these setbacks, the ride was successfully opened on the 21st December 2020.
PW: Talk me through the ride experience? SW: The ride experience begins with guests entering the New Atlantis precinct through a spectacular hanging garden archway to be greeted by a 6-metre high statue of an Atlantean Warrior challenging them to take on the thrills and spills of the Vortex.
From here guests enter the queue line which is surrounded by water features and head onto the ride platform where they are encompassed by theming of underwater creatures throughout. Once loaded into their ride position, the platform lowers, and the guests embark on their ride cycle where they experience pendulum
movements and circular rotations all while taking in the spectacular views of the park.
PW: What is Vortex’s USP? SW: The Vortex is unique that the ride can be operated in three different programme cycles, which provide varying levels of speed, thrill and length. This allows us to provide differing experiences for our repeat visitors while also appealing to first-time visitors.
The location of the ride in the centre of the park is also unique in that it provides 360-degree views of not only the park but the picturesque Gold Coast Broadwater, surf and skyline. The ride also has a large throughput, which assists with our visitor movement and experience.
PW: How have guests reacted to it? SW: We have been really pleased with the guest reactions to the Vortex. With the opening in time for our peak season, we have had some wonderful feedback from our visitors who really enjoy the addition of a ride with Vortex’s thrill level to the park’s existing attractions.
PW: Tell me about the The New Atlantis precinct that its part of. How this new development coming along? SW: The New Atlantis is going to be a game- changer for Sea World and will become a destination where guests can experience the myths, mysteries, quests and challenges located within the new multi-million-dollar utopian precinct. The Vortex will soon be joined by two more attractions including the Leviathan, a wooden coaster and the Trident, 42metre high swinging attraction, both opening in mid-late 2021.
Fun Facts
• Guests experience between negative 1 and positive 5 G-Forces • The ride is 18-metre-high • Guests experience a full 360-degree rotation
• Ride Capacity is 38 riders per cycle • Rider restrictions are minimum height restriction of 140cms and maximum height of 195cms
The opening ceremony SUMMER PART 2 2021 41
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