ABC Kids World

ABC Kids World
The ABC Kids World entrance sign from Main Street in June 2021.
Coordinates27°51′50″S 153°19′04″E / 27.863759°S 153.317792°E / -27.863759; 153.317792
StatusDefunct
ThemeABC Kids
Attractions
Total8
Other rides7
Shows1
Dreamworld
Opened17 September 2005 (as Wiggles World)
27 June 2015 (as ABC Kids World)
Closed8 October 2023
ReplacedGum Tree Gully
Replaced byRivertown

ABC Kids World (formerly known as Wiggles World) was a themed land at the Dreamworld amusement park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.[1] The area was dedicated to the shows and characters from various shows that air on ABC Kids.

The area was originally opened as Wiggles World on 17 September 2005 replacing the previous Gum Tree Gully section.[2]

History

The entrance sign used during the Wiggles World era, located from Tiger Island and the Tower of Terror.

During July 2005, Gum Tree Gully was closed to aid in the construction of Dreamworld's second children's area, Wiggles World. Only a narrow corridor remained for pedestrian access during the construction period.[3] On 17 September 2005 Wiggles World officially opened to the public with a performance by The Wiggles.[2][4] Based on the musicians of the same name, the area was the first of several to be installed at theme parks around the world.[5]

On the first anniversary of the opening of the area, Dreamworld added Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.[6]

In mid-2012, Dreamworld announced that they would be adding a new ride to Wiggles World. It was later revealed to be the Big Red Boat Ride.[7] The ride was officially opened on 14 December 2012 with 7 members of The Wiggles in attendance.[8]

In May 2015, following the successful ten-year partnership with the band, Dreamworld announced that Wiggles World would oversee a complete overhaul, expansion, and would be renamed to ABC Kids World. Alongside a majority of the Wiggles attractions, brand new attractions based on Giggle and Hoot, Play School, and Bananas in Pyjamas would be added.[9] The "Wiggles World" name would be kept for the Wiggles section of the themed area, with its sign being moved nearer to the Wiggles attractions. The newly refurbished area opened on 27 June 2015.

On 24 November, Dreamworld announced that Rivertown, the land that previously occupied the space, would replace ABC Kids World in Late-2024, with ABC Kids attractions moving over to Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland, a re-theming of the previously-occupied DreamWorks Experience attraction that would include ABC Kids-themed attractions. ABC Kids World would close sometime in 2023 and was demolished to make way for Rivertown.[10] The area closed on 8 October 2023 to make way for the construction of Rivertown.[11] While the Bananas in Pyjamas Fun Maze and the Play School Wheel were relocated to Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland; the rest of the area was demolished with remaining rides all scrapped.

Attractions

At time of closure

Name Opened Manufacturer Type Description Former name(s)
ABC Kids World Fun Spot 2005 Dreamworld Indoor activity centre It features various interactive elements designed for children. The indoor attraction also features play kitchens, a mini supermarket, playhouses and a dress-up chest. Fun Spot (2005-2015)[12]
Big Red Boat Ride[7] 2012 Zamperla Mini Rockin' Tug Consists of a boat following a U-shaped track whilst slowly spinning. It is similar in concept to the Shockwave but provides a gentler ride experience. N/A
Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride 2006 SBF Visa tea cup ride There are six separate cups for guests to board and spin as they wish.[6][13] N/A
Giggle and Hoot Pirate Ship 2005 Dreamworld Outdoor play area An interactive attraction situated alongside the Murrissipi River in Dreamworld. The attraction is a façade pirate ship which is used as a children's playground. S.S. Feathersword (2005-2015)[14]
Play School Wheel 2018 Zamperla Mini Ferris Wheel After the closure of ABC Kids World, the attraction reopened in Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland on 9 December 2023.[15] N/A
Play School 2015 Apple Inc. Indoor activity centre An indoor attraction where attendees could create art on electronic tablets. N/A

Former

Name Opened Closed Manufacturer Ride type Description
Bananas in Pyjamas Fun Maze 2015 2023 Dreamworld Themed Maze The attraction relocated to the Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland area in September 2023.
Big Red Car Ride 2005[16][17] 2020 Arvus Group[18]
Simtech[16][18][19][20]		 Trackless dark ride Takes 6 guests at a time on a 120-metre (390 ft) car journey through the Wiggles' house, featuring Wags' kennel, Henry's Underwater Big Band, and Dorothy's rosy garden. The trackless ride system relies upon a wire buried in the floor and allows the cars to rotate on the spot, something many track-based dark rides cannot do.[21] The five vehicles are recharged at the station through an inductive charging system.[18][22][23]

On 12 August 2020, Dreamworld removed the attraction from their website and announced that the ride would not be reopening.[24]

Giggle and Hoot Hop and Hoot 2015 2019 Zamperla Jumping Star Became a pathway for guests following removal.

Shopping and dining

In addition to the attractions, ABC Kids World was home to a merchandise shop, food outlets and a photo store.[25] The merchandise stores were:

  • ABC Kids Shop (formerly known as The Wiggles Shop) - sold merchandise based on ABC Kids characters. Since late 2020, the shop has been standing but not operating for unknown reasons. The store is still listed on the park's website, however it is currently unknown when the store will reopen.[citation needed]
  • Ready, Teddy, Go! - was a photo store located in the building formerly housing The Yummy Yummy Food Outlet, which closed at an unknown date. The store has been closed since 2018.[citation needed]

The food outlets were:

  • Full of Beans - was a cafe which sold snacks and hot beverages. The café served as the main food outlet in ABC Kids World after the Yummy Yummy food outlet closed. The café has been closed since 2018.[citation needed]
  • The Billabong Buffett Restaurant - is located right next to the former Big Red Car Ride, however is listed as part of the Dreamworld Corroboree.[citation needed]

Character appearances

ABC Kids World gave guests the chance to meet with many costumed characters from the different shows featured in the area.

Characters who can be seen in the park include B1 & B2 from Bananas in Pyjamas, Giggle & Hoot from their titular show, and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword from The Wiggles.[26]

From time to time, live presenters from Play School and the ABC Kids strand (alongside The Wiggles) make appearances and performances at the park to advertise the area.[27]

  • The entrance to the area (as Wiggles World) from Rivertown
    The entrance to the area (as Wiggles World) from Rivertown
  • The Wiggles' Shop
    The Wiggles' Shop
  • The Yummy Yummy food outlet
    The Yummy Yummy food outlet

Wiggles-themed areas at other amusement parks

On 12 December 2006, American-based amusement park operator Six Flags released plans to partner up with The Wiggles to add Wiggles World themed-areas to some of their parks.[28] In 2007, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America, and Six Flags New England all opened a Wiggles World at their park.[29] This was followed by Great Escape in 2008 and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2009.[30][31]

In late 2010, Six Flags terminated licenses with various brands including The Wiggles. This saw the areas rethemed to the generic KIDZOPOLIS theme, while Great Adventure rethemed their Wiggles World as Safari Kids.[32][33]

References

  1. ^ "Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  2. ^ a b "Wiggles World (Dreamworld)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  3. ^ Connie, Scott (22 July 2005). "Wiggles World construction". Photo. Parkz. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  4. ^ "Wiggles settle down at Dreamworld". The New Zealand Herald. 29 May 2005. Retrieved 29 May 2005.
  5. ^ "Dreamworld History" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride (Dreamworld)". Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Discover Dreamworld Happiness This Summer – New Lands, New Rides And New Attractions" (Press release). Dreamworld. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  8. ^ Westthorp, Tanya (14 December 2012). "The Wiggles launch new Dreamworld ride". Gold Coast Bulletin. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  9. ^ "Dreamworld reaches deal with ABC Kids for revamped children's attraction". attractionsmanagement.com/. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Dreamworld | the Future of Dreamworld".
  11. ^ Parkz Members. "Jungle Rush Coaster". Parkz. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  12. ^ "The Fun Spot". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  13. ^ "Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  14. ^ "SS Feathersword". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  15. ^ "Play School Wheel". Dreamworld. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Big Red Car (Dreamworld)". Parkz.
  17. ^ "Big Red Car Ride". Dreamworld. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  18. ^ a b c "History". Arvus Group. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  19. ^ "Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness". Park World Magazine. 23 January 2013. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  20. ^ "AGV's For Material Handling, People Moving and Amusement Rides". 2 October 2008. Archived from the original on 2 October 2008. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  21. ^ Wilson, Richard (13 September 2005). "Big Red Car (Wiggles World)". Parkz. Retrieved 2 September 2013. The ride features an innovative trackless design, eliminating the need for visible tracks to better allow the ride to blend in.
  22. ^ Wilson, Richard (13 September 2005). "Big Red Car (Wiggles World)". Parkz. Retrieved 2 September 2013. The cars are able to rotate, making for some very interesting ride movements.
  23. ^ Wilson, Richard (13 September 2005). "Big Red Car (Wiggles World)". Parkz. Retrieved 2 September 2013. The cars charge themselves over the station area.
  24. ^ "Dreamworld is reopening in September, but Queensland's border closures could present serious problems for its recovery". 13 August 2020. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  25. ^ Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Park Map (2009).
  26. ^ "Who to See". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  27. ^ "Playing to millions but playing dad better". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 September 2005. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  28. ^ "Six Flags Provides Game Plan for 2007". Six Flags. 12 December 2006. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  29. ^ "Wiggles World at Six Flags Great America to Open Saturday". Ultimate Rollercoaster. 4 May 2007. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  30. ^ "The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom – Lake George New York Theme Park". We Go Places. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  31. ^ Bailey, Scott (15 September 2008). "Six Flags Fiesta Texas to add Wiggles World in 2009". Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  32. ^ "Six Flags Great Adventure Kids Rides". Six Flags. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  33. ^ MacDonald, Brady (25 November 2010). "Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 September 2012.