How to spend an action packed day with the stars at Movie World on the Gold Coast

Looking for an unforgettable day on the Gold Coast? One of the easiest ways to put big smiles on small faces is to visit the bevy of theme parks found here in Australia’s adventure playground. Warner Bros. Movie World is arguably the Gold Coast‘s most famed, with thrill rides and entertainment for kids of all ages – and parents, too.

And with a brand new The Wizard of Oz precinct opening soon, there’s even more reason to add this to your summer adventures.

Here’s how to navigate your way around Movie World and maximise your day of fun, thrills and fandom.

Before you arrive

A great day at Movie World is all in the planning.  Get your bearings and take a look at Movie World’s park map on their website, and get the family or your theme park side-kicks to create a list of must-do’s (so that you can prioritise the rides and shows you want to experience most). Seeking out the ride maintenance schedule ahead of time is also an easy way to discover what rides will be out of action on the day you choose to visit.

There’s plenty of helpful advice in this guide – but here’s what to know:

• It’s often cheaper to book your tickets online in advance, rather than purchase at the gate
• There are a series of multi-pass deals available on Movie World’s website, which is handy if you want to visit multiple theme parks. The Village Roadshow Super Pass covers seven consecutive days of unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Paradise Country and Wet’n’Wild.
• RACQ and NRMA members can access discounted tickets online
• Hate standing in line? Purchase a Fast Track Pass online, offering a dedicated line for select rides.
• Accessibility and sensory guides are available online
• Book any exclusive experiences in advance, such as the Hollywood Stunt Driver or photos with Batmobile

First up: your licence to thrill

The gates swing open at 10am – the same time Movie World’s rides crank into action. If you can, it’s handy to find your parking spot 15-20 minutes early and be ready to go: you’ll get through the entry and to the front of the queue at your favourite attraction much more quickly. A morning arrival is also an opportunity to enjoy the most popular rides before the crowds swarm a little later in the day.

Which rides to tackle first? If you’re seeking some thrills today, it’s always best to start there – before filling small tummies with lunch.

Adrenaline junkies should head straight for the most exhilarating rides in the park. The ever-popular DC Rivals Hypercoaster is the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest, longest, and fastest rollercoaster, which plummets 59 metres and reaches speeds of up to 115km/hr. Feel like a superhero in the front carriage of Superman Escape, which launches to 100km/hour in only two seconds; take on one of the steepest inverted drops this side of the equator on the Green Lantern Coaster; scream your way through half-pipe shuttle rollercoaster The Flash; and strap in for a stomach-lurching 3.5 G-force rush on Batwing Spaceshot, as you shoot 60-metres into the air on a launch tower. 

Bringing some younger thrill seekers to Movie World? Don’t fret – some of the most popular amusement rides are open to those smaller in stature, including the Road Runner Rollercoaster, Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, Justice League 3D – The Ride and Wild West Falls Adventure, where you’ll explore ghost towns, geysers and wagon trains before plummeting to a big splash.

Main Street is a hive of entertainment all morning long, so if your kids aren’t up for the rides you can meet Dorothy, join a Looney Tunes Dance Party, and watch Catwoman create mischief. The entertainment schedule is online and updated daily.

Explore the park’s newest precinct

Families – and classic movie lovers – are about to have even more fun and adventure at their fingertips. Follow The Yellow Brick Road to a spectacular world-first The Wizard of Oz precinct coming soon to Warner Bros. Movie World! The most enchanting scenes and characters from the film are brought to life before your eyes, and two new family-friendly coasters are ready to ride: soar through the haunted forest with the flying monkeys on the Flight of The Wicked Witch suspended rollercoaster, then race along a track full of twists and turns on the Kansas Twister coaster.

Lunchtime

Our best tip? Establish a family meeting point and time before lunch hits to avoid anyone getting lost. The entrance fountain, Peter’s Ice Creamery or the Looney Tunes Carousel are a trio of options.

Once you’ve gathered your clan, enjoy a much-needed break refuelling at one of the casual cafes that reside within the theme park. Movie World has a smorgasbord of options: grab a morning latte at Village Bean Coffee House, tuck into a hearty burger at Gotham City Café or towering nachos at Dirty Harry Bar & Grill, and take a bite out of the Big Apple at Main St. Slice with a range of pizza flavours. Sweet tooth cravings will be sorted with snack bars and ice cream shops, too.

It’s show time

Stomachs filled, it’s time to catch one of the many shows on offer. Grab prime position on Main Street to watch Marilyn Munroe strut her stuff and Wonder Woman stop thieves in their tracks. Wave to all your favourite movie stars, characters and superheros during the daily Star Parade (3.30pm) – it’s a great photo opportunity, especially when Batman cruises along in his Batmobile, posing for fans along the way.

Rev heads may prefer the theatrics of Hollywood Stunt Driver 2, taking you behind the scenes of an action film, showcasing burnouts, car aerial stunts, among others.

Want an unforgettable 4D experience to end your day at Movie World? Witness legendary rivals Tom and Jerry get up to all sorts of no good in a special effect heavy 4D production – your chair will move, you’ll get a little wet, it’s all part of the fun. Check Roxy Theatre for daily show times.

Don’t forget to pick up any souvenirs or hilarious candid photos from the rides as you leave.

Special events at Warner Bros. Movie World

Think you couldn’t possibly fit any more fun into a day at Movie World on the Gold Coast?

Plan your visit for one of Movie World’s mesmerising special events, which add more magic and festivities to any holiday season.

Fright Nights transforms the park into a Halloween haven every October, with creepy characters, horror-themed mazes, and rides open til 10pm. Come December, White Christmas brings joy to Movie World with Christmas parades, Santa meet-and-greets, interactive entertainment and the crowd-favourite, The Polar Express 4D experience.

Want to dial up the thrills and visit another Gold Coast theme park? Take this quiz to find out which park is for you.