Qld Holiday Day 9 - The Gap to Dreamworld to Broadbeach

Despite the rain yesterday and the dampness in the air this morning, today it was off to Dreamworld for the Brisbane Wade's the Newcastle Wade's and the Albion Park Wade's.

We headed off to ensure we got to the doors at opening time at 10.00am, and after a 45 minutes journey we did, to find that, at 9.40am, the park was already open. Apparently they open their doors at 9.00am in school holidays - pity they didn't actually advertise that fact anywhere!
Once we had all gathered together inside - and had the above photo taken for posterity - we headed off for Goldrush World and the Thunder River Rapid Ride, where we could all go through in family groups. And, much to my dismay, get wet. Quite wet. I thought the water park was next door? Worse was to follow in that respect, as we then headed for the Rocky Hollow Log Ride, and yes, it seems that I was the one that all of the water was attracted to once again. Awesome.

Lining up for water rapids

From here we broke into two groups. The elder kids headed off with Linda to do the elder kid rides, while the rest of us were headed for easier pastures. We climbed aboard the train, and made our (very slowly paced) way around to the Model T Vintage Cars, which excited the young boys to no end. Maddi very kindly drove me around the track, allowing me to relax in the passengers position, while the boys all went around twice to make sure they got value for money.

Helen being driven by Fraser and Josh

Maddi taking me for a drive

From here, it was off to the fiery depths of hell by heading for... Wiggles World. And it really lived up to its reputation. We lined up for the Big Red Car ride, and it was horrific. I did ask the kids manning the gates how he could stand to do this job day after day after day. I think he was too polite to agree. But really, this brand has surely clocked up over a billion dollars by now, and the rise you get - even though it is designed for young kids - could surely have been a LITTLE more exciting. Travelling through different rooms, getting just some snatches of their most famous songs, and then you are pushed through the exit, which of course takes you straight through the Wiggles Gift Shop. UGH!

We walked around the corner to Tiger Island, where the big cats were out and lazing around, and had lunch at the cafe overlooking their domain. The kids were excited - foot long hotdogs! And they demolished them.


After lunch the Peters family had to go and get their photo IDs taken for our year-long passes, before joining up with the others again. First stop was the Puss in Boots Sword Swing. While almost everyone jumped on board the Escape from Madagascar roller coaster, I kept Josh and Zander amused. Then it was off to the Ogre-Go-Round and the Dronkey Flyers.

 

Maddi and Josh on the Dronkeys

Maddi and Josh of the Ogre-Go-Round

Helen, Jess and Linda on the Ogre-Go-Round

All the kids wanted to go to the dodgem cars, and so Josh and I teamed up and took on the rest. Super driving by myself saw us being crowned the Ultimate Champions, just because we were. Jess and Maddi then had a go on Gingy's Glider, before Jess along with Helen and Linda took on the Pandamodium, while I kept the other kids in check in the Kung-Fu Panda section.

Everyone was to meet up again in *shudder* Wiggles World, where the magnificently thought up ride of the Big Red Boat (really truly) caught our people's eyes. Following this, it was time for the Peters family to head off to book into our accommodation for the next two nights, at Aruba Surf Resort at Broadbeach, and farewell the other family's for a couple of days.

Kids in their own bedroom (with TV and bathroom) at Aruba Surf Resort

We walked down into town, and found an excellent restaurant with great outdoor seating, Valentino's Italian Restaurant. Great food, great service, good beer. Jessie had the Chicken Parmagiana, which looked great, while I had veal schnitzel with spaghetti bolognese. A winning combination!

On the way back to our apartment we picked up some essentials, and then settled in for the rest of the night. Helen and I watched Silver Linings Playbook, which wasn't too bad.