Wiggles World was a themed land located at Australian theme park Dreamworld that was based on The Wiggles, before shifting focus into ABC Kids properties as a whole. In 2015, it became a sub-area of ABC Kids World.
The land was opened to the public on September 17, 2005, and permanently closed as ABC Kids World on October 8, 2023 to make way for future development at the park.
History[]
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. On September 17, 2005, Wiggles World officially opened to the public with a performance by The Wiggles. The land initially featured the brand new Big Red Car Ride which was located in the former Gum Tree Gully Theatre, the S.S. Feathersword outdoor play area, the Fun Spot, the Yummy Yummy Food Outlet, and Farmyard Friends, a rebranded version of the Gum Tree Gully Farmyard.
In September 2006, to celebrate the area's first anniversary, a new ride - Dorothy's Rosy Red Teacup Ride, was added to the area.
In 2008, Wiggles World was updated to feature Sam as the yellow Wiggle on all signage and attractions that formerly featured Greg.
In 2010, Farmyard Friends was closed and blocked off, with the animals being relocated.
In 2012, Wiggles World returned to the original line-up of Wiggles due to Greg's return. In December, a new ride - the Big Red Boat Ride, was added to the area.
In 2013, Wiggles World was temporarily closed so it could update to the 2013-2021 Wiggles. They also updated the Big Red Car ride with Emma's Room.
In 2015, it was announced that Wiggles World would be extended and re-themed as ABC Kids World. Some of the Wiggles attractions were rebranded, with the Fun Spot and Yummy Yummy Food Outlet becoming ABC Kids themed, and the S.S. Feathersword becoming a Giggle and Hoot attraction. The "Wiggles World" sign was also moved to in front of Wigglehouse, effectively making it now a sub-area of ABC Kids World.
In 2020, The Big Red Car Ride was permanently closed. However, one of the former ride cars became a photo op inside the vacant building.[1]
In 2022, Wiggles World was updated to feature Tsehay as the yellow Wiggle on all signage and attractions that formerly featured Emma.
In 2023, it was announced that ABC Kids World will be redeveloped into a new theme area at Dreamworld called "Rivertown." The ABC Kids theming was moved to a new theme area - Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland, featuring two new Wiggles themed attractions; a Big Red Plane spinner, and a Big Red Boat coaster.
Wiggles World and ABC Kids World closed on October 8, 2023, and were demolished shortly afterwards to make way for Rivertown.
Shopping and Dining[]
Wiggles World is also home to a wiggly merchandise shop and a dining outlet. Guests can purchase a variety of Wiggles merchandise items from The Wiggles Shop, while they can top up on food at the Yummy Yummy Food Outlet. In 2015, both places were re-themed to fit the ABC Kids World theming.
Character appearances[]
Wiggles World gives guests the chance to meet the Wiggles' friends. Guests can have their photo taken with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword. The Wiggles themselves often make appearances and performances at the park to advertise the area. Mascot costumes of the Wiggles have also made intermittent appearances in the park.
Attractions[]
Big Red Car Ride[]
Located inside the former Gum Tree Gully Theatre, the Big Red Car Ride was a dark ride that takes 6 guests at a time on a car journey through Wigglehouse. The house features Wag's Kennel, Henry's Underwater Big Band, and Dorothy's rosy garden. The attraction had its soft opening on September 13, 2005 with The Wiggles themselves being the first riders, and later opened to the public with Wiggles World on September 17, 2005. The ride was developed by Arvus Group and Simtech, two New Zealand-based firms who have previously worked with Walt Disney Imagineering prototyping autonomous vehicles.
In 2020, the ride was permanently retired. One of the former ride cars remained outside the vacant attraction as a photo op before the closure of ABC Kids World, and was demolished in 2023.[1]
Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride[]
Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride was a teacup ride. It was introduced in September 2006, a year after the park's opening. Following closure, the ride was dismantled and scrapped.
Big Red Boat Ride[]
Added in 2012, the Big Red Boat Ride was a flat ride themed after the Big Red Boat. Following closure, the ride was dismantled and scrapped.
S.S. Feathersword[]
Rethemed to the Giggle and Hoot Playship in 2015. The attraction building was demolished following closure.
Fun Spot[]
Houses activities for kids as well as concerts hosted by Dreamworld staff. The attraction building was demolished following closure.
Farmyard Friends[]
A petting zoo with a host of animals. It was permanently closed in 2010.
Wiggle Bay[]
Dreamworld's neighbouring waterpark WhiteWater World is home to Wiggle Bay, a Wiggles-themed area catered to younger children. It features musical and interactive water play activities, a shallow pool, and four Wiggles-coloured waterslides.
As a Filming Location[]
During its original run (2005–2015), Wiggles World also served as a filming location for Wiggles videos on occasion. Racing to the Rainbow used the park's Wigglehouse and SS Feathersword Dockyard as backgrounds. It saw more frequent use with the Emma-era Wiggles lineup, with episodes of Ready, Steady, Wiggle! beginning with one or all of the Wiggles exiting the park's Wigglehouse through Flora Door. The area was featured prominently in Wiggle Town!, especially in the closing song Come on Down to Wiggle Town.
Trivia[]
- The Big Red Car model featured in The Wiggles Movie and Wiggly Safari could be found parked outside of its eponymous ride between 2016 and 2017.