How to plan a day at Movie World on the Gold Coast

Traveloka Team
21 Oct 2025 - 5 min read

Rocking up without a plan? Not the best move when it comes to Movie World. With blockbuster rides, live shows and street parades, there's a heap going on, and only one day to fit it all in. Whether you're chasing adrenaline, keeping the kids entertained, or just want a smooth day with zero hassle, a bit of prep goes a long way. 

This no-fuss guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, from getting there to what to ride first.

Before you go: plan smart for a smoother day

Make your Movie World day count by getting organised before you roll in:

Book online: It’s often cheaper and you’ll skip the ticket queues.
Check ride maintenance: No one wants to turn up and find their favourite ride shut. Check the park site for updates.
Download the app: The Village Roadshow Theme Parks app shows wait times, maps and lets you jump into virtual queues. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Sort your hit list: Decide what rides and shows are your must-dos so you’re not standing around wondering where to head next.
Getting there: From Brisbane, catch a train to Coomera and jump on the TX7 bus. From the Gold Coast, go to Helensvale, then TX7 it straight to the park.

Get in early and chase the big thrills first

Movie World opens at 9:30am, but the rides kick off at 10am. Aim to rock up 15 - 30 minutes early so you’re ready to make a beeline for the big-ticket rides before the crowds roll in.

Kickstart your adrenaline with:

DC Rivals Hypercoaster: The tallest, fastest, and longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Superman Escape: Launches from 0 to 100km/h in 2 seconds flat.
Green Lantern Coaster: Wild drops and upside-down twists.
Batwing Spaceshot: Straight up 60 metres with G-force to match.
The Flash: Speed Force: Twist, spin and speed along a 67-metre half-pipe at up to 70km/h  in this first-of-its-kind ride-within-a-ride experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pro tip: Fast Track passes will cost you a bit more, but you’ll spend way less time standing in lines and way more time screaming your head off.

Fun for the whole crew

Not just for the daredevils, Movie World has loads for families and littler adventurers. Here are some of our favourites:

Road Runner Rollercoaster
Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster
Wild West Falls Adventure Ride
Justice League 3D: The Ride
Marvin The Martian: Cosmic Boom
Looney Tunes Carousel
Junior Driving School

And don’t miss the new Wizard of Oz precinct. Two new family coasters have landed:

Flight of the Wicked Witch
Kansas Twister

Shows, characters and street vibes

Need a break from the coasters? Movie World’s live entertainment keeps the energy up all day long. Make sure to fit at least one or two of these into your day:

Star Parade (usually 3:30pm): See Batman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny and more cruise down Main Street.
Hollywood Stunt Driver 2: Loud engines, fast turns, and movie-style stunts.
Character meet-ups and dance parties: For the kids (and kids at heart).
Wonder Woman: Lasso of Justice: Action-packed stage show with heroic vibes.
Roxy Theatre 4D: The Wizard of Oz characters bring the chaos, and yes, you’ll feel it.

Where to grab a feed and take five

All that action will work up an appetite. Luckily, there’s no shortage of food options:

Village Bean Coffee House: Get your caffeine fix sorted.
Gotham City Cafe: Burgers, chips, the classics.
Dirty Harry Bar & Grill: Big plates, outdoor seating, good vibes.
Main Street Slice: Grab a pizza slice or garlic bread.
Peter’s Ice Creamery and snack stands: For ice cream, churros, and sugary bribes.

Hack: Eat early or late to skip the food queues. And set a meeting spot before you split up; the Looney Tunes Carousel or the front fountain work a treat.

Facilities made for families

Movie World’s got your back with all the extras to make your day easier:

Stroller hire: AU$20 for kids 6 months+, under 15kg.
Wheelchair hire: Free with ID—just book in advance.
Lockers: Keep your stuff safe while you ride for around AU$12 - $20
Parent swap: One parent rides while the other waits, then swap in without queueing again.
Taz Rest Stop: Baby change and feeding facilities.
Accessibility help: Queue proxy, companion passes, and discounted entry available.

Score more fun with seasonal events

Movie World goes big on seasonal events. If you can time your visit, these are worth the extra effort:

Fright Nights: Scares, horror mazes and late-night rides in October.
White Christmas: Snow, Santa, festive shows and the Polar Express 4D ride in December.
Hooray for Hollywood: Retro movie throwbacks, live performances and character nostalgia.
DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains: Dress up in your best cape and mask, meet iconic DC characters, and watch the epic DC Super Heroes Parade.

Where to stay to go to Movie World

Planning to hit the park early or squeeze in a multi-day theme park blitz? Here are some top stays near Movie World that make it easy to rest, recharge, and keep the good times rolling:

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park & Motel: Whether you're pulling in the caravan, glamping in a safari tent, or booking a cabin or motel room, there's space for everyone here. On-site perks include a pool with slides, a giant jumping pillow, a games area, and even a frisbee golf course.
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort: Think splash zones, glamping tents, and four resort-style pools. There’s a full schedule of kid-friendly activities, plus an on-site bistro for relaxed family dinners.
Mantra Southport Sharks: If you’re after something modern with a few extras, Mantra at Sharks has you sorted. You’ll get free parking, WiFi, a fitness centre, bars, cafes, and restaurants all on site.

FAQs: What to know before you go to Movie World

How long to spend at Movie World?

Plan for a full day. Most visitors spend between 5 and 7 hours to comfortably get through the big rides, shows, and a lunch stop. If you’re bringing kids or visiting in peak season, consider adding on an extra day.

What is the quietest time to go to Movie World?

Mid-week during school term is your best bet. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually quieter. Avoid public holidays and school holidays if you can.

How to dress for Movie World?

Go casual and comfy—think shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunnies. If it’s warm, breathable fabrics are your best mate. There’s no dress code, but thongs or sandals may need to come off on some rides.

How many rides are at Movie World?

There are around 20 rides and attractions, covering everything from high-speed coasters to family-friendly classics.

Does Movie World check your bags?

Yes, there are bag checks at the entrance. Outside food and drink aren’t usually allowed, but sealed water bottles and snacks for young kids are generally fine.

Plan a day at Movie World the easy way

Whether you’re coming from Brisbane, staying on the Gold Coast, or squeezing in a weekend escape, Traveloka helps you book it all in one go: theme park tickets, car hire, nearby hotels and more.

In This Article

• Before you go: plan smart for a smoother day
• Get in early and chase the big thrills first
• Fun for the whole crew
• Shows, characters and street vibes
• Where to grab a feed and take five
• Facilities made for families
• Score more fun with seasonal events
• Where to stay to go to Movie World
• FAQs: What to know before you go to Movie World
• How long to spend at Movie World?
• What is the quietest time to go to Movie World?
• How to dress for Movie World?
• How many rides are at Movie World?
• Does Movie World check your bags?
• Plan a day at Movie World the easy way
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