Behind everything that happens at a theme park, there is a small army of people dedicated to making the Thrills, Spills and Memories that Theme Parks are known for. In this special article series, we would like to introduce you to some of the people behind the scenes at Dreamworld.
First up is a two-part feature with Dreamworld CEO, Greg Yong.
Who is Greg? Greg is the current Chief Executive Officer of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and Skypoint. Greg is also on the Board of Directors of the Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreational Association (AALARA) and is a Chairman of the Gold Coast Community Fund which a group of business leaders who work to raise funds whilst applying appropriate governance protocols to help people struggling in the Gold Coast area. So, you could say the Gold Coast and theme parks are in his blood.
Running a theme park is a significant challenge, there are lots of moving parts to make it successful, and as CEO, Greg is the chief person responsible for all those moving parts. He was generous enough to give us some time to sit down with him to find out who he is, what Dreamworld means to him, reminisce about the past, and dream about the future.
Greg Yong: I started my career in an entry level management role within the theme park industry and focused on continually growing and developing my skills throughout the years and across various departments. I’ve been lucky enough to work with, learn from and report to some incredibly talented people throughout the years and I think this has had a massive impact on my career.
The Covid-19 pandemic in the world has taken its toll on the tourism sector worldwide, with Dreamworld not being immune to its effects. International and interstate tourists made up a large portion of the park's guests prior to Covid-19, however with the border lockdowns, the business has had to reinvent how it operates to stay viable. As the world reopens, and we start adapting to a Covid normal, the tourism business will once again change, and it is that change and opportunity that gets Greg excited about the future.
What excites me about this industry is its future. There are a million challenges but a million more opportunities to make new memories for guests and to continue growing this business despite the current climate. DWGY: Do you have a favourite theme park and all-time favourite ride? What is it about that theme park and ride that drags you to it?
Greg Yong: Obviously, it’s Dreamworld. You’ll think I’m biased but Steel Taipan is set to be the best rollercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere – I personally can’t wait to experience it and I genuinely think it’s going to be a game-changer for the park.
Steel Taipan, the $32 million dollar roller-coaster is a game changer for the park. This ride will be the first roller-coaster that has been installed since Buzzsaw in 2011. Not only is it exciting, but exciting on a different level. It’s opening means the transformation is complete of the now defunct Gold Rush Country area, helping to give the park a more complete feel.
Greg joined Dreamworld as Chief Operating Officer in 2019, but he was no stranger to the park, previously working in roles around the industry, including at Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the other major theme park operator on the Gold Coast. We asked him what his first memories of Dreamworld are, and what impressed him about Dreamworld.
Greg Yong: Having travelled and seen some bigger parks in major cities around the world, it’s easy to see how different a regional park is. I’ve always been impressed by how Dreamworld has punched above its weight in comparison to other parks. I think it also has an advantage, offering so many theme park elements in one place – including rides, native wildlife, tigers and slides. Finally, as the park approaches its 40th birthday, it’s also important to recognise the much-loved nostalgia surrounding Dreamworld. We’ve brought back things like the ‘take a trip away jingle’ associated with positive memories of the park and have seen some great guest feedback around this. My most vivid memory is probably of the bushranger show seen from the Captain Sturt when I was a little kid, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
40 years is a long time in the business, and throughout the years the park has seen many attractions come and go. His excitement and passion for Steel Taipan is real, we wanted to know what his favourite past ride at the park was as well. Greg Yong: I’ll keep going on about it but at $32 million, it’s hard not to! Steel Taipan is going to
be next level – I can’t wait for it to open and start providing a brand new rollercoaster experience to our guests. Going back, I think there’s also a lot to be said for the Wipeout, I used to love the inversions and hanging in your harness again a favourite when I was much younger!
Wipeout was a game changer for Dreamworld, coming at a time when the park was at a tough time, having been in administration since 1990. Wipeout opened in 1993, and Dreamworld exited liquidation in 1994, ending what had been a turbulent 5 years since John Longhurst sold the park. For the first time there was hope in the park's future.
Much like in the early 90’s, In recent times Dreamworld has had an uncertain future, with various media reporting of the parks downfall. We asked Greg what drew him to take on the role of COO and now CEO of the park.
Greg Yong: I thought (and still do) that Dreamworld had so much potential. I’ve always admired the park and in most aspects of my life, I believe in the underdog – I believe this team can restore the park to its former glory.
Now we have learnt a bit a bit about who Greg is, stay tuned for part 2 of this article we will turn our attention to the present day Dreamworld, and discuss the parks future.
We would like to thank Dreamworld and Mr Yong for their help in putting this article together.
Part 2 - https://dwgoldenyears.wixsite.com/dwgoldenyears/post/dreamworld-behind-the-memories-series-a-chat-with-the-ceo-greg-yong-part-2