Since founding Gary Goddard Entertainment (GGE) in 2002, the company has, in a very short time, established itself as one of the premier creators of themed experiences.

It is important to note that GGE is not merely creating concepts, but is responsible for designing and producing projects that are already open, and others that are under construction throughout the world. Recent openings under the GGE banner include US hit attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow and Hershey's Great American Chocolate Tour. Gary is now putting his magic to work around the world.

Located in Jakarta, Crossroads of the World is an entirely undercover retail promenade and will form part of the larger Grand Indonesia complex. Instead of repeating itself and creating just another themed mall, GGE has gone a few leaps further and divided the space up into four distinct districts, each with its own personality and flavour. Gary Goddard can be seen here (above) working on a model of the mall.

First, and largest, is the Entertainment District. It captures the energy and excitement of New York City through several neighbourhoods allowing guests to explore, dine and shop in Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo and the Rockefeller Center. In the plaza there GGE has created a spectacular fountain show and other custom productions paying tribute to Broadway.

In the Fashion District, GGE has evoked the vibrance and sensuality of Paris in a setting that bears a resemblance to the film Moulin Rouge. Entertainment here includes fashion shows, audiovisual presentations and other offerings. The third district is the Garden District, an expansive Zen garden setting that borrows from a variety of Asian sanctuaries to create a calm, spiritual setting with glowing candles, rich fragrances and minimalist architecture.

Last is the Market District, a Middle Eastern bazaar with billowing fabrics overhead, mosaic flooring below and glowing fountains and authentic lighting all the way through. It’s also worth noting that the Garden District and Market District, respectively, are home to two small indoor amusement areas with rides themed to their settings.

Currently under construction in the heart of Cotai, Macau, Galaxy Casino & Resort will be an epic destination and is set to open next summer. In addition to an expansive casino, the resort will feature a host of retail and entertainment facilities and is being developed by Hong Kong-based Galaxy Entertainment & Resorts.

Continuing its ongoing collobaration with chocolate maker Hershey Foods, GGE has recently been contracted to create a new retail outlet in the heart of Shanghai, which will open in the spring.

Back in the States, Grand Empire Atlanta (working title) is an exciting new development just a few minutes drive from downtown Atlanta. This massive outdoor/indoor destination entertainment resort will feature retail, three hotels, a large events centre/theatre, as well as an indoor waterpark and theme park. Inspired by European facilities like Tivoli Gardens, Phantasialand and Efteling, the park component will focus on landscaping, architecture and other theming. Many of the rides and attractions here will be making their North American debut.

Finally, GGE has been engaged to re-imagine the classic Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. When it debuts in late 2009/early 2010, the entirely renewed resort will feature over 10,000 rooms, making it the world’s largest hotel. A spectacular new feature on the corner of the Strip, it will also include an incredible retail experience and an entirely original water-based ride that Goddard promises to be every bit as revolutionary as Spider-man was when it debuted at Islands of Adventure in 1999. Watch this space.

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