CHESSINGTON World of Adventures has finally launched its new World of Jumanji, and I was lucky enough to try the new rides ahead of it opening to the public.
After years in the making, the Surrey theme park and zoo offered a special preview of the world’s first Jumanji themed land, with the world’s only Jumanji rollercoaster, before it officially opened on May 15.
The new themed land brings to life Sony Pictures’ box office hit film franchise with three new rides open to visitors.
The new attraction is Chessington’s single largest investment in its history and is a feat of engineering, with 144 tonnes of steel track used (the equivalent weight of 96 hippos to give context) to create an exhilarating new rollercoaster ride, Mandrill Mayhem.
When we visited the theme park for the launch event on May 13, a host of invited guests including celebrities and media gathered outside the gates for a celebratory opening ceremony.
Following a countdown, a curtain was dropped and fireworks launched before guests made their way to the main attraction – Mandrill Mayhem.
The winged, launch, shuttle rollercoaster, with Chessington’s first inversion, sped over our heads as we queued to try it out.
Screams of terror and delight from the first riders rang across the World of Jumanji filling me with both nerves and excitement. I put on a brave face in front of my six-year-old thrill-seeking son, whose first go on Chessington’s Vampire Ride was when he was only four-years-old!
My son was just over the 1.2 metre height requirement to go on Mandrill Mayhem but as we strapped into our seats, I suddenly felt a rush of irrational panic that he would fall out, and nervously checked his straps were securely fastened. I need not have worried as the staff meticulously check everyone is in safely before giving the go-ahead to launch.
Suddenly, we were swept up in the long arms of the mandrill, speeding backwards on the tracks in a fast and thrilling ride.
My stomach flipped as we were turned upside down at 42 miles per hour, while dodging the hazards of the jungle and spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. With barely enough time to catch my breath, it was all over and we got off feeling giddy with adrenaline and excitement.
“Wow, that was awesome,” was the verdict of my son, who immediately wanted to do it all over again.
We compromised and enjoyed a foot-long hot dog from the World of Jumanji’s themed catering facility before trying the other two slightly tamer rides Mamba Strike and Ostrich Stampede.
My son whooped with joy as we took a whirlwind ride on the back of an Ostrich, springing up and down and round and round with the wind in our faces.
Alongside the three new rides, families can enjoy other Jumanji-themed activities, including a maze of pathways reminiscent of the boardgame in the 1996 film.
Scott O’Neil, chief executive officer of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington, said: “The amazing World of Jumanji is ready to welcome all ‘those who seek to find, a way to leave their world behind’. Years in the making by the best teams in the business and full of ‘firsts’, we can’t wait to share the adventures within World of Jumanji.
"And, with Chessington’s first inversion, we know that we have created an experience that will turn seasoned enthusiasts - and a new generation of rollercoaster fans - upside down.”
Jeffry Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and head of location based entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment, added: “The Jumanji franchise has generations of fans who can now enjoy the story in a whole new way. The opening of World of Jumanji will provide a unique thrilling experience for all adventurers for many years to come.”
For those who want to extend their stay, Chessington’s Safari Hotel has six new World of Jumanji themed bedrooms.
For us, Basingstoke is just a 50 minute journey away by car so we were able to enjoy a full day at Chessington before heading home.
The theme park offers the perfect family day out, with attractions suited to all ages including rollercoasters, animals, parks and entertainment. We fit a lot into the day, but it’s impossible to do everything, giving us a good reason to return.
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