Originally Posted By davewasbaloo We we decided today to surprise the kids with a trip to Chessington World of Adventures using our Merlin Annual Passes (so far we have saved £1550 - $2330 using them, bargain). We arrived a little after 11, after a slow start with heavy traffic, an hour after opening. We started with a meander through Hocus Pocus Hall, a child friendly, 3D horror maze, where the Imps come alive. It is like a good old fashioned fun house with air cannons to surprise, things that jump and a mirror maze. Mikey loved it, and sadly, Jessica is still scared of it. We then let the kids do some kiddy rides like the berry bounce while I made some work calls. I have a new potential opportunity only 40 miles from our house, and another in Sub Saharan Africa. Then into the new Area Wild Asia. This is excellent, and feels like a slightly cheaper version of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Although the rides and theming got thumbs up, it was the ability to feed the lorikeets and the interactive talking tree that really got the kids' (and daddy's attention). We had a really great time here. Being in Wild Asia, Duck Hoi Sin Noodles and sweet and Sour chicken with spring rolls were the order of the day for lunch. After lunch it was on to the Pirate Ship (the kids wanted to sit at the back, and Jess, being 5, got some killer air time, i had to hold her down), a trip through the lovely Bubbleworks dark ride (not as great as it used to be sadly, but still fun) and the kids were finally big enough (and daddy small enough - I would have not fit on last time I was here) to all ride the Vampire as a family. This was the UK's first suspended coaster, and though there are no inversions, this one packs a punch. The kids loved it (we thought they might be a bit nervous, but it became their favorite attraction - along with feeding the birds). We then enjoyed a monorail ride over the animal enclosures, followed by a trip through the Tomb Blaster. This used to be a wonderful darkride, almost of the quality in some ways as the indy dark ride in Calfiornia. Sadly, even before Disney got the bug, they decided to make this another lame lazer tag ride (an excuse for reduced maintenance of the AA's if you ask me). It is still fun, but nowhere near as much as it used to be. Half way in line, Jess needed the loo (although she did, it turned out to be an excuse, she did not want to tell Daddy the ride scares her - lol), Mikey and I had fun. Then it was off on the Runaway mine train, a dinner of Fajitas, Tacos, Spicy Wedges and nachos for dinner, then a trek around to see some of the animals. I am really impressed with the Savannah behind the Holiday Inn, it now means we have something like Animal Kingdom lodge on our door step. Ok, it is only 5 zebra and 2 scimitar oryx, but still for a place that costs a fraction and has better service than AKL, this is cool. At 6:30 we had to say goodbye after the park closed, and founght our way for near 3 hours to drive the 82 miles home. Sadly there was a major accident coupled with significant roadwarks. I used to be very impressed with Chessington in the past, and with the new Wild Asia section and the excellent zoo work near the hotel that emerged this year, I am really excited about what the future brings. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=188442&id=744599997&l=afffd3a3da" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/album....ffd3a3da</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well I am guessing non Disney/non American trip reports are of 0 interest? I'll not bother next time.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Sorry, Dave. I just read your TR and it's certainly interesting to me!! I've never been to England and doubt I will get there anytime soon. So hearing about people's trip reports to other theme parks is truly fascinating. Hopefully Chessington will improve on some of its faults, but it certainly sounds like a fun and well run park, overall. Thanks for posting, even if I may be the only one to respond!
Originally Posted By Tandelothien I also enjoyed hearing all about your trip. This is the only way I get to find out about these obscure little parks around the world
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, thanks guys. I sometimes wonder whether people are interested. I am glad to see you are. It is a fun park, it used to be my fav park in the UK before Legoland Opened. 5 years ago this place was not in a good way, but now, they really are kicking it up a notch. I hope it continues.
Originally Posted By u k fan Dave, I've only just seen this thanks to your bump. I've only been to Chessington once and it was 11 years ago (my 21st birthday). I remember quite enjoying it, but I seem to remember, as at all UK parks, there are some killer hills?!!!
Originally Posted By u k fan And keep posting your trip reports - we never would have done Legoland last year without them!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Cool. It is not too bad for hills (compared to the others). There are some gradual inclines however. Remember Kiz, if you guys shop at Tesco, the vouchers can get you an AP good at Legoland, Chessington, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park (ok maybe not a priority there), Madame Tussauds, Warwick Castle, Sea Life Centres, and the London Eye (not mentioning the Dungeons as I know you are not a fan). Glad the trip report is useful then.
Originally Posted By u k fan We usually use our points for channel crossings, but I'll have to have a look at that. Thanks for the tip. We did price up Legoland AP's for us and the boys this year, but did DLP instead!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I don't blame you. Though I have to be honest, this year the MAPs have been a bargain: WE have saved £1504.62 on admissions and food discounts and in return did as a family: 6 days Legoland 4 days Chessington 1 day Warwick Castle 1 day Birmingham Sea Life 1 day Hunstanton Seal Sanctuary 1 day Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester 1 day Alton Towers 50% off Alton Mini Golf 50% off Alton Towers Hotel 75% off Chessington Holiday Inn Then took my brothers to Thorpe Park and got discounts on their entry Solo: 2 x Madame Tussauds 1 x London Dungeons 1 x London Eye (there is a cool 3D movie of London in there too). So far on one year's groceries we have managed 2 Eurotunnel crossings and our MAPs. Fab!
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I've seen pictures of Chessington. Good to hear from someone who has been. One day I will make a European trip. Wife might not like the sidetrips to parks...but if I'm paying, too bad.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Any questions about the parks Skipper, let us know. On my FB there are a few different sets of pics. Besides this trip that you have seen, we have pics from Halloween as well: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118350&id=744599997&l=3ccce95907" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/album....cce95907</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118359&id=744599997&l=f63ae85da3" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/album....3ae85da3</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=118368&id=744599997&op=18" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/album....97&op=18</a> It's not a major destination park, it is more on the scale of say Kennywood or Knott's.
Originally Posted By dshyates Thanks for the trip report. Sounds like you guys had a great time out with the kids. And I love hearing what other parks in other places have to offer.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo My pleasure. For other trip reports to other parks and attractions, check out my Facebook photo album - Hunstanton Seal Sanctuary, London Dungeons, Alton Towers, Legoland, Legoland Discovery Centre and of course DLP are all in there for so far this season.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Have you ever gone to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Dave? I'm curious to hear your take on the park. Most coaster enthusiasts whom I know who've gone to the park absolutely rave about the park. I realize it's very old, but have heard a few say it feels rundown somewhat. Others say that it's just its character and it's a wonderful place to experience (I guess like visiting old Coney Island). Just curious of your viewpoint...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yep, I have been there a few times. It is a real mixed experience. It is a mix of the old (like the very fun Big Dipper or even better the duelling woodie, the Grand National - great bunny hops), the really poor kitsch - like the Alice in Wonderland ride with painted concrete statues from the 1960's that look like that was the last time it was maintained, with some highly themed experiences like Valhalla log flume/dark ride, and some very modern like the Pepsi Max Big One (was the world's tallest coaster when I was at college) and dancing fountains. It feels like Coney Island or Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk but on a larger scale. Ride historians love it (for good reason, there is a golden zepher type attraction that is nearly 100 years old, plus the two woodies, and the UK's first looping coaster). There are some dark rides, horror mazes and a lot of carnival rides, as well as carnival games. The place has free entry and then you either pay seperately for the attractions or buy an unlimited ride wrist band. Blackpool is a pretty trashy town, and tries to be the Vegas of the North, but it really is full of lots of drunk stag and hen (bachelor and bachelorette parties). But besides the Pleasure Beach, there are lots of live shows (not quite Vegas, but they advertise them as being in the style - more Branson me thinks), the Blackpool Tower which is like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower and was an engineering marvel in it's day. There is a ball room with a wurlezer organ in it which is famous in the UK and popular with old people. Then there are the traditional piers, donkey rides and wonderful old trams that work their way up and down the front. Then there are a lot of tacky attractions such as an Aquarium, Ripley's Believe it or Not and a very poor Wax museum. As well as junk stores and adult pole dance/lap dance clubs. It is a real love it or hate it place. And it is very popular with the working classes of the North - Manchester, Liverpool, even Leeds and Sheffield to a degree. As a kid, I used to enjoy it. My Dad used to work there a lot when he was with the Drifters. It is a bit seedy and trashy, but it is fun.
Originally Posted By u k fan I haven't been to Blackpool in years, it's a dump, but the fish and chips are nice!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Blackpool may improve next year. Merlin are investing £10m in doing up the tower into the Blackpool Eye, converting the aweful wax museum into Mme Tussauds of the North, and refurbishing the Winter Gardens. Also, the BPB will be getting a Nicklodean themed area (not a big draw, but it is something).
Originally Posted By FerretAfros That looks like a fun little park. I'd never heard of it before, but it looks quite nice! I can't count the number of times your pictures made me smile. It's always great to see a family enjoying a day out together!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Ferret. This park was just simply a zoo for about 60 years, then in the mid 80's they turned it into really one of the UK's fully themed parks. It is small, and not Disney standard of theming, but still, they tried. But the new stuff that is going in is pretty impressive for the level they are aiming. If I said which is more interesting to me, the upcoming Toy Story Playland at WDSP or Wild Asia, Wild Asia wins on pretty much every level. And as a Disney fan, that makes me really sad. Glad you enjoyed.
