Whether you’re team-’90s – Robin Williams-and-Kirsten-Dunst Jumanji – or team-2010s – The-Rock-and-Jack-Black-and-Kevin-Hart Juman – a world of excitement has just opened up full of monkeys on motorcycles, elephants walking on cars and much more. Chessington World Of Adventures today (May 15) opened the world’s very first Jumanji theme park: World Of Jumanji.
An eye-watering £17 million has been invested in this first-of-a-kind Jumanji world at Chessington World Of Adventures, making it the park’s biggest investment to date. Let’s hope those rampaging CG elephants are kind and don’t trample over it straight away.
The attractions at World Of Jumanji
Key among the attractions at this specially-themed park is the world’s first and only Jumanji rollercoaster. The Mandrill Mayhem takes guests up the Jaguar Shrine and down again, exploring the cinematic universe’s most memorable sights. But you might not have time to notice them, as all the while the ride will be flipping you upside down in an unpredictable manner, much like the mandrill primates themselves. Oh, and then when you reach the end you have to do it all over again – but backwards this time!
The rollercoaster is joined by two further rides that keep the adrenaline rush flowing. The Ostrich Stampede takes riders through the dunes to swerve past troops of angry birds, riding on the back of one of them, no less!
You can then follow that up by heading to Mamba Strike. You’ll need your wits about you on this ride, though to avoid the giant f**king snake that’s hanging around. No biggie for some, I guess…
The World of Jumanji experience is heightened by a maze of pathways that resemble the Jumanji board game. And, much like the cast, guests are expected to weave their way through it and make key decisions along the way.
Staying in Chessington World of Adventure overnight? Then you can also, if you’re lucky enough to nab a booking, spend the evening in one of six World-of-Jumanji-themed bedrooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel.
Chessington World of Adventures
Let’s not forget, however, everything else that Chessington World of Adventures has to offer. In addition to the new Jumanji theme park, are all the other rides across the rest of the theme park. With 40 rides and attractions in total, you’ll have to race to try them all out! The attraction also houses a zoo with over 1,000 animals and a SEA LIFE Aquarium. Plus, there are two hotels and luxury glamping for those who want to spend as long as possible exploring the attractions.
Said Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington:
“Whether you are a fan of the films, a fan of rollercoasters or are looking to take your family adventures to The Next Level, 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.”
Day tickets to Chessington World of Adventures start at just £34. They also offer a variety of short-stay packages as well as annual passes for those who want to come back throughout the year.
Find the Chessington World of Adventures Resort at Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE.