Single Rider Installed For Mandrill Mayhem
Wednesday 30th August 2023
Great news for thrill-seekers and solo adventurers! Mandrill Mayhem now offers a single rider line, allowing you to experience the wild twists and turns of this exhilarating ride without needing to find a buddy. Perfect for those looking to maximize their fun and minimize wait times. Head over to Chessington and dive into the action with ease—see you there!
World of Jumanji One Month On
Thursday 15th June 2023
The World Of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures has been open for 1 month now so we wanted to take a second to look back at the huge difference this new area has made to the skyline of the park and what changes have taken place since the area opened on 15th May 2023.
In the first photo there’s a comparison of what the area looked like just a year and a half ago. A picnic filed left empty with the remains of the summer beach. During the summer months this field was full with family’s having picnics and relaxing in the sun. Now the area is totally unrecognisable, transformed into World of Jumanji this space is now home to a brand new B&M rollercoaster along with two new flat rides.
What’s changed around the area?
Not much but we’ve noticed a few bits around the area. Starting off in the entrance portal, signs can be seen advertising that Mandrill Mayhem is operating on a virtual queue system. Guests must scan a QR code and join a virtual queue for the new roller-coaster.
Plants around the area are growing nicely, it wont be long until the outside of the area looks like a jungle. Inside the area, we feel like more plants are needed!
New paper presses similar to the ones found around Shipwreck Coast last year have been installed around the area. These look to be part of a game where you explore the area, stamp a card and redeem a prise at the end.
The food truck located opposite Ostrich Stampede has received a new sign.
The test seat for Mandrill Mayhem has been installed outside the entrance for the roller-coaster.
The gem in the statue for Mandrill Mayhem now lights up green when the train reaches the top and guests shout “Jumanji”
In the queue for Mandrill Mayhem, speakers that where left exposed under the jaguar statue have been enclosed in themed boxes.
The second launch for Mandrill Mayhem has had a new path created, tarmac has been installed to help level out the ground. This is to help evacuate the ride in the chance of the ride stopping and a manual evacuation needed.
Walking into the bazar, a new sign advertising the location of the Jumanji shop have been installed.
In the station for Mandrill Mayhem, luggage boxes have been installed and at the exit signs have been installed saying “No Running”
New themed bins where installed however have since been removed and seem to have been replaced with regular bins.
All small changes but it helps enhance the experience. We can’t wait to see this area grow over the next few years.
Happy 1st month of operating World of Jumanji!
World of Jumanji Officially Opens
Monday 15th May 2023
Today, Chessington World of Adventures Resort opens its gates to the much anticipated attraction, World of Jumanji. The world’s first Jumanji themed land brings Sony Pictures’ box office hit film franchise to life in Chessington’s wildest adventure yet for families, with the world’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, two additional rides and much more.
World of Jumanji in numbers
Chessington’s single largest investment in its history is a feat of engineering, with 144 tonnes of steel track bringing to life the world’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster, Mandrill Mayhem – the equivalent weight of 96 hippos.
In the time it’s taken to construct/build World of Jumanji, you could have watched Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 1,368 times.
Following in the footsteps of the film series’ intrepid characters, guests have the opportunity to locate the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel, lift the curse and save Jumanji, in an ongoing series of heart pounding family adventures found within the new land.
Three new rides
The first adventure, Mandrill Mayhem, is a winged, launch, shuttle rollercoaster, with Chessington’s first inversion. Riders from just 1.2m tall, are swept up in the long arms of a mandrill only to be flipped 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. Sound fun!? How about falling and braving the whole adventure again, this time travelling backwards!
Next up, dodge the fangs of the black mamba on a dizzying, untameable ride in the bazaar, Mamba Strike, which has riders soaring into the sky before swooping back down again. Continue the adventure, swerving a herd of stampeding ostriches on a whirlwind ride in the dunes on Ostrich Stampede.
Alongside three new rides, families encounter other Jumanji-themed activities, including a maze of pathways reminiscent of the boardgame in the 1996 film. To keep adventurers fuelled, there’s themed refreshments in the Bazaar… but there’s no cake!
Themed Hotel bedrooms
Those who wish to extend their stay – although in a little more comfort than the movie franchises’ courageous characters - can spend a night in one of six NEW World of Jumanji themed bedrooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington, said:
“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.”
Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment, added:
“We are excited to have collaborated on a global scale with top tier industry talent at Merlin Entertainments and Chessington World of Adventures Resort for this achievement. 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.”
Stay In The World Of Jumanji At Chessington World Of Adventures
Saturday 13th May 2023
If the World Of Jumanji wasn’t immersive enough, you can now stay in a bedroom in the Chessington World of Adventures hotel themed to the new area.
Drop into your own jungle themed room, complete with Jumanji themed gifts if you can crack the code to the safe, games to play in the room. Your first challenge is to work out how to turn on the game and light up the jewel.
Located on the top floor of the Chessington Hotel, you enter through a themed portal into your mini version of The World Of Jumanji. Inside the rooms is a fantastic mix of vinyl wallpaper complete with 3D props. Above the double bed is a version of the jaguar found within the area, and yes even the jewel lights up! Even the bathroom is full of wildlife, be careful what hides behind the shower curtain.
When staying in The World Of Jumanji rooms you also get a Fastrack to ride all 3 new rides in the Jumanji area. This is currently the only way to guarantee access to all 3 rides. With Mandrill Mayhem only having a virtual queue, it will be first come first served.
Bookings for the World of Jumanji bedrooms can be made via the Chessington website.
https://www.chessingtonholidays.co.uk/jumanji.html
Final Look At World Of Jumanji Before It Opens To The Public
Monday 8th May 2023
In just 7 days' time, Chessington's newest area called World Of Jumanji will open its doors to the public. We’ve followed this project since it was a design on a set of plans, just a field full of grass and now it’s a fully themed area. With a world-class rollercoaster and two flat rides, along with beautiful theming and more surprises to be found along the way.
We thought we’d take one last look at the area before it opens next Monday to the public.
Since our last look at the new area, entrance signs have been installed for all of the attractions in the area. Along with ride restrictions boards, and digital queue time signs. The signs for each attraction are very unique and are very different from each other. No boring vinyl signs here!
Around the entire area, lots of plants have been installed transforming the area into a jungle.
Lots of speakers have also been installed around the area. At the beginning of the day, we could hear music testing for the area with an announcement going off at the entrance portal every 10 minutes. Saying welcome to the area and fun little games and facts from doctor bravestone.
At the entrance into the area, the entrance portal has been themed and a sign installed welcoming you into The World Of Jumanji. Even during the day today work was continuing to finish the structure with vines being fitted to it. Sticking to the artwork, in the top corners of the entrance portal signs have been added. It’s all about the small details!
Digital signage has been added to one of the food and beverage units which appears to still be a work in progress with test text added to it. But it gives us a glimpse as to what food you will be able to buy within the area.
There’s lots of cool new theming added to the area since our last trip such as “Warning Mandrills” within the station and the addition of white Talley marks added within the op console of the ride.
On the grass verge near Ostrich Stampede, a sign has been added saying “It's A Stampede” which can be seen when queuing for the ride.
The bazaar area also looks beautiful from what we can see from the path. We can see this area being very photogenic. A new photo wall for trip photos to Chessington!
Looking for a drink? Another Coke Freestyle unit has been installed in the area. Just look out for the rustic Coke sign and the gas pumps. We wonder if there will be a limited edition Jumanji-themed bottle.
The pathway previously used for Vile Villagers has also reopened. Revealing a new view of the new area not seen for a few months. The back side of the station isn’t themed but over time when the plants grow this should be too much of an issue.
Join us Saturday from 2 pm as we live blog and document the press launch of The World Of Jumanji.
https://live.themeparkguide.biz/?live=WOJPL
