A little late to the party I know. But we finally got around to visiting to check out the brand new area that’s not long opened at Chessington and it was a little different to what I had expected if I’m honest. But nevertheless, a brand new area is something which I’m always delighted to see. Let’s have truthful and honest about my thoughts on the area.
Entering & Atmosphere:
Stepping through the entrance portal to be welcomed by the inversion from Mandrill Mayhem above you and Jaguar wrapped with B&M track. It’s quite the entrance everything is just placed beautifully to make it feel like a wow moment. I’m sure it was calculated for that reason but it’s still an epic entrance to the area. I wouldn’t perhaps it made me feel like I was stepping into another universe as such but it’s a nice entrance at least. We visited halfway through the day and the atmosphere was okay but somewhat chaotic (imagine a Saturday in the middle of August). It felt a little bit disorganised and people seemed in a rush to make their reservation time for Mandrill. But I’m not sure we had the fairest of shots to experience the true vibe of the area. Upon my first impressions, it wasn’t quite what I had anticipated I get we are in a jungle & no doubt due to the time of the day we visited it was quite messy with a lot of litter scattered around the floor.
Theming & Audio:
With regards to theming the overall area looks ace from a standpoint of overlooking it all upon entering. There are a lot of Easter eggs and different animals with audio synched to them which is really fun. However, I presume the weathered effect is how it’s supposed to be. I don’t know much about Jumanji to truthfully pass judgment on that. Although, there was a lot of litter scattered around which did take away this is greatly themed to make it feel more like oh the area feels like it’s been here for years & just another area like elsewhere in the park. But let’s put those things aside looking up from the ground and away from the bad day to visit. The small theming with nods and notes is epic. I can see the purpose but I’m fairly confident we just chose an excessively busy and not the best of days to visit. Perhaps our next trip it’ll feel different.
The Ride Selection:
Within the area, there are 3 rides to choose from. Two supporting SBF flat rides which seemingly had a lot of downtime during our trip. However, both of them were beautifully themed and fitted the area perfectly. I was always sceptical as to whether the two supporting flats would look too much like a fun fair for this bold-themed area but honestly, you’d never know the SBF as they are made to incorporate in so effortlessly. Mandrill Mayhem is a substantial attraction which I’ll discuss below.
Mandrill Mayhem:
Of course, Ant didn’t manage to get around to riding this due to the 2-hour+ long reservation wait (expected in August). However, off-ride it looks fab with the enormous Jaguar theming statue sitting proudly with the coaster wrapping itself around him. It looks really exceptional and a lot taller than I had expected. The coaster train looks much better in person the mandrills sitting on the carriage itself are a lovely finishing touch. From the outside, I’m not too sure about the station but I do feel with me not knowing a lot about Jumanji that’s an uncalled judgement to make though. The dispatches were few and far apart from each but it’s one train with A LOT of people wanting to ride so it’s understandable & expected. It looks like an okay speed off-ride I’m very excited next year to see if it’s one of those misleading coasters (I suspect so). People within the plaza area for this ride did seem a little ruffled and overwhelmed with the reservation situation. There was a lot of rush from guests but also a lot of bottlenecking spilling around the area from guests trying to figure out what to do & get scanned into the ride. I’m not sure if the virtual queuing is a temporary measure or long-term but from what we saw & heard it’s something which potentially needs to be reconsidered to allow a smoother experience for guests and staff. With there being only one staff member to check all these people’s reservations & give them direction on what to do you can’t help but feel for them!
Overall:
If I’m honest I headed to Chessington with the expectation to be taken in with the magic and feel lost within this world. But if I’m honest that didn’t quite happen for me during this visit. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I was a little bit surprised and taken aback by how little I felt immersed. But I’m relatively certain it was due to the high crowd levels and the hurry of everyone heading into the area for their reservations. There’s no taking away from the fact the theming that’s been created is incredible I can see the purpose of the area clear as day but maybe I would have felt differently if I knew more about Jumanji itself. So, my mission is to catch up and understand the movie more to then hopefully embrace the area for the full glory it’s meant to be. I also plan to visit during an off-peak day to fully lapse it up & no doubt my opinions will alter once I’m able to ride the rides in the area next season. Nonetheless, it was exactly what Chessington needed a brand new area with extra rides to develop the park. To think of what was once just a grassy area to what it’s become it’s extraordinary regardless. The team have done a great job & I guess if you’re a fan of the IP you’d feel fully immersed and thoroughly enjoy the area. Please, don’t take this as me saying I don’t like the area I just don’t know enough regarding the IP to completely appreciate it as such as it’s definitely an area I feel you need to know to get it, does that make sense?
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What are your thoughts on World of Jumanji?
Thank you for reading!