Well we’d like to begin with a HUGE thank you to Chessington for inviting us to the media opening day. All opinions are our own and not influenced by the park themselves.
Land Of The Tigers!
Well it’s safe to say walking into the area is something special. The attention to detail is incredible. In comparison the Mystic East (former area) it’s certainly has more of detailed theme however feels familiar too.
The tiger’s enclosure is perfectly integrated into the area. It’s basically all around you whether you’re on Tiger Rock or strolling around. It fits the area perfectly by making it look so natural to the area. You can get so close to the Tigers pretty much regardless to where you are in the area except near the station area.
Majority of the buildings have had a complete re-theme and paint which really has enhanced the experience. The buildings themselves look stunning. The bunting and banners just make the buildings look spectacular. The buildings for us has added a new lease of life into the area and given such a fresh feeling.
Tiger Rock!
When entering the area and turning the corner the views of Tiger Rock are truly breath taking. Especially the Tiger’s head on the final drop it’s made it all feel so much more modern and beautiful too. Nothing compares to standing in front of the final drop and having the gorgeous view of the detailed tiger head with the mist in the middle.
The station was a pleasant surprise and truly something special. You enter the queue in the same place as before and cross the loading platform. It’s become very atmospheric with the changes made, creating a lighter and happy vibe. The lighting within the station sets the vibe perfectly for the ride’s theme. Audio reflecting and adding onto the lightings mood. Also noticeable change is the tigers head on the wall whilst beginning the ride. The tigers head features faint projection mapping which could be easily missed if not looking carefully. Whilst on the loading platform the walls to the left have become something unique. With a beautiful silhouette of tigers within their habitats. This adds an interesting visual effect and something quite special. Not to forget the show within the station every few minutes, where the lights dimmed and the tigers heads project mapping goes into full show mode!
Ride experience has changed mainly within tunnel and final drop. Where you used to enter the Dragon’s mouth previously has just been painted black this does have room for potential improvements to take away the dragon outline . Visually outside there’s not much to the theming. The tunnel becomes more of a surprise after turning the corner we didn’t expect anything inside. However our main highlight within this tunnel is the tigers head to the left hand side with mist, coming out of the mouth whilst hearing the roaring audio. That tunnel’s theming inside is brilliant overall such a lovely touch to the ride. After exiting the tunnel we were fortunate enough to have little interaction with one of the tigers. As we passed the glass the tiger began to chase the boat which was heading down the final drop. This experience was truly fab! Just been so close to the beautiful tiger whilst riding a log flume. Another major change of course is the most noticeable the final drop. Whilst passing through the Tiger’s head has created a head chopper element.
Overall we were / are so impressed and personally cannot find a fault with any of it. We can’t recommend enough it’s perfect for all the family above 1.2m. We can’t express what an incredible job the team at Chessington have done. We’d recommend checking this brand new area out.