Ideal pre-teen theme park (Chessington World of Adventures)

Member Name: Linnyg

Product:	Chessington World of Adventures
Date:	13/10/09 (42 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Rides and atrractions aimed at younger children and families

Disadvantages: Nothing much for serious thrill seekers

Some years ago Chessington was the up to date theme park and Thorpe Park was lagging somewhat behind. Since then the major investment and new rides have gone to Thorpe Park so they are now aimed at very different markets. I visit Chessington every year with a group of 9-12 year olds and it is ideal for this age range, and younger.

Chessington offers something for most 'tweenagers'. The safari skyway offers a birds eye view of the animals in the smallish zoo section, as well as a quick way to see them without having to walk around them. Chessington has long since dropped the 'zoo' from its title. Most of the bigger animals have been moved elsewhere and although you could spend an hour or two looking around the animals I wouldn't go there primarily for that. In the off peak season you can pay just to go and see the zoo.

There are a variety of rides for young children, families, such as Bubbleworks and mildly scary ones for children who fancy them, such as the Pirate Ship. Vampire is described as a first rollercoaster and fits this discription well, although very tame compared to other rollercoasters. Only two rides have the maximum 1.4m hight restriction so most older primary age children will be able to get on most of the rides.

However Chessington is not an ideal destination for teenagers and adults who enjoy fast/ scary rides. Thorpe Park and other theme parks fit this group better, although the admissions are more expensive.

Avoid entering any shops with children, or if you are easily tempted as the prices are astronomical. The food is also expensive, with limited choice. We find it easier to take a packed lunch that can be eaten in the queues to maximise ride time, especially important on a busy day.

If at all possible it is well worth going on a non peak day, ie not during school holidays or weekends. The queues are almost non existent. If this isn't possible arrive when it opens, then visit rides with the longest queues, or the ones you most want to go on first. Rather than go around the park from the entrance (most people go clockwise) walk to the furthest part of the park first (log flume etc.) and do these first whilst the queues are shorter. Then do smaller rides in the middle of the day when queues are longest and bigger rides again at the end, when many have left.

Summary: Plan your day