UK Attractions

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum, and I wanted to start by asking a quick question about the trip I am planning to Chessington on the 14th of December. I have been to the park once before during the summer time and it has been really busy - should I do expecting this for my trip in December, or is it going to be much quieter? Also, it would be useful to know which rides to do first, queue times expected, and places to eat. I hope it's going to be a great trip! Thanks!!

I thought there was a Brean topic, but can't seem to find one so thought I'd make one! The ex-Hastings "Speed Wave" Mondial Top Scan is open at the park until September. Unknown if it will return to Hastings, or go travelling again after it's temporary stay at Brean. The ride is still owned by the Hastings owners but is on loan to Brean.

Just something what I've noticed more and more recently on not just these forums but various forums about the UK's parks is the slating of Merlin and it got me thinking are they really that bad? I know people don't like things such as paid fastrack but these are things which have been around way before Merlin got involved with Thorpe / Alton / Cwoa, and what business sense would it be for them to come in and but that what must be fairly high revenue stream? I think Merlin have actually done a pretty good job with "The big 3" of our parks since they took over.. At Towers we've had: Mutiny Bay - Much better than what was previously there, well themed and good area IMO …

Discuss anything to do with Longleat Safari park here!

I am horrified to see you don't have a fireworks topic for Alton Towers. Consider that rectified. Anyway I was on park today and when not observing a certain new ride shed components, I took some more fireworks construction pics. As you enter the park you see the following across the lake. Notice not only the low lights but also the 3 towers. A zoom shot through the fog at one of the towers. Scooting round the back here's one of the towers and another Zoomie Zoomie Some lighting The third tower Some boxes lights that don't want to become parents the lights at the front, must be new as they still have the cellophane on them And you would think that that was it,…

Just a topic about hidden bits of Chessington that can't be seen to the naked eye, is anyone able to shed light on any sort of hidden pathways or interesting bits of Chessington?I've seen that Rodeo queue is still in working condition, all with the cow horns and also the control box, anyone else able to shed any light what it was used for after it closed up?

Everyone just pretend Alton Towers is yours to manage. And to prevent arguments, you might have unlimited money, no planning permission needed and unrealistic aspects. Basically, try not to shout at each other because their park is 'unrealistic', that is the point, it's yours. Cheers.I'll post mine later.

I didn't know if there was a topic for this or not but I am wondering something anyway! Guys if you have a merlin annual pass is it free to access chessingtons zoo days or is there a £5 event fee? If you don't have to pay do you need to pre-book or do you just go and scan your pass on the turnstile as normal? Thanks

The British Airways London Eye has been under tussauds ruling for quite a while now, and its no different with our new daddymerlin.Giving us fantastic views of our beloved capital, the london eye - constructed for the millenium - has been a massive success and one of londons's top attraction. Situated on the southbank, its in prime position to see all the famous landmarks for a bird eye view. Dont forget to visit - its now included in your annual pass.Go, fly with the london eye. Discuss!

Flying Jumbos is located in Toytown.I personally find the audio really cheesey but in a good way! :(Flying Jumbos is a great ride for the kids and for the big kids too! Discuss Flying Jumbos here!..

Monkey Swinger was origionally Billy's Whizzer before Beanoland changed to Wild Asia.I think the change is better and Monkey Swinger looks fantastic! Discuss Monkey Swinger here!

For the people who never saw vampire like this, or for people who want to remember it.. Last ever ride leaving.. and its final estop by rides staff, as filmed by Chessington Staff it seems

Peeking Heights is located in Mystic East at Chessington & Zoo.Peeking Heights used to be loacated at THORPE PARK which was called Eclipse.This was Eclipse at Thorpe Park (before located to Chessie).Peeking Heights which currently is a Chessington looks like this...Peeking Heights suits Chessington & Zoo alot more imo due to Chessington's target audience.Discuss Peeking Heights here...

Quite inevitably, here is the ultra super, duper, amazingly cool poll and the choice is simple. What is your favourite (so in other words, the best) rollercoaster at Alton Towers. Make your choice and then you can discuss it if you wish or not. Or whatever. I chose Nemesis because its just pure relentlessness from start to about 2 seconds after the vertical loop. But you may choose differently. And below are some pictures of those rides, just in case you've forgotten what they look like. Edit - I totally forgot Rita. The Smiler - The Worlds first rollercoaster with three different opening dates. Air - So technologically advanced it got superseded by two other f…

TowersStreet have posted that the plans for a 'hotel extension / third hotel' have been posted online today. Based on the plans, it will - Be located behind ATH, at the other side of the garden - Include a new garden development - Feature its own reception, toilets, bar and new 204-seat buffet restaurant Great to see!

Topic for any random old pictures you might have of Chessington.I've just found a few from what must be 1994ish of me in a pram with my family. On ride photo from Dragons falls, pictures from truckers with railway in the background, bubbleworks.I will upload eventually lol

Griffins Galleon is located in Land of the Dragons at Chessington & Zoo.To be honest, out of all the times I have visited, I have never been on Griffins Galleon.Next time I go to Chessington & Zoo, I am making sure I go on it.I have heard the audio for Griffins Galleon is great! (Lets hope the ride is too! )Any thought or opinions guys and girls?

I made this topic because I dont think there is one...And Ive just found out today that Boris, the big fat sealion has passed on...I gonna miss him

Hi guys. I have exciting news; it appears that Alton Towers is holding a consultation about building an “indoor attraction” on the former site of the Alton Mouse, within Coaster Corner (the area behind World of David Walliams): Those “in the know” apparently think that this is to be the next Secret Weapon. I’ve got to say, I think this is brilliant news! A new indoor attraction will definitely add some variety to Alton Towers’ lineup, which should hopefully allay recent concerns about the park lacking filler rides! With this being in/near TWODW, I doubt that it’ll be anything too thrilling, but I think the park needs more middle-ground things with a …

Alton Towers’ latest accommodation project for next year. Pods have already been sighted arriving on site. Current plans: Logo: There’s also a competition to win a stay next year: https://www.altontowers.com/stars/

Big news from Chessie then. https://www.cwoa-consultation.com/ TL;DR Wild Asia to be rethemed with a new coaster. Kobra survives. The Glamping binned off too as seemingly only on temp permission anyway. Mexican (but not Rattlesnake) killed off for a land akin to CBeebies. Other stuff like Lodges (when did that happen) and Water Park are on-going.

Discuss Will be interesting to see how the old space is used, and whether the level of effort in terms of theming has been put into it, similarly to The Gruffalo

There's no doubt that Chessington is one of the best themed parks in the UK, full of quirkiness and beautiful design, each area transporting you all over the world.Here you can talk about anything to do with Chessington's themed areas. Got any pictures? Post them here! Shun the non believers.... shunnnnnnn.

Seeing as though the Thorpe Park thread went down nicely, thought it might be fun to do one about Alton Towers too. Again, I’ll go first: The original Haunted House wasn’t that great, and people only hold it in such a positive way purely because of nostalgia and if it were to be recreated 1:1 today would be a flop.

Chessington plans to open its new sea-life centre in the Zoo this season. Discuss here Chessington's new investment.