Chessington History 1998

Yet another big year for the park with the first roller coaster since Vampire to open, due to heavy planning restrictions. The Rattlesnake a wild mouse coaster was dug and built into the ground and this defiantly worked to its advantage! Opening slightly late in 1998 the Rattlesnake became rather aptly for its name, part of Calamity Canyon and was placed where the old reptile house was.

Which also meant that this was re-located as another new attraction for 1998, Creepy Caves, a vastly improved walk through the world of inserts and reptiles that so many fear. Also new for 1998 was the opportunity to eat high street food at high street prices! With the introduction of the very first theme McDonalds in Transylvania replacing Black Forest Chateau, and KFC and Pizza Hut in the Market Square.

Improved for 1998 was Action Man, with more added in what would be its first full season open. The Circus also got a new show, and although it was great that the park was changing the shows, the new “Fun City Show” would be the circus’s last year at the park. Also Smugglers Cove was re-named to Pirates Cove, the Runaway Mine Train, was re-named Runaway Train and yet again Animal Experiences was re-named to Animal Land. It also spelt the end for Dr Chessington, who didn’t return for 1998.

1998 would also be the last year for the Children’s Zoo until many years later.

Also noticeable for 1998 was for the first time a change in logo for Chessington, from the blue more serious logo, to the fun and brightly coloured logo. Also worth noting is that the Rattlesnake wasn’t classed as a 4 star thrill ride, instead 3 star and that the height restriction was only 1.17 metres for just this season. Again worth noting was that both Rodeo and Magic Carpet were 1.39 metres even though both opened as only 1.2 metres. On a side note Calamity Canyon became the first of the main 5 thrill areas to receive 3 rides.