Chessington History 2012

2012 again saw little to no investment in the park in terms of rides, with attractions once again taking centre stage. The stage in Market Square wasn’t big enough, so the great news is the new stage in the new area Africa will be host DreamWork’s Madagascar LIVE! Prepare to Party, a first in this new live show.

The area which has been developed is around the shops and where the Flying Jumbos have been located, with the stage sitting next to the shops and the seating where the Jumbos used to sit. The shops have been re-themed to Africa style in the shape of the African Trading Co. and the Coffee Hut. This has meant the end of Toy Town with Tiny Truckers and Carousel becoming part of Market Square and The Berry Bouncers becoming the Jungle Bouncers. This also meant the famous weather station had been removed for this year.

The bad news is that although the Jumbos have been re-located in the park, it’s on the old Rodeo site which has been unoccupied for many years. With many hoping for a new thrill ride in the heart of Mexicana they will have to settle for the Flying Jumbos in Forbidden Kingdom instead, it’s not easy to find but it is there! Also there is the re-fresh of Rameses Vault and In addition the Mexicana Cantina has been done out with new front and seating. The previous Cafe Nero in Land of the Dragons has also changed to the Original Sandwich Co. With a show change from the Dragon’s Theatre to the popular shows previous years of The Wild Factor.

Also there is new indoor queuing for Tiny Truckers which gives a good shade from the sun along with new reindeer’s by the entrance area, and a re-fresh for the Pan for gold in Mystic East. Hopefully something much bigger is on the cards for 2013.

A sad accident in mid season in the Tomb Blaster queue not only shut the ride but saw new metal bars installed around the Forbidden Kingdom area queue lines, in addition the old Rodeo statue appeared in Transylvania.