Chessington History 2020

It felt like Chessington had a lot of changes for 2020, however we did go into the season in the know.

First ride closures, or course Rameses Revenge is the biggest closure for 2020, with the site closed off awaiting news on what would be “Croc Drop” for 2021. With the Rainforest coming to the park, this would replace Africa, which meant a re-theme to the Gruffalo Arena to the Mane Stage and the closure and removal of Toadies Crazy Cars.

New for 2020 was the Rainforest, an area which intergrated rides and attractions with animal experiences, some new theme and stunning paintings.

Re-themed into the Rainforest was Treetop Hoppers, which changed direction with 2 further rides being added. The first being a direct replacement for Toadies in Jungle Rangers. Featuring on board audio this took you out around on an animal hunt. Although you were hunting fake animals, in the ground included the parks Capybara, which had been relocated from the Zoo. The second ride was a mini log flume River Rafts. This rides used to be located at Weymouth Sea Life and was rumoured to come to the park, with a drop towers in Mexicana a few years ago. This sits next to and interacts with Jungle Rangers. The Mane stage and a new Treetop shop make up the rest of the Rainforest.

Re-themed for 2020 was the Flying Jumbos with a new Elmer theme. Re-located out of the construction area for the new ride, it was placed on the old Carousel site, spelling the end to the pay cars on this area. The pay cars were moved into an unused grass area close to Elmers.

Vampire hit 30 in 2020 and the park redesigned the famous organ set, with all new lighting AND music for the first time in over 25 years. Marcel was also fully restored with him moving in time with the lights and music.

We said goodbye to Notdogs in Mexicana which was replaced by Vegan Street Dogs although that wouldn’t last the season. Original Sandwich Co. closed in Land of the Dragons, replaced by Dragons Lair Cafe. Mexicana also started to get a re-fresh around the Rattlesnake area and again in Adventure Point at Guest Services. A slight extension to the Gruffalo queue down the side of the building became more permanent.

A few changes in the zoo included the Red Fox with the popular Binturong departing. Although changes to the zoo lineup become very difficult to keep up with. The area of the Capybaras was temp used for other animals but no home would be found until 2021. The previous Panda stage was know known as Mini Stage. ZUFARI area is renamed Wanyame Village and Reserve, now incorporating ZUFARI.

The park upgraded queue boards across the resort as the season started, we were also expecting the new ship to replace Black Buccaneer which was featured on the map. Blue Barnacle though wouldn’t arrive until 2021. Part the reason for this was the national Lockdown which also put pay to the live shows, Sea Lions included which changed to a scatter feed. In the zoo Room on a Broom Animated Experience opened next to the AMAZU entrance.

The wooden staue which was located opposite the entrance to Toadies Crazy Cars was damaged and removed at the end of the season. With bad wear on the Statue in Land of the Tigers, this would move away from the recent gold colour to take on a new shade for 2021.