The weather was meant to be nice and I had nothing planned so I asked if Benin wanted to join me on a trip to Chessington, he was up for it too so yesterday we found ourselves at Chessington again and we had yet another amazing day.
We got to the park just after opening and headed straight for Vampire. However, as always, we got distracted by Meerkats
Only one of them was out but he was sunbathing which was amusing.
Then he decided to say hi
We finally got over to Vampire. After a 10 min wait we were on the second-to-back row. Benin knew one of the ride hosts and the ride op and as we were going up the lift hill the op did an evil laugh over the tannoy, was epic. The ride itself was actually quite smooth and as Benin pointed out to me the creaky sound from the trains just added an eeriness to the ride.
After our ride on Vampire we headed for the other side of the park. As we were walking past Black Buccaneer we realised someone we knew was working on the ride so we went down to ride it. I still can't believe how much this ride effects me, so much air time it's unreal. The lady sitting in front of us was amusing too, her Husband and Daughter were loving it and she was screaming her head off and clinging on to her Daughter, was hilarious.
We then continued up to Wild Asia (skipping Dragons Fury as it had a long queue and that queue is unpleasant in the heat of the sun). Tuk Tuk Turmoil had no queue so we went over to that. It wasn't as fun as usual, too many kids that just didn't move and just caused congestion all the time. I swear they didn't move as fast as usual too (though that's probably because so many kids were on the ride).
Skipping the other rides in the area for the time being we went into Mystic East. There wasn't much of a queue and it moved quite quickly. The ride was fun as always, still not sure what I make of the new 'wall' at the top of the lift hill. However we both got quite wet on the ride, Benin got all the spray as he was at the front and I got soaked on both sides, on my right from the new random fountains at the bottom of the drop and then on my left side by the elephant at the end.
After riding we admired the new lanterns in the area. They really make the area stand out and make it feel more alive again.
We then made our way round to Tomb Blaster where we walked straight on! This has to be one of my fav attractions at the park, just so cool and I love the theming. I'm also quite good at getting a high score Talking of which here is mine (on the left, Benin's score is on the right)
After our ride on Tomb Blaster we opted for Rattlesnake. There was a little wait but the queue seemed to move very fast. A lot of the effects were also working in the queueline.
It's still painful due to those evil tight corners and the extreme brakes all the time but it's fun. As we were nearby we walked over to Runaway mine train.
Runaway was nothing special, however the effect in the queueline was on, always makes me happy when that works but I want smoke next time
And then we were attacked by a rabbit!
Haha, na, I jokes, this was just an average rabbit sitting in a pen next to the Children's zoo. We then continued on through the Monkey and Bird garden.
Finally ending up at the Wanyama village and reserve.
We spent some time watching the amazing meerkats.
Before walking over to one of the new arrivals! The Agouti have arrived. They are actually quite cool and we spent ages watching them. There were actually quite a lot of them including a few babies.
Then we noticed two of the Gazelle have arrived (however I think they look more like Deer than Gazelles, hmm).
Walking up the pathway to the viewing platform for the reserve we noticed that the Oryx and Zebra were hiding over in the back of the area.
Then we decided to go watch the meerkats again
We then had a look at the new Porcupine. Yep, yet another new arrival! However he just seems to sleep in a little shelter. As we were waiting for him to peek his head outside from the shelter I noticed something flying around me which then clung to the fence. I think it's a dragonfly but dragonflys tend to have elaborate, brightly coloured wings. What do you think?
We were starting to feel hungry now but weren't sure what to go for so we began wandering towards the back of the park. On our way this bird amused us, just the way he was staring at everyone. Benin pointed out he looked a little bit like Kevin from Up, after I noticed the other bird was next to some babies the similarities just made it even more amusing.
Continuing onwards we then noticed the Otters were out so we watched them for a while. Two of them started to have some private play which was amusing and then three of the others starting having a fight in the water which was highly entertaining.
As we still didn't know what we wanted food-wise we decided to walk through trail of the kings. First thing we noticed was a new TV screen next to the Gorillas, it comes up with fun facts about the animals in the zoo and has the occasional advert, these seem to be popping up all over the place it seems. However it is nicely themed into the area along with the other recently added theming.
Most of the Gorillas were sleeping, this one decided to hog the big branch.
Oh and yay for new expanded enclosure nearly being finished.
As we continued through we couldn't see any Tigers and the Lions were sleeping (whats new?). However the Leopards were out. For once two of them were out too, usually it's just the one.
Then out of nowhere one of them pounced up at the window where Benin was.
They are absolutely beautiful though.
We then decided to continue onwards for food. Passing through Market Square we noticed this new addition for the Summer. Kids can go into big plastic balls which are filled with air and then they try to stand up and walk in them over water. It does look like awesome fun but it looks like it's only for kids, oh and you have to pay (not sure how much though).
It's a great addition to the area though and they must be making a fortune off it as there were loads of kids waiting to have a go every time we walked past. Much better than all those annoying games.
Moving on we bumped into Rob Bishop (head of rides) who said hello and the other usual pleasantries, always nice to stop and have a chat with him, such a great guy. Then as we were walking through Wild Asia we bumped into one of the Entertainments peeps who we've spoken to on many occasions, she is always cool and a good laugh. Was amusing as we were on our for food and so was she hehe.
So yeah we ended up at Oriental Express in Mystic East. I've never actually eaten here and this year it changed from hot dogs to Chinese. Both of us opted for Chicken with rice. It was very nice and filling even if it was like having a out-the-packet meal at home. Still, I love the variety of the food on offer at the park now. Oh and we got fortune cookies
A bird then amused us by flying around the area and just being amusing.
While we're on the theme of birds you'll be happy to know that we then moved on to Lorikeet Lagoon Pheasant!
We both got the little pots of nectar but for ages they were being reluctant and just sitting up in the trees. After a while though they did start to come down for a drink.
While one was drinking from my pot it paused and then did a lovely poo on my shoe, thanks Mr Lorikeet.
As we were passing back through Wild Asia we spotted two random staff members going round the area on segways...I want one.
We then went into the shop to see what has changed. The layout has changed again with a new area in front of the counter for all the bug sweets and all the ride merch is next to you as you come into the shop, so the toys have been moved next to the tills. One of the new toys is a toy Kobra with sound! I want one.
They also had a new cup for Kobra which is actually cool even if it is very basic.
So on to our next ride of the day...Toadies crazy cars
It feels very old now and was very bumpy and slow. Though I was most appalled by the fact we had none of the awesome tune while we went round. No music makes for a very boring ride.
Did you know that if you take a picture of a mole the camera's focus makes it look like a mole's eyesight. See below for proof
It was then time to go back to Tomb Blaster
Somehow our scores were worse than when we did it in the morning and I have no idea how we managed it..
I wanted to meet Spike the dragon but we still had a little while to wait so we went and rode Griffins Galleon. It's a cool little flat but it's mast had disappeared which was a major shame. Anyway it was now time to meet Spike who is cool. However there were like 2 kids before he turned up and then out of nowhere about 15 kids appeared. However I still managed to get a pic with him
We then headed back to Wanyama for more meerkat moments.
We also went back to see the Agouti...
We then went over to see the Zebra and Oryx.
We then left the zoo for some rides. First we went through Hocus Pocus Hall which just gets more boring every time really.
Seastorm was next on our list. We got on after a very little wait. My ride experience was actually quite terrifying for me though, I had a wasp flying around my legs for the entirety of the ride. I was shocked that it didn't get angry and sting me. We then went and did Vampire again. I love it when it has three trains running, the queue shifts so quickly.
After Vampire we went to do Dragons Fury but it still had an un-fun queue so we went for more Wild Asia fun. One the way we noticed the Dragons Fury dragon was fixed and also new lighting effects (strobe with a few coloured lights). It now looks awesome, however a paint wouldn't go amiss.
Anywho, we moved on to Wild Asia for Kobra. We only had to wait about 15 minutes which wasn't too bad and luckily enough the sun hid behind the clouds for the time of which we were queuing. The ride was going fine and was fun as usual and then...it got stuck on the wrong side of the hill! Evacuation procedure ensued and we were granted exit passes for Fury.
Not good, especially as we found out it's a regular problem that occurs with the ride. But we looked on the bright side, we got most of a ride on Kobra and were able to go straight on Dragons Fury. We got some great spin on the first half of the ride with some great air time.
We actually managed a good photo too so I got it...
We then wanted to do Jumbos for a laugh. Matt that used to be on the forums was also operating so we spoke to him for a little while.
It was now coming up to closing so we made our way to the exit. We stopped to watch the sealions for a little bit first. They were actually being quite active and splashing around quite a lot.
We also said goodbye to Jack (the meerkat)
He totally loves cameras and that is why Jack is awesome.
So yet another amazing day at my favourite UK theme park. Hope you enjoyed reading this trip report.
We got to the park just after opening and headed straight for Vampire. However, as always, we got distracted by Meerkats
Only one of them was out but he was sunbathing which was amusing.
Then he decided to say hi
We finally got over to Vampire. After a 10 min wait we were on the second-to-back row. Benin knew one of the ride hosts and the ride op and as we were going up the lift hill the op did an evil laugh over the tannoy, was epic. The ride itself was actually quite smooth and as Benin pointed out to me the creaky sound from the trains just added an eeriness to the ride.
After our ride on Vampire we headed for the other side of the park. As we were walking past Black Buccaneer we realised someone we knew was working on the ride so we went down to ride it. I still can't believe how much this ride effects me, so much air time it's unreal. The lady sitting in front of us was amusing too, her Husband and Daughter were loving it and she was screaming her head off and clinging on to her Daughter, was hilarious.
We then continued up to Wild Asia (skipping Dragons Fury as it had a long queue and that queue is unpleasant in the heat of the sun). Tuk Tuk Turmoil had no queue so we went over to that. It wasn't as fun as usual, too many kids that just didn't move and just caused congestion all the time. I swear they didn't move as fast as usual too (though that's probably because so many kids were on the ride).
Skipping the other rides in the area for the time being we went into Mystic East. There wasn't much of a queue and it moved quite quickly. The ride was fun as always, still not sure what I make of the new 'wall' at the top of the lift hill. However we both got quite wet on the ride, Benin got all the spray as he was at the front and I got soaked on both sides, on my right from the new random fountains at the bottom of the drop and then on my left side by the elephant at the end.
After riding we admired the new lanterns in the area. They really make the area stand out and make it feel more alive again.
We then made our way round to Tomb Blaster where we walked straight on! This has to be one of my fav attractions at the park, just so cool and I love the theming. I'm also quite good at getting a high score
Talking of which here is mine (on the left, Benin's score is on the right)
After our ride on Tomb Blaster we opted for Rattlesnake. There was a little wait but the queue seemed to move very fast. A lot of the effects were also working in the queueline.
It's still painful due to those evil tight corners and the extreme brakes all the time but it's fun. As we were nearby we walked over to Runaway mine train.
Runaway was nothing special, however the effect in the queueline was on, always makes me happy when that works but I want smoke next time
And then we were attacked by a rabbit!
Haha, na, I jokes, this was just an average rabbit sitting in a pen next to the Children's zoo. We then continued on through the Monkey and Bird garden.
Finally ending up at the Wanyama village and reserve.
We spent some time watching the amazing meerkats.
Before walking over to one of the new arrivals! The Agouti have arrived. They are actually quite cool and we spent ages watching them. There were actually quite a lot of them including a few babies.
Then we noticed two of the Gazelle have arrived (however I think they look more like Deer than Gazelles, hmm).
Walking up the pathway to the viewing platform for the reserve we noticed that the Oryx and Zebra were hiding over in the back of the area.
Then we decided to go watch the meerkats again
We then had a look at the new Porcupine. Yep, yet another new arrival! However he just seems to sleep in a little shelter. As we were waiting for him to peek his head outside from the shelter I noticed something flying around me which then clung to the fence. I think it's a dragonfly but dragonflys tend to have elaborate, brightly coloured wings. What do you think?
We were starting to feel hungry now but weren't sure what to go for so we began wandering towards the back of the park. On our way this bird amused us, just the way he was staring at everyone. Benin pointed out he looked a little bit like Kevin from Up, after I noticed the other bird was next to some babies the similarities just made it even more amusing.
Continuing onwards we then noticed the Otters were out so we watched them for a while. Two of them started to have some private play which was amusing and then three of the others starting having a fight in the water which was highly entertaining.
As we still didn't know what we wanted food-wise we decided to walk through trail of the kings. First thing we noticed was a new TV screen next to the Gorillas, it comes up with fun facts about the animals in the zoo and has the occasional advert, these seem to be popping up all over the place it seems. However it is nicely themed into the area along with the other recently added theming.
Most of the Gorillas were sleeping, this one decided to hog the big branch.
Oh and yay for new expanded enclosure nearly being finished.
As we continued through we couldn't see any Tigers and the Lions were sleeping (whats new?). However the Leopards were out. For once two of them were out too, usually it's just the one.
Then out of nowhere one of them pounced up at the window where Benin was.
They are absolutely beautiful though.
We then decided to continue onwards for food. Passing through Market Square we noticed this new addition for the Summer. Kids can go into big plastic balls which are filled with air and then they try to stand up and walk in them over water. It does look like awesome fun but it looks like it's only for kids, oh and you have to pay (not sure how much though).
It's a great addition to the area though and they must be making a fortune off it as there were loads of kids waiting to have a go every time we walked past. Much better than all those annoying games.
Moving on we bumped into Rob Bishop (head of rides) who said hello and the other usual pleasantries, always nice to stop and have a chat with him, such a great guy. Then as we were walking through Wild Asia we bumped into one of the Entertainments peeps who we've spoken to on many occasions, she is always cool and a good laugh. Was amusing as we were on our for food and so was she hehe.
So yeah we ended up at Oriental Express in Mystic East. I've never actually eaten here and this year it changed from hot dogs to Chinese. Both of us opted for Chicken with rice. It was very nice and filling even if it was like having a out-the-packet meal at home. Still, I love the variety of the food on offer at the park now. Oh and we got fortune cookies
A bird then amused us by flying around the area and just being amusing.
While we're on the theme of birds you'll be happy to know that we then moved on to Lorikeet Lagoon
Pheasant!
We both got the little pots of nectar but for ages they were being reluctant and just sitting up in the trees. After a while though they did start to come down for a drink.
While one was drinking from my pot it paused and then did a lovely poo on my shoe, thanks Mr Lorikeet.
As we were passing back through Wild Asia we spotted two random staff members going round the area on segways...I want one.
We then went into the shop to see what has changed. The layout has changed again with a new area in front of the counter for all the bug sweets and all the ride merch is next to you as you come into the shop, so the toys have been moved next to the tills. One of the new toys is a toy Kobra with sound! I want one.
They also had a new cup for Kobra which is actually cool even if it is very basic.
So on to our next ride of the day...Toadies crazy cars
It feels very old now and was very bumpy and slow. Though I was most appalled by the fact we had none of the awesome tune while we went round. No music makes for a very boring ride.
Did you know that if you take a picture of a mole the camera's focus makes it look like a mole's eyesight. See below for proof
It was then time to go back to Tomb Blaster
Somehow our scores were worse than when we did it in the morning and I have no idea how we managed it..
I wanted to meet Spike the dragon but we still had a little while to wait so we went and rode Griffins Galleon. It's a cool little flat but it's mast had disappeared which was a major shame. Anyway it was now time to meet Spike who is cool. However there were like 2 kids before he turned up and then out of nowhere about 15 kids appeared. However I still managed to get a pic with him
We then headed back to Wanyama for more meerkat moments.
We also went back to see the Agouti...
We then went over to see the Zebra and Oryx.
We then left the zoo for some rides. First we went through Hocus Pocus Hall which just gets more boring every time really.
Seastorm was next on our list. We got on after a very little wait. My ride experience was actually quite terrifying for me though, I had a wasp flying around my legs for the entirety of the ride. I was shocked that it didn't get angry and sting me. We then went and did Vampire again. I love it when it has three trains running, the queue shifts so quickly.
After Vampire we went to do Dragons Fury but it still had an un-fun queue so we went for more Wild Asia fun. One the way we noticed the Dragons Fury dragon was fixed and also new lighting effects (strobe with a few coloured lights). It now looks awesome, however a paint wouldn't go amiss.
Anywho, we moved on to Wild Asia for Kobra. We only had to wait about 15 minutes which wasn't too bad and luckily enough the sun hid behind the clouds for the time of which we were queuing. The ride was going fine and was fun as usual and then...it got stuck on the wrong side of the hill! Evacuation procedure ensued and we were granted exit passes for Fury.
Not good, especially as we found out it's a regular problem that occurs with the ride. But we looked on the bright side, we got most of a ride on Kobra and were able to go straight on Dragons Fury. We got some great spin on the first half of the ride with some great air time.
We actually managed a good photo too so I got it...
We then wanted to do Jumbos for a laugh. Matt that used to be on the forums was also operating so we spoke to him for a little while.
It was now coming up to closing so we made our way to the exit. We stopped to watch the sealions for a little bit first. They were actually being quite active and splashing around quite a lot.
We also said goodbye to Jack (the meerkat)
He totally loves cameras and that is why Jack is awesome.
So yet another amazing day at my favourite UK theme park. Hope you enjoyed reading this trip report.
