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Photo TR: Chessington WoA (24-03-14)


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Well better late than never I finally have made some time to get around to posting this!

 

So as im sure you have guessed from the cryptic title of this thread that I took my first visit of the year to Chessington World of Adventures to check out all the work that’s has been done as part of the huge investment plan in the park. I will summarize my trip into bullet points as I know you are all far more interested in pictures!

 

-First of all the park looks great and if it’s a sign of things to come the park will look drastically different in a few years.

-Bubbleworks has now FINALLY had all Imperial Leather sponsor ship removed from it

-When I visited the park the fountains at the end of the ride were "currently experiencing technical difficulties and had ceased operation" (See video below!)

-I am glad to see the Runaway "Scorpion Express" Train back open but it really isn’t the same without the mountain. I don’t know if I’m bias because I used to operate it but the whole area seems to have lost all atmosphere. The ride itself rides the same but something is missing in my eyes.

-You are now not forced to sit through the ZUFARI pre show and all I can say about that is THANK GOD! I really didn’t like it and am so glad I don’t have to endure it when I wish to see Giraffes.

-Rameses Revenge is back open with all brand new shiny restraints after the other ones got cut up by the fire brigade

-Finally the hotel is coming along nicely as you will see from the pictures below.

 

Would you like to see a POV of Bubbleworks with a fountainless finale? Of course you would, so here it is!

[youtu_be]

[/youtu_be]

 

Also would you like to see a POV of ZUFARI! Hell yeah you would so enjoy!

[youtu_be]

[/youtu_be]

 

And now on to pictures! Enjoy.

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"Welcome to Chessington World of Adventures Resort"

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First stop of the day the "Runaway Scorpion Express Train" (Hi Larry)!

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The old Runaway Train entrance being allowed to rest in peace!

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Its the mystery gate to nowhere!

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"Another one bites the dust"

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There are lots of signs like this through out the queue.

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Part of the interior "cave" theming.

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Does this include the one on the sign?

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I always make sure I warn people about dangerous shafts!

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This reworked part of the queue is soooooooooo much better for multiple reasons. The most important one being you can actually see now!

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Some more of the old Runaway theming has remained

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Same train, new paint job.

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OMG its a giant industrial scorpion on some explosives?!?!

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Part of the old Runaway queue bridge also made an appearance as random metal on floor theming.

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Through the trees!

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Fire makes everything better right?

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Seems Mr Industrial Scorpion has made a wet patch on the floor........

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New NON slip decking on the platform floor!

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Where should I go next?

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Something is missing from this picture!

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Ahhh thats right there is where Creaky Cafe was located before the fire. The park have done a great job in turning this area into a much needed picnic spot!

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Awwww no Bubble tours for this boat today.

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The tower was also damaged by the fire but looks FANTASTIC now.

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Last year when Burger King became Burger Kitchen the facade was changed to look as great at this. This year to match that...............

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Bubbleworks got painted blue........

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"Im a Bubblehead and im scratching my junk! What you gonna do about it?"

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Something missing?

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Where did all the fountains go!!!!!

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Vampires queue has had a bit of a paint job.

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Which as you can see isnt quite finished yet.

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But you can now get your on ride photos printed on to an iPhone case which is pretty cool!

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It was the start of Science Week during my visit.

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So the park had loads of great posters out.

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Featuring some history from the zoo,

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some famous faces,

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old advertising,

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Dragon River construction photos!

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Hey look its Dr Chessington! Who remembers him?

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Some information about the parks development.

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A look at some of the IP's that the park has brought in over the years.

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"Action Man the greatest hero of them all"

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I spy with my little eye Rameses concept drawing!

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I remember going to this when I was 8! Was so much better back then.

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O M G Vampire construction pics. I think I need some alone time...........

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And im back! Would it be nice if you could just insert you own figure in offers like this!

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"Im gonna eat you" nom nom nom nom

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Dragon Falls retheme got pushed back a year due to various projects around the park so its looks pretty plain at the moment.

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But it has had some work done on its walk ways and supports.

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And the area surrounding has had a bit of a paint job.

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This water should be red shouldnt it!

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Tomb Blasters prison themes queue line has had some more reinforcements added.

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The most noticable change in the park though is Market Square!

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Which now features this huge park compass.

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Which even directs you to construction sites!

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And at the time not open animal exhibits.

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There was also a new carving on park.

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Of a giraffe/lion mutation!

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Reminds me on the Lion King!

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You cant visit Chessington without taking a spin on the Dragon's Fury

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Which was running INSANE!

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Which now brings me on to a sad note that over the winter one of the parks beloved Lions passed away.

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Poor guy all alone. Hopefully the park finds him a new friend soon.

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Such a beautiful creature.

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I was going to lay a log for them but I don’t think they would have appreciated it.

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"Where are the Bubbleworks fountains? I just dont understand!"

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"Im an Ostrich. Wanna fight about it!?"

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Its a monkey thing whos name I forgot. Hes cute though right?

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By more exciting adventure they mean hotel.

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"Gimmie fish, gimmie fish, gimmie fish"

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"Hey you! Do you have fish?"

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Its a turtle. Who knew?

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There used to be an animal enclosure here for Meerkats and a snake. They have now moved home and been replaced by some real life grass!

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Will the hotel be ready in time? Stay tuned to find out!

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Bye Bye Chessington. See you again soon.

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Ha Ha it says 69................

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Now you didnt think I would leave you without constructon pictures did you?

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Some of the exterior walls have begun to be installed.

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And work is progressing as a very quick rate.

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An overview from the current hotels gardens.

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The walls feature lots of "quotes" from random people.

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This one made me laugh as I find it hard to believe Mexicana at Chessington actually looks anything like actual Mexico

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Ever felt like youve got a hole in your head?

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This wasn’t the best placement for this really but I like the effort!

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And finally I leave you with a look out to Wanyama and ZUFARI. I hope you have enjoyed my Photo TR and the POV's.

 

-Craig

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Definitely one of my favourite parks of any tour I've taken.

 

And so sad to read about Kalinda. I saw them together in the

2010 UK/Europe Tour. Hope they find a mate for Ashok, soon.

 

Loved seeing the evolution of how Vampire came to be. Before trees, LOL!

 

And yes I agree with you about the powered coaster. There was so much to

"almost" kill you on how close all the trees and stuff used to be, before the

cleanup.

 

But true - FIRE does fix everything! Great report, Craig!

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Thanks for some great footage!

 

Your welcome. I have TONS of footage from Chessington laying about and at some point more of it will get put on to my YouTube page.

 

And so sad to read about Kalinda. I saw them together in the

2010 UK/Europe Tour. Hope they find a mate for Ashok, soon.

 

Loved seeing the evolution of how Vampire came to be. Before trees, LOL!

 

And yes I agree with you about the powered coaster. There was so much to

"almost" kill you on how close all the trees and stuff used to be, before the

cleanup.

 

But true - FIRE does fix everything! Great report, Craig!

 

It is such a shame Kalinda died she was one of the most loved animals on park by staff and guests.

 

I don't think the insurance company think fire fixes everything as im sure they didn't enjoy paying out after Creeky Cafe burnt down and they had to replace the side of Bubbleworks

 

-Craig

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