Africa

Chessington World of Adventures transformed the ageing Toy Town into Africa, giving the area a fresh, vibrant new look. By 2011, Toy Town’s once-bright buildings had faded, and the area felt outdated. The park decided it was time for a change.

The Flying Jumbos ride occupied much of the space, so relocating it became the first step. The vacant Rodeo site provided the perfect spot, freeing up valuable space for redevelopment. Chessington used the opportunity to build a new stage, a much-needed addition to improve entertainment offerings.

The park had struggled to captivate guests with its existing lineup. The new stage allowed for updated shows and flexibility for seasonal performances. This addition became a key investment to enhance the guest experience.

The surrounding buildings also needed a complete overhaul. Worn and outdated, they were redesigned to fit an African theme, aligning with the park’s wild and natural branding. Planning for the project began in November 2011 and received approval by January 2012.

Construction moved quickly during the 2011/12 closed season. By the time the park reopened, the revamped area, now called Africa, featured the new Madagascar Live! stage shows. The stage evolved further and, by 2017, became home to Chessington’s in-house entertainment team.

This bold transformation gave the once-tired Toy Town a much-needed lease of life. Africa became a vibrant hub of entertainment and a key part of Chessington’s growing appeal.