Explorer Entrance

2. Features
3. Under Construction
4. Explorer Entrance

Chessington has submitted plans to the local authority to build a new entrance to the theme park. Planned as a replacement to the current Explorer Gate. Chessington’s plans detail a desire to replace the current, dated entrance.

The new entrance area looks set to be much more open and welcoming. With new turnstiles, a permanent security checkpoint and a themed centrepiece. The new entrance is a much-needed change and will really help to improve operations at the Resort. The park has in the past been widely criticised over how slow it can be to get into the park from the Explorer Gate. This new entrance looks set to change that.

With improved security checks, more turnstiles and a wider entrance area. They’ll certainly be able to handle a greater influx of guests when the resort opens in the mornings. Getting guests into the park faster and more efficiently will certainly help with each guest’s unique visitor journey. With improvements to the car parks also expected in due course, things are really improving operationally at the park.

Why a new entrance?

But, why is this change happening? Off the back of the now approved Project Amazon. Changes were always going to be required. The new roller coaster, due to open in 2023, actually takes up part of the land the current entrance booths reside on. Chessington has of course used the opportunity to spruce up the entrance. Making it wider, and clearer and adding lots more decoration.

Construction

26th May 2022

It’s time to check out the nearly completed new entrance! Phase one of the project is mostly finished. The new entrance is a vast improvement from before. Far wider, more efficient and far more befitting the park. The themed feature is a nice touch and the animals really help to accent the area and add more colour.

The ticket office is in position and in use, but we’re told plans are being worked on to theme this up. More planting is also due to take place, with large amounts of bamboo and themed planting planned for the area.

Work on installing a ramp into the shop has been postponed. With work likely to take place soon on installing a more permanent access ramp.

23rd May 2022

Phase One of the Explorer Entrance update is now completed. In this update, provided by the park, we can see that the entrance appears finished. The themed Jeep feature takes centre stage, with an information screen installed to alert guests to potential ride closures. The area has been fully tarmacked. Although we were hoping for more by way of themed flooring.

11th May 2022

The construction of a wooden wheelchair ramp for Explorer Supplies is taking shape.

21st April 2022

Planting has begun around the area, with lots of tropical plants going in. Work on what appears to be an access ramp into the Explorer Supplies shop is underway.

14th April 2022

Work continues at a solid pace on Phase 1 of Chessington’s new Explorer Entrance. The relocation of the Explorer Supplies shop unit is also progressing well. With the shop in situ now and work ongoing to set up access. They have also installed two fantastic giraffes. Great for guests to take photos with once they’ve entered the park.

4th April 2022

Things continue to take shape, with clearing still ongoing around the site. Temporary fencing is in place to act as a gate to the park, with staff manually scanning guests in. Permanent gates are expected to replace the old turnstiles. Turnstiles will no longer be utilised as a part of the entrance.

26th March 2022

Work moves fast at Chessington, with the layout of the new entrance taking shape. A centrepiece is beginning to take shape, with a themed feature now laid out. Work is progressing well on setting out where the new entrance gates will be located. Hoarding now protects the entranceway from the construction site of Project Amazon.

16th February 2022

With planning now sat with the local borough council, Chessington is wasting no time. Cordoning off the entrance before the park opens fully to the public. Clearing the site will begin as soon as the park has an indication that planning will be granted.