The Adventurous Years
1987 marked the beginning of The Adventurous Years, as Chessington Zoo evolved into Chessington World of Adventures. The park embraced a vibrant blend of thrilling rides, immersive themed lands, and the rich heritage of its beloved zoo. Over the next two decades, Chessington would cement itself as a premier destination for family-friendly fun.
The grand opening of Chessington World of Adventures brought with it themed areas such as Mexicana and Mystic East. Adding layers of adventure and cultural flair to the park’s offering. Rides like Dragon River and the Runaway Train quickly became family favourites. While expansions to the zoo provided even more opportunities to connect with nature.
Throughout the 1990s, Chessington introduced new iconic attractions like the Vampire roller coaster. Which soared through the trees of Transylvania, and the Bubbleworks, an eccentric and bubbly journey through Professor Burp’s fizzy factory. These rides set a high standard, combining imaginative storytelling with technology. This decade also saw the park’s first steps toward integrating conservation and education into its core values. A commitment that endures to this day.
By the end of the adventurous years in 2007, the park had firmly established itself. Its unique mix of rides, animal encounters, and themed experiences continued to attract millions of visitors annually. That year, Chessington World of Adventures entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Merlin Entertainments.
Our content here will grow soon. We’re working away in the background, slowly lifting the veil on our exciting history guide. An in-depth look into the Worlds of Adventure.