Project Play Planning
Project Play planning has begun, with Chessington World of Adventures publicly releasing plans for an ambitious new themed area. The park submitted the planning application in December 2024, and approval followed in February 2025, kicking off a major development.
Chessington World of Adventures is completely reimagining the existing Mexicana and Children’s Zoo areas, replacing them with a brand-new themed land. The project includes removing the Scorpion Express roller coaster and the Children’s Zoo petting area, both of which have aged and seen reduced use. By clearing these spaces, the park is making way for a fresh and dynamic addition.
Chessington World of Adventures is keeping Rattlesnake, the wild mouse-style roller coaster that has been a key attraction in the Mexicana area. While the park is removing all other structures and attractions in the land, Rattlesnake will stay. The park has not indicated any plans to retheme the ride to match the new area, but its retention could hint at future developments.
Chessington World of Adventures began constructing the new themed area in February 2025, shortly after gaining swift plan approval. With Project Play planning now complete, the project will continue throughout the year, with the park aiming for a 2026 opening. Click the links for more details on the individual plans.
Area & Facilities
Project Play is set to be an exciting addition to Chessington World of Adventures. Designed with younger adventurers in mind, this new land will introduce vibrant and playful theming. A grand entrance portal will mark the transition into this new world, welcoming guests into an area filled with interactive play structures and themed details.
A large facility building, positioned to the right-hand side of the entrance, will house essential amenities such as bathrooms, retail offerings, and a character meet-and-greet location. These additions will ensure that guests have access to everything they need within the land. The inclusion of retail will likely offer themed merchandise that complements the theme of the area.
Various play structures will be scattered throughout, encouraging active participation from children and allowing them to engage with the environment beyond the rides. These interactive elements, combined with the large-scale themed decorations, will provide plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.
Planning Documents
Junior Roller Coaster
The highlight of Project Play will undoubtedly be its new junior roller coaster, which is expected to be a Zierer-manufactured ride tailored for younger thrill-seekers. Positioned at the back of the land, the coaster will feature an impressive entrance structure, setting the stage for an exhilarating yet accessible adventure.
The coaster itself is anticipated to be a mirrored clone of Paultons Park’s Farmyard Flyer, a ride known for its smooth and gentle thrills. This layout makes it an ideal attraction for younger guests experiencing their first roller coaster while still offering an exciting journey through dips and turns. The mirrored design ensures that the ride fits seamlessly within the available space, optimizing the layout for both aesthetics and guest flow.
Replacing the now-defunct Scorpion Express, this new roller coaster is expected to fill a crucial gap in Chessington’s lineup. Scorpion Express, which was a beloved family coaster, provided an accessible thrill for younger audiences, and its removal left a noticeable absence in the park’s ride selection. The introduction of this new junior coaster not only restores that offering but enhances it with modern technology, updated theming, and a more immersive experience.
With its family-friendly appeal and engaging theming, the junior roller coaster is set to become the centrepiece of Project Play, drawing guests into the land and setting the tone for the fun-filled attractions that await them.
Planning Documents
Children's Ride A
Another exciting attraction coming to Project Play is a brand-new interactive ride, Children’s Ride A. This ride will consist of nine gondolas arranged around a central arm, allowing guests to drift around in themed vehicles. Expected to be a new ride concept from Zierer known as the "Drifter," this attraction will bring an element of interactive fun to the land.
What makes this ride unique is the addition of an interactive lever within each gondola. When left in its default position, the gondola’s wheels remain fixed, following the predetermined ride path. However, when riders engage the lever, the wheels are released. Allowing the gondola to drift freely and creating a unique and unpredictable movement experience.
The interactive nature of this ride makes it particularly exciting for children, as it allows them to have a hands-on role in shaping their experience. The drifting effect adds an element of adventure while still keeping the ride suitable for younger guests. The themed vehicles and surrounding environment will further enhance the experience, immersing guests in the playful world of Project Play.
Planning Documents
Children's Ride B
Project Play will also introduce an exciting aerial attraction, known as Children’s Ride B. This towering ride will feature themed gondolas, taking riders on a gentle flight above the land. Expected to be manufactured by Zierer, the ride will reach a height of 11 meters. Offering guests a scenic view of the surrounding area while providing a relaxing yet enjoyable ride experience.
Designed with young adventurers in mind, this ride will offer a slow and gentle ascent, making it suitable for children while still being a fun experience for families. The gondolas will be designed to match the overall theme of Project Play, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience. Unlike high-intensity thrill rides, this attraction will focus on providing a more leisurely journey.
A key feature of this attraction is its accessibility, making it an ideal ride for families with younger children. The gentle nature of the ride ensures that it is not intimidating, making it a great stepping stone for children who may not yet be ready for more intense attractions. Its placement within Project Play also ensures that it serves as a visual focal point.
With its high vantage point and charming design, Children’s Ride B will be a welcome addition to Chessington. It provides a perfect opportunity for families to relax and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the land, making it a must-experience ride for visitors of all ages.
Planning Documents
Children's Ride C
As part of the redevelopment, Project Play will also introduce a relocated attraction - Children’s Ride C. This ride is the former Jungle Bus from Wild Asia, a Zamperla Crazy Bus ride that has been moved to this new land to fit within the refreshed theme. The relocation allows Chessington to retain a well-loved family attraction while making room for future developments in Wild Asia.
The ride consists of a themed bus that lifts riders up and down while moving forward and backwards. It provides a gentle thrill that is perfectly suited to younger children, making it an ideal family ride. The attraction’s new placement within Project Play ensures that it remains a fun and relevant part of the park’s lineup. While benefiting from fresh theming and integration into the new land’s atmosphere.
By incorporating both new and relocated attractions, Project Play ensures a balanced mix of fresh experiences and familiar favourites. The redevelopment of this section of the park is set to bring a new level of excitement to Chessington, making it a must-visit destination for families and young explorers.
Planning Documents
