The world’s first Jumanji themed land brings Sony Pictures’ box office hit film franchise to life, with the world’s only Jumanji roller coaster, two additional rides and much more.
Chessington’s single largest investment in its history is a feat of engineering, with 144 tonnes of steel track bringing to life the Mandrill Mayhem roller coaster – the equivalent weight of 96 hippos.
In the time it’s taken to build World of Jumanji, you could have watched Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 1,368 times.
Following in the footsteps of the film series’ intrepid characters, guests have the opportunity to locate the Jaguar’s Eye Jewel, lift the curse and save Jumanji, in an ongoing series of heart pounding family adventures found within the new land.
Three new rides
The first adventure, Mandrill Mayhem, is a winged, launch, shuttle roller coaster, with Chessington’s first inversion. Riders from just 1.2m tall, are swept up in the long arms of a mandrill only to be flipped upside down at 42 miles per hour while dodging the hazards of the jungle and spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Sound fun!? How about falling and braving the whole adventure again, this time travelling backwards!
Next up, dodge the fangs of the black mamba on a dizzying, untameable ride in the bazaar, Mamba Strike, which has riders soaring into the sky before swooping back down again.
Continue the adventure, swerving a herd of stampeding ostriches on a whirlwind ride in the dunes on Ostrich Stampede.
Alongside three new rides, families encounter other Jumanji-themed activities, including a maze of pathways reminiscent of the board game in the 1996 film. To keep adventurers fuelled, there’s themed refreshments in the Bazaar.
Themed hotel bedrooms
Those who wish to extend their stay – although in a little more comfort than the movie franchises’ courageous characters - can spend a night in one of six new World of Jumanji themed bedrooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington World of Adventures, said:
“Whether you are a fan of the films, a fan of rollercoasters or are looking to take your family adventures to The Next Level, the amazing World of Jumanji is ready to welcome all ‘those who seek to find, a way to leave their world behind’. Years in the making by the best teams in the business and full of ‘firsts’, we can’t wait to share the adventures within World of Jumanji. And, with Chessington’s first inversion we know that we have created an experience that will turn seasoned enthusiasts - and a new generation of rollercoaster fans - upside down.”
Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment, added:
“We are excited to have collaborated on a global scale with top tier industry talent at Merlin Entertainments and Chessington World of Adventures Resort for this achievement. The Jumanji franchise has generations of fans who can now enjoy the story in a whole new way. The opening of World of Jumanji will provide a unique thrilling experience for all adventurers for many years to come.”
