Possibly the worst kept secret within the theme park industry is the fact The Gruffalo was coming to Chessington in 2017. It’s official now – The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure is opening in 2017!
Kids and parents alike will be able to join Mouse on a picturesque riverboat journey through the deep dark wood, when The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure opens on Saturday March 18, 2017. As park-goers float down the lazy river, the world of The Gruffalo will magically unfold in front of their eyes with exciting twists and turns along the way.
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure has big boots to fill.
The ride replaces the much loved ‘Bubbleworks‘, which closed last year. It’s within the same building, and uses the existing ride system, but aside from that – it’s all new. Whilst exact details on The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure are still under wraps, Chessington say –
“Join Mouse on a magical riverboat journey through the deep dark wood. As you float down the lazy river, the world of The Gruffalo will magically unfold in front of your eyes, with exciting twists and turns along the way!”
Sounds intriguing..
Whilst little else is known about the ride, I would imagine the story of The Gruffalo unfolds as your ‘wooden tub’ floats along. The lift and and drop of The Bubbleworks is still in position, so I imagine there will be a splashtastic finale to The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure too. I’m sincerely hoping there is more to the ride than a few static characters in a lush forest.
Tim Harrison-Jones, Divisional Director at Chessington, said. “We are absolutely delighted to finally reveal the reason behind the Gruffalo’s arrival at Chessington World of Adventures Resort.
“The story of The Gruffalo has been at the heart of many childhood memories and we’re sure Adventurers young and old will be eager to experience the first ever Gruffalo ride!”
Daryl Shute, Brand Director at Magic Light Pictures, added. “This is a fantastic opportunity for The Gruffalo brand and we’re thrilled to be working with Merlin Entertainments and the team at Chessington to bring this to life. From page, to stage, to screen, The Gruffalo can now be explored in a fully immersive ride that will give fans the chance to experience the story in a whole new way.”
Chessington World of Adventures Resort have today released an advert showing the Gruffalo River Ride Adventure in action –
Sleep in the Deep Dark Wood!
Chessington World of Adventures Resort aren’t just opening the The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure this year. There are several new Gruffalo themed rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel –
“Kids can play and stay in the safety of Mouse’s treehouse, while Mums and Dads relax in the comfort of the deep, dark wood, where ‘there’s no such a thing as a Gruffal… Oh!’
Discover the interactive elements of your room, including a hidden door concealing a Gruffalo gift..”
There are also a few extras just for Guests who stay in The Gruffalo rooms –
– Watch The Gruffalo animated films while immersed in your magical room
– Beat the queues with Fastrack access to the rides for the whole family including The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure
– Children’s Gruffalo Poncho Towels to use throughout your stay
– Designated parking space close to the Hotel and Theme Park entrance
As well as this – you get all the standard Chessington Resort Hotel perks including –
– A delicious breakfast the next morning
– Your 2nd Day FREE in the Theme Park
– Exclusive access to Wanyama Village & AMAZU
– Rangers’ Club evening entertainment
– Free WiFi
– Character breakfasts and Animal Meet & Greets
Be under no illusion, a stay with The Gruffalo isn’t cheap – one Friday night in the room in March for 4 will be over £450. However, the addition of 2 days of park tickets for your party AND fastrack too, it actually isn’t SO bad.
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure opens in March, as do the Gruffalo Hotel room. I’m sure I’ll be there to bring you more information.
