What’s New at the UK Theme Parks in 2019 ?

Chessington World of Adventures

It was revealed at the end of 2018 that Hocus Pocus Hall was up ‘For Sale’ and a new ‘Witch’ owner has taken it over. Yep, another Julia Donaldson book, ‘Room on the Broom’ is being turned into an attraction at Chessington World of Adventures in 2019. Room on the Broom – A Magical Journey is the new name for Hocus Pocus Hall! It’s fairly likely the new attraction will take a similar structure to the old attraction – ie. a walk through. With scenes from the book being recreated for the attraction’s audience. It will be interesting to see how they use the space within the building. The Gruffalo River Ride was a well executed retheme, so hopefully we’ll see more of the same in 2019!

Chessington World of Adventures Resort 2019 Rumours

This isn’t so much a rumour, it’s looking very likely that late 2019 / 2020 will see the addition of 34 ‘Lodges’, similar to those in the Enchanted Village at Alton Towers. The planning application has actually been approved. These lodges will have an ‘African’ theme. There’s no additional restaurant being added for these lodges, so the guests will have to venture to the Hotels for meals. Chessington already has 2 Hotels, as well as the Explorer Glamping! Maybe the Glamping will be retired when the Lodges are complete? Time will tell..

LEGOLAND Windsor

YES!! A new ride at one of the Merlin Theme Parks in 2019!! LEGOLAND Windsor will open the Haunted House – Monster Party in 2019! It will use a similar ride system to Hex at Alton Towers, but with a slightly ‘lighter’ theme. It’s positive to see this FINALLY arriving at LEGOLAND Windsor, it’s been kicking around for quite a while now. I didn’t make it to LEGOLAND Windsor in 2018, so I reckon I’ll return in 2019 to see what the Haunted House – Monster Party is all about.

I’ve not seen any other rumours or planning applications for LEGOLAND Windsor. It was a nightmare for them to get the planning application for the Haunted House through, so I’m not sure we’ll seem much new in 2019/2020!

There we go – it’s certainly not the biggest year for the Merlin UK Theme Parks in 2019. However, I think as 2019 progresses we’ll see some exciting developments at Thorpe Park Resort and maybe Alton Towers appearing.

What are you looking forward to seeing in 2019 and beyond in the Merlin UK Theme Parks?