Review – Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019

I used to go to Chessington a LOT at Halloween when I was younger. Our local coach company used to do day-trips there, and when I didn’t have car it was a great way to experience it. I’ve not been as much in recent years, although I’ve heard lots of positive things. So when the cool kids at Chessington World of Adventures Resort invited us to experience their Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 event, it seemed a perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with it!

I’ve already written a lengthy post all about the specifics of Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 right here. So I won’t go into TOO much detail about that, this is just a review of our experience. Our day was hampered slightly by a really poorly James and Vicki, plus some pretty gross weather, however, it didn’t stop us enjoying the event. That said, we couldn’t do the ‘Rides in the Dark’ element, before dusk arrived James sobbed “Can we go home please?”, so, we did.

Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 Atmosphere

Chessington World of Adventures Resort really work hard to create a good atmosphere, and Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 is no different. The park is decorated and lit beautifully. Because Chessington Howl’o’ween is aimed squarely at the family market, there aren’t any decapitated heads or blood splatters. It’s all a lot cuter and family-friendly. There’s just a really nice vibe around the park.

The ‘Gruffalo Stage’ has a fun Haunted Howl’o’ween Live Show, which is fabulous. The Ents team at Chessington always seem to put on a cracking show, and the one they’ve put of for Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 is no exception.

In short, Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 is probably the best for a family-friendly atmosphere at any Halloween event I’ve been to, EVER. It’s utterly BOO-tiful!

Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 Mazes

You might think that being so family-friendly, Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 wouldn’t have strong, or scary mazes. You’d be wrong. It has one BRILLIANT and scary maze, and two excellent, but not so scary ones. Let’s go for the SCARY one first..

Creepy Caves : Unearthed

The attraction ‘Creepy Caves’ is closed over Halloween. Secret Agents will lead you through the quarantined attraction for your exclusive look at the newly discovered plant species, found in the snake enclosure. But, with Zoo Keepers missing and strange things happening, who knows what powerful properties might be unearthed?

It feels a little tame and corny to start with, and my goodness – all HELL breaks loose. It’s aimed at those aged 10+, and I’d say they’d have to be a BRAVE 10+. I went in with George, and it was her first ‘proper’ Scare Maze. She chuckled and giggled through a lot of it, but there were moments where I felt her reaching out to hold my hand. They use the space in the Creepy Caves REALLY well, it’s themed fantastically. It’s definitely not the scariest maze you’ll ever do, but it’s wonderfully executed and a brilliant way for younger family memebers to cut their teeth into the world of scares.

Spyders

Spyders is located in Wild Asia, and recommended for guests aged 8+. We took James in there (he’s 7) and after a little bit of trepidation in some of the darker scenes, he was fine.

“You and your family must work with the S.A.S (Secret Arachnid Service) to help infiltrate the infestation of ‘gigantula’ spiders who are causing mayhem at the Theme Park. With eight legs and eight eyes it is going to take the stealthiest of spies to surpass these spiders. However, not is all as it seems – can you untangle the web of lies?”

It’s not really a maze, more an atttraction with different scenes, and actors in each one. It’s not a very intense experience, but smaller people might jump at the raised voices from the actors. It’s got a fun storyline, and is pitched perfectly for the age group. We had one of the first public run-throughs, and whilst it was lacking polish is a few places, the kids didn’t care, they were fully into it! It’s a cracking addition to Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 line-up!

Trick or Treat Woods

Again, this is more of an attraction than a ‘Maze’. I really enjoyed it when it debuted in 2015, and it’s really improved dramatically since then. This is aimed at all ages, the actors don’t scare or raise their voices at the smaller folk. You encounter all manner of fun and kooky creatures and woodland beings. It’s certainly got a longer route since my first journey, the whole experience is around 15 minutes long.

It really fits into Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 beautifully. I think my only gripe about it is that you can hear some of the other scenes as you stand watching the one you’re in. Obviously that’s hard to fix when you’re in an open area. Otherwise, there’s nothing else to say, other than Trick or Treat Woods is an utter delight, and a real Treat indeed!

Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 Overall

As you might have been able to tell from my review, I was utterly charmed by Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019. As well as having Chessy’s fun selection of rides (although PLEASE sort Tomb Blaster out – it’s a mess!), you’ve got a super selection of family-friendly mazes and attractions. There’s no upcharge for the mazes, so all the fun is included in the prices of your tickets.

I really loved Creepy Caves : Unearthed, and Trick or Treat Woods was a real joy. If you’ve got a younger family, I can’t recommend Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 enough. I’m gutted I didn’t get a chance to fly on The Vampire in the dark, or take a spin on Dragon’s Fury by moonlight. But we still had a lovely day at Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 even with coughs and snotty noses taking down 50% of us.

You can get tickets for Chessington Howl’o’ween 2019 here.