Chessington World of Adventures Resort

[_nemesis_]

Am i the only person that likes the name Amazu. When people heard of Wild Asias name, you all, thought it was pants, now they're thinking of imaginative names people are angry that it isn't a real word, I'm I the only person that thinks you purposely want to abuse these parks decisions.

You're not the only one pleased about the whole thing, I am too. I worry, however, that Merlin's track record of 'retheming' park areas will slowly erode the atmosphere and integrity of some of the original areas.

Ermmm, they did a great job of re-theming the crappy Beanoland and replaced it with the impressive Wild Asia, with much, much more atmosphere. They also did a great job of re-theming the tired Merrie England into the brilliant Mutiny Bay. This could go very well.

 

[Benzin]

Dark Forest and the Madagascar areas however aren't particularly great examples of re-theming an area...

It's a lottery with Merlin, even Smiler is extremely rough around the edges theme wise...

Were people annoyed with Wild Asia? I don't remember as such, but it certainly fitted into the park reasonably well... Azteca does to a degree too because the park areas are so generically named (not always a bad thing), but the name Amazu just doesn't create any form of interest of mystique around it... It's not bland, it's just awful... Like someone sneezed when they were naming the thing and it just stuck...

 

[electricBlll]

People are employed to design extensive movie sets, theatre sets and outdoor sculptures all the time, and Merlin's efforts in comparison are hardly revolutionary.

Theme park design is easy to come up with, and it's so fun. If you are employed to do it then in theory you have so much opportunity to create great memories for all your guests. So why have these opportunities been wasted on such banal attractions as "Africa" (huh? what?) and Zufari?

Chessington is (or certainly was) one of Britain's most original, charismatic theme parks and it should have been known all over Europe. It had England's best dark rides by far and set the precedent for other theme parks to follow. I remember it being so charming and exciting. It was and it could still be, had all the classic rides not been methodically ruined in the past decade.

>>Does anything from 2010+ even compare to The Vampire or Professor Burp's BubbleWorks from a whole two decades earlier, in terms of unashamed creativity alone? Not really.

Now Wild Asia is a good looking area which I enjoy, but mostly because they hired adept external set designers; which should be the standard process, forget Merlin Studios and their plastic mannequins, vans and shipping containers. Still, Beanoland had twice as much spontaneity and buzzing sense of fun in its early years - judging by your description of it being "crappy" you must have only known it in its grubby, unkept later years.

they really seem to try and create the best rides and theming, look at swarm for example, brilliant ride, brilliant theming.

Interesting you say that because I see The Swarm as a perfect example of how Merlin don't try to be the best, and often overlook obvious design flaws that make the final product something of a mess. People said The Swarm has great theming when it opened, but really all it has big props filling the gaps around the path that allude to a vague theme that nobody really gets - it's not actually that exciting or theatrical at all, just the very fact that it is themed convinces Thorpe Park fans that it's great. Well good for you because a second-hand fire truck, ever-malfunctioning fire/water effects and a cringeworthy news report video couldn't have actually taken that much thought to produce and I'm struggling to enjoy it all that much.

Do we all have to be so negative? Am I honestly the only person that is pleased about this?

I'm very put off by negativity as well. I sometimes think people refuse to enjoy UK theme parks these days and always focus on the flaws. But recently I have realised just how poor Merlin's creative process often is - directed by boring people and restricted by marketing rules. They aren't the right people for Chessington and would never in a thousand years attempt anything actually surprising or inventive like Terror Tomb or Transylvania.

I still enjoy all the attractions they have built so far and like you am glad the Runaway Train problems are finally being sorted - but Chessington's track record for "retheming" is so appalling that people can't help but be apprehensive.

 

[AstroDan]

I agree with much of what you say, aside from your view that it ever had Europe's best dark rides. Unless Terror Tomb etc. were staggering, they'd have to go some to challenge I Corsari, Fata Morgana or Dreamflight.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[_nemesis_]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with Merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, Dark Forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

 

[electricBlll]

I agree with much of what you say, aside from your view that it ever had Europe's best dark rides. Unless Terror Tomb etc. were staggering, they'd have to go some to challenge I Corsari, Fata Morgana or Dreamflight.

I think I said the best dark rides in England rather than Europe, but they were still gems on a continental scale in many ways. Nothing at Chessington was ever built on a staggering scale, I agree, but in its first years as a theme park all their projects were colourfully designed with the rider's experience in mind and that certainly showed in the eccentricity and warmth of the final product.

or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

HAHA, alright if you truly find Mutiny Bay and Wild Asia that good then I suppose it would be nasty to try and convince you otherwise. :twirly:

 

[Benzin]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

 

[_nemesis_]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

Ok, fair enough, if I was in that park in person, I would probably faint, as it looks better than Disney (to an extent). But I have been to similar parks (well waterparks) in other countries with the same idea.

YAS Waterworld in Abu Dhabi (sorry for the crappy image). Btw that stone theming at the bottom of the mountain is used the whole way around the park, they even use it to hide the perimeter fence from the inside.

But what makes Mutiny Bay and Wild Asia so special, is the incredible charm and feel that they pull off. Mutiny Bay has that signature music giving it its almost drunken feel, whereas Wild Asia is mayhem, the music and the sprays of water from the floor giving it the chaotic feel but it does it is an original way. Wild Asia feels (moderately) unique in the way that it creates its atmosphere. This is why I think these areas are so special.

EDIT: Granted, they aren't on the scale of many, smaller parks, but they still have character.

 

[Rob]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

Ok, fair enough, if i was in that park in person, i would probably faint, as it looks better than Disney (to an extent).

That would be because it is Disney!

 

[_nemesis_]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

Ok, fair enough, if i was in that park in person, i would probably faint, as it looks better than Disney (to an extent).

That would be because it is Disney!

Oh, rather embarrassed I didn't realise that.

 

[Dave]

No one is sad that they are doing the rethemes (and I quite like wild Asia)

The issue is basic theming maintenance is being treated is a major installation, everywhere else it's called "maintenance".

It's annoying that Merlin seem to lack any great care for existing theming and imagination for future theming.

 

[_nemesis_]

No one is sad that they are doing the rethemes (and I quite like wild Asia)

The issue is basic theming maintenance is being treated is a major installation, everywhere else it's called "maintenance".

It's annoying that Merlin seem to lack any great care for existing theming and imagination for future theming.

I don't see it in that way, nor does Merlin. The way they see it, the theming is crumbling because of the way Tussauds built it, so instead of just repairing very old theming, they might as well retheme it at the same time. Meaning that they can call it a new ride, and increase gate figures.

 

[Quetzal]

This would be the same Merlin that let the theming decay and crumble, in the exact same way they are doing across the board?

 

[DiogoJ42]

I cannot even be arsed to argue. Chessington has gone from the Number one UK park when I was young, to being little better than 'mingoland. Nothing can save it now. Just bulldoze the place and put it out of our misery.

 

[Anonymous]

The issue is basic theming maintenance is being treated is a major installation, everywhere else it's called "maintenance".

It's annoying that Merlin seem to lack any great care for existing theming and imagination for future theming.

To be fair, the problems with Chessington's theming happened before Merlin took over from Tussauds. It was left for years and the initial build quality wasn't the greatest. I'm not trying to defend Merlin here, as they should've done something sooner, but it's not entirely their fault in this instance.

---

As a long time fan of Chessington I see this as a good investment, but I feel that it's something that shouldn't be seen as "the best investment into Chessington in years" as it quite simply isn't that.

This is no new ride hardware people. Sure, the changes look great and the whole park is going to look fantastic (You should see Market Square right now, talk about massive changes!), but it's just a way for Merlin to yet again do as little possible, for the biggest return.

I see 2014 being one of the strongest years Chessington has had for sometime, not due to the investment, but because the park is finally getting the TLC it deserves. Chessington was once great, it was the FIRST UK Theme Park for example, but years of neglect and under investment have killed it.

I've personally spoken to David (Park manager) and I know how much he wants to bring the park back to the glory days and he's really passionate about the park that his Children grew up with. I have high hopes from conversations with him that things are starting to turn around and Merlin are finally starting to invest (after years of pleading).

 

[Benzin]

That's what happens though with 25 year old pieces of theming exposed to the elements... Dont think anyone would expect it to even last as long as it did in the first place...

And yay, that's my passionate park managers closed season bingo spot claimed!

 

[Dave]

That's what happens though with 25 year old pieces of theming exposed to the elements... Dont think anyone would expect it to even last as long as it did in the first place...

And yay, that's my passionate park managers closed season bingo spot claimed!

Not if its maintained, there is theming around the world a lot older than at Chessington and it survives because its recognised that it needs year round love and care.

Its the same with the Nemesis monster, it shouldn't have to get to the stage of rotting to be seen as a priority!

I can't speak for Thorpe as i have no knowledge of their management "passion" but i get the impression certainly at Alton and Chessington that the management are passionate about their parks and want good theming. The blame mostly is with Merlin who don't offer the budgets!

 

[Bob]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

You mean Merlin's efforts aren't as good as the most immersive theme park in the world? My god, thats shocking news.

 

[Benzin]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

You mean Merlin's efforts aren't as good as the most immersive theme park in the world? My god, thats shocking news.

Considering Merlin constantly remind people that they are '2nd to Disney', their attempts at theming should certainly be closer to that level than they really are...

 

[jon81uk]

I agree with you about it being a lottery with merlin to a degree, however, it isn't a case of weather it is a good or bad theme, it's a case of being decent (Zufari, dark forest), or drop dead gorgeous (Wild Asia, Mutiny Bay).

You NEED to go abroad... Cos believe me when I say neither of those areas are 'drop dead gorgeous', nor are Zufari or Dark Forest 'decent' by any stretch of the imagination*...



*Of course, that's in comparison towards NON UK parks... This is where the issue lies, in that Merlin are quite happy with doing the bare minimum that is required these days, rather than go above and beyond to make an area magical and interesting to spend your time in... Something that hasn't been done in the UK since... Well, Hex really...


I mean, let's be honest, if Mutiny Bay is 'drop dead gorgeous', what does that make this?

You mean Merlin's efforts aren't as good as the most immersive theme park in the world? My god, thats shocking news.

Considering Merlin constantly remind people that they are '2nd to Disney', their attempts at theming should certainly be closer to that level than they really are...

Merlin do need to try and live up to being the second largest theme park operator in the world, as a lot of their parks don't seem to get close to that.

BUT that picture is from DisneySea which is a special example, The Tokyo Land Corporation who own the Tokyo Disney parks have been willing to give Disney a lot of cash to ensure their parks look great.
The American Disney parks do also have great theming but remember these are $90 (£55) for a 1 day ticket (although they do get cheaper the more days you add). Merlin UK parks are on the gate at around £45 but there is ALWAYS a 2for1 or book online offer so realistically most people only pay £22. I don't think UK customers would be willing to pay the Disney price and Merlin aren't willing to invest up to the Disney standard if its not clear if they will get the cash back in.

Recent theming has been pretty reasonable at Merlin's parks, Wild Asia and Mutiny Bay were quite well done and The Swarm and The Smiler aren't too bad either.
Let's hope with these new areas at Chessington, Merlin manage to do something interesting that can start restoring the park. Although from what I saw of the Monkey enclosures before the end of the season they just looked like they had moved the fences, they were still the same mesh and wood.