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commando2000ad
TS Member
Weird question but I'm currently doing research on the 5th Dimension and I remember the documentary from euro theme park archive featuring concept art does anyone know where I can find scans?
Visited the park yesterday for the first time in about 15 years and had a nice day. Operations on some of the rides were not good though with trains being sent out with empty seats. Mandrill Mayhem would be a good ride if it wasn’t so bouncy - it’s horrible at the front on an outer seat going backwards.
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
Thanks for this info. It’s been rumoured for a while now that the big wigs at Merlin want Chessington to move away from animal-based attractions, so I can certainly see this happening.I’ve had confirmation that chessingtons lions and tigers are moving to jimmys farm and wildlife park. I do wonder what is going to happen with land of the tiger. Next month, a tiger themed area won’t have any tigers!
Tiger Rock, apart from adding the tiger enclosures was literally just a cosmetic overlay, rather than a major re-theme. Like with Scorpion Express, the aesthetics were re-done, but nothing was done with the ride itself, meaning we have a 38 year old ride masquerading as something newer. I expect it to be replaced soon.
owenstreet7
TS Member
I'm sure Tiger Rock can run without Tigers for a seasonThanks for this info. It’s been rumoured for a while now that the big wigs at Merlin want Chessington to move away from animal-based attractions, so I can certainly see this happening.
Tiger Rock, apart from adding the tiger enclosures was literally just a cosmetic overlay, rather than a major re-theme. Like with Scorpion Express, the aesthetics were re-done, but nothing was done with the ride itself, meaning we have a 38 year old ride masquerading as something newer. I expect it to be replaced soon.

John_P
TS Member
Could they replace the Tigers with Taiga?I'm sure Tiger Rock can run without Tigers for a season![]()
Glen_Belt_77
TS Member
Zamperla? Balloon ride arrived
From: https://x.com/ChessingtonBuzz/status/1974484290017599570?t=myLRXMMduNt289hLJh1g2g&s=19
From: https://x.com/ChessingtonBuzz/status/1974484290017599570?t=myLRXMMduNt289hLJh1g2g&s=19
Matt N
TS Member
Don't most of these balloon rides have enclosed pods?Oh joy, enclosed pods that will definitely be uncomfortable to sit in.
Trooper Looper
TS Member
Just posting this if anyone has missed out on this, Euro Theme Park Archive uploaded a POV of the original 1987 Vartiant of The 5th Dimension a while back.
From: https://youtu.be/-nDvPvCUn0s?si=HfdGyz_aHTwaZLCL
Looking back on it, I'm really impressed with the quality of the animatronics, from moving eyes, blinking, etc. For a UK dark ride, made in 1987, it really does hold up well compared to what the UK offers currently.
From: https://youtu.be/-nDvPvCUn0s?si=HfdGyz_aHTwaZLCL
Looking back on it, I'm really impressed with the quality of the animatronics, from moving eyes, blinking, etc. For a UK dark ride, made in 1987, it really does hold up well compared to what the UK offers currently.
Just posting this if anyone has missed out on this, Euro Theme Park Archive uploaded a POV of the original 1987 Vartiant of The 5th Dimension a while back.
From: https://youtu.be/-nDvPvCUn0s?si=HfdGyz_aHTwaZLCL
Looking back on it, I'm really impressed with the quality of the animatronics, from moving eyes, blinking, etc. For a UK dark ride, made in 1987, it really does hold up well compared to what the UK offers currently.
Didn't really fit Chessington theme does look great. Partly why it was removed in favour of Terror Tomb
Glen_Belt_77
TS Member
Ahead of its time. Would be great nowDidn't really fit Chessington theme does look great. Partly why it was removed in favour of Terror Tomb
Bowser
TS Member
Just posting this if anyone has missed out on this, Euro Theme Park Archive uploaded a POV of the original 1987 Vartiant of The 5th Dimension a while back.
From: https://youtu.be/-nDvPvCUn0s?si=HfdGyz_aHTwaZLCL
Looking back on it, I'm really impressed with the quality of the animatronics, from moving eyes, blinking, etc. For a UK dark ride, made in 1987, it really does hold up well compared to what the UK offers currently.
Used to love this so much. Peak Chessington for me, when it felt like the place was truly a world class theme park. This, Runaway Train, Vampire and Bubbleworks, magic.
Will never understand why Wardley got phased out. If I was an eccentric billionaire he’d still be first call to help design my park.
Wonder which was better 5th Dimension or Professor Burps Bubbleworks. Both would of been around at the same time.Ahead of its time. Would be great now
Hope one day Chessington gets another brand new tracked dark ride.
But after these two new land investments it could be a while
GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
He didn't get phased out as such, from what I understand. I believe Nemesis Inferno was the straw which broke the camel's back.Will never understand why Wardley got phased out. If I was an eccentric billionaire he’d still be first call to help design my park.
DistortAMG
TS Member
He didn't get phased out as such, from what I understand. I believe Nemesis Inferno was the straw which broke the camel's back.
Interesting, how exactly?
GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
I'm trying to remember where I've read it, but I believe although Wardley designed the initial layout for Nemesis Inferno, Tussaud's went in a different direction and Wardley wasn't particularly happy about it. I'm sure others will be able to shed some light on this one.Interesting, how exactly?
In a recent conversation with @Poisson, he led me to believe that the brake run was a particular point of contention.
Matt N
TS Member
I read in Making Thorpe Park that Tussauds actually wanted to call the ride Nemesis, and the only reason it was called Nemesis Inferno is because John Wardley was aghast and forced them into a compromise.
I can’t imagine John was too happy about the way Tussauds wanted to use the Nemesis brand at Thorpe.
I can’t imagine John was too happy about the way Tussauds wanted to use the Nemesis brand at Thorpe.
Bowser
TS Member
Not sure what use this area has but interesting nonetheless
From: https://x.com/chessingtonbuzz/status/1974973917132722195?s=46&t=0gSA6DB3t11tFWJ4xv8eFA
From: https://x.com/chessingtonbuzz/status/1974973917132722195?s=46&t=0gSA6DB3t11tFWJ4xv8eFA
Islander
TS Member
Not sure what use this area has but interesting nonetheless
From: https://x.com/chessingtonbuzz/status/1974973917132722195?s=46&t=0gSA6DB3t11tFWJ4xv8eFA
Doubt it has any planned use, but the implied knowledge of future projects is a great way for an enthusiast channel to hook the attention of less wary followers.