20 good things about Chessington World of Adventures

1. Great for families: There are over 40 rides for all ages, making it a fantastic destination for family outings.
2. Safari and zoo experience: You can enjoy a safari-like experience with zebras, giraffes, and other animals, which is rare for a theme park.
3. Variety of rides: Popular rides include Mandrill Mayhem, Dragon Fury, and Vampire, which cater to thrill-seekers and families alike.
4. Themed hotels: Staying in Chessington’s Azteca & Safari Hotel adds to the magic with rooms featuring safari views and themed decor.
5. Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the park, making it easier to use the Chessington app for ride information and queue times.
6. Reserve & Ride option: This allows you to skip the long queues by reserving rides via an app, which can greatly improve your experience.
7. Shows and entertainment: Regular shows on the main stage provide a break from the rides.
8. Animal VIP experiences: For those who love animals, there are special experiences that allow you to interact with them up close.
9. Buggy rental: This makes navigating the park easier for families with young children.
10. Early access for hotel guests: Guests staying at the park’s hotels get early access to rides before the park opens to the public.
11. Clean and well-maintained: Many visitors comment on the cleanliness and upkeep of the park.
12. Interactive elements for kids: There are activities like the magic wand challenge in the themed hotel rooms, making it more fun for young visitors.
13. Friendly staff: Staff members are generally friendly and helpful, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
14. Educational opportunities: The zoo offers educational talks and programs about wildlife conservation.
15. SEA LIFE Centre: The park includes a small aquarium that features various marine creatures.
16. Free parking for hotel guests: Hotel guests benefit from free parking, which is convenient for those driving.
17. Short distance from London: Located just outside of London, Chessington is easily accessible by car or train.
18. Lots of food options: Various food stalls and restaurants are available, offering a range of cuisines.
19. Arcades for kids: The park includes arcades that offer additional entertainment for young visitors.
20. Spacious rooms: Hotel rooms are large enough to comfortably accommodate families.

20 not so good things about Chessington World of Adventure.

1. Expensive: Tickets, food, and the Reserve & Ride system can make the visit quite pricey.
2. Long wait times: Queues for popular rides can reach up to 90 minutes without the Reserve & Ride option.
3. Wi-Fi issues in the hotel: Some areas of the hotel experience poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
4. Crowded during peak times: The park can get very busy, especially during school holidays, leading to congestion.
5. Pre-booking meals: Dining at the park’s hotels often requires pre-booking, which can be inconvenient for families with unpredictable schedules.
6. Virtual queue system complexity: The Reserve & Ride system can be tricky for some to use, and not everyone feels it’s worth the cost.
7. Animal captivity concerns: Some visitors are uncomfortable with seeing animals in captivity, even though the park runs conservation programs.
8. Ride height restrictions: Several rides have height requirements, which may limit what younger or shorter children can experience.
9. Some outdated rides: A few rides could use modern updates or refurbishments.
10. Limited shaded areas: On hot days, there is a lack of shade in some parts of the park, making it uncomfortable during the summer.
11. Parking issues: The parking lot can become chaotic, and some areas reportedly have potholes.
12. Limited time for hotel stays: Guests who only stay one night might feel rushed to experience everything.
13. High food prices: Food within the park is often considered overpriced.
14. Difficulty navigating with prams: Prams and buggies are not allowed in ride queues, which can be frustrating for parents.
15. Lack of clear signage: Some guests find the park’s layout confusing and difficult to navigate.
16. Noisy hotel environment: Family-friendly hotels can be noisy, making it harder for those seeking a quiet experience.
17. Overbooking concerns: Some guests have reported overbooking issues at the hotels during peak times.
18. Weather-dependent activities: Several rides and attractions are affected by weather, leading to closures during rain or wind.
19. Limited adult-centric activities: While there is a lot for children, adults looking for more thrill rides may feel limited.
20. Early closing times: The park often closes early, especially in the off-season, which can limit the time available to explore everything.