Last week Molly and I headed out to Chessington World of Adventures Resort (CWOAR) for a fun filled day out with my friend Emma and her son Luke. CWOAR is a local amusement park that I have been going to ever since I can remember. I also spent a season working there as a First Aider many years ago and I loved it then. Turns out I still love it now.
CWOAR has 10 themed lands throughout the park from Wild Asia to Mexicana. Each offers something unique so you can pack your day with fun and adventure. Our party included 2 adults, a 9 year old and a 7 month old. Before going I had a look at the CWOAR website and it lists all the rides along with the height restrictions for each one! Super handy as I then knew what rides I could take Molly on! I also downloaded the CWOAR app as it has all the Que waiting times on it. Being that we were going on the first day of the summer holidays, I assumed it would be rammed! I loved this little gem as it also provides a map of the park and plots your current location, making navigation super easy. We arrived for opening at 10.00am and spent the whole day in the park, which closed at 5.00pm (this is dependent on the time of year so check the website before your visit).
The day started a little earlier for us as Molly and I arrived at the park at 9am because Liam dropped us off on his way to work. So we decided to head to the Hotel to keep cool and have a little explore. As we arrived at the entrance we were greeted by African music playing. I don’t know why, but it got me all excited about the day a head. I asked a young lady at reception if it was OK to just sit in the lobby for a bit and she said it was perfectly fine as it was empty. No more than 5 minuets later, The Gruffalo came down out of the elevator. Now, I may be 27 years old, but you’re never too old for a character meet and great! I stood to the side and took Molly out of her stroller and waited patiently as other children appeared from nowhere and started hugging the Gruffalo. The character attendant was a very sweet, young man who acknowledged us as made a special effort to get The Gruffalo to come and say hello to “a very young adventurer”
Now, Molly has never had any interactions with fur characters before. I didn’t know how she would react. There were other young children crying because they were scared, would she be the same? Hell no! As soon as The Gruffalo gave a her some attention she was smiling, laughing and getting all kicky feet with excitement. Bless her soul, she even held out her hands as if to ask The Gruffalo for a cuddle – We went in for a 3 person hug and she touched his fur in amazement! I was so proud of her I could have cried. The Gruffalo proceeded to play peek-a-boo with her because there were no to her children in the Lobby at this point. I popped her back in her stroller and took a quick photo of them. So much love. Who ever was friends with The Gruffalo that morning – I thank you so much for giving Molly the best, first character interaction.
We found Emma and Luke and headed straight to The Gruffalo ride located in Wild Woods. It was freaking closed. We were told it was a technical issue and it probably wouldn’t be up and running for the entire day. Heartbroken didn’t even come close to how I felt as I LOVED Bubbleworks before the revamp into Gruffalo. ( For those of you who dont know, Professor burps Bubbleworks was a family water ride. You sat in a circular ‘boat’ and proceed to float around and see several animatronics, whilst music was played in the background – think Small world from Disney – There was one bit where you went down a drop, got wet and came to a open space where water fountains went over you and you got even more wet. It was accompanied with cool lighting and a smell that only bubbleworks could have. They revamped Bubbleworks when it’s contract was up and have changed the theming to follow the story of The Gruffalo ) I was so looking forward to taking Molly on it, but completely understand there’s nothing that can be done about these things. Hats off to the staff members though because I can only imagine the abuse they would have received for it not being open the first day of the summer holidays!
Despite the slightly disappointing start to our day, we had an amazing time! We had a walk through the Zoo where there’s Gorillas, Tigers, Sea lions, Penguins, as well as a petting zoo which is perfect for younger children. There is also a SEA LIFE centre where you can explore exhibitions, including interactive rock pools, daily talks and feeding sessions as well as a breathtaking walk through ocean tunnel.
There are many shows and talks throughout the day, but we didn’t get a chance to see any of them. I’m hoping when Liam and I go back we can at least watch the new Pandamonium live show because it looks amazing!!
We took a picnic with us and used one of the many seated areas around the park to rest and have our lunch. If you’re looking for some shade or shelter from the rain, there is a seated area by Tiger Rock which is where we sat. I also found a vegetarian and vegan restaurant by Rattlesnake called No Dogs. Best vegan hot dog and nuggets EVER! If you are planning your trip in advance, you can get offers for food packages with your park ticket saving you some monies on your day out. Check out the website for offers.
We had such a fun filled day. We took Molly on Sea dragons which is a little boat ride that goes round and round. She wasn’t overly keen or impressed! We got wet on Tiger rock, Our tummies turned on Cobra, we got thrown about on Rattlesnake and our heads spun on Dragons Fury which was huge fun. Also, Vampire is a must for any thrill seeking Adventurer!
One of the highlights for me was Lorikeet Lagoon.
Lorikeets are related to the parrot family and native to Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. These vibrant, multi-coloured birds feast on pollen and tropical flowers and despite their size, they can eat as many as 650 flowers a day.
It’s a walkthrough where you can purchase a pot of nectar for £2 and the birds will come and sit on your hand,arm,shoulder and eat. One landed on Molly’s head and I could not stop laughing. She didn’t quite know what to do. She was reaching out for the birds and staring at them intensely. I think because they are so brightly coloured she was just transfixed on them. I you’re not a massive fan of birds, maybe this isn’t a activity for you to do!
We ventured onto Tomb Blaster which was suitable for our little adventurer meaning we could all go on something together! I was skeptical about taking Molly because on the website it’s described as “This is a dark and scary ride with smoke and light / laser effects. May not be suitable for Young Adventurers”. Being 7 months old I was convinced she would cry the entire time. Boy was a wrong. She sat on her own with my arm around her and she held onto her own laser blaster too. There’s a part where you come face to face with a giant cobra, and I look at her face expecting fear and she was full on giggling! My heart just completely melted!
After all of this excitement, Luke and Emma left and Molly and I took in the calm of the flying Jumbos, riding in Toads car and having a cheeky go on the carousel before they closed.
Molly and I ended the day by playing hook a duck and winning 2 toys!
Overall
The park is clean and well presented, Staff are polite and will help you anyway they can. Toilets are well positioned and clearly sign posted. There is also baby changing facilities that can be accessed by both mum’s and dads as well as a Changing Places Toilet Which is located in Wild Woods with a height adjustable changing bench, shower, toilet and a hoist! You need to have a RADAR key to access this one, but just ask a member of staff and they can help. The park is vast but largely flat and definitely manageable so you don’t have to worry about navigating with a pushchair or wheelchair.
I can’t recommend CWOAR enough. I honestly can’t wait to make so many memories here with my little family!
