Chessington World of Adventures invited us to the launch of Tiger Rock on 28th April, a water ride set within the multi-million pound Land of the Tiger, featuring an innovative enclosure and Europe’s first overhead trails.
The new attraction is home to four endangered Amur tigers, so we were excited about meeting the 'roar-some foursome' (Kalinka, Kyra, Olga and Tsar) as well as riding the log flume.
On our arrival Carrie (aged 13) and Issac (aged 10) were given the VIP treatment with special lanyards, pop badges and tiger ears to wear.
It wasn't long before we were escorted to Land of the Tiger and first impressions were great. The entrance area features the first of two overhead tiger crossings, themed crates, a tented space for tiger talks and our first look at the impressive Tiger Rock.
After passing under the second tiger crossing there is a brilliant walkway that allows both visitors and the tigers to cross over the water ride, with just a glass wall between you! This provides a fantastic opportunity to view these beautiful animals up close. Beyond this, the giant Buddha that was part of the former Mystic East remains, as well as Mystic Donuts.
Once you reach the village, there are colourful buildings all around with a festival feel, and an eye catching entrance to the ride. Once inside the station there are red and gold lanterns, tiger murals and a mini sound and light show every few minutes.
Upon boarding your boat, seating up to 5 people, you begin your journey along a winding river through lush foliage until you reach the first drop. After a little splash you enter a tunnel with light, sound and smoke effects. It's simple but effective. The next part is really exciting, as the ride passes along the side of the tiger enclosure, where these majestic animals watch riders through glass windows and sometimes chase the boats as they go by! The ride then ascends the main lift ramp to a height of 15 metres for the big finale and after a few moments to enjoy views of the theme park, the boats plummet under Tiger Rock and down into the water below.
When you return to the station, there are on-ride photos available and a gift shop with a wide selection of tiger themed merchandise. The area would however benefit from somewhere to eat, like a simple noodle bar.
Land of the Tiger is a huge improvement on how the Mystic East had looked in recent years, breathing new life into this area of the theme park. The introduction of animals completely transforms the experience of riding the log flume, previously called Dragon Falls, with the station and tunnel also receiving makeovers.
A project like this, which brings together wild animals with wild rides, is all part of long term development plans for the park.
Chessington very generously provided us with Ultimate Fastrack, which enabled us to enjoy significantly reduced queue times for all rides during the rest of the day. The other highlights of the theme park, besides Tiger Rock, included Tomb Blaster, Scorpion Express, Rattlesnake, ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa, Vampire, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Dragon's Fury, KOBRA and Hocus Pocus Hall.
Tiger Rock in Land of the Tiger opens at Chessington World of Adventures on 5th May 2018.
