First, it was a much-loved action-adventure with Robin Williams and a few herds of CG beasties. Then, it was a rebooted into highly entertaining comedy caper (plus sequel) starring The Rock, Jack Black and a tonne of much more realistic CG beasties. And now Jumanji is going to be a UK theme park attraction, complete with a hair-rising, jaguar-shaped rollercoaster.
Chessington World of Adventures and Sony, the movie studio behind the franchise, have just shared news of a World of Jumanji theme park – as well as a world-first look at what to expect when it opens in spring 2023.
A £17 million development within Chessington itself, World of Jumanji will be the first-ever Jumanji-themed land in an amusement park – and the biggest-ever investment in the Surrey resort’s history.
Details on what you’ll find inside are still a little sketchy – the press release promises ‘wild rides, adventurous attractions and drama-filled experiences’ – though as the concept art illustrates, one of those things will be an imposing 55-foot replica of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’s Jaguar Shrine.
In the movie it’s the ancient home of magical amulet, the Jaguar’s Eye. Returning the jewel and lifting a curse was the plot of the film and it sounds like it’ll be the overarching theme here too (at least, when you’re not busy riding the rollercoaster).
And if you’re new to Chessington, the Kingston-upon-Thames theme park boasts 40 rides and attractions, a zoo, an aquarium and two hotels. Tickets start at £36.
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Plus: the UK’s largest-ever kite festival is taking place this weekend.