Furious theme park fans have slammed Chessington World of Adventures after multiple ride closures and infuriating queues over an hour long on its opening weekend.
The Surrey theme park has been gearing up for a bumper day as it threw open its gates for the 2024 season.
But the experience for many was an utterly miserable one – with a slew of upset visitors taking to social media to vent their frustrations.
Many of its scariest rides were blighted by technical issues and thrill seekers say that there were mega-long queues for the rides that were open over the weekend on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24.
Merlin – the company that owns the park – tweeted ahead of its opening weekend bonanza on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
It said: “Main season has begun again at Chessington World of Adventures Resort!
“What ride are you most looking forward to?”
But disgruntled visitors had their say on the platform detailing their “nightmare” experiences.
One replied: “Preferably one that works. We visited yesterday. Many rides not working. Rides closed after queueing for over an hour.”
Another said: “Chessington World Of Adventures were having a nightmare today.
“Majority of rides went down throughout the day and no Mandrill Mayhem.”
But they added: “Still, enjoyed the rides we did get on! Hopefully it’ll be running better in the future!”
Another disgruntled visitor wrote: “Would have agreed with you at 5pm yesterday, however went back today and it was even worse. Absolutely shocking. Two breakdown rescues on DF, Vamp shut numerous times, MM didn’t open at all, Kobra down a lit. Shambles.”
“Worst day at Chessington. Rides either not open or breaking down. Terrible start to new season. Even staff in a bad mood,” added another.
Another upset park visitor said: “How did you allow the park to open in this state?” reports MailOnline.
One family told the newspaper that they waited for an hour to get on Croc Drop – an 84ft tower drop ride – and 75 minutes to go on the Vampire rollercoaster. Mandrill Mayhem, which is the park’s newest rollercoaster, was also closed according to the family.
A day pass for the theme park costs £38 for a weekend ticket if you purchase it ahead of time but is more expensive if you buy it on the day at the gate – setting visitors back £66.
Express.co.uk has approached Chessington World of Adventures for comment.
