Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Sony Pictures have announced the world’s first Jumanji-themed land, set to open in spring 2023.
The £17 million ‘World of Jumanji’ attraction will offer “a world-first experience that deep dives into the adventurous, action-packed stories seen in the box office hit Jumanji films”.
Based on Sony Pictures’ $2 billion film franchise, it will feature a roller coaster that wraps around an enormous ‘Jaguar Shrine’ structure amid overgrown jungles.
Jumanji is Sony Pictures’ biggest wholly-owned film franchise of all time. The original Robin Williams movie premiered in 1995 and was followed by Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019).
“What could be more exciting than bringing the global hit Jumanji film franchise to life within the single largest development Chessington has ever seen,” says Tim Harrison-Jones, divisional director at Chessington.
“After being entertained by the films for so many years, fans now have the chance to experience Jumanji in a whole new dimension and we are thrilled to be going on this exciting adventure with the creative team at Chessington as Jumanji further expands with its very own themed land,” adds Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of global partnerships and brand management and head of LBE at Sony Pictures.
‘World of Jumanji’
Merlin Entertainments announced its partnership with Sony Pictures earlier this year. As part of the collaboration, the company plans to add Jumanji-themed rides, lands and hotel rooms to its theme parks and water parks across the globe.
Merlin operates more than 140 attractions, as well as 23 hotels and six holiday villages, in 24 countries.
Gardaland recently became the world’s first theme park to boast a Jumanji ride. Jumanji – The Adventure is a family-friendly dark ride where guests encounter pitfalls, surprises and threats in the jungle.
Images: Merlin / Sony Pictures
