We enjoyed a family weekend like no other at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and it was truly a world of wonder and excitement!

From the moment we arrived, the magic was palpable as we kicked off our adventure by getting up close with Southern White rhinos and towering Rothschild's giraffes.

The VIP Animal Experience was out of this world as we got to feed the five giraffes - it's a once in a lifetime experience to feel these majestic animals tug the greenery out of your hands.

Park visitors can stay overnight in new Jumanji themed roomsPark visitors can stay overnight in new Jumanji themed rooms (Image: Chessington World of Adventures)

While staying at the resort, we learned about the rich history of Chessington Zoo, which dates back to 1931 when animal enthusiast Reginald Goddard opened it.

Today the zoo is home to over 1,000 exotic animals, including Western Lowland gorillas, Amur tigers, and Asiatic lions. One of the highlights was the Wanyama Reserve, where zebras, antelopes, and oryxes roamed freely – it was a perfect spot for our 10-year-old girls as they explored the park wall to wall.

Next, we dived into the underwater wonders of the Sea Life aquarium. Walking through the ocean tank, we were thrilled by the sight of a California Horn shark swimming overhead.

The Gruffalo river ride at Chessington World of AdventuresThe Gruffalo river ride at Chessington World of Adventures (Image: Chessington World of Adventures)

The Amazonian display, with its piranhas and other aquatic marvels, left us in awe.

We then navigated through the fallen temples and sacred animals in Wild Asia, where we experienced the excitement of the Jungle Bus and Tuk Tuk Turmoil Dodgems. The new attractions, like the penguin exhibit and Go Ape, seemed to be a hit with other families and we put it on our must-do checklist for our next family visit.

Instead we headed for the enchanting Gruffalo Arena with its River Ride Adventure which was a standout of the day.

Located in South West London, Chessington World of Adventures is divided into ten themed lands, each offering unique thrills. The new World of Jumanji was a particular highlight, bringing the action-packed stories of the films to life.

We rode the world’s only Jumanji roller coaster, braved the Mamba Strike, and laughed through the Ostrich Stampede rides. It felt like we were following in the footsteps of our favourite characters to lift the curse and get out of the game in one piece.

With so much to see and do, we decided to extend the magic by staying overnight.

We chose the Chessington Safari Hotel in the Sunny D room, which offered stunning views and comfortable beds.

For those looking for something unique, there are also glamping facilities and the option to stay in one of the six Jumanji-themed rooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel.

Our weekend at Chessington World of Adventures was filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable memories.

It’s a fantastic destination for families looking to experience a truly magical adventure.