Park Profile
Transformation The River Ride Adventure utilises the original BubbleWorks exterior, which has been repainted, and had a new audio system installed. The passenger boats are still the same as the ones used in BubbleWorks, although they have been redesigned to fit within the Gruffalo theme. The famous bubbles from the original ride have also been recycled and have been turned into dandelions in the new River Adventure. The queuing station has also been completely
transformed with a new green screen photo opportunity in the queue. Riders are then ushered into the redesigned station, with details such as leaves on the ceiling and a stage-flat backdrop. The ride ends with a scene that retains some of the smaller fountains from its predecessor Prof. Burp’s BubbleWorks.
Project manager Michelle Hicks began work on
The Gruffalo River Adventure back in June of 2016. With BubbleWorks being such a well loved attraction this was a project that would not only juggle the works of engineers, architects, contractors and creatives, but also came with the pressure of bringing to life a bestselling children’s story. To create the deep dark wood and the creatures within, Michelle and her team employed brand new technology, combining traditional 3D models with projection mapping, scent pods and theatrical lighting. “I had to plan the work to ensure that it was
delivered on time and on budget and also created an attraction that was new and exciting,” says Michelle. "I had to produce something that reflected our creative team’s vision. Sometimes that does mean being the voice of reason and finding a solution for their more ‘out there’ ideas."
Design The ride employs brand new technologies including smells in different scenes, so you can smell the freshness of the top of the forest as you fly with Owl, or the damp soil in Fox’s house. Projection mapping in the ride means that guests float through waterfalls and see animated scenes come to life, in the final scene guests are even taken through a mist of Gruffalo Crumble. The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure is the latest
project from ride designer Andy Porter who encountered a whole host of challenges in designing an attraction that all ages would love.
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“The Gruffalo is a beautiful story that has been read to countless children who can now experience this world in real life,” says Andy on the project. “I had to really engage with an audience and work out how to take a popular book and make it in reality. So many choices and decisions have to be made to entertain an audience while still keeping the story flowing so all ages can understand."
The Gruffalo invasion It’s not only the ride that has placed the Gruffalo firmly into the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, it is accompanied by many other offerings across the park. These include four brand new Gruffalo themed hotel rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel, along with a brand new retail shop and food outlet - both offering themed merchandise and a chance for younger guests to meet the famous Gruffalo himself.
JUNE 2017
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