Halloween Hocus Pocus - Chessington World of Adventures 2010 review
In the midst of all the terror and screams at this time of year, it's very easy to forget that Halloween is loved by children as well. So while the other theme parks aim for high end thrills and scares, Chessington have settled for something a bit more family friendly.
Fortunately that means some quite extensiuve theming around the park with pumpkins scattered everywhere and a selection of new shows and attractions.
Fortunately that means some quite extensiuve theming around the park with pumpkins scattered everywhere and a selection of new shows and attractions.
Hocus Pocus Hall:Bewitched
Witches have taken over Hocus Pocus Hall for halloween and the family attraction has had the scare factor cranked up just a little bit more. The live actors are more friendly than frightening and mostly just do a few sudden appearances in a non threatening way.
I was surprised that groups were batched conga line style as per many adult attractions. This did increase the tension but did mean that small children were effectively buried between 2 adults and could miss some of the fun!
Die hard scare fans would find nothing in Hocus Pocus Hall Bewitched to really trouble them but the 7 year old in our group (ie the target audience) absolutely loved it!
I was surprised that groups were batched conga line style as per many adult attractions. This did increase the tension but did mean that small children were effectively buried between 2 adults and could miss some of the fun!
Die hard scare fans would find nothing in Hocus Pocus Hall Bewitched to really trouble them but the 7 year old in our group (ie the target audience) absolutely loved it!
 Dare you enter? |
 Assume the position! |
Black Forest Haunt: the Vampire Bites Back
Situated along a deserted walkway by the Vampire rollercoaster, we were expecting just a little more of this "attraction". Once through the gate and with suitable warnings from the grave digger, small groups are left to explore.
We understand that many of the design choices were a response to 2009's massive queues, but the attraction felt very small and lacking There are few well themed sets and without giving away where it was, there was one effective startle scare that made us all jump.
Unfortunately the lack of actors and any real menace throughout meant that our scared 7 year old could pass through without ANY fear.
We understand that many of the design choices were a response to 2009's massive queues, but the attraction felt very small and lacking There are few well themed sets and without giving away where it was, there was one effective startle scare that made us all jump.
Unfortunately the lack of actors and any real menace throughout meant that our scared 7 year old could pass through without ANY fear.
 The gravedigger provides the opening spiel |
 the theming in places was excellent |
Other highlights
The arrival of the Headless Horseman
Alongside a new " Spike the dinosaur" show, the other main Halloween attraction is the Trick or Treat show. Based on a very similar idea to Alton Tower's trick or treat doors, the show was livened up by the intoroduction of the Headless Horsemen who starts the proceedings. A great addition to the show and a very impressive costume and character!
So if you're looking for big scares and lots of screams then Chessington is not for you. But if you are looking for a fun and spooky event you can enjoy with ALL the family then Halloween Hocus Ocus fits the bill.
Halloween Hocus Pocus is open every night until Sunday October 31st. Check out the website for details.
So if you're looking for big scares and lots of screams then Chessington is not for you. But if you are looking for a fun and spooky event you can enjoy with ALL the family then Halloween Hocus Ocus fits the bill.
Halloween Hocus Pocus is open every night until Sunday October 31st. Check out the website for details.