You can go on the rides at a top UK theme park before anyone else this year – here’s how
THEME Park fans will have the chance to enter one of the UK's best loved resorts and go on the rides before anyone else this year.
Chessington World of Adventures is opening its doors to thrill-seekers before its official opening day, allowing people to experience their favourite attractions earlier than others.
The event, called the "ROARsome Passholder Preview Day" will take place on March 17, almost a week before the park is open to the general public.
Getting tickets is pretty simple - as long as you meet some certain requirements.
Anyone who wants to attend must be a Merlin Annual Pass holder.
The annual pass provides exclusive discounts on entry to theme parks and other attractions all over the country.
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The pass also includes money off food, free parking and fast track vouchers, for certain holders.
One of the perks it's offering this year is early entry into Chessington, allowing holders to go on the rides before anyone else.
Merlin told those who already have a pass: "It’s time to pop Sunday 17 March in your diary, as Chessington have announced their 2024 ROARsome Passholder Preview Day!”
Tickets will be on sale from 12pm on February 12.
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Anyone who isn't a Merlin Annual Pass holder and still wishes to attend will still be eligible if they sign up for a pass before tickets go on sale.
The passes start from £99 for a discovery pass and go up to £299 with a £20.99 monthly fee for a platinum membership.
There are four different levels of membership, with each coming with different perks.
The Merlin website promises: "A Merlin Annual Pass is the ultimate passport to a year of epic togetherness at the UK’s BIGGEST and best attractions."
Other resorts covered by the pass include Alton Towers, LegoLand, Thorpe Park, The London Eye, Cadbury World and more.
A full list can be found on the Merlin Pass website.
It's not the only way to gain private access to Chessington World of Adventures, however - with guests able to book the whole park out from £20pp.
The package includes hire of and entry to the whole resort, theme park and zoo for three hours, from 6pm until 9pm.
There will also be access to selected food, drink and retail outlets, as well as free parking.
There are of course some rules that have to be met in order for Chessington to agree to host you and your friends exclusively.
Firstly, your party has to be no smaller than 2,000 people, each paying for the evening park hire.
The park is therefore marketing the option as one for companies looking for a unique way to reward their staff with a day out.
With theme parks starting to open up again from next month after their winter breaks, there are some new and exciting rides for people to look forward to in the UK in 2024.
Hyperia, Thorpe Park
The UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster record is set to be smashed this year when Thorpe Park reopens.
Hyperia was announced in October 2023 and construction has been going on throughout the winter to make sure the ride is up and running soon.
For those who can't wait to find out what it’s like to ride Hyperia, Thorpe Park has released featuring a detailed look at the ride’s layout and track.
Nemesis Reborn, Alton Towers
One of the best-loved rollercoasters in the world, Nemesis, is set to return this year after being closed for maintenance from the end of 2022.
Nemesis at Alton Towers has been given a lick of paint and some exciting new branding for fans to enjoy this year.
Minifigure Speedway, Legoland
The Minifigure Speedway will be the world’s first LEGO themed duelling rollercoaster.
Work is well underway on the attraction which is due to be launched later in 2024.
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