Chessington or Thorpe Park with kids 5 and 10 - what's best?

[florida2000]

I am considering spending a day at one of these parks in July during a 'UK' holiday.

Does anyone have any experience of Chessington WOA and Thorpe Park? Any ideas whats best for kids (5 and 10)?

The older one is at the stage of loving TOT and Everest and thinking Flying Unicorn was boring but not yet anywhere near Duelling dragons or Hulk stage. The younger one is obviously not into any big rides.

So, what park would be best?

Thanks
Brian

[Jaybeez]

I live fairly near both parks and have Tussaurd season tickets, so visit both parks.

I would say go to Chessington. It hasn't got any really big rides, but they are good ones. My kids love the Vampire ride, the Dragon ride and a horrible one that spins them around and gets them soaked, (sorry I can't remember the names). There are also lots of smaller rides and the zoo. You can get a fast pass for the main rides, which cost around £7 each last year, great value.

Thorpe Park has the really big rides, but my personal experience is this...
1. There will always be a few rides not working.
2. There will be big groups of teenagers everywhere. The police are normally hanging around outside the park, just in case there's trouble.
3. The queues will be horrendous.
4. There is a beach area for families which is great, but it's not always open, even in the summer holidays.
Thorpe Park also has a fast pass system that you pay for, but you buy different tickets for different rides and so can be very expensive. They also sell so many, that they normal queues move at a snails pace.
This is all a shame, as Thorpe Park used to be really good.

[Nettings]

I would say Chessington because its more younger child friendly.

[Guest]

I also live close to both parks and have passes, my children are 3, 6 and 8, and all love Chessington better than Thorpe Park.

There are more varied rides at Chessington for this age group, my 8 year old loves fast rides also. Also Chessington has other things to do like the zoo etc if the rides are busy.

[DisneyPlanner73]

Another who lives close to both and also has passes. Kids are aged 9 & 6 - I too would say Chessington is much better for this age group. The rides are more focused for younger children and they also have the zoo and sealife centre. If you get there for when it opens (10am) you should not have to worry too much about the wait times for the rides.

[florida2000]

Great, thanks very much for the replies. I thought Chessington looked better for kids based on the websites but its invaluable to get your feedback based on personal experience.

Thanks
Brian

[DIBBadmin]

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