Project Play

Project Play: A New Era for Chessington’s Mexicana Area

Chessington World of Adventures is planning a fresh and exciting new development for its Mexicana area. Transforming the western-themed land into a vibrant destination designed specifically for younger adventurers. Aptly named Project Play, this plan aims to bring new life to the ageing section of the park. Offering fresh experiences, engaging attractions, and a bright new future for families visiting the resort.

The State of Mexicana and Scorpion Express

Mexicana has long been home to one of its iconic attractions, Scorpion Express. Originally opened in 1987 as the “Runaway Train,” this powered roller coaster from Mack Rides was a staple for thrill-seekers visiting the park. In 2014, the ride underwent a significant overhaul and rebranding to become the Scorpion Express. Introducing a fiery new backstory set in a dusty, Wild West mining town.

Despite its rich history, Scorpion Express has faced challenges in recent years. Following an incident in 2022, the ride was closed to the public, remaining standing but not operating ever since. With its sudden departure from the park’s lineup, the future of the ride has been uncertain. Leading to speculation about what’s next for Mexicana. Chessington has now confirmed that the area is due for a significant overhaul.

What is Project Play?

Project Play is a new development project to reinvent the Mexicana area. Transforming it into an immersive land aimed primarily at younger children. The park has noted that, while this part of the resort is a beloved space for families, it requires investment and a refresh.

The design concept for Project Play is currently in development. But the vision is clear: to create an all-encompassing, engaging environment that offers children their first taste of theme park adventure. In many ways, this proposed plan draws inspiration from the highly successful CBeebies Land at Alton Towers. But with an entirely different theme.

Here are the key elements that Project Play will bring to Chessington’s Mexicana area:

‘My First’ Roller Coaster: One of the most anticipated additions will be a smaller, child-friendly roller coaster. This attraction will be designed to give young children their first thrilling experience on a coaster.
Children’s Flat Rides: Another essential part of the area’s transformation will be the introduction of gentle, family-oriented flat rides. These types of rides, often involving simple, repetitive movements, are perfect for younger children.
Themed Playscape: To cater to the playful and curious nature of its youngest guests. This will be a themed playground where children can climb, explore, and engage in imaginative play.
Meet and Greet Area: One of the best ways for children to connect with their favourite characters or stories is through a meet and greet area. Adding a personal and memorable touch to their day at the park.
Food and Beverage: To round out the new land, Project Play will also introduce themed food and beverage options. These will provide families with a place to relax, enjoy a meal, and continue the themed experience.
Themed Retail: No theme park experience is complete without a visit to a themed gift shop. As part of Project Play, Chessington plans to open new retail outlets where guests can purchase exclusive merchandise, souvenirs, and keepsakes.

A New Chapter for Chessington World of Adventures

Project Play represents a significant step forward for Chessington World of Adventures, reflecting the park’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest experiences and maintaining its status as one of the UK’s leading family destinations. By focusing on younger children and creating an immersive, engaging environment, the park aims to build a land that families will cherish and want to return to time and again.

While the closure of Scorpion Express may signal the end of an era for some, Project Play promises a bright new future filled with fun, excitement, and adventure opportunities. As Chessington continues to develop and evolve its offerings, this new land will no doubt play a vital role in the park’s future and in the memories of young guests who experience it for the first time.

With more details likely to be revealed in the coming months, Project Play is set to breathe new life into the Mexicana area, transforming it from a Western frontier into a place of wonder and discovery for the next generation of theme park enthusiasts.

Status:

Active

Planning submitted:

17^th December 2024

Project approved:

19^th February 2025

Latest update:

19^th October 2025

Total updates:

14 (View all)

News

Skye Takes the Skies at Chessington

5^th October 2025

Skye Takes to the Skies at Chessington World of Adventures, setting a playful course for 2026. Today, hardware for…

PAW Patrol Comes to Chessington!

29^th April 2025

PAW Patrol Comes to Chessington! PAW Patrol fans, get ready! As your favourite rescue pups are bounding into action…

Chessington’s Project Play Gets Approval

3^rd March 2025

Chessington’s Project Play gets approval, marking a major step forward for the Resort’s next family-focused themed land. Chessington World…

View all Project Play news

Planning

Area & Facilities

Project Play is set to be an exciting addition to Chessington World of Adventures. Designed with younger adventurers in mind, this new land will introduce vibrant and playful theming. A grand entrance portal will mark the transition into this new world, welcoming guests into an area filled with interactive play structures and themed details.

A large facility building, positioned to the right-hand side of the entrance, will house essential amenities, including bathrooms, retail offerings, and a character meet-and-greet location. These additions will ensure that guests have access to everything they need within the land. The inclusion of retail will likely offer themed merchandise that complements the area’s theme.

Various play structures will be scattered throughout, encouraging active participation from children and allowing them to engage with the environment beyond the rides. These interactive elements, combined with the large-scale themed decorations, will provide plenty of opportunities for imaginative play.

Gallery

Children’s Ride A

Another exciting attraction coming to Project Play is a brand-new interactive ride, Children’s Ride A. This ride will consist of nine gondolas arranged around a central arm, allowing guests to drift around in themed vehicles. Expected to be a new ride concept from Zierer known as the “Drifter,” this attraction will bring an element of interactive fun to the land.

What makes this ride unique is the addition of an interactive lever within each gondola. When left in its default position, the gondola’s wheels remain fixed, following the predetermined ride path. However, when riders engage the lever, the wheels are released. Allowing the gondola to drift freely creates a unique and unpredictable movement experience.

The interactive nature of this ride makes it particularly exciting for children, as it allows them to have a hands-on role in shaping their experience. The drifting effect adds an element of adventure while still keeping the ride suitable for younger guests. The themed vehicles and surrounding environment will further enhance the experience, immersing guests in the playful world of Project Play.

Gallery

Children’s Ride B

Project Play will also introduce an exciting aerial attraction, known as Children’s Ride B. This towering ride will feature themed gondolas, taking riders on a gentle flight above the land. Expected to be manufactured by Zamperla, the ride will reach a height of 11 meters. Offering guests a scenic view of the surrounding area while providing a relaxing yet enjoyable ride experience.

Designed with young adventurers in mind, this ride will offer a slow and gentle ascent, making it suitable for children while still being a fun experience for families. The gondolas will be designed to match the overall theme of Project Play, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience. Unlike high-intensity thrill rides, this attraction will focus on providing a more leisurely journey.

A key feature of this attraction is its accessibility, making it an ideal ride for families with younger children. The gentle nature of the ride ensures that it is not intimidating, making it a great stepping stone for children who may not yet be ready for more intense attractions. Its placement within Project Play also ensures that it serves as a visual focal point.

With its high vantage point and charming design, Children’s Ride B will be a welcome addition to Chessington. It provides a perfect opportunity for families to relax and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the land, making it a must-experience ride for visitors of all ages.

Gallery

Children’s Ride C

As part of the redevelopment, Project Play will also introduce a relocated attraction – Children’s Ride C. This ride is the former Jungle Bus from Wild Asia, a Zamperla Crazy Bus ride that has been moved to this new land to fit within the refreshed theme. The relocation allows Chessington to retain a well-loved family attraction while making room for future developments in Wild Asia.

The ride consists of a themed bus that lifts riders up and down while moving forward and backwards. It provides a gentle thrill that is perfectly suited to younger children, making it an ideal family ride. The attraction’s new placement within Project Play ensures that it remains a fun and relevant part of the park’s lineup. While benefiting from fresh theming and integration into the new land’s atmosphere.

By incorporating both new and relocated attractions, Project Play ensures a balanced mix of fresh experiences and familiar favourites. The redevelopment of this section of the park is set to bring a new level of excitement to Chessington, making it a must-visit destination for families and young explorers.

Gallery

Junior Roller Coaster

The highlight of Project Play will undoubtedly be its new junior roller coaster, which is expected to be a Zierer-manufactured ride tailored for younger thrill-seekers. Positioned at the back of the land, the coaster will feature an impressive entrance structure, setting the stage for an exhilarating yet accessible adventure.

The coaster itself is anticipated to be a mirrored clone of Paultons Park’s Farmyard Flyer, a ride known for its smooth and gentle thrills. This layout makes it an ideal attraction for younger guests experiencing their first roller coaster while still offering an exciting journey through dips and turns. The mirrored design ensures that the ride fits seamlessly within the available space, optimising the layout for both aesthetics and guest flow.

Replacing the now-defunct Scorpion Express, this new roller coaster is expected to fill a crucial gap in Chessington’s lineup. Scorpion Express, which was a beloved family coaster, provided an accessible thrill for younger audiences, and its removal left a noticeable absence in the park’s ride selection. The introduction of this new junior coaster not only restores that offering but enhances it with modern technology, updated theming, and a more immersive experience.

With its family-friendly appeal and engaging theming, the junior roller coaster is set to become the centrepiece of Project Play, drawing guests into the land and setting the tone for the fun-filled attractions that await them.

Gallery

Updates

A Roller Coaster Arrives

19^th October 2025

Sky-blue supports have rolled into view. Spotted in the off-site compound, stored beside components for the Skye Helicopter ride. Elsewhere, bright red air-gates are nearby, adding a bold splash of contrast. The promo artwork suggests a red track. These clues strongly suggest a red track to match the scheme.

Meanwhile, crews keep shaping the land’s rockwork. They continue tying fibreglass components together to sharpen seams and forms. Around the perimeter, planting has quietly begun. A handful of new trees soften edges and add height.

Across the site, concrete forms work overtime on buildings, foundations, and pathways. Notably, a large tarmac area now defines the roller coaster queue line. The tarmac likely forms the base of what will likely become a coloured composite flooring, much like other areas of the Resort have received over the last few years.

We will keep a watchful eye on the Project, with more updates soon. All photos were taken from publicly accessible areas.

Gallery

Theming Rises

10^th October 2025

Construction keeps moving, with stylised rockwork panels being installed onto the steel frame at the helix’s centre point today. Crews lift, align, and secure each section, locking the profile into place as the structure steadily takes on its final shape.

The rockwork is rising and now looks close to full height, giving a real sense of scale on site. Thematic artists are tidying the panels and filling bolt holes, bringing surfaces together cleanly ahead of later finishing stages.

Elsewhere, a crane is focused on setting additional steelwork, whilst groundwork around the coaster queue entry building looks close to completion, with preparation wrapping up ahead of forthcoming fit-out.

Work is progressing well, and we’ll be back with another update soon as momentum continues across the area. As always, all photos were taken from publicly accessible areas. No attempt should be made to step onto or access a construction site.

Gallery

Ride Hardware Arrives

4^th October 2025

Construction continues at pace, with levelling works progressing across the site as crews press on with ground preparation this week. Momentum builds as areas take shape, with teams coordinating activity and keeping the project moving forward at a strong pace.

Foundations for the entrance building of the new PAW Patrol roller coaster continue coming together, marking a clear step forward. New retaining walls have started to go in elsewhere, shaping the zone while establishing edges and supporting the developing layout.

Work progresses well on the ride pads for the flat rides, which look close to complete from available viewpoints today. Theming panels have started to be attached to the steel framework, introducing recognisable forms and adding a touch of colour and tone to the area.

The Skye-themed helicopter ride, a Zamperla Samba Tower 8, has been delivered and is currently stored off-site temporarily. Seeing hardware arrive lifts spirits and signals that installation phases draw closer as the project continues to progress well overall.

Photos below document progress, with all images captured from publicly accessible locations as always, respecting boundaries and ongoing works onsite. We will share more updates soon, as Project Play continues to come together nicely.

Gallery

Vertical Construction Begins

26^th September 2025

Project Play continues to move forward at a pace, and this week marks another exciting milestone. The first sections of steel framework for theming elements have started to rise around the site. With each new beam installed, the future look and feel of this new land is beginning to take shape.

Elsewhere, installation has begun on the elevated queue and exit ramps for the Junior Roller Coaster. These raised pathways will soon guide guests to and from the ride, and their appearance makes the attraction’s layout much clearer to see on site. It’s always exciting when queue-line structures begin to emerge, as they give a real sense of how guests will experience the area once it opens.

Groundwork also continues in earnest. Crews are busy flattening large sections of the site and laying hardcore, preparing the ground for paths and future queue-lines. This vital stage ensures the area will be ready for the thousands of footsteps it will welcome once complete.

Meanwhile, the main building presses on with cladding work, with teams active across almost every corner of the project. Momentum remains strong, and it’s clear that big changes are happening daily.

Stay tuned for more updates soon!

Gallery

The Transformation Continues

9^th August 2025

The transformation of Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures is gathering pace. With major visible changes now taking shape on site. The most striking development this week is the steel framework for the new retail, toilets, and meet-and-greet building rising rapidly into place. This key structure will form the backbone of the new land. Cleverly screening the service area from the guest’s view and creating a more immersive environment.

Groundworks also continue across the site, with a retaining wall now under construction near the upcoming Zierer roller coaster. This feature levels the land around the coaster, positioning the ride slightly below guests’ eyeline. This clever design choice should provide far more impressive visuals of the coaster in motion once completed.

Workers are laying hard standing along the back of the coaster site, likely forming the base for the ride’s queue line and exit pathways. The coaster’s foundations are almost complete, and the retaining wall and internal theming footers are close behind, putting the site on the brink of its next big milestone.

If progress continues at this speed, vertical ride construction could soon begin at the far end of the site. More updates coming soon!

Gallery

Foundations Appear

20^th July 2025

Progress continues to build at Project Play as Chessington World of Adventures forges ahead with the construction of its brand-new PAW Patrol themed land. On-site, focus has firmly shifted from demolition to creation, with visible signs of exciting developments taking shape.

Work on the foundations for the Zierer family roller coaster is progressing steadily. Concrete pours continue across the site, with several rebar cages now visible—likely forming the structural base for additional flat rides that will accompany the coaster in this vibrant new land.

The clean-up of demolition debris is now almost fully complete, marking the end of the site’s transformation from a once-familiar themed area to a construction zone buzzing with activity. With the groundwork nearly wrapped up, the pace of construction is picking up fast, as the team begins preparing for vertical builds and themed elements.

The once-empty site is now a hive of activity, laying the foundation—quite literally—for the PAWsome world soon to arrive at Chessington. With every passing week, we’re one step closer to welcoming the pups to their new home. Stay tuned for more as construction continues to ramp up!

Gallery

Ground Works Commence

24^th May 2025

Exciting progress continues on Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures, as the site gears up for the start of vertical construction on the park’s brand-new PAW Patrol-themed land. Over the past week, crews have been working hard to clear remaining rubble, making way for the foundations of what’s set to become one of the Resort’s most vibrant and family-focused areas.

Most notably, markings have now appeared on-site indicating the footer locations for Chessington’s new roller coaster, which is being manufactured by Zierer. A piling rig and concrete lorry are now positioned on-site, signalling that foundation work is about to begin—a major step forward as groundwork kicks into full gear.

In addition, a large pit has been excavated, believed to be the future location of the main entrance to the roller coaster. This area is expected to feature a large tower, echoing the iconic PAW Patrol Lookout Tower from the hit TV series and providing a dramatic visual centrepiece for the new land.

With work continuing at a steady and promising pace, the transformation is becoming more visible by the day. Stay tuned—even more exciting updates are just around the corner!

Gallery

Mexicana Flattened

10^th May 2025

A major milestone has been reached in the development of Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. The Mexican Cantina building—the final structure from the former land—has now been fully demolished. With it gone, the entire area feels strikingly bare and empty, a stark contrast to the once bustling themed environment that stood here just months ago.

With demolition work all but complete, focus has shifted to clearing rubble and prepping the site for the next phase. Teams are hard at work tidying the area and preparing it for groundworks, signalling the end of one chapter and the exciting start of another.

Adding to the anticipation, the park has now confirmed the project’s theme, PAW Patrol! New branded advertising hoardings have been installed around the construction walls, giving guests their first official hint at what’s coming. The colourful signage has brought a fresh energy to the site’s perimeter, building excitement for what lies ahead.

With the groundwork phase just around the corner, the real transformation is about to begin. Get ready for an action-packed new land like no other—more updates coming very soon!

Gallery

Clearing Continues Rapidly

26^th April 2025

Progress continues at an impressive pace on Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, with demolition and site preparation efforts ramping up across the area. The former Mexican Cantina building is being carefully stripped out, with crews methodically dismantling it piece by piece. Nearby, the former Children’s Zoo animal houses have also started coming down, with roofs now fully removed as demolition pushes ahead.

Elsewhere, a major focus remains on clearing waste from the site. Teams are working hard to tidy up the area and prepare the ground for the exciting construction work that lies ahead. Over at the old Scorpion Express site, the concrete base of the coaster has been largely removed, with the former ride tunnel still visible but looking very close to being fully demolished.

Once the final remnants of the old attractions are cleared, the site will be ready for a brand-new chapter. Soon, work will begin on laying the foundations for the rides, buildings, and all the incredible new experiences that will bring Project Play to life.

The future is looking bright—and there’s plenty more exciting progress to come. Stay tuned for the next update!

Gallery

Landmarks Reduced to Rubble

18^th April 2025

Demolition efforts for Project Play continue to push forward at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, with more familiar landmarks now reduced to rubble. Both the VIP unit and the former Annual Pass Hub buildings have now been completely removed, with teams on-site now focusing on clearing the debris and tidying up the area as preparations continue for the next phase of construction.

Elsewhere, attention has turned to the former restaurant building, where windows have begun to be removed as part of a more strategic and careful dismantling process. Progress here is slower, possibly due to the building’s age and construction, but it’s another clear sign of movement behind the scenes.

One part of the old Mexicana area that remains is the backdrop for Scorpion Express. While much around it has been cleared, this structure is set to be rethemed and incorporated into the new land, offering a small link to the past amidst the sweeping changes.

It’s undeniably exciting to see things moving along, but there’s still a bittersweet feeling as this once richly themed area disappears piece by piece. The future looks bright—but we’ll miss the old charm as we look ahead to what’s next.

Gallery

Demolition Continues

11^th April 2025

Demolition across the Mexicana area has stepped up significantly this week, with major changes continuing to reshape the landscape of Project Play at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. The former Rick O’Sheas shooting gallery and surrounding games buildings have now been completely removed, clearing a large section of the site and dramatically opening up the area.

Elsewhere, demolition work continues at a pace. The majority of the old Annual Pass Hub has now been torn down, and work is actively underway to remove the adjacent VIP unit. These removals are further transforming the space and paving the way for what’s to come.

Walking through the area, the views feel almost unrecognisable, and there’s a definite sense of nostalgia as familiar sights disappear. It’s hard not to feel a little sadness as this long-standing corner of the park is dismantled. However, progress often requires letting go of the old—and these dated attractions are making way for something new, exciting, and full of potential.

As Project Play moves forward, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all developments. Stay tuned as the next chapter of Chessington’s story continues to unfold.

Gallery

Farewell Scorpion Express

8^th March 2025

The landscape of Project Play is changing rapidly, as work continues at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. This week marks a significant milestone in the transformation, with the tracks and supports of Scorpion Express now seemingly fully removed. The once-thrilling mine train has vanished from the site, leaving behind only memories of its adventurous past.

Theming removal is ongoing, with more elements being stripped away as the area is prepared for its exciting future. Meanwhile, construction walls have continued to rise, further sealing off the site from view. Notably, the Children’s Zoo area is now completely closed to guests, marking another step in the wider redevelopment.

A crane has once again been spotted on-site, and with the track now gone, attention appears to be shifting towards higher-level deconstruction. It seems likely that the station and surrounding structures will soon be reduced, making way for the next stage of development.

With each passing week, Project Play is becoming more of a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as Chessington’s next big adventure continues to take shape!

Gallery

The transformation continues

1^st March 2025

The transformation of Project Play continues at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, with significant progress made over the past week. The removal of Scorpion Express is moving forward at a pace, as more sections of track have been cut and taken away. The once-familiar sight of the mine train’s rails weaving through the area is steadily disappearing, marking another step towards the future.

Meanwhile, theming removal has accelerated, with much of the ride’s iconic scenery now gone. Only the back wall and some low-level theming remain, standing as the final echoes of an attraction that entertained generations of guests.

Change is happening quickly, and while it’s sad to see Scorpion Express fade into history, the groundwork is being laid for something brand new. Project Play is taking shape, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Gallery

Change is in the air

22^nd February 2025

Change is in the air at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, as work is now well underway on Project Play. However, with progress comes the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to an iconic piece of Chessington history.

The removal of Scorpion Express has officially begun. The once-thrilling mine train that has delighted guests for over three decades is now being carefully dismantled. Contractors have started cutting through sections of track, with some pieces already removed from the site. The station and its surrounding theming are also being stripped away, erasing the last remnants of this beloved attraction. A crane has been in operation throughout the week, assisting in lifting sections of the ride as the deconstruction continues.

It’s truly the end of an era. Originally opening with the park in 1987 as the Runaway Mine Train, this family coaster provided countless memories before being reimagined as Scorpion Express in 2014. Now, as its rails are cut and its track disappears piece by piece, Chessington bids farewell to one of its longest-standing rides.

While exciting developments for Project Play are ahead, today, we pause to remember a classic. Goodbye, Scorpion Express – you will be missed.

Gallery