UN-BITE-LIEVABLE! Vampire Roller Coaster at Chessington World of Adventures Celebrates 35 Years

• Chessington World of Adventures is celebrating 35 thrilling years of its legendary Vampire roller coaster by giving away a fangtastic 100 fast tracks!
• Fast track passes - worth £60 per person - will be awarded to the best-dressed little vampires and their families visiting the theme park on Friday 11th April

Friday 4th April 2025: Chessington World of Adventures’ iconic ride, Vampire, is marking an incredible 35 years on Friday 11th April. 
As Europe’s first ever suspended roller coaster, which first took flight in 1990, the London theme park’s Vampire roller coaster has thrilled millions, and cape-tivated visitors with daring drops, swooping turns and eerie theming throughout.

To commemorate this mystical milestone for one of the nation’s favourite rides, the attraction is hosting a special weekend of celebrations, including giving away 100 free fast track passes worth £60 per person.

Kids aged 6 to 15 are invited to come to the park dressed to thrill, donning their finest vampire attire*, to be in with the chance to win ‘Ultimate 8’ fast track access to Chessington's top rides, including Croc Drop, Mandrill Mayhem and the iconic Vampire.

Howard Ebison, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures said: “Vampire is one of those roller coasters that everyone knows and loves. It’s one of our most popular coasters, and what makes it so special is the nostalgia it brings. Every day we have visiting parents (and even grandparents!) reminisce about riding it when they were young. And now they have the opportunity to take their kids on one of their childhood favourite rides. This big birthday weekend is a fantastic opportunity for families to create more unforgettable memories, and we can't wait to see our park filled with the excitement and creativity of our youngest guests.”

“This special offer serves as a thank you for three and a half decades of support, ultimately making Vampire a cherished part of our attraction history.”

Over the Vampire birthday weekend (11th-13th April), Chessington World of Adventures will be in spooky festive mode. Wild Woods will be transformed into a gothic garden party and Violet, Chessington's much-loved vampire bat character, will be making a special appearance to meet with children every morning.

John Wardley - one of the world’s leading rollercoaster creators - is the mastermind who designed the iconic Vampire coaster for Chessington back in 1990. On the milestone birthday, John commented: “It is incredible to see the lasting impact Vampire has had over the past 35 years. From initially writing to Chessington Zoo’s director with the idea to transform the attraction into a theme park, to being the first to ride the Vampire track, the process and making-of Vampire has been a thrilling adventure in itself.

“I have always been fascinated with illusions and special effects, and this was something I really wanted to bring to life with Vampire - giving riders the opportunity to be fully immersed in the adventure. It was this inspiration that ultimately led to the revolutionary suspended track – with Vampire being the first roller coaster of its kind in the UK. It’s inspired coasters globally since.

“It brings me immense joy to know Vampire continues to delight and inspire new generations.”

Vampire hangs at 70 feet, soaring through the skies, swooping over the rooftops of Wild Woods and flying through the treetops with speeds of 45 miles per hour. The ride’s height restriction starts at 1.1metre.

For those with an undying love for Vampire, looking to ride it for the first time, or simply joining the celebrations at Chessington, head over to www.chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday for details of the fast track giveaway and what’s on over the birthday weekend.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact: cwoar@stripecommunications.comNotes to Editors:

*To qualify for the offer the child must be dressed in a recognisable Vampire costume - this will be assessed at the discretion of the Chessington team 

HOW TO ENTER

• Come to the Safari Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures at 10.15 on Friday 11th April to take part in the contest (Chessington's Admissions team will direct you from the entrance gates)
• Entrants should be dressed in a recognisable vampire costume
• The competition is open to children aged 6 - 15 years old, accompanied by an adult
• Please note participants must have a pre-booked Chessington ticket
• Each winner will receive four Ultimate 8 Reserve and Ride passes for themselves and three additional people. Up to three children can be part of each group of four. Each group must include at least one adult over 18 years old. Free passes are limited to a total of 100 fast tracks
• See full terms & conditions at www.chessington.com/Vampire-35th-birthday

About Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Chessington World of Adventures Resort is Britain's biggest wildlife theme park. The only UK attraction to offer a theme park, zoo, SEA LIFE aquarium and two themed hotels. With magical rides and over 1,000 animals spread across 128 acres, Chessington is Britain’s wildest adventure!

Chessington is a 35-minute direct train from London Waterloo.

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About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.