CROC DROP: In Depth Look At Chessington's Snappy New Ride!

It's not often that a new flat ride blows me away, just as much as a new coaster... But alas, here we are! 

I'm talking of course about the brand new Croc Drop at Chessington World Of Adventures, here in the UK! 

I had the pleasure of heading down for the opening day on the 12th of April to check it out and oh my goodness what a fantastic beast it is! 

So here are my thoughts on this impressive new addition to the UK Theme Park line-up. 

( Please Remember as always these are just my own personal thoughts and opinions, not everyone will agree and that's ok! It's the best part about being in the coaster community, please do share your own thoughts on our socials INSTA: @coastersamblog YOUTUBE: Coaster Sam Blog) 

So let's take a bite into this big old croc! 

Themeing 

The one thing that stands out here, is of course the HUGE show building and theming. 

If you haven't seen the enormous croc on socials yet, let me give you a glimpse. 

Yes this drop tower, well.... towers over the skyline and creates a fantastic visual impact in the area. 

The attraction's story is set around the Egyptian Deity Sobek, who watches over the Nile... Well, Sobek has become cursed and the only way to free Sobek from the curse and save the Nile is to 'Brave The Drop'. 

It makes sense that a HUGE crocodile arising from a temple makes sense and with the area of the park being the Forbidden Kingdom (an middle eastern, Egyptian-themed land) it sits perfectly next to Tomb Blaster, an equally impressive dark ride! 

Surrounding the ride area are markings and carvings, photo ops with almost all the focus being on the enormous croc itself! 

I must say, it's not often I have gasped ( Dramatically ) when walking into a land and seeing such an impressive structure.... well Chessington has done just that! 

It looks incredible and is just such a compliment to the area and park as a whole! 

Music

I wanted to touch on the music of Croc Drop, as this plays such an important part in the overall experience. 

What stood out here, was the way the music told the story and guided us through the experience. 

What starts off quite light and tame through the queue-line, becomes gradually more intense the closer you get to physically stepping onto the ride itself! 

Here is where the pre-show moment really sets itself apart. Before entering the ride station you are welcomed by a sort of introduction.... misters and lighting sets, while a booming soundtrack is played with a small explanation of the story of the ride, its loud and very Hollywood! 

You feel like you are entering your own adventure movie, with the heroic melodies and a voice saying "To Release The Curse, You Must Brave The Drop!"..... from here the audio intensified!  

Moving into the station and taking your seat you are reminded of that mission statement and ride slogan, with the booming audio and almost tribal style chanting of 'Brave The Drop, Release The Curse'! 

The ride cycle begins and the main soundtrack is blasted while again the narrative is explained! 

This focus on storytelling through the audio really changes this drop tower into much more... a ride experience... It gives the rider a purpose, a challenge, and ultimately a great sense of achievement! 

It's a great example of how quality audio and soundtracks can make all the difference. 

Nick Hutson, the mastermind behind many Theme Park soundtracks, included the brilliant Tomb Blaster, has done a fantastic job here! 

Ride Experience

While there are many other SBF Visa drop towers out there, none are quite like this! 

Having said that, in terms of the ride cycle, guests can expect a standard selection of drops, bounces, and rotations. 

However, the views you get from the top of the over 80 ft high tower are fantastic, seeing all over London and famous monuments from the Big Smoke! 

I will say, don't be fooled by the 80ft drop. Many think that due to this not being the tallest, it somehow won't be as imposing..... just wait until your up there... It really does feel quite high at the top of the tower and that's for Adults... so just imagine any younger guests experiencing this! 

 Wrap Up 

Overall, this ride is the perfect addition to the park and indeed UK Family Theme Park lineup! 

It offers a totally unique ride experience, that's heavily themed just as we have come to know and love with Chessington... 

For me, this only confirms Chessington, as perhaps, the best-themed theme park in the UK!!! 

I can't urge you enough, to get out to the park and give this a go! You Will Love it!!! 

Will you be riding Croc Drop this season? Have you given it a go? 

Leave us a comment below, or get involved on our Insta: @coastersamblog or over on our Youtube Coaster Sam Blog. 

Until Next Time, 

See ya! 

Sam x