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Original poster

Legoland VsThorpe Park & Chessington

17 replies

MiserableMotherFlunker · 09/04/2009 18:23

Which is better for a day out next week (DCs between ages of 12 & 7). Have been to Thorpe Park & Chessington before but a long time ago now and can't remember which had the better rides. Is Legoland really that great to justify paying £140.00 for entry (DH not convinced!!).

OP posts:
PortAndLemon · 09/04/2009 18:25

Legoland is better for younger children, IMO -- and I think that's its major plus point (once children are over a metre there's only one ride and the Driving School that they can't go on). If yours are older and are tall enough for most of the rides at Thorpe Park or Chessington then I'd go there.

PortAndLemon · 09/04/2009 18:26

(can't advise you on TP vs. Chessington because mine are small enough to need Legoland )

LIZS · 09/04/2009 18:26

How much ? Get some vouchers pdq ! WH Smiths and elc are doing them atm. Should still be enough at Legoland but have heard Thorpe Park is more teenage orientated. Chessington in between.

CarGirl · 09/04/2009 18:32

If they like BIG rides and your 7 year old is tall enough go there, if not go to Chessington which has a mixture of big rides & family stuff. although my tall 6 year old can go on all the rides bar two.

PrimulaVeris · 09/04/2009 18:41

I'd say Chessington best bet - some 'older' rides for 12yo and lots of in between and younger stuff. And the zoo.

Thorpe Park is now really a teen place - unless you're into big rollercoasters (and over 1.4m high) not worth it - they seem to have got rid of younger stuff

Legoland - great for 7 yo, will bore 12yo, greatly overpriced now too

Get 2 for 1 vouchers from WH Smith

CarGirl · 09/04/2009 18:42

Legoland hideously busy in the holidays too

Louise2004 · 09/04/2009 18:45

Cheaper tickets can sometimes be bought in advance online. Try www.lastminute.com.

Original poster
MiserableMotherFlunker · 09/04/2009 20:09

Thanks ladies. Now I know that Legoland is for younger children, will probably give it a miss as my 12 year old will be whingeing all day as she loves big, scary rides. DH would probably lean to Thorpe Park then if it's teenager orientated (he likes to dream!) and at least he can go on the big rides with DD as I'm a wuss and will go on something gentler with DSs! Will def go to WH Smith - thanks for the tip.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 09/04/2009 20:19

Please check on the wesite how many rides your ds can go on, I don't think there are that many - log flume, river thing, flying fish, tea cups, pirate boat and I think that could be it!

PortAndLemon · 09/04/2009 20:26

How tall is your DS? Ride listing and height restrictions for Thorpe Park are here and for Chessington are here.

LIZS · 10/04/2009 11:02

Vouchers in Daily Mail today.

PrimulaVeris · 10/04/2009 11:49

Oh if you're going to Thorpe Park ... I can now report as DH went there yestesrday with the dc's (whilst I had a day with my feet up at home!)

It was the busiest he'd ever seen - thinking he'd chosen a nice quiet day! May be something to do with being the first week of opening this season ... had to queue for 45 mins to get in (arrived approx 10.15)only 'big' ride they got on was Nemesis. All the others had queues of over an hour, queue for the new ride, Saw, was 200 mins. You can buy advance tickets online which include (for an extra £££ fee) express entry to the big rides, but then you can't use things like the WHS voucher. Depends what you want to do really, but you may want to be prepared.

Mamazon · 10/04/2009 12:02

Saw doesn't allow fast track tickets as its too new.

this is the first week of opening and its easter hols so it is crazy busey at the moment.

thorpe park has the better rides, but Chessy is better for all round entertainment as you have the zoo as well.

also your 7yo may be too short for some of teh rides at TP as the height requirment for most is 1.4m. chessy has a lot more rides for younger children.

Legoland is excellent for the younger children but i think maybe the 12 yo would find teh rides a little tame if he is a thrill seeker.

Mamazon · 10/04/2009 12:03

Oh and to add, if you do decide to go to thorpe park. visit burger king first and you collect a lealfet for half price entry.

Original poster
MiserableMotherFlunker · 10/04/2009 12:11

Thanks very much Ladies. Knew I could rely on MNers! Have decided to go for Chessington. DD (12) has been put off TP by the Saw ride and has decided she will be happy with smaller rides .

OP posts:
PrimulaVeris · 10/04/2009 12:13

Have a fantastic time!

kylesmyloveheart · 10/04/2009 22:15

CHESSINGTON WILL BE MUCH BETTER FOR YOU THAN THORPE PARK. HAVE TAKEN MY 7 YEAR OLD TO THORPE PARK AND THERE WASNT (opps sorry) anything for him.

make sure you use the 2 for 1 entry though.

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