Legoland or Chessington?

[scampadoodle]

Have promised the DSs (8 & 6) a theme park day out. They are badgering for Legoland but I'm a bit put off by all the stories of queues & general crapness. I can get a 2-day pass & a night in a hotel for the 3 of us for £160 but it would be me taking them on my own - how feasible is that?

Chessington is near my Dad & he & my stepmother would probably come with us (I've got BOGOF vouchers).

What's everyone's opinion? I was thinking of going right at the start of the summer hols.

TIA

Well Legoland is better imo. I was there on Tuesday. Chessington is very tired now. I think legoland suits your kids age group better. But legoland does sound like hell during the hols. However there is lots more to do at Legoland that doesn't involve queuing like the play areas, miniland, water park thing etc.

I would probably say Chessington, but it'll be busy as well! It also has the animals and sealife as well though if you want a break from queuing.

Been to Lego land. Wonderful but had to wait for ages for some rides. Must be prepared to wait.

Would like to go to Chessington with my family.

We went to Legoland on what seemed to be a busy inset day and the queues weren't too bad (worst was 30mins). As another poster said there is lots to do that you don't need to queue for, bring swimwear for the waterpark if it's warm. If you're going for 2 days you'll manage to get everything done. Your eldest might find some/most of the rides a bit lame though. I really don't like Chessington, the whole place is tired and needs a makeover. Have always found really long queues there and it feels rushed, nowhere to escape or relax.

How tall are they? Legoland has the distinct advantage that they'll probably be able to go on everything, which is less likely to be the case at Chessington. And queues are an issue at any theme park in peak season.

I regularly go to both and really like both - I find Chessington pretty good - it's more chilled out and less tiring and nice places to sit and have a picnic. Legoland is possibly more exciting, has the lego element, lego shop etc but I find I am much more exhausted from there - you seem to walk much further and it is more hilly and more hectic. I think you'd have a good time at either.