Chessington World of Adventures Resort has officially expanded its IP portfolio with the launch of the World of PAW Patrol. Representing a £15 million investment, the 1.4-acre site successfully bridges the gap between high-value global intellectual property and diverse ride hardware. We attended a VIP preview event on Saturday, 2 May 2026, to evaluate how Merlin Entertainments and Paramount have collaborated to bring this preschool powerhouse to life.
The new development, situated on the site of the former Mexicana and Children’s Zoo areas, is a strategic move to bolster the resort's appeal to the younger family demographic.
The opening ceremony featured a lineup of senior leadership figures reflecting the scale of the partnership. Rob Smith (Chief Operating Officer at Merlin Entertainments), Vlad Perelman (Vice President, Global Business, LBE at Paramount), and Nick Bevan (Vice President for Chessington World of Adventures) provided the opening remarks, highlighting the synergy between Merlin’s operational expertise and Paramount’s storytelling.
The formal opening was also supported by 'PAWject Manager' Hallie, a young fan selected via a national competition, who led the final countdown alongside the park's leadership.
Hardware & Supplier Profile
The ride mix is a well-judged combination of bespoke new installations and sustainable asset management. Chessington has leaned on long-term partnerships with two leading European manufacturers to populate the area:
- Chase’s Mountain Mission: A Zierer Junior Coaster that serves as the land's high-capacity anchor.
- Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure: Marking a significant UK first, this Zierer Drifter ride provides a unique mechanical movement that replicates the gliding sensation of a hovercraft.
- Skye’s Helicopter Heroes: A Zamperla Samba Tower, which has been modified with bespoke helicopter-themed gondolas, providing both visual kinetic energy and panoramic views of the site.
- Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue: Demonstrating effective lifecycle management, this attraction is actually a relocation and retheme of the Zamperla Junior Magic Carpet from the park’s former Wild Asia area, seamlessly integrated into the new narrative.
Immersion and Site Planning
The 1.4-acre site achieves a high level of immersion through vibrant Adventure Bay theming. While the visual storytelling is robust, the site’s location means that the immersion is slightly disrupted by the visibility of nearby rides Rattlesnake and Croc Drop in the background, but that's a minor trade-off given the land's central placement within the resort’s footprint.
The preview event also showcased the resort's wider entertainment capabilities, featuring stilt walkers, bubble artists, and a unicycle juggler.
Commercial Strategy: Retail & F&B
The secondary spend strategy for the World of PAW Patrol is comprehensive. The PAW Patrol Gift Shop features a mix of generic brand merchandise and area-exclusive items. For collectors and enthusiasts, an exclusive range includes bespoke magnets, keyrings, and apparel, designed to drive high per-capita spend.
Beyond standard retail, the land includes a 'Hook A Bone' additional charge game. It's a classic midway staple rethemed to fit the canine narrative.
On the F&B front, Rescue Refreshments focuses on high-turnover, grab-and-go items such as sweet and savoury crepes, sandwiches, and doughnuts. A notable addition is the branded ‘Pup Pack’, a curated meal deal featuring a sandwich, Pom Bears, and juice, specifically designed for the preschool market’s dietary preferences.
Our Verdict
From an industry perspective, the World of PAW Patrol is a textbook example of how to leverage a top-tier IP to rejuvenate a mature theme park, and this latest collaboration between Merlin and Paramount has resulted in a high-quality implementation of the brand. The combination of Zierer and Zamperla hardware, paired with the typical retail and F&B strategy, positions Chessington to capture a significant share of the early-years market for 2026 and beyond.
