Minecraft World is due to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027, bringing the hugely popular Minecraft IP into the park with a new coaster, interactive experiences, playscapes, shops and food. The big one, obviously, is the coaster.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE COASTER?
Merlin has confirmed a world-first Minecraft rollercoaster, but hasn't officially announced its name, manufacturer or exact ride system.
There is, however, some pretty strong industry speculation that Intamin is behind it, with Coaster Studios reporting it as an Intamin multi-dimension coaster. That's not something Chessington has officially confirmed, so for now it stays firmly in the rumour column.
Well-known Intamin coasters include TH13TEEN, Stealth and RITA, with TH13TEEN being the only one of those three that's a multi-dimensional one — so my money is on another drop track for Minecraft. Logically, this would drop from above-ground Minecraft land into the diamond-filled mines below.
Full disclosure: I've never played Minecraft, not even once, and never will — but I'm still pretty excited about this potential concept.
If you go to Chessington today, you'll see track in the car park, with red and black track and black and green supports. The different colours of track are interesting, though, and could be a good indication that there are actually two different coasters being built as part of the project.
Construction has already given us a few clues. Track and supports have gone vertical, with part of the coaster running inside the main building. Recent construction updates have suggested that work on the coaster has slowed, with more track still to be installed.
WHAT ELSE IS COMING?
The coaster isn't the whole project. Chessington has confirmed interactive adventures, block-built playscapes, themed shops and dining, all based around the Minecraft world.
And they've got plenty of material to play with. Creepers. Villages. Caves. The Nether. There is a ridiculous amount of Minecraft IP to turn into a theme park.
Exactly how it's all going to fit together is still being kept fairly quiet. One thing we don't need is Jack Black turning up on opening day. Frankly, we've heard enough Chicken Jockey hollers for a lifetime. Although let's be realistic: the young GP contingent will be rinsing this. Bagsy not working the station.
IS IT STILL ON FOR 2027?
This is probably the biggest question at the moment. Recent construction reports have suggested that work has appeared to slow down, with no additional coaster track or supports installed for a period of time.
There is already plenty of track and steel on site, though, and work on the main building is continuing. Most importantly, there is no confirmation that Minecraft World has been delayed. Chessington is still advertising the project as opening in 2027, so there's no need to panic just yet.
SO WHAT ARE THE RUMOURS?
The manufacturer is the big one. If the Intamin reports are right, we're potentially looking at a pretty interesting coaster for Chessington. The multi-dimension concept would also fit nicely with a ride that appears to have both indoor and outdoor sections.
But until Chessington says otherwise, that's still speculation.
For now, we know we're getting a £50 million Minecraft project, a world-first coaster and a 2027 opening, while quite a lot of the detail remains under wraps.
What do you reckon? Is Intamin behind the coaster, and what sort of ride do you think Chessington is getting?
Drop your theories in the comments — there's a link below to Chessy's website to see more!
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