Chessington opened an online, two-week consultation for the ride and the surrounding area on the 17th May 2021, and held two in-person consultation in the hotel's conference centre. Plans were then submitted to Kingston Council in August 2021, with the park citing they “must respond decisively” following the COVID-19 pandemic, with an attraction that “excites visitors and generates interest within the industry”. Plans were approved for the area towards the end of January 2022, starting a 15-month build process. The ride and the surrounding area were officially announced to themed to the
Jumanji franchise in August 2022, with trademarks submitted for the attractions in December of that year. Merlin Magic Making's lead creative, John Burton designed the area. The land, including Mandrill Mayhem had a press launch on the 13th May 2023, by Merlin Entertainment's CEO, Scott O' Neil, who said the themed land was his company's “most expansive and exciting yet”. The World of Jumanji is said to have cost £17 million, serving as the park's single biggest investment since opening. The attraction officially opened on the 15th May 2023, with a virtual queuing system due to uncertainty around the ride's capacity to manage a conventional queue. Six Jumanji themed bedrooms complimented the area, in the park's Safari Hotel, following a deal between
Merlin Entertainments and
Sony covering both Europe and North America, which includes attractions, rides, lands, retail outlets and themed hotel rooms. == Description ==