Entering the World of Jumanji

The World of Jumanji has arrived at Chessington World of Adventures! The largest single investment in Chessington’s history has seen the addition of three new rides in a gorgeously themed area, and I was honoured to be invited down by the park to attend the media launch event! In a year of – nonetheless very […]

The Magic of Tivoli Gardens

In the early 1950s, Walt Disney took a trip to Copenhagen. He was in the early planning stages of an amusement enterprise, and where better to gain inspiration than one of the oldest amusement parks in the world? Walt walked around Tivoli Gardens, making notes on the food, the gardens, the rides, and even the […]

Toutatis Opening Day!

I’ve only attended one rollercoaster opening day before, Storm Chaser at Paultons Park. I went into that day expecting chaos. Pulling in to a services close to the park for a full refresh and stock up, ready for the longest wait of my life. In the end? I waited fifteen minutes. But this time, I […]

USA 2022 Days 11 & 12: Cedar Point

I’ve been to Cedar Point. A sentence I never dreamed I’d be able to write, but here we are. I’ve actually visited America’s Roller Coast. And what a place it is. Way back in the year of our lord 2021 – a lifetime ago, or so it feels – my friend Bobby dropped a simple […]

The Curse at Alton Manor: Duel, who?

Okay, I admit it, I am a fraud. Sure, this blog is titled coasterclaire (thank you so much for stopping by!), but I have a secret. Coasters are not even my first love. That would be dark rides. My favourite coaster in the world, as of March 2023 is Taron at Phantasialand, thanks in no […]

The Lodges at ZSL London Zoo

Having seen ZSL London Zoo’s Lodges listed in many ‘best wildlife experiences in the UK’ lists, it seemed like the perfect birthday treat for my animal-loving partner. Neither of us had visited the world’s oldest scientific zoo before, which seemed like even more of a reason to book the best possible introduction to the place! […]

USA 2022 Day 10: Kings Island

After a surprisingly early finish at Holiday World, we arrived at our – very conveniently straight across the road from Kings Island – motel early evening. Though we had no further park plans for this day, armed with Cedar Fair annual passes, a couple of hours park time, and an undying love for night rides, […]

Walking in a Wintertraum Wonderland

Phantasialand, Germany I first visited Phantasialand just 7 months ago (at the time of writing) in June of 2022. The weather was gorgeous, with temperatures nearing 30 celcius, clear blue skies and long sunny days. But with 6pm park closes and 10pm sunsets, it’s safe to say I never even came close to seeing what […]

Christmas Magic at Drayton Manor

When it comes to UK theme park Christmas events, I can take them or leave them. With entertainment squarely aimed at children, and a limited ride line-up targeted at the same audience, they’re very much an ‘if I’m in the area’ deal. Happily, I had a spare afternoon in the West Midlands which of course […]

USA 2022 Day 9: Holiday World

Passing by the stunning Gateway Arch on our way out of St Louis, and Missouri, the time had come to begin the drive back East, travelling through Illinois on our way to Indiana, and our next stop: Holiday World. Holiday World was something of an anomaly in our road trip line-up, being a medium-sized family-owned […]