Room on the Broom: A Magical Journey

After the successful launch of The Gruffalo a couple of years ago, Chessington is once again transforming one of Julia Donaldson’s children’s stories into a theme park experience with the addition of Room on the Broom: A Magical Journey.

The attraction features a walkthrough past several key scenes from the Room on the Broom book, and also includes the mirror maze from the former Hocus Pocus Hall which it replaces.

Merlin Magic Making was responsible for designing much of the attraction and the scenes inside, and they’ve done a very nice job. Those who remember Hocus Pocus Hall will appreciate the “upgrade”, while those who are fans of the storybook will doubtless recognise and delight in the interactive recreations of parts of the story.

The story itself features a friendly witch whose hat, bow and wand are blown away by the wind. Luckily there are three helpful animals on hand to recover the lost items, and in return they get a ride on the witch’s broom … but will there be room on the broom for everyone? There better be, because the witch will need all the friends she can muster when she comes up against hungry fire breathing dragon!

Visitors are batched into small groups as they enter the Burnt Stub Mansion, the ancient building that plays host to Room on the Broom. The group moves from scene to scene together, although if it is especially large or slow moving than those at the back of the group can occasionally miss the start of one of the scenes. In that case you should hang back as the group moves on – the scenes are on a loop and will automatically begin playing again after a short pause, which will let you catch up with the story.

Room on the Broom’s scenery, projections and special effects bring the story to life, and the specially recorded music played by a 63 piece orchestra helps set the mood. Technically the attraction is a much needed refresh of the old Hocus Pocus Hall and, although the goblins will be missed, the enchanting new incumbent is certainly impressing the neighbours!

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