When Chessington World of Adventures retired Rameses Revenge in 2019 after nearly 25 years of service, fans were divided.
For many, the Huss Top Spin was the park’s most iconic thrill ride, famous for its dramatic flips, fountains, and Egyptian theming. But its replacement, Croc Drop, brought a brand-new ride type in 2021 — a 25-metre tall drop tower with striking theming and family appeal.
So which ride comes out on top: the legendary Rameses Revenge or the modern Croc Drop? Let’s compare them head-to-head.
The Ride Experience
Rameses Revenge
- A Huss Top Spin flat ride.
- Riders sat in a suspended row, flipping end-over-end while fountains soaked them from below.
- Known for unpredictable ride cycles, sometimes leaving you dangling upside down.
- At its most intense, it was one of the few truly thrilling flat rides in the UK.
Croc Drop
- A 25m SBF Visa Group drop tower.
- Riders ascend inside the giant crocodile’s jaws before plummeting down.
- Less intense than Rameses, but still delivers a stomach-lurching freefall.
- Aimed at families as a first “big thrill” ride.
Verdict: Rameses Revenge wins for intensity, while Croc Drop wins for accessibility.
The Theming
Rameses Revenge
- Part of Chessington’s Egyptian-themed Forbidden Kingdom.
- Decorated with hieroglyphics, pharaoh statues, and an imposing backdrop.
- The water fountains were not just functional — they added to the spectacle.
Croc Drop
- A giant crocodile head structure dominates the land.
- Strong backstory: “brave the drop, release the curse.”
- Integrated theming, with ride operators and audio creating an immersive atmosphere.
Verdict: Croc Drop edges ahead — its theming feels more cohesive and modern, while Rameses relied mostly on spectacle.
Audience Appeal
Rameses Revenge
- Loved by thrill-seekers, but too intense for many families.
- Long queues in its heyday, but gradually lost popularity as it aged.
Croc Drop
- Perfect entry-level thrill ride for families with older kids.
- Offers something exciting without excluding younger guests.
- Has quickly become a must-do ride in Forbidden Kingdom.
Verdict: Croc Drop wins for Chessington’s target audience.
Longevity & Legacy
Rameses Revenge
- Opened in 1995, closed in 2019.
- Broke down frequently in later years, with downtime frustrating visitors.
- Still remembered fondly as one of Chessington’s best-ever rides.
Croc Drop
- Opened in 2021 and remains a reliable crowd-pleaser.
- Less mechanically complex, so expected to last longer with fewer breakdowns.
Verdict: Rameses wins for legacy, Croc Drop wins for practicality.
The Final Verdict
So, which Chessington thrill ride wins — Rameses Revenge or Croc Drop?
- If you judge by legacy and thrill factor, Rameses Revenge remains unmatched. It was daring, unpredictable, and gave Chessington a true headline attraction in the 1990s.
- If you judge by theming, accessibility, and reliability, Croc Drop is the better fit for today’s Chessington audience.
Ultimately, Rameses Revenge will always hold a special place in fans’ hearts, but Croc Drop represents the park’s modern direction: immersive theming, family thrills, and reliability.
For thrill-seekers, Rameses was the winner. For families, Croc Drop takes the crown.
Ramses every time
Ramases no question
Interesting comparison. I’ve been on both rides and they definitely offer different experiences.
Can’t beat the classics, but Croc Drop seems like a solid addition!
The Egyptian theming was cool, but I’m excited about the new vibes Croc Drop brings.