A disagreement in the line for Zuma's Hovercraft Adventure at Chessington's new World of Paw Patrol became a filmed incident after one father refused to let another family rejoin the queue
The opening of the World of Paw Patrol area at Chessington World of Adventures was meant to be a family celebration of the new themed zone and rides. Instead, a dispute in the line for Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure — part of the £15million investment — became the centre of attention after footage emerged showing a father refusing to let another group re-enter the queue.
The episode quickly circulated online, drawing both criticism and support from viewers watching the clips posted by theme-park reviewers.
At the heart of the exchange was a man identified as Luke Tickner, who says he and his son had been waiting patiently when another family attempted to move in front of them claiming they had left to use facilities.
The family involved denied wrongdoing while others nearby recorded the confrontation. The situation escalated as accusations of racism were reportedly made, and staff were called to clarify the park’s procedures.
Sequence of events in the queue
The controversy began when people in the line said a group had left and then returned, arguing they should be allowed to reclaim their original place.
Video filmed by brothers who run a theme-park review channel captures a second father physically blocking the returning group and verbally challenging them. According to the man who intervened, the returning group had not actually been waiting in the line together — he contends only one adult had queued while the others were on other attractions. Park staff were alerted and security was mentioned as able to review any footage if needed.
Eyewitness recordings and onlookers
The confrontation was recorded by content creators known for reviewing rides, and their commentary is audible in the footage as bystanders react. Some in the crowd applauded the man who blocked the alleged queue jumpers, while others filmed with their phones. One reviewer jokingly noted the unexpected drama, and the clip captured exchanges between the families, the ride attendant at the front and nearby guests. After the incident, the man involved posted online, including a photograph celebrating the end of a stressful day at the park.
Park rules and attraction details
Chessington defines queue jumping as attempting to access a ride by non-authorised means, such as cutting in front of others, leaving the queue and re-entering at the same point, or reserving places for people not present. The rationale behind these rules is fairness and safety, and staff emphasised that if a guest leaves a line they should inform an employee so the situation can be managed. In this case the attendant offered to call security to check whether the returning party had legitimately left and rejoined.
About Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure
Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure is described as the UK’s first drifter ride, designed to simulate the sensation of sliding and spinning like a high-performance vehicle. The World of Paw Patrol area spans 1.4 acres and features multiple rides, play zones and themed catering inspired by the show’s setting, plus Paw Patrol-themed hotel rooms aimed at families. An exclusive preview day for the new area included appearances by TV and sporting personalities, and helped to raise public interest ahead of the public opening.
Preview guests and ownership
The preview attracted celebrities and media figures who tried the new attractions before the general public. The park is operated by Merlin Entertainments, the company behind other major UK attractions, and the Paw Patrol expansion is part of a wider strategy to draw families with branded experiences and immersive environments.
Aftermath and wider implications
The family at the centre of the dispute and the man who intervened provided contrasting accounts: one side says they were returning from the toilet, the other argues they had not been part of the original queue. The man involved denies any racist intent and says he was protecting his place in line after his son was pushed. The incident highlights how quickly routine park disputes can escalate in public and online, and how bystanders and creators now amplify moments that once passed unnoticed.
Chessington was approached for comment about the episode. The episode also prompted conversations about queue etiquette, staff procedures for managing gaps in lines and how accusations can affect interactions in busy family attractions. Regardless of differing testimonies, the episode underlines the importance of clear communication between guests and staff when queueing at popular new attractions.
