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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Icon - 2018 Mack Double Launch Coaster

The gulls are a real problem at the beach, hence the bird of prey kites, occasional visits from the falconer, and the nicking of my whole tray of chips last year.
Bernard on FY4 bar has a special dance to chase them off.
 
I've seen Icon kill a couple of pigeons on separate occasions. One time the tunnel misters were off, the bird flew in and sat on the end of the launch track. A few seconds later feathers were everywhere and half a pigeon was at the other end of the tunnel!
 
Any moving object can kill a bird. I’ve seen a train in Miniland kill a crow. If a model train can take one out they stand no chance against any coaster.
 
Managed a good few goes on it now (30 by my reckoning) and it's a cracking coaster it really is. On sunday the mist was off (back on today) and it really does make quite a difference to the ride experience when it's not on.

Looking forward to trying out Blue Fire and Taron later on this year now as well.
 
Was at Pleasure Beach today, where I was surprised to see that Icon was running all three trains for part of the day. No idea why though, it wasn't particularly busy today.
 
Ben James said:
Was at Pleasure Beach today, where I was surprised to see that Icon was running all three trains for part of the day. No idea why though, it wasn't particularly busy today.
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Maybe they were trying it with three trains in normal operation, to see how the ride system copes?
 
Last week whilst at the Icon station gates with my son, we saw a grown lady fighting back tears as the ride was about to leave the station. She looked like she was about to have a panic attack or something. Looked absolutely terrified! Never seen fear like that on rider’s face, not even on Wild Mouse !
 
Today was running two trains then they added the third around 1pm

Was not long after it broke down just as we were about to leave the station. Something to do with an empty train they had sent before us.

Not long after it was back to two train ops. o_O
 
Incredible operations today. Got there at half 12 and got on it 25 times before ride close (plus Valhalla and Nick Streak) - that's just four and a half hours!

Three train service until around 4 when in went down to two (massive difference in throughput which I didn't expect). Overall, an incredible ride, certainly my favourite in the UK... very re-rideable especially compared to the likes of The Smiler. Maybe slightly better than Blue Fire but not on the scale of Helix, but i wasn't expecting that so that's fine.

Really happy with the end result. It was worth the wait :)
 
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I am there tomorrow and again on Tuesday. Looking forward to getting lots of rides in.
 
AstroDan said:
25 rides in one day?

Christ.
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Indeed, 25 times between half 12 and ride close at 5, with breaks. Think that's more than I managed on The Smiler in its entire first season. A combination of the park being quiet and incredible operations made it possible - I'm certainly not used to walking straight into the air-gates on newly opened attractions. Still can't get over the fact that some were willing to part with £25 just for one ride a week ahead of opening, insane.

It's a very re-rideable coaster (no pain) but I must admit the novelty had worn off a little by the end of the day. Front row still amazing though.

Fingers crossed for Pleasure Beach that it does get a little busier to justify the investment, although Icon itself was clearly popular with those who rode it.
 
Unless they operate it entirely differently with three trains than with two and guests have to pass through a gate of some kind of device to ensure they fit before boarding, I am interested to see how a third train makes any difference.
 
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Rick said:
Unless they operate it entirely differently with three trains than with two and guests have to pass through a gate of some kind to ensure they fit before boarding, I am interested to see how a third train makes any difference.
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No issues with guests not fitting in trains today that I saw, not one, so maybe they've sorted it? Though granted school trips made up a relatively high proportion of guests (maybe 50%).
 
I can't imagine they've changed the minimum close position, though it's the sort of thing that can theoretically be managed quite easily by having a batching host direct guests to the back row as needed. Presumably they'll need someone in that area anyway to manage speedy pass, so it's just a question of ensuring those staff have a good idea of whether someone is likely to fit in a standard seat or not.

I got a ride this morning, back row. It's pretty much at the level I was expecting, some interesting dynamics but never an extreme coaster. I'd need a few more rides to see where it places on my list of top UK coasters, but I think it will eventually settle towards the low end of my UK top 5.
 
^You need to get an evening ride as well, morning (whilst still very enjoyable) is tame in comparison. Was really wild when I rode late in the evening on 2nd June.
 
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