• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

Blackpool - Peter Rabbit Merlin Midway Attraction (2022)

tayspru

TS Member
New Merlin Midway coming to Blackpool for 2022

Visit Blackpool have recently announced that a new Merlin attraction is coming to Blackpool’s golden mile in time for next year. Details are limited, so I’m curious to see what we will get. Do you anticipate a copy and paste of a previous midway (LDC or Shrek’s Adventure) or something new entirely ? Below is the announcement :

ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW BLACKPOOL ATTRACTION

We're pleased to share the very exciting news that a brand new, family-focused attraction will open in Blackpool next year!

The £2.3 million Merlin Entertainments attraction will be located on the ground floor between Golden Mile Amusements and Funland. Merlin Entertainments currently operate The Blackpool Tower, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Madame Tussauds Blackpool.

Further details of the attraction will be released early next year. We're already excited!

What do you think it could be? Comment below.

Read more: https://bit.ly/newattractionblackpool
 
I think a LDC is the most likely option. Lots of families in Blackpool and LDC seems a popular brand.

The one in Manchester (with a similar catchment) is virtually deserted most of the time and on extremely limited hours, I can’t see them sinking money into another one unless the Manchester one is closing.

If I was betting I’d say we’d be looking at an expansion of the Shrek’s Adventure concept but with more Dreamworks characters, or potentially a Jumanji themed puzzle/adventure experience , given the recent acquisition of the IP
 
£2.3 million isn't a very big budget for a midway attraction, unless it is recycling exhibits from another attraction. Could it be some kind of themed dining option? It could be some kind of take on the escape room concept. Tayspru's idea of a Jumanji attraction isn't unrealistic. I don't see it being something that's heavily reliant on actors, like Shrek.
 
What about some form of escape room. Seems logical to me as they seem to have done everything else. That or Shreks adventure copy.
 
They've already had two failed IP attempts with this site. It'll be interesting to see if the third is the one that sticks, which is not a pre-existing midway. This would be a new concept.
 
They've already had two failed IP attempts with this site. It'll be interesting to see if the third is the one that sticks, which is not a pre-existing midway. This would be a new concept.
What were the previous attempts? I know they ran the Pirate Adventure Golf until a few years ago, but that's hardly an IP...
 
The Gruffalo was the first IP planned, with the project as far as having had theming started being made for it before the IP was pulled.

The second was proposed to be CBeebies related, but I'm led to believe the BBC pulled out when they saw the site in person.

The actual IP going ahead isn't really something that screams tacky seaside town, so it'll be interesting to see how it fares.

It isn't Jumanji.
 
It will be overpriced and disappointing whatever it is. I have never come away from a midway without a sense of 'meh it was alright but probably wouldn't do it again' feeling.
 
It will be overpriced and disappointing whatever it is. I have never come away from a midway without a sense of 'meh it was alright but probably wouldn't do it again' feeling.

Admittedly I was a passholder at the time so it’s harder to judge the value, but Sea Life Birmingham and London always felt good and the London Dungeon didn’t leave me disappointed really.
Although they probably also suffer the same issue as many other Merlin attractions in that the prices are set for 2for1 vouchers rather than to offer the right price to those who just turn up.
 
The Gruffalo was the first IP planned, with the project as far as having had theming started being made for it before the IP was pulled.

The second was proposed to be CBeebies related, but I'm led to believe the BBC pulled out when they saw the site in person.

The actual IP going ahead isn't really something that screams tacky seaside town, so it'll be interesting to see how it fares.

It isn't Jumanji.

Either tell us what it is or don’t mention that you know at all . This “I know something you don’t know” on the forums really grinds on me
 
Either tell us what it is or don’t mention that you know at all . This “I know something you don’t know” on the forums really grinds on me

Oh ok, since you asked so nicely.

It's a joint venture between Merlin, JCB and Pleasure Beach. A VR attraction simulating the demolition of classic coasters. It even has Leek Signs vinyls.

All in good time.
 
Oh ok, since you asked so nicely.

It's a joint venture between Merlin, JCB and Pleasure Beach. A VR attraction simulating the demolition of classic coasters. It even has Leek Signs vinyls.

All in good time.
It’s a Merlin midway not an MI5 intelligence operation … I’ll never understand this culture of one-up-manship on the forums whenever a new project is discussed.
 
It’s a Merlin midway not an MI5 intelligence operation … I’ll never understand this culture of one-up-manship on the forums whenever a new project is discussed.

What grinds my gears is blind speculation without a shred of consideration for the logistics, (IE, this being considered as an LDC.) Why would it be an LDC, when there's one down the road in Manchester which people actually travel from Blackpool for? Manchester has the LDC, whilst Blackpool has the Dungeons and MT. They both have their exclusives, and Merlin have wanted to keep it that way to encourage guests from further afield. The Manchester LDC lost quite a number of guests from the Midlands when Birmingham opened up theirs; they won't want to be shooting the other foot off.

It makes no sense, so it would be tedious to blindly speculate without considering the larger implications. I'm just steering it from mindless ideas.

As for it being an MI5 intelligence operation, perhaps consider why it hasn't already been reported on sooner when Merlin decided they were doing something with the site? The rife IP issues and overall lack of Merlin staff aware of this attraction being opened means the number of individuals with actual knowledge is limited. It isn't a case of "I know this and you don't"; it's a protection of sources and staff whilst still being able to drive sensible discussion.
 
I already acknowledged why an LDC would be unlikely, and began to suggest other options given the constraints you’ve mentioned. The fact is you’re not a Merlin employee (even mentioning you know the plans would breach any kind of NDA) so it comes off as “well somebody told *me* but I can’t tell anyone else so bask in my superior knowledge”
 
Top