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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 2023 Discussion
We went on the 31 august and tbh i think its in a right state.
The whole park looked tired and in need of a lot of TLC
They need new coasters im sorry but the national, big dipper and infusion need taking out. They r the 3 roughest rides ive ever experienced anywhere not enjoyable on any level. The national is especially rough bordering on dangerous and i think ppl know as it had zero queue all day.
The new valhalla was fantastic.and icon is amazing but those 2 do not justify the 2hr journey and ticket price.
The whole park looked tired and in need of a lot of TLC
They need new coasters im sorry but the national, big dipper and infusion need taking out. They r the 3 roughest rides ive ever experienced anywhere not enjoyable on any level. The national is especially rough bordering on dangerous and i think ppl know as it had zero queue all day.
The new valhalla was fantastic.and icon is amazing but those 2 do not justify the 2hr journey and ticket price.
Skyscraper
TS Member
Just as well the Nash and Dipper are both listed, so legally can't be removed.
QTXAdsy
TS Member
Infusion, yes...the others though no. Big Dipper is more smoother than Big One these days and compared to Towers, I feel BPB looks a little more healthy than them which is saying a lot.
George W
TS Member
Just as well the Nash and Dipper are both listed, so legally can't be removed.
Legally they can be removed, with the knowledge and consent of Heritage England.
All you need is their informed consent, and down they go.
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
It’s always very interesting to hear the thoughts of non-regulars and first time visitors to BPB.
I often think that those of us who like BPB are in a bit of an opinion bubble with this one. Me and my partner took a non-enthusiast friend earlier this year and she wasn’t keen at all. The history and nostalgia may please those of us who are fans of the park, but to many non-enthusiasts, I feel that this just comes across as the park being old, run down and dated, rather than being of historic interest.
I often think that those of us who like BPB are in a bit of an opinion bubble with this one. Me and my partner took a non-enthusiast friend earlier this year and she wasn’t keen at all. The history and nostalgia may please those of us who are fans of the park, but to many non-enthusiasts, I feel that this just comes across as the park being old, run down and dated, rather than being of historic interest.
I go to BPB 3/4 times a year with my girls but I do think it definitely needs some investment. Don't get me wrong, on the whole it is still a fantastic park and we always have fun but some new rides would be well received.
Ice Blast would be the first to go for me now, been there over 25 years and would be a good space to put in newer flat ride.
Impossible and the arcades next to it could do with going as well, to free up some space. Again maybe put in a new indoor attraction or new crazy mouse ride!
Infusion has to go, its just awful and takes up so much space in that area. Get rid and put in a new roller coaster.
I would definitely keep The Big Dipper/Grand National. Yes can they be rough? Of course but still classic rides for me and as others have said The Big one can ride rougher than these two. In fact, when we rode on the back of The Big One, it was horrendous, hurt my neck all day from it!
Ice Blast would be the first to go for me now, been there over 25 years and would be a good space to put in newer flat ride.
Impossible and the arcades next to it could do with going as well, to free up some space. Again maybe put in a new indoor attraction or new crazy mouse ride!
Infusion has to go, its just awful and takes up so much space in that area. Get rid and put in a new roller coaster.
I would definitely keep The Big Dipper/Grand National. Yes can they be rough? Of course but still classic rides for me and as others have said The Big one can ride rougher than these two. In fact, when we rode on the back of The Big One, it was horrendous, hurt my neck all day from it!
Alexsniff7
TS Member
see my family are the opposite, they aren't enthusiasts but love bpb because wooden coasters are their favourite (normal coasters they call them) so it's to each their own
Shaggy_Dog_
TS Member
I’d be open to keeping Ice Blast as I think every park needs some kind of height based ride. I’d love to see it given a little refurb and have it riding like Cliff Hanger at ‘Mingo in a punchy combo mode.
But if it were to go it would be great to see it replaced with a tilting seat Intamin drop tower (like Ikaros at Grona Lund) and an Intamin Giant Swing would be a great addition to the park. I really like how Axis at Adventure Island can be seen swinging through the air as you approach the park and it would be nice if Pleasure Beach could do something similar and have a flat ride with some real visual appeal from outside the park if possible.
The park could definitely do with something like Loke at Liseberg, or the cheaper option and the Cyclonator at Paultons Park.
Just in Blackpool today and been advised the big one will be closed all weekend.
Can see them working at the top of the lift hill/drop.
Be two weekends in a row it has been closed then, as was closed last weekend as well. Shame as last weekend and this weekend the weather is looking really good
IDB
TS Member
Simply sit on the front row or a non wheel seat and neither the Big Dipper or Grand National are “rough”
Second to back row on the second hill on the Big Dipper offers some of the best airtime in the UK. Riding it holding on is cheating.
Dipper_Dave
TS Member
This award seems to be a rather comical one, I’m sure that Valhalla won it even when it was SBNO for an entire season. How does that work?!
Enter Valhalla
TS Member
Oh yes because the public are going to know that aren’t they?
So a few enthusiasts who visit BPB regularly, know which seats on which specific coasters aren’t rough, but that doesn’t deflect from the problem that your average BPB visitor finds most of the park’s coasters too rough to enjoy.
I agree with the original point that BPB’s coaster lineup has become dated and needs seriously looking at. Keep some of the classics of course, but some coasters just aren’t the world class thrill rides that people once saw them as.
I can appreciate its an historic park but at some point you have to move into the modern day.
Apart from icon every other ride in the park coaster and flat could be classed as historic outside of nickleodeon land. That cant be a recipe for success as their maintenance bill must be through the roof.
Without knowing what sort of financial position they are in if it was me id replace ice blast with a drop tower go big 300ft it would look amazing and that view looking down on the big one turn around.
id also add a new thrill coaster. You could try to retake the uk height record with a huge dive coaster 250+ feet as the foot print wouldnt be huge compared to the big one or go unique and have a RMC single rail.
Apart from icon every other ride in the park coaster and flat could be classed as historic outside of nickleodeon land. That cant be a recipe for success as their maintenance bill must be through the roof.
Without knowing what sort of financial position they are in if it was me id replace ice blast with a drop tower go big 300ft it would look amazing and that view looking down on the big one turn around.
id also add a new thrill coaster. You could try to retake the uk height record with a huge dive coaster 250+ feet as the foot print wouldnt be huge compared to the big one or go unique and have a RMC single rail.