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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 2025 Discussion

Bowser said:
It's a shame they can't or won't go back to the old model of free entry and tickets/wristbands for rides as it's so much more suitable for the park.

The system still works for Adventure Island in Southend. I understand the downsides but that vibe and atmosphere of a hustling and bustling seaside amusement park is what makes them. I wonder if it would be worth trialling some kind of middle ground like Winter Wonderland where there's a nominal entry fee for all then up-charges for attractions.

When did they change? The last time i went must have been mid 2000s, i was there for work so a group of us popped in and went on a few rides, that's what it's all about.
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Blackpool isn't a park where Free Entry like Adventure Island would work as well anymore as the latter.

It is too big and with the points raised could cause a lot of issues as raised in this thread. It could and should consider getting rid of queue line scanning.

I think the solution to this issue is not necessarily a non-rider pass but a concession pass instead. Something for over 60s or 65s who may be coming to accompany their families and not ride as many rides as other members of their families.

Looking at their website, it seems to only appears to be adult and junior tickets rather than a concession ticket.

It gives them the flexibility to ride as many rides as they desire but still not pay full price which may be more desirable if they don't ride as much as a full price ticket holder may.

In my opinion, it seems a lot of people who desire those tickets back want to be able to simply accompany their families to the park.

There might be some element of desire for things to go back to the past but it can't happen at Blackpool so the best they could do would be a concession pass or ticket for older guests.
 
owenstreet7 said:
Blackpool isn't a park where Free Entry like Adventure Island would work as well anymore as the latter.

It is too big and with the points raised could cause a lot of issues as raised in this thread. It could and should consider getting rid of queue line scanning.
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Arguably Blackpool is actually now smaller than it was when it had a non-rider pass in place, which seemed to be successful up until lockdown, unless I missing something.

I don't think many would advocate for going back to free entry, but given they have the infrastructure for it, a £10 non-rider pass would seem like a sensible money-maker.

My assumption would be that currently a lot of non-riders will be skipping the park altogether, potentially taking their whole party with them. There's plenty of other things to do as a family in Blackpool, without dropping a large amount of money to not ride anything.
 
I don't know why people keep saying they can't bring a free entry pass back. They can do it easily and without having to deal with loads of anti social behaviour too.

Just bring in a rule that you only get a free entry non rider pass with minimum one full paying ticket. That way parents and grandparents who aren't interested in riding coasters can still come in and drink coffee whilst their kids and grandkids go on the rides.

Or bring it back where they charge a fiver. I personally think a tenner is too much for somebody who isn't going on the rides.
 
Enjoyable first visit of the season. Sadly didn't ride the big one as the queue was always a bit bigger than I'd like when I was round that area of the park.
However I did go on lesser rode rides like revolution, steeplechase (running all 3 lanes), flying machines, and the ghost train. Enjoyed Wallace & Gromit as well, I look forward to the new scene (s) whenever that's added.

Had lunch in coasters, could order via a qr code and the site even remembered to knock my pass holder discount off the meal, not on the alcohol though sadly.
 
Benjsh said:
I don't know why people keep saying they can't bring a free entry pass back. They can do it easily and without having to deal with loads of anti social behaviour too.

Just bring in a rule that you only get a free entry non rider pass with minimum one full paying ticket. That way parents and grandparents who aren't interested in riding coasters can still come in and drink coffee whilst their kids and grandkids go on the rides.

Or bring it back where they charge a fiver. I personally think a tenner is too much for somebody who isn't going on the rides.
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Agree with all of that. Makes perfect sense to me.

I think the rise to £10 from £6 put some off , even though they added the river caves in as a non-rider ride.

A free non rider with a full paying punter is an excellent idea.
 
Benjsh said:
I don't know why people keep saying they can't bring a free entry pass back. They can do it easily and without having to deal with loads of anti social behaviour too.

Just bring in a rule that you only get a free entry non rider pass with minimum one full paying ticket. That way parents and grandparents who aren't interested in riding coasters can still come in and drink coffee whilst their kids and grandkids go on the rides.

Or bring it back where they charge a fiver. I personally think a tenner is too much for somebody who isn't going on the rides.
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I'm genuinely curious what makes Blackpool Pleasure Beach need one when Alton Towers or Thorpe Park don't need one.

I'd like to think it's location and the fact that there's lots of choice in Blackpool which might make the difference.

I'm kinda on the opinion that a concession ticket (for seniors) would be more ideal in this scenario - one where they can ride what rides they want but acknowledges that they won't likely go on Big One or Icon (even if they're more than welcome to).

It's also acknowledging that they may want to ride gentler rides such as the Pleasure Beach Express or Alice. If the Gallopers was still there, that'd be perfect for this audience as well. With the new season non rider pass, I haven't seen an exception for the Pleasure Beach Express.

I'm saying that with non riders, I'd imagine there will be something they'd want to go on even if it's just the Pleasure Beach Express.
 
Two summers ago, I was part of a full train of Icon riders where every last one was a "senior" silver surfer, midweek, termtime, beautiful weather and short queue...as old wise ones do.
Likely or not.
Without concession.
 
owenstreet7 said:
I'm genuinely curious what makes Blackpool Pleasure Beach need one when Alton Towers or Thorpe Park don't need one.

I'd like to think it's location and the fact that there's lots of choice in Blackpool which might make the difference.

I'm kinda on the opinion that a concession ticket (for seniors) would be more ideal in this scenario - one where they can ride what rides they want but acknowledges that they won't likely go on Big One or Icon (even if they're more than welcome to).

It's also acknowledging that they may want to ride gentler rides such as the Pleasure Beach Express or Alice. If the Gallopers was still there, that'd be perfect for this audience as well. With the new season non rider pass, I haven't seen an exception for the Pleasure Beach Express.

I'm saying that with non riders, I'd imagine there will be something they'd want to go on even if it's just the Pleasure Beach Express.
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Cost is a massive one especially for those who are fairly local.

The amount of well paying jobs in a 25/30 mile radius to Thorpe Park is endless. Blackpool is a very poor town and most of the top jobs in the NW are in Manchester and Liverpool. Neither a million miles away, granted, but still a factor.

Towers is a lot closer to the South than Blackpool also so they get a more varied customer base.

PB need to accept they aren't the same as Towers and Thorpe. It's a different market.
 
No northerner is going to drop £30 to walk around a park. Really can't see why they don't do it - I can't believe they make more money without... Could even provide in-park upgrade to a Nickelodeon/full pass
 
owenstreet7 said:
I'd like to think it's location and the fact that there's lots of choice in Blackpool which might make the difference.
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Location, blackpool has a lot of other attractions to visit, BPB is one part of the town,

If you compare it to alton, thorpe, chessington which have essentially nothing Major that close to them it means the vast majority of their visits are pre-planned to go to Alton, Thorpe, etc. but BPB there are many alternatives, the towers, dungeons, pier, the beach all very close and so if you were to visit blackpool would you want to spend £50 per person odd on going to BPB for a few rides, or would you want to spend £20 Per person at blackpool sealife, (or they offer £30 for sealife and another one of merlin's attractions) those prices are for on the day pricing.

also BPB has been built based on PPR, seeing and getting inticed by the big one and then going in to see much more to ride which may get your fancy.

not saying PPR is better but it is how BPB has designed a lot of their park, with lots of expensive running rides, just that the park seems quite expensive in comparison to alternative attractions.
owenstreet7 said:
I'm saying that with non riders, I'd imagine there will be something they'd want to go on even if it's just the Pleasure Beach Express.
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yeah, but is that worth the £30 price, for a train ride.
 
shakey said:
Location, location, location.
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I think that would be a fair comment if we were still living in the golden era of BPB, fact of the matter is nobody wakes up in the morning now and think " ah lets go to the pleasure beach" or "lets go to Blackpool" a trip to Blackpool is now something family's plan moths or weeks ahead just like they would with Alton Towers, people don't have much disposable income now to just go somewhere at the drop of a hat.

On the other hand I can understand why the locals would be interesting in some sort of PPR system, me personally id much rather pay the £85 and have unlimited riding all year If I was a local, I mean the Wylde Coasters offer for FY postcodes seem a steal.

"New for the 2025 season, we launched a limited edition GOLD Resident Season Pass exclusively for FY residents, so local people can enjoy a bumper year of adventures for less.

GOLD Resident Season Pass holders can visit us as many times as they want to Sunday – Friday throughout the year, for a single one-off payment of £85. That’s a huge saving of £114 compared with our Platinum Season Pass!

The GOLD Pass also gets you even more discounts off hotel stays, food, shopping and more."

OR

"Save up to £17 per person on the gate if you have an FY or PR postcode!

Our Wylde Coasters discount means locals can arrive on the day and still get the discounted online price for yourself and three other people… which can mean potential savings of as much as £17!"

I do think that the park need a senior ticket say 60+? because there are family's who've gone to BPB for generations and I can see why your granny would want to tag along, there's plenty of rides for 60+ ages to go on and its a tat bit unfair to make them pay full wack when they would only be going on a hand full.
 
Matty17p said:
I think that would be a fair comment if we were still living in the golden era of BPB, fact of the matter is nobody wakes up in the morning now and think " ah lets go to the pleasure beach" or "lets go to Blackpool" a trip to Blackpool is now something family's plan moths or weeks ahead just like they would with Alton Towers, people don't have much disposable income now to just go somewhere at the drop of a hat.

On the other hand I can understand why the locals would be interesting in some sort of PPR system, me personally id much rather pay the £85 and have unlimited riding all year If I was a local, I mean the Wylde Coasters offer for FY postcodes seem a steal.

"New for the 2025 season, we launched a limited edition GOLD Resident Season Pass exclusively for FY residents, so local people can enjoy a bumper year of adventures for less.

GOLD Resident Season Pass holders can visit us as many times as they want to Sunday – Friday throughout the year, for a single one-off payment of £85. That’s a huge saving of £114 compared with our Platinum Season Pass!

The GOLD Pass also gets you even more discounts off hotel stays, food, shopping and more."

OR

"Save up to £17 per person on the gate if you have an FY or PR postcode!

Our Wylde Coasters discount means locals can arrive on the day and still get the discounted online price for yourself and three other people… which can mean potential savings of as much as £17!"

I do think that the park need a senior ticket say 60+? because there are family's who've gone to BPB for generations and I can see why your granny would want to tag along, there's plenty of rides for 60+ ages to go on and its a tat bit unfair to make them pay full wack when they would only be going on a hand full.
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Lots of local people really do go to Blackpool at the drop of a hat.
It is a quick and easy option, and masses take it up, at the drop of a hat, especially in sudden good weather, because you can be in Blackpool in around half an hour from many northern towns, including mine.
Sunny weather, moments notice, classic Blackpool.
It is what we do.

Lots of people were very happy to pay ten pounds, just before covid.
They are still happy to now, but there is no such option, when the reason for wristband only...the only reason...is now long gone.
There is only one reason for the pass not coming back... a stubborn owner who knows best.
She doesn't want the common rabble back, but they have the fullest pockets at times.
 
Matty17p said:
....a trip to Blackpool is now something family's plan months or weeks ahead just like they would with Alton Towers, people don't have much disposable income now to just go somewhere at the drop of a hat.
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That statement may be correct but you are totally missing the point.

A planned trip to "Blackpool" is not the same as a planned trip to "Blackpool Pleasure Beach".

Many people will plan a trip to Blackpool to do multiple different things, and having the option to nip in to the pleasure beach to do a couple of rides is something people would like.

It will be even more needed when they build a giant new swingy thing that people can see from up the coast...... "Oh, look at that, lets go and see what it is"....... "Can we come in and ride it or just go in to have a look?"....... "Yes, its £50 each"..... "No thanks, we will go on the pier instead"

Even a £10 pass would probably not be appealing in that situation, unless you got £10 worth of ride tickets with it.

Honestly, that gyro swing could be the biggest draw the south pier has had in years !!!!
 
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Don't forget the Sandcastle is over the road (with both senior and locals pricing), as is the South pier - and lots of other stuff to do within walking distance. Quite unlike most other theme parks.

Out of a party of 6 wanting to visit BPB, 3 won't want to ride (my Dad - too old, and the "girls" not interested). £30 for walk-around tickets is probably acceptable so we can all experience together. £100 - no thanks! So the dilemma then is...... Do we split up for the day and do different things, or do we not go to BPB and spend £200 somewhere else.....
 
Smiley said:
Don't forget the Sandcastle is over the road (with both senior and locals pricing), as is the South pier - and lots of other stuff to do within walking distance. Quite unlike most other theme parks.
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With Sandcastle, I'd imagine the 3 hour time limit may put people off as it is a large water park that you can spend a day at. At peak times, there is a possibility you may not get on many waterslides in that period.

With Blackpool Pleasure Beach, I'd say it is a big enough draw on it's own that people will visit for £30-40 per person when booked in advance.

I'm half thinking people may opt for BPB over Alton Towers for the experience they'll get and how convenient it is to get to (without car).

It's swings and roundabouts I'd say.
 
shakey said:
That statement may be correct but you are totally missing the point.

A planned trip to "Blackpool" is not the same as a planned trip to "Blackpool Pleasure Beach".

Many people will plan a trip to Blackpool to do multiple different things, and having the option to nip in to the pleasure beach to do a couple of rides is something people would like.

It will be even more needed when they build a giant new swingy thing that people can see from up the coast...... "Oh, look at that, lets go and see what it is"....... "Can we come in and ride it or just go in to have a look?"....... "Yes, its £50 each"..... "No thanks, we will go on the pier instead"

Even a £10 pass would probably not be appealing in that situation, unless you got £10 worth of ride tickets with it.

Honestly, that gyro swing could be the biggest draw the south pier has had in years !!!!
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Even as someone who’s a critic of free entry and pay per ride returning like in the 90s, I think this is the key variable that makes Blackpool different to Towers, Thorpe and the like.

It may be more like them in terms of scale, size and number of unique headliners than Adventure Island, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach and the like, but its audience comes from people including it as a constituent part of the wider package of “Blackpool” rather than from the park being a destination in its own right. Blackpool’s core audience is, and always has been, holidaymakers to Blackpool coming as part of their wider Blackpool holiday rather than people coming to the park in its own right. This also results in people being more spur of the moment in deciding to visit the Pleasure Beach, which isn’t necessarily the case with inland parks.

I do not believe that Blackpool should adopt exactly the same pricing strategy as the other seaside parks and piers in the country, as they are a totally different scale and calibre of product and should reflect that in their pricing… but I do think they could afford to be more pragmatic in terms of pay-per-ride and non-rider entry offering by virtue of their location and audience. I would seek to emulate continental parks like Liseberg rather than the likes of the piers; Liseberg charge a fee for site entry and offer wristbands, but also have a reasonably priced pay per ride option.
 
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