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MINI MEET: Blackpool Pleasure Beach / Alton Towers: 22-23 February 2014

Not that great really, both of my rides yesterday were on the slower blue train, so I can't comment on how red was running. Hopefully once it starts running daily it'll pick up a bit, but until then and unless they switch the trains over you should aim for red.
 
John said:
Not that great really, both of my rides yesterday were on the slower blue train, so I can't comment on how red was running. Hopefully once it starts running daily it'll pick up a bit, but until then and unless they switch the trains over you should aim for red.
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Ah okay, last season the green train was best but they're probably trying to run in the two slower trains whilst it's still off peak.
 
It was a much better day than I anticipated :)

It was great to get back to Pleasure Beach sooner rather than later, and picking up a new ride credit in the form of Avatar Airbender [I'm still undecided if that's a good thing or not].

The overall ride count wasn't too bad and it was nice to spend almost the entire duration of the day with the main group! Further Europa discussions were enjoyed and there were several members of staff who looked to be genuinely enjoying their job as opposed to the majority verdict of staff who looked like they wanted to commit suicide on my last visit.

Highlights:

  • The weather
  • Socialising
  • Avalanche
  • Infusion being considerably less painful than usual
  • Rev being remarkably fun
  • Plenty of Europa discussions
  • Attempting to consume chips from a bucket and spade

Lowlights:
  • Not getting on Dipper
  • PMBO shambles

Thank you to those who also made Kim feel welcome, she greatly appreciated it :)
 
Jamie said:
Out of interest, how was the National running?
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It was average, but the trains were mismatched with red winning by over a train length, no matter which way round it and blue was.
 
The staggered openings are normally much worse - on a standard 10am opening there's usually only Flying Machines and Derby Racer open until 10:30, at which point most coasters and some other rides start to operate. Other rides, including the Nash, open at 11am or even later.
 
I don't see any harm in it personally. The promotional material for BPB all says that rides open 30 mins after park opening, so the fact that Derby Racer and Flying Machines are open is a bonus. Alton Towers do the same, open Towers Street before the ride openings.

As for rides which open later than 10:30 or 11:30 (on an 11am opening), the only one I can think of is Carousel which opens at 12pm due to lack of popularity. Also Valhalla opens at 11:30 as most people don't want to get wet so early. Again fair enough. Much better than PortAventura's late openings.

The only one I disagree with is Nash opening at 11 on 10am openings. But other than that, no objection to these stagerred openings at all. Makes perfect sence if there aren't enough people in the park that early. If rides which are far from the entrance such as PMBO and Steeplechase opened at park opening time, I doubt anyone would actually ride them making it a waste of money to staff them.
 
I had no issue with any of the staggered openings on Saturday. It is often worse than this at the park.

The only negative was the low capacity on The Big One, which resulted in a 45 minute wait, and the low capacity on Big Dipper, which meant we didn't have time to ride.

Other than that, a good day was had by all.
 
AstroDan said:
I had no issue with any of the staggered openings on Saturday. It is often worse than this at the park.

The only negative was the low capacity on The Big One, which resulted in a 45 minute wait, and the low capacity on Big Dipper, which meant we didn't have time to ride.

Other than that, a good day was had by all.
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Dipper was running Ok :)
 
Like I said, I have no issue with BPB's stagerred ride openings, however I have to agree with Dan that capacity does need improving on those two rides on alot of semi-peak days.

I'd also add that capacity on most of the major coasters at BPB is very poor sadly. Avalanche and PMBO never use their third trains anymore, Infusion has been known to have queues of over an hour without the second train being added, Nickelodeon Streak only has one train avaiable despite it being capable to run two, Steeplechase is frequently seen using only two lanes even in school holidays and Speedy Pass have to be let on all the coasters first before the guests in the main queue causing so many delays it's unreal. Phew!
 
The Speedy Pass operation is dire.

However with such old rides and cramped stations, I don't see alternatives.
 
Well that was a fun weekend! As much as I, like others, love to have a moan about PBB from time to time I can honestly say I've never had a bad day at the park, and Saturday was no exception. I do have quite a soft spot for the place :)

I haven't laughed so much in ages as I did over the course of the weekend, with Derby Racer and the evening meal perhaps being the most memorable moments :p

Oh, and of course, the weekend was only made better by getting to meet Eastenders legend Janine Butcher!

So thanks everyone for once again making it a SPECTACULAR weekend away :D
 
I'll give them credit where it is is due, Infusion was on two trains until a technical problem caused the second one to be removed. :)
 
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