Should adult theme park enthusiasts ride children's IP themed rides and rollercoasters or not?

[owenstreet7]

This weekend with Bluey the Ride at Alton Towers opening (and also Paw Patrol at Chessington opening in May) has garnered a lot of debate on whether adult enthusiasts (including content creators) without children should be allowed to ride during Opening Day.

This has sparked a lot of discussion on both sides with one side understandably saying that children and families should get priority and adult enthusiasts shouldn't be there until it's calmed down at least and the other side saying that it's acceptable as a "Cred is a Cred"

I am very much of the view that it very much depends on the IP itself with it's suitability, target market and nostalgia.

My key point is that if it's a clear pre-school IP, that children should take priority over adult enthusiasts who want a cred. Canada's Wonderland did the right thing with Snoopy's Racing Railway for the first year and I feel it could've been done for Bluey at Alton Towers at least initially.

This also goes into the debate of the general public who may find it uncomfortable with adults hanging around the area (i.e. Cbeebies Land) as well which is another debate.

I will add here as an edit that this doesn't refer to adults with learning disabilities/difficulties where the IP may appeal to anyway (i.e. Thomas the Tank Engine appeals highly to some autistic people)

For something that is more universal like Looney Tunes at the Six Flags Parks, Wallace and Gromit at Blackpool and Nickelodeon at various parks depending on the IP, it would be more acceptable for an adult to ride because a lot of those IPs hold nostalgic value and also has all ages appeal.

At this moment of time, Bluey and Paw Patrol don't hold the same nostalgic value for me as I'm a late millennial creeping on Gen Z.

I understand Bluey specifically is a very popular IP although my point being made is that doesn't it feel uncomfortable for an adult to be riding a clear pre-school themed IP rollercoaster to get a cred.

This creator puts this point out perfectly in the most common sense way possible

From: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWTfl7mIui7/?igsh=MWN3Zzl3emg3ZWZvYQ==


I'd love to know everyone's thoughts on the situation although it might be quite decisive!

In summary, my view is that it is an absolute grey area and it truly depends on the IP itself.

 

[imanautie]

This weekend with Bluey the Ride at Alton Towers opening (and also Paw Patrol at Chessington opening in May) has garnered a lot of debate on whether adult enthusiasts (including content creators) without children should be allowed to ride during Opening Day.

This has sparked a lot of discussion on both sides with one side understandably saying that children and families should get priority and adult enthusiasts shouldn't be there until it's calmed down at least and the other side saying that it's acceptable as a "Cred is a Cred"

I am very much of the view that it very much depends on the IP itself with it's suitability, target market and nostalgia.

My key point is that if it's a clear pre-school IP, that children should take priority over adult enthusiasts who want a cred. Canada's Wonderland did the right thing with Snoopy's Racing Railway for the first year and I feel it could've been done for Bluey at Alton Towers at least initially.

This also goes into the debate of the general public who may find it uncomfortable with adults hanging around the area (i.e. Cbeebies Land) as well which is another debate.

I will add here as an edit that this doesn't refer to adults with learning disabilities/difficulties where the IP may appeal to anyway (i.e. Thomas the Tank Engine appeals highly to some autistic people)

For something that is more universal like Looney Tunes at the Six Flags Parks, Wallace and Gromit at Blackpool and Nickelodeon at various parks depending on the IP, it would be more acceptable for an adult to ride because a lot of those IPs hold nostalgic value and also has all ages appeal.

At this moment of time, Bluey and Paw Patrol don't hold the same nostalgic value for me as I'm a late millennial creeping on Gen Z.

I understand Bluey specifically is a very popular IP although my point being made is that doesn't it feel uncomfortable for an adult to be riding a clear pre-school themed IP rollercoaster to get a cred.

This creator puts this point out perfectly in the most common sense way possible

From: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWTfl7mIui7/?igsh=MWN3Zzl3emg3ZWZvYQ==


I'd love to know everyone's thoughts on the situation although it might be quite decisive!

In summary, my view is that it is an absolute grey area and it truly depends on the IP itself.

That's just further othering autistics doing that

 

[Alix]

I think it also depends on behaviour. If adults are shoving kids out of the way or trampling them underfoot to get to the new ride then that's not ok.

If they behave themselves and remember they're in the area specifically for small kids then that should be ok.

Going to cbeebies and complaining it's full of whining kids or going off on one about hating children would not be acceptable.

Merlin will probably put some odd rule in place like they do with Duplo Dino so personally I'll probably avoid until the fuss has died down.

 

[imanautie]

I think it also depends on behaviour. If adults are shoving kids out of the way or trampling them underfoot to get to the new ride then that's not ok.

If they behave themselves and remember they're in the area specifically for small kids then that should be ok.

Going to cbeebies and complaining it's full of whining kids or going off on one about hating children would not be acceptable.

Merlin will probably put some odd rule in place like they do with Duplo Dino so personally I'll probably avoid until the fuss has died down.

Duplo Dino rules?

 

[owenstreet7]

That's just further othering autistics doing that

I completely understand what you mean and the aim definitely isn't to single out autistic individuals and at the same time, I was exempting anyone where a disability is concerned.

This was written with content creators and adult theme park enthusiasts where their goal is to be the first on the cred and may not be fans of the IP other than the coaster.

 

[Alix]

Duplo Dino rules?

They limit how many adults on the train at any one time

 

[Shaggy_Dog_]

Honestly just ride whatever you want to ride. Why care what others think? If you want to go on a ride and you can then just go ahead and do it.

 

[imanautie]

They limit how many adults on the train at any one time

Tbh that sounds like a reasonable base rule to have, if they are flexible when it's right to be so (I imagine some larger rap groups for example).

I completely understand what you mean and the aim definitely isn't to single out autistic individuals and at the same time, I was exempting anyone where a disability is concerned.

This was written with content creators and adult theme park enthusiasts where their goal is to be the first on the cred and may not be fans of the IP other than the coaster.

I'll admit I'm not sure there's a great answer,and I fully expect merlin if they do implement measures will just ignore disabled guests in their policies, I think possibly the previously mentioned adult limit coupled with some reminder signs (to add a light bit of social pressure) could help keep the experience manageable for the target age range, along with autistics and co (bluey is huggge in autistic circles, almost as big as Thomas historically has been)

 

[Llama]

I think this is probably only going to be an issue in the first days or weeks of any new kids' ride opening, when influencers and youtubers and such "have to" ride it in order to keep the content flowing. Once that period is over then you're left with hardcore coaster enthusiasts who want the credit and the dozens of them that might be in a park at any given time are not plentiful enough to make any sort of difference

 

[Alix]

I'm not convinced the Duplo Dino rule is that sensible, nor any rules about "adults". I am an adult, but I'm on the smaller side of things. My daughter is a child (under 15) but is taller and broader than me. Certain rides have insisted on her taking the "kids" seat on rides which means I get crushed. I know weight is a sensitive topic, but if the reason is weight, (as I think it is with Dino) then say that.

But anyway. Bluey - fill your boots so long as you're respectful and remember it wasn't built for you... (I remember saying that about Mandrill too )

 

[DiogoJ42]

I've not watched it, but I was under the impression that Bluey is a show designed for adults to watch with their kids? Surely that's the perfect excuse to ride it.... if you need one.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

There are clearly two different conversations going on here.

The first is should adults be allowed to ride a kiddie coaster? As long as it's within normal and standard operating parameters, I can see no reason why not.

The second conversation is around the behaviour of vloggers and social media commentators, in an area specifically designed for families to enjoy their right to a private family life and a normal day out. I would suggest that the sensible thing here would be to have a separate press / vlogger preview day or event, either slightly before or after opening. Restrict filming to certain time slots, inform guests about the increased presence of cameras and allow them to make an informed decision. I would also encourage the park to actually strictly enforce their already existing and comprehensive filming policies:

you are permitted to take photographs and recordings within the Attraction provided that these are not sold or used for any commercial purpose unless otherwise agreed/prior permission is obtained.

By accepting these Entry Conditions, you agree not to intentionally photograph and/or capture video footage of any individual without that person’s permission and you must adhere to all photography/filming restrictions in place from time to time whilst within the Attraction.

Filming for publication on a YouTube channel is for a commercial purpose and is technically not permitted at Alton Towers. I appreciate that usually all news is good news, but the park should be taking a firmer stance on this.

Guest safety and enjoyment should be paramount. The commercial, desperate and childish needs of a vlogger to get their content out first, at the expense of anyone else, is not.

 

[East Coast Mariner]

In my opinion, it's unreasonable having a problem with adults riding small coasters like this. As long as you are respectful, you should be able to ride anything you want. It's not so much the "cred" for me (though that is fine) - I like to ride everything so I can analyse it, and think whether I'd build one in my own (fantasy) theme park. It's easy to bash cred hunters, but everyone has their own, personal reasons.

I'd also say that there is a bit of a mismatch with the Bluey coaster and who the programme is aimed at. Because this isn't really what I'd call a "kiddie" coaster - it's more like a small family coaster. I actually think the ride will be a bit too scary for the age the cartoon is aimed at, but perhaps that's just me,

To me, a true kiddie coaster is something like Duplo Dino at Legoland. I rode that totally by myself, and there was no problem at all. Obviously you give everyone space, and don't swear in the queue, but that is just common sense!

Once I was at Blackpool, and a rude ride operator tried to stop me riding The Greatest Show On Earth ("This isn't for adults, it's for children!") Well, I stood my ground, as there was no rule against it, and I'm glad I did because I can say I have been on one of our classic, defunct dark rides. But I never forget how he tried to make me feel small, when I hadn't done anything wrong at all.

Yes, there will be enthusiasts and vloggers there on opening day for Bluey, but as I say, as long as they behave well, I don't see the problem.

 

[Benzin]

Ban childless adults/teens from the area on peak days. They used to be quite on it if I recall the first few years of the area. Given the expected popularity it would be a nice consideration to the fact that the families won't be surrounded by "influencers" desperate to bill BlueyCred as the best family coaster to exist in history who will likely have zero care or consideration for putting kids online without blurring faces.


Then any desperate content creators can contact me and pay a small upcharge to borrow my spawn to get the cred.

Spoiler

The above second paragraph is a joke in case anyone actually thinks otherwise

 

[Thameslink Rail]

I think they should keep Bluey open past 5pm for the first few peak days and encourage enthusiasts and vloggers to ride after 5pm to keep them away from the children and reduce queues and overcrowding.

 

[owenstreet7]

I definitely feel there needs to be something in place to ensure that the area is available for children, families and Bluey fans on the opening period.

Especially to reduce overcrowding on the first weekend as it could ruin things for the intended audience if so many people go for it at once

An influencer soft opening could be useful so there is a reduction in anticipated guests on Saturday would be helpful.

Especially as hard core enthusiasts and content creators are not the intended audience.

This debate is definitely one that is a massive grey area with no black or white answer on.

 

[Mick]

If it’s slap bang in the middle of a clear kiddies area then I’d have some reservations. That said, in the last couple of years, I’ve been on In the Night Garden and Treetop Adventure child-free, so I don’t see why a coaster would be any different. And yet, I’ve never found myself willing to go on Octonaughts, it’s strange how humans psyche sometimes works.

 

[Rob]

I've no issue with adults wanting to ride kids coasters/rides etc. You are entitled to go on whatever you are permitted to go on. Would I however want to queue more than 10 minutes for such a ride? Absolutely not!

I'd like to think families etc. will be able to enjoy something like Bluey when it first opens without enthusiasts etc. needing to get rides in ASAP. I'll probably end up riding it at some point on a quiet day at the park (if/when I get a pass again). But people are entitled to do as they please within what is permitted.

 

[Hid]

This weekend with Bluey the Ride at Alton Towers opening (and also Paw Patrol at Chessington opening in May) has garnered a lot of debate on whether adult enthusiasts (including content creators) without children should be allowed to ride during Opening Day.

This has sparked a lot of discussion on both sides with one side understandably saying that children and families should get priority and adult enthusiasts shouldn't be there until it's calmed down at least and the other side saying that it's acceptable as a "Cred is a Cred"

I am very much of the view that it very much depends on the IP itself with it's suitability, target market and nostalgia.

My key point is that if it's a clear pre-school IP, that children should take priority over adult enthusiasts who want a cred. Canada's Wonderland did the right thing with Snoopy's Racing Railway for the first year and I feel it could've been done for Bluey at Alton Towers at least initially.

This also goes into the debate of the general public who may find it uncomfortable with adults hanging around the area (i.e. Cbeebies Land) as well which is another debate.

I will add here as an edit that this doesn't refer to adults with learning disabilities/difficulties where the IP may appeal to anyway (i.e. Thomas the Tank Engine appeals highly to some autistic people)

For something that is more universal like Looney Tunes at the Six Flags Parks, Wallace and Gromit at Blackpool and Nickelodeon at various parks depending on the IP, it would be more acceptable for an adult to ride because a lot of those IPs hold nostalgic value and also has all ages appeal.

At this moment of time, Bluey and Paw Patrol don't hold the same nostalgic value for me as I'm a late millennial creeping on Gen Z.

I understand Bluey specifically is a very popular IP although my point being made is that doesn't it feel uncomfortable for an adult to be riding a clear pre-school themed IP rollercoaster to get a cred.

This creator puts this point out perfectly in the most common sense way possible

From: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWTfl7mIui7/?igsh=MWN3Zzl3emg3ZWZvYQ==


I'd love to know everyone's thoughts on the situation although it might be quite decisive!

In summary, my view is that it is an absolute grey area and it truly depends on the IP itself.

Bluey coaster should be availble to enjoy no matter how big or small. I visit parks on my own frequently and its never been an issue, I usually just go on the rides and walk out of the area, leaving the families alone.

Think its fine as long as guests are behaving themselves

I am a content creator and have one rule, if I am to record in a kids area I do my hardest to ensure no kids are in it, either the camera has to be focused on myself or directly on the ride and tilted upwards to reduce sightings. Actually enjoyed seeing testing as made getting off Ride footage easier.