I did hear that Adam who worked on Valhalla‘s reimagining wants to/has plans for a reimagining of River caves, I hope that’s true because it would give it a whole new litre of life. It’s an attraction that deserves to always be there.
@@coaster_dad They're the parts I saw pal but looks like they're actually starting to do something with it. Would be great next year to have ice blast and river caves back working and the new gyro swing.
I'd definitely scrap steeplechase. It's uncomfortable, rough, unreliable, low throughput, and not thrilling. And it's got a giant footprint (although it does share it with some other rides) so they could probably put a large attraction in its place, or maybe a couple of them.
Only ever went on Valhalla once, only went on it Cos it was one of those days when all it did was rain, must have said to my daughter about 5 times that we should leave as it was P'ing down, but as a Dad I could clearly see on her face the rain didn't mean anything to her, she was in the pleasure beach and didn't want to leave. We got in the boat and were sitting right at the back, the boat started going Up a hill and all the water ended up also right at the back, experience tells you when your ''feet are submerged'' in cold water. Also remember that same day going on the Big1 - the rain was actually pretty sore on the face on certain sections. Even when we left the park we still had a long cycle back to Gynn Square, in the rain. Being from Glasgow does prepare you in life for those days, Scottish summers just mean the rain is a little warmer 😉 Thanks again fella.
Another great video! I largely agree with you, but would move River Caves and Revolution to my Keep It column. That said, I haven't been on Revolution for the last couple of years as I'm too scared of the stairs 😂 And I love River Caves so much - I even love the smell. I'm heading down early next month and will be gutted not to be going on River Caves. Loved your point about going on Icon with your eyes shut. We did it in dark last year as part of the Journey toHell, and it was phenomenal! I'd love new trains on the Nash - it's got such a great layout with loads of airtime but it's just so uncomfortable now. Keep up the great work in your videos!
Agree with everything you said especially infusion it would 100% be better with new trains or restraints, or just a complete new ride, but if i was in Amanda's position i would give infusion a chance. There are some smooth SLC's out there such as Kumali ect.
R.e. steeplechase id like to see the cars change to something similar to what knotts did with theirs and have a soapbox racer style train and a retheme
I agreed with pretty much everything except Revolution & Avalanche. The Revolution is one of my all-time faves as much for nostalgia & I'd be sorry to see Avalanche go tbh. Icon is still the UK's best coaster imo, I feel Hyperia was over hyped, I wasn't blown away like when I first rode Icon but I've also been on Icon loads while only managed one shot of Hyperia so more rides might change my opinion
I am curious how I rate Hyperia when I get on it. Whilst it’s been mostly positive reviews I’ve seen and heard there definitely are some like yourself who were not as impressed.
Great video idea. I agree with it pretty much except Big One, it's so iconic that is has to be on the park at this point. They'll come a day when the park will do something like RMC it. Even if the RMC is just topper track over the current layout. The park cannot afford to do anything but keep that thing. The name, the place in the park its located and the history make it un-removable IMO.
Great video. Blackpool isn't really my kind of park, very much a fan of theme parks.But their good rides are brilliant, especially enso, so always worth a visit. If there is one ride they should definitely scrap it us infusion. Other rides in the park are equally rough but at least they have character. Imagine replacing it with a single rail coaster in that spot, interacting with the water and other coasters. Magic
I must admit, I actually can't stand Wallace and Gromit so I've never been on the ride. I was a big fan of the Gold Mine and was quite disappointed when it changed.
I really love your videos, it’s different to a lot of other coaster channels. I really enjoy your opinions and hope your channel grows and grows so we get more content from you. Top man.
I wish they kept the Log Flume i hate Infusion, regarding the ones you would scrap what would you replace them with ? With Impossible i think they could turn it into a Haunted House ride attraction.
Mmm good question. I think impossible is in an area that primed for redevelopment. That whole are is being emptied out. So I think something big would go there. Infusion is bring back a log flume. Ice blast I’d put the gyro. Skyforce I’m not sure 🤔
@@coaster_dad yes bring back a log Flume , do you remember The Tom Sawyer raft ride under the log flume ? The area with Impossible and the empty space facing it definitely needs new rides there , it feels too empty . Amanda Thompson should have a Christmas market there with stalls, hot food etc do this to fill the empty spaces until they get rides .
Yeah that is odd. And of course because you need to scan and most people use their phone. You also need to take that on! If they had the scanners earlier and lockers in the queue that would have solved both issues! (Or go back to wristbands)
@@coaster_dadAsk for a credit card sized barcode which you can protect in a clear wallet at customer services when you enter the park. Then you don't have to keep getting your phone out to scan 👍
BPB have got some thinking to do about what they’re going to add next. There’s a couple of attractions that are definitely coming towards the chopping block. They need to scrap Infusion now.
Personally I’d keep Infusion. I rode it for the first time last Thursday and I really enjoyed it! Yeah the in-line twists were a bit painful but the rest was fine. It definitely wasn’t the roughest coaster there. That defo goes to Big Dipper. I know it’ll never happen but I’d rather Big Dipper go before Infusion does. All Infusion really needs is the new Vekoma trains
Big Dipper isn't going anywhere unless it burns down lol Yes it's rough but it's over 100 years old it's bound to be, it's part of the charm and fun of the ride
@@BassBanj0 oh yeah definitely. Plus even if there is another Big Dipper fire, it’ll stay after that too! I just think Big Dipper needs work more than Infusion does, despite it getting worked on not too long ago
I hope they don't get rid of Avalanche, i adore it The sheer sense of speed and the angles you get to around the corners are just so much fun, it's also just a unique ride in the UK, would be a big loss personally
Unsure if you’re aware, but the height restriction on Valhalla has just changed from 117cm to 130cm. I attempted to ride with my son (127cm). The ride attendant let him on. When I questioned the abrupt change, he informed me that children had been getting hurt/falling out on the ride!!?? Therefore they were forced to up the height limit!
I think the Grand National is brilliant. Probably my favorite ride Steeplechase is fun, although a bit difficult to get on the horse, as is the Derby Racer if your mobility is not great. Revolution is not exactly thrilling but takes up limited space and a quick turn over. The Big One is a great asset to the park. Great visibility to the outline of the park. Disappointing to a visit, when not running. Avalanche I would not be bothered if that went. Not now often a long wait time and single riders. I hope the River Caves stay.
@@coaster_dad I will keep an eye out. On a side note, what category do you put your theme park vlogs under on youtube? We are starting out and I honestly have no idea how much difference it makes, but I don't know whether to put it under lifestyle vlog or travel (they are the only 2 that vaguely fit). I hope you don't mind me asking
@TheFirstDrop1 I’ve only started playing with that I initially put everything under entertainment. But then I notice people and blogs. So depending on what I’m talking about I try different things. Like you not sure what impact it has on discovery/performance 🤷♂️
I’d happily scrap Alice / River Caves / Steeplechase on top of your listed ones. Such a big footprint on steeplechase, low throughput, absolute headbanger too imo. Really is a shame they can’t RMC the woodies. I’d love to see a the dueling Grand National get that. Pretty sure they’d be able to market it as a first.
That would look awful , it's supposed to be relaxing, I would hate having my view obscured by billboards, All they need to do is paint and fix up the dinosaurs , skull and animals, plant more trees 🌴 Maybe have a pond with fish 🐠
Great vlog as always, you are very professional which is what you need to make it in this area. I will push back on the maze though, unlimited footfall, keep it as a crowd eater
Fair comment although if it’s empty it’s not eating a crowd so they need to encourage people to go in. And thank you for the comment, much appreciated 😀
Went on valhalla on Saturday just gone with my family and it broke down 4 times on the ramp bit going up was in there for like 25 minutes or so as we ended up getting off I said to the woman can we have another go because that's a bit of a let down because of what happened she said no with an attitude but because I was wet I just couldn't be bothered so went to get dried off and luckly enough two girls who were on the same ride came up to me and said if you go to the guest office and say what's happened they will give you a pass to skip the cue. Long story short we all jumped the que for icon not bad after all 😂😂 also I remember valhalla going backwards on a drop but this time it just turned around and less fire that I remembered.
Agree on what you say about the big one in that after the 1st hill it can be a bit boring....but im not sure if it was perfect weather conditions but when they did the late Friday nights a couple of years ago all September it seemed to absolutely fly all the way round! It was amazing that night 😊 and enzo is a joke at £15 a go....make it cheaper or at least get 2 goes for that price.
Yeah I wonder if they will ever reduce Enso. I mean I’m sure it cost them a pretty penny to adapt the train. But surely 10 people at £5 is better than 2 at £15 🤷♂️ it’s often empty and not because no one is interested!
One thing I’ve noticed you repeat in your videos is about how unique the rides (steeple chase, grand national, avalanche etc) are and that’s what makes pleasure beach stand out… unfortunately these rides more so the grand national aren’t kept as well as they could be in regards to smoothness and if the “iconic” rides aren’t looked after the way they could be what hope is there for rides like infusion? Despite the big one, I agree with what you think should stay, be scrapped etc but if PB focused on customer/ride TLC I think it’d be a completely different video!
Yeah it is worrying that these are in the state they are which is kinda odd because I've always thought BP has an excellent engineering team and is super busy in the winter season. Maybe they're under staffed and under budgeted?
@@coaster_dadIf that’s the case then it’s a catch 22 because if they’re lacking moneys then they definitely shouldn’t be looking at new hotels and rides… more so they need to focus on quality rather than quality because that’s what’s going to bring guests back to the park! If there are a handful of decent rides that don’t require a chiropractor then it’s not going to be worth visiting… especially nowadays when there is so much competition!
These videos are fun 😊 I'd love infusion if it wasn't so damn painful! Hopefully they get new restraints 😂 grand national is also rough as hell but great 💙
We go on Derby Racer, Flying Machines, Ghost Train, PB Express, Wallace & Gromit and Alice every year on our annual visit. They are our favourites. Hubby & daughter go on Grand National too. Shame River Caves is out of action but agree with you, it needs updating. Wallace & Gromit broke down last week when we were there and had to walk off it but I seen that as a bonus! To have actually walked the ride 😂. There doesn’t seem the same atmosphere at the park anymore though.
Interesting vid. I'd be nervous to do my own as I seem to have no time for rides people loved 😂 namely things like Space Invader, Log Flume and these days Valhalla. I'd have loved them to have ripped that out and had an indoor coaster or something! Mostly agree with you though. Its interesting that there is a lot of doom and gloom lately...but if we got a Gyro Swing, a refurbed Ice Blast, a revamped Caves and then a new Coaster in 4 years or so and perhaps tweaks to the entry format, then I think things would feel so much more positive.
On the whole I agree with your lists. The one thing that stands out from this video is how much better the park could be with a huge injection of cash. Fix the mechanism on Derby Racer those outside horses when they were moving forward were so fast, new trains on grand national and infusion (yes the new restraints make it so much more rideable). Maybe some anamatronics in the dark rides, a good tidy up round the train. Retrack more of the big one, upgrade steeplechase. But as our home park we do love the pleasure beach and there is so much more for my timid 8 year olds than a park like Alton Towers provides outside the kiddy areas.
What ever the weather we session Valhalla, one visit even one of the ride op ladies said “come on are you 2 not fucking bored yet?” we were not, we were waiting for a decent photo op at the front, she said “all you had to do was ask” wicked lady and a wicked day 😂 get yourself a session on icon to blow dry afterwards 👍😭
I actually went to the Pleasure Beach recently it was so nice seeing all the rides and attractions I am so impressed with the improvements to the Ghost Train and Alice in Wonderland this year I am gutted about River Caves though with it being closed it's not really the same without it being open I just pray that Pleasure Beach arre actually doing some refurb to it I hope it will stay. I was gutted about the laughing man as well even though he looked really nice in his new outfit he wasn't laughing he was moving though it would cool if in future the Pleasure Beach would have some sort of museum part where they would things from the archive like ride parts or photos in the past the laughing man could sit at the entrance.
They definitely could lean into the museum element. I’m sure I heard that they wanted to but whether it happens who knows. And yeah let’s see what happens with river caves.
Blasphemous perhaps but I think Alice has had its day. If getting rid of it made more room for a new ride across the old Wild Mouse and Trauma Towers footprint, I wouldn't be mad. And I'd probably buy one of the cat cars if they sold them!
I miss bling and spin doctor. I believe spin doctor was pulling the bridge apart or something, as there were one on each side. I’ve no idea why they got rid of bling. It was so much better than that raf ride that’s replaced it. Don’t suppose you know why bling was removed? Apologies if you cover it later on as I’m commenting early in the video.
@@coaster_dad I’m the same as you in terms of not getting it to spin so now I just don’t bother. I must admit I am a big fan of steeplechase though. Can’t even say why, there’s just something about it
I am really not a fan of grade 2 listed rides i love all the woody's at bpb but i also think they shuld also be allowed to build something new when they come to the end of their life. Great vlog mate.
I agree. I get grade 2 listing for buildings where it’s just about preservation but for rides that means at some point it will be SBNO or they will have to spend a fortune to keep up with modern safety standards. All for classic rides but the listing really limits them. 😔
No! You can't get rid of Infusion! I love Infusion, It's not even that painful. I don't understand why people hate it. People just overexaggerate it, just keep your head back and your fine. Also, what does Grade 2 mean?
I used to be fine on infusion like you said, hold my head back. But now it’s just getting rough. And grade 2 listed basically means they are not allowed to remove and I believe it also restricts modifications.
@@zainhussain-bk8or it's a really good question. I get listing building because preserving them is reasonably straight forward. But protecting a coaster is a challenge because at some point the park will either need to spend a fortune upgrading to new standards or leave it standing but not operating. I'm curious to see how it goes!
Remove infusion or get new trains is the only thing id change to the current line up. Im dissapointed that after all the refurb hype with valhalla that the drainage issue on the boats wasnt fixed along with the water vortex which make me no longer ride.
Issue I had with last W&G was the amount of darkness throughout, almost like half of the scenes weren’t operating as the story just didn’t make sense. Not sure what happened but seemed really odd
Ha ha. Thanks. I’m sure there’s bits in there people will disagree with but that’s part of what makes the community interesting. We all like and dislike different things 😀
In all the years I've visited Blackpool I don't think I've ever seen the haunted swing on Impossible open! Generally agree with you on things - Nick Streak is by far the most rideable of the woodies, though it's pretty boring at the front and much more fun at the back! I do enjoy both Steeplechase and Revolution - I just wish there weren't so many stairs to the latter!
I haven't seen the haunted swing open since pre 2017. But we tend to just come down from Scotland at illuminations time., so it could be open during summer months. I only went on it once, in about 2000/2001and that was enough for me, lol 🤮
@@m00gal We’ve been 4-5 times a year since 2019 when we first got season passes and we’ve seen the haunted swing open once so we had to go on it. You aren’t missing much its definitely nothing like I remember it as a child but also we have been spoiled now with Hex
Like others say i am loving your vlogs too they do add a different spin to other coaster vlogs. I agree when you said they put wallace and gromit in they should not have got rid of the element of them passing also wish they had not got rid of the cafe you could have made it themed to wallace and gromit and sold cheese 😂😂😁😁
@coaster_dad bit off topic but when you have been doing this history vlogs about parks like the pleasure beach one could you do one on lightwater valley lol, there's been a number of owners but probably not to many changes with rides in last couple of years well not major rides lol 😁😁😁
Grand national is a good woody but looks like shit. I'm curious, how many times has all the wood on the ride been replaced? If a lot of the original wood is no longer there is it still the same ride that deserves to be graded ?
A very good question. I know they stopped painting rides years ago because apparently the paint caused more damage than good. But surely paint technology has moved on. And they just painted big dipper 🤷♂️
Only went on Icon once and utterly hated it. But then I'm not a big fan of upside down bits. Compared to something like Gotham City Escape it really fell short for me. Each to their own though!
I do not go on any rides, but my husband and family go on all of them between them, I love watching and as i have been visiting Blackpool since i was a child, the pleasure beach holds fabulous memories for me, I personally hate it when they get rid of any rides, and my husband was furious when they took away the wild mouse (he says the best ride in the entire park) I do however wish they would still charge non riders a minimal amount, i understand its a talking point, but hey ho if i have to pay i will. Love BPB
I absolutely love Valhalla but never go on it, been on once since the refurb and would only go on once a year before unless it was insanely warm. Absolutely mental they didnt limit the wetness after the refurb. Rev has to stay its the only really intense coaster in the park. Enso if it was a fiver We could get an amazing coaster if they got rid of Big Dipper and Infusion, Dipper is far to rough now its a health hazard
honestly, the big one is so iconic that you kinda have to keep it but if it was scrapped I wouldn't be upset, it's pretty rattly and if the big one disappeared imagine what they could build in its space!
Very true. If it went the skyline would change massively. And it’s a tricky one to remove and replace given it spans the site. You can’t just demolish that in the closed season 😉
@@coaster_dad yeah that's true, another issue is that if you remove it the only option is to use the space that is missing but the big one goes through the whole site as you said. maybe a retrack/refurbishment would do some good for the park
Mmm to be honest Halloween stuff doesn’t really float my boat. So I’ve never done it, but I do hear it’s not the best, so them trying something new can only be a good thing. At least they are trying.
@@coaster_dad I hope this years is better success than previous years , Universal do it better at Halloween with the scare zones but they have a huge budget. But the Pleasure Beach at night in winter is amazing.
Absolute rubish about nick streak, i used to run it on 2 trains when it was rollercoaster. It currently has a old big dipper train as we know bpb dont like to waste anything
@@coaster_dad I honestly don't know the status of a second train. But despite it being a very short ride there were days we had to pump those trains out
The biggest problem with this list is also the parks biggest issue: historical relevance. Yes there are a lot of older rides that people like in a nostalgic manner, but are they actually any good? Alice in Wonderland is awful, as is the ghost train, even the steeple chase is only there because it has to be there. If they got rid of those three alone they would have so much room to add some newer rides that would appeal to more people. I can see them doing so in the future as well, while still charging stupid amounts for last chance rides.
It’s a tricky balance for the park what to keep, what to scrap. They are not short on space though so they don’t need to clear any more until they start filling in
@@coaster_dad I'd be interested to know how much money they spend to upkeep those rides though ... I can't see the throughput for them really justifying anything, especially for Steeplechase ... that can't be cheap to maintain year on year and barely seats anyone. It's almost certainly got to a point now where they have to throw bad money after good though, can't give up on a ride if you've just spent tonnes on updating it. Can you imagine how much money has been sunk into infusion over the past decade and it's still that rough?
@Abeus fair comment and they will go eventually as you say. I guess the park is weighing up the cost of repairs vs removal / replacement. Other than 3 of the woodies I don’t think any others are protected so they should be able to do what they want. And it does appear they are very frugal so I’m sure when it’s not financially viable they’ll remove them.
Gold Mine was a fantastic dark ride, Wallace & Gromit is a terrible re-theme. Big One can go for me as well, it's not aged well and after the drop it's boring as hell.
Grand national is an awesome ride but making a rollercoaster a grade 2 listed building is probably the single worst decision ever made. When it's past it's usable life repairing it is only going to cost more and at what point does it become a different ride when all of it has been replaced for health and safety at a minimum. how does the grade 2 listed status stand then? it makes no sense to me.
I think they'd be allowed to retrack it as long as they preserve the design. But there's all sorts of rules about working on listed buildings, so no doubt the listing would make it much more expensive, and I don't think they'd be able to change the layout of it.
@@coaster_dad I live in Blackpool lucky for me I,ve ridden many coasters all over the USA.Best coasters we have here is Nemesis reborn,Hyperia,Swarm and Stealth.
I did hear that Adam who worked on Valhalla‘s reimagining wants to/has plans for a reimagining of River caves, I hope that’s true because it would give it a whole new litre of life. It’s an attraction that deserves to always be there.
That would be amazing. A full refurb would be so good but as I said even a tidy up would be an improvement 🤞
There's a video showing that they've already started taking parts out of the river caves can't remember who's video
@@kevrichmond9981 i’ve seen that, hopefully that refurbishment rather than decommissioning!😣🤞🤞🤞🙏🙏🙏
@@kevrichmond9981 mmm I've seen the drive wheels and motors removed, wasn't aware anything else was stripped out
@@coaster_dad They're the parts I saw pal but looks like they're actually starting to do something with it. Would be great next year to have ice blast and river caves back working and the new gyro swing.
I'd definitely scrap steeplechase. It's uncomfortable, rough, unreliable, low throughput, and not thrilling. And it's got a giant footprint (although it does share it with some other rides) so they could probably put a large attraction in its place, or maybe a couple of them.
They sure could 😀
Only ever went on Valhalla once, only went on it Cos it was one of those days when all it did was rain, must have said to my daughter about 5 times that we should leave as it was P'ing down, but as a Dad I could clearly see on her face the rain didn't mean anything to her, she was in the pleasure beach and didn't want to leave.
We got in the boat and were sitting right at the back, the boat started going Up a hill and all the water ended up also right at the back, experience tells you when your ''feet are submerged'' in cold water.
Also remember that same day going on the Big1 - the rain was actually pretty sore on the face on certain sections.
Even when we left the park we still had a long cycle back to Gynn Square, in the rain. Being from Glasgow does prepare you in life for those days, Scottish summers just mean the rain is a little warmer 😉
Thanks again fella.
Ha ha nice one. I’ve done the big one in the rain. It’s like hail stones on your face 🙈
Fast becoming my favourite TH-camr in this space, keep up the good work mate
Thank you very much. That means a lot!
Another great video! I largely agree with you, but would move River Caves and Revolution to my Keep It column.
That said, I haven't been on Revolution for the last couple of years as I'm too scared of the stairs 😂
And I love River Caves so much - I even love the smell. I'm heading down early next month and will be gutted not to be going on River Caves.
Loved your point about going on Icon with your eyes shut. We did it in dark last year as part of the Journey toHell, and it was phenomenal!
I'd love new trains on the Nash - it's got such a great layout with loads of airtime but it's just so uncomfortable now.
Keep up the great work in your videos!
Thank you 🙏
Agree with everything you said especially infusion it would 100% be better with new trains or restraints, or just a complete new ride, but if i was in Amanda's position i would give infusion a chance. There are some smooth SLC's out there such as Kumali ect.
Yeah or a modern Vekoma suspended coaster. But I doubt anything is gonna happen to it.
R.e. steeplechase id like to see the cars change to something similar to what knotts did with theirs and have a soapbox racer style train and a retheme
Interesting idea!
@@coaster_dad would make it much more comfortable and hopefully a better through put
I agreed with pretty much everything except Revolution & Avalanche. The Revolution is one of my all-time faves as much for nostalgia & I'd be sorry to see Avalanche go tbh. Icon is still the UK's best coaster imo, I feel Hyperia was over hyped, I wasn't blown away like when I first rode Icon but I've also been on Icon loads while only managed one shot of Hyperia so more rides might change my opinion
I am curious how I rate Hyperia when I get on it. Whilst it’s been mostly positive reviews I’ve seen and heard there definitely are some like yourself who were not as impressed.
Great video idea. I agree with it pretty much except Big One, it's so iconic that is has to be on the park at this point. They'll come a day when the park will do something like RMC it. Even if the RMC is just topper track over the current layout. The park cannot afford to do anything but keep that thing. The name, the place in the park its located and the history make it un-removable IMO.
Also I think RMC topper track would be amazing if they could figure out how to fit it. A smooth ride on the Big One would be mind blowing😃
Now that we agree on. I’ve only done one RMC (iron Gwazi) and doing my second next week but the track was unbelievably smooth!
Great video. Blackpool isn't really my kind of park, very much a fan of theme parks.But their good rides are brilliant, especially enso, so always worth a visit. If there is one ride they should definitely scrap it us infusion. Other rides in the park are equally rough but at least they have character. Imagine replacing it with a single rail coaster in that spot, interacting with the water and other coasters. Magic
Yup, I'd love that!
I must admit, I actually can't stand Wallace and Gromit so I've never been on the ride. I was a big fan of the Gold Mine and was quite disappointed when it changed.
😔 I’d say you’re missing out. But if you don’t like the theme you’re unlikely to enjoy it.
@@coaster_dad I've seen enough POVs to feel like I've been on it. But yeah, it's just not for me.
@@RidesandRambling I don't really like Wallace and Gromit I preferred the Gold Mine
I really love your videos, it’s different to a lot of other coaster channels. I really enjoy your opinions and hope your channel grows and grows so we get more content from you. Top man.
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoy 😀
I wish they kept the Log Flume i hate Infusion, regarding the ones you would scrap what would you replace them with ?
With Impossible i think they could turn it into a Haunted House ride attraction.
Mmm good question. I think impossible is in an area that primed for redevelopment. That whole are is being emptied out. So I think something big would go there. Infusion is bring back a log flume. Ice blast I’d put the gyro. Skyforce I’m not sure 🤔
@@coaster_dad yes bring back a log Flume , do you remember The Tom Sawyer raft ride under the log flume ?
The area with Impossible and the empty space facing it definitely needs new rides there , it feels too empty .
Amanda Thompson should have a Christmas market there with stalls, hot food etc do this to fill the empty spaces until they get rides .
My issue with Valhalla is that you have to bring your bag on you??? Also fed up with big one constantly being shut
Yeah that is odd. And of course because you need to scan and most people use their phone. You also need to take that on! If they had the scanners earlier and lockers in the queue that would have solved both issues! (Or go back to wristbands)
Absolutely agree!
@@coaster_dadAsk for a credit card sized barcode which you can protect in a clear wallet at customer services when you enter the park. Then you don't have to keep getting your phone out to scan 👍
BPB have got some thinking to do about what they’re going to add next. There’s a couple of attractions that are definitely coming towards the chopping block. They need to scrap Infusion now.
On that I completely agree!
They should have left it at Southport
Personally I’d keep Infusion. I rode it for the first time last Thursday and I really enjoyed it! Yeah the in-line twists were a bit painful but the rest was fine. It definitely wasn’t the roughest coaster there. That defo goes to Big Dipper. I know it’ll never happen but I’d rather Big Dipper go before Infusion does. All Infusion really needs is the new Vekoma trains
New trains would make a massive difference for sure
Big Dipper isn't going anywhere unless it burns down lol
Yes it's rough but it's over 100 years old it's bound to be, it's part of the charm and fun of the ride
@@BassBanj0 oh yeah definitely. Plus even if there is another Big Dipper fire, it’ll stay after that too! I just think Big Dipper needs work more than Infusion does, despite it getting worked on not too long ago
I think Revolution looked much better as iron bru because the grey it had now it just a bit plain
Agreed!
I hope they don't get rid of Avalanche, i adore it
The sheer sense of speed and the angles you get to around the corners are just so much fun, it's also just a unique ride in the UK, would be a big loss personally
I have heard it’s on of the better ones out there.
Ive been a massive W&G fan since a kid and collect all sorts.. overjoyed to see this at BP 😊
It’s a cracking ride 😉
Unsure if you’re aware, but the height restriction on Valhalla has just changed from 117cm to 130cm. I attempted to ride with my son (127cm). The ride attendant let him on. When I questioned the abrupt change, he informed me that children had been getting hurt/falling out on the ride!!?? Therefore they were forced to up the height limit!
Wow really 😳
@@coaster_dad honestly! Scaffolding half way up Ice Blast now also! (Went today). 11am-5pm, Valhalla still didn’t open till 1pm
I think the Grand National is brilliant. Probably my favorite ride
Steeplechase is fun, although a bit difficult to get on the horse, as is the Derby Racer if your mobility is not great.
Revolution is not exactly thrilling but takes up limited space and a quick turn over.
The Big One is a great asset to the park. Great visibility to the outline of the park. Disappointing to a visit, when not running.
Avalanche I would not be bothered if that went. Not now often a long wait time and single riders.
I hope the River Caves stay.
Hopefully we find out about river caves soon 🤞
I agree with you on literally every ride. Great minds. Would love to see more theming in River Caves, with animatronics, more like Fata Morgana
That would be great! I have a similar video coming out on Sunday reviewing towers. I wonder if we’ll agree on that one 😀
@@coaster_dad I will keep an eye out. On a side note, what category do you put your theme park vlogs under on youtube? We are starting out and I honestly have no idea how much difference it makes, but I don't know whether to put it under lifestyle vlog or travel (they are the only 2 that vaguely fit). I hope you don't mind me asking
@TheFirstDrop1 I’ve only started playing with that I initially put everything under entertainment. But then I notice people and blogs. So depending on what I’m talking about I try different things. Like you not sure what impact it has on discovery/performance 🤷♂️
Spare set of clothes is a must after Valhalla, quick change in toilets before driving home😄
Yeah but I always forget 😂
I’d happily scrap Alice / River Caves / Steeplechase on top of your listed ones. Such a big footprint on steeplechase, low throughput, absolute headbanger too imo. Really is a shame they can’t RMC the woodies. I’d love to see a the dueling Grand National get that. Pretty sure they’d be able to market it as a first.
Yeah whilst I appreciate the heritage I think the grade 2 listing is very restrictive :(
@@coaster_dad the quintessential question though…. Where would the queue line go when grand national got redone? Pre show in impossible 😂
@@romanmarshall1412 😂
what are you banging your head on on steeplechase? 😂
As for pleasure beach express remove the dinosaurs and install classic photos of the park on billboards.
Oooo I like that idea!
That would look awful , it's supposed to be relaxing, I would hate having my view obscured by billboards,
All they need to do is paint and fix up the dinosaurs , skull and animals, plant more trees 🌴
Maybe have a pond with fish 🐠
Great vlog as always, you are very professional which is what you need to make it in this area. I will push back on the maze though, unlimited footfall, keep it as a crowd eater
Fair comment although if it’s empty it’s not eating a crowd so they need to encourage people to go in. And thank you for the comment, much appreciated 😀
Went on valhalla on Saturday just gone with my family and it broke down 4 times on the ramp bit going up was in there for like 25 minutes or so as we ended up getting off I said to the woman can we have another go because that's a bit of a let down because of what happened she said no with an attitude but because I was wet I just couldn't be bothered so went to get dried off and luckly enough two girls who were on the same ride came up to me and said if you go to the guest office and say what's happened they will give you a pass to skip the cue. Long story short we all jumped the que for icon not bad after all 😂😂 also I remember valhalla going backwards on a drop but this time it just turned around and less fire that I remembered.
Yeah they scrapped the backwards drop with the reimagining 😔
Agree on what you say about the big one in that after the 1st hill it can be a bit boring....but im not sure if it was perfect weather conditions but when they did the late Friday nights a couple of years ago all September it seemed to absolutely fly all the way round! It was amazing that night 😊 and enzo is a joke at £15 a go....make it cheaper or at least get 2 goes for that price.
Yeah I wonder if they will ever reduce Enso. I mean I’m sure it cost them a pretty penny to adapt the train. But surely 10 people at £5 is better than 2 at £15 🤷♂️ it’s often empty and not because no one is interested!
One thing I’ve noticed you repeat in your videos is about how unique the rides (steeple chase, grand national, avalanche etc) are and that’s what makes pleasure beach stand out… unfortunately these rides more so the grand national aren’t kept as well as they could be in regards to smoothness and if the “iconic” rides aren’t looked after the way they could be what hope is there for rides like infusion? Despite the big one, I agree with what you think should stay, be scrapped etc but if PB focused on customer/ride TLC I think it’d be a completely different video!
Yeah it is worrying that these are in the state they are which is kinda odd because I've always thought BP has an excellent engineering team and is super busy in the winter season. Maybe they're under staffed and under budgeted?
@@coaster_dadIf that’s the case then it’s a catch 22 because if they’re lacking moneys then they definitely shouldn’t be looking at new hotels and rides… more so they need to focus on quality rather than quality because that’s what’s going to bring guests back to the park! If there are a handful of decent rides that don’t require a chiropractor then it’s not going to be worth visiting… especially nowadays when there is so much competition!
These videos are fun 😊 I'd love infusion if it wasn't so damn painful! Hopefully they get new restraints 😂 grand national is also rough as hell but great 💙
It sure is!
We go on Derby Racer, Flying Machines, Ghost Train, PB Express, Wallace & Gromit and Alice every year on our annual visit. They are our favourites. Hubby & daughter go on Grand National too. Shame River Caves is out of action but agree with you, it needs updating. Wallace & Gromit broke down last week when we were there and had to walk off it but I seen that as a bonus! To have actually walked the ride 😂. There doesn’t seem the same atmosphere at the park anymore though.
The atmosphere is weird. When it’s quiet you get a lot done but no atmosphere. When there’s an atmosphere you don’t get much done 😂🙈
@@coaster_dad very true! Love watching your channel by the way.
@juliegard9737 thank you 🙏
You should do one for Towers!
I'm going Thorpe next month can't wait to try Hyperia and also swarm since swarm wasn't there last time I went
I’m in the process of booking flights for Thorpe 😀
Interesting vid. I'd be nervous to do my own as I seem to have no time for rides people loved 😂 namely things like Space Invader, Log Flume and these days Valhalla. I'd have loved them to have ripped that out and had an indoor coaster or something!
Mostly agree with you though. Its interesting that there is a lot of doom and gloom lately...but if we got a Gyro Swing, a refurbed Ice Blast, a revamped Caves and then a new Coaster in 4 years or so and perhaps tweaks to the entry format, then I think things would feel so much more positive.
That’s my hope. I may be dreaming but I do hope we’re about to turn a corner 🤞
On the whole I agree with your lists. The one thing that stands out from this video is how much better the park could be with a huge injection of cash. Fix the mechanism on Derby Racer those outside horses when they were moving forward were so fast, new trains on grand national and infusion (yes the new restraints make it so much more rideable). Maybe some anamatronics in the dark rides, a good tidy up round the train. Retrack more of the big one, upgrade steeplechase. But as our home park we do love the pleasure beach and there is so much more for my timid 8 year olds than a park like Alton Towers provides outside the kiddy areas.
For sure. I am hoping they gyro and hotel mean they are looking to pump cash in. Or maybe I’m just being optimistic 🤷♂️
Blackpool Pleasure Beach getting more negative news regarding rust at the Revolution, all it needs is some Irn Bru girders .
Ha ha. Love it 😂
What ever the weather we session Valhalla, one visit even one of the ride op ladies said “come on are you 2 not fucking bored yet?” we were not, we were waiting for a decent photo op at the front, she said “all you had to do was ask” wicked lady and a wicked day 😂 get yourself a session on icon to blow dry afterwards 👍😭
😂😂😂 love it
I actually went to the Pleasure Beach recently it was so nice seeing all the rides and attractions I am so impressed with the improvements to the Ghost Train and Alice in Wonderland this year I am gutted about River Caves though with it being closed it's not really the same without it being open I just pray that Pleasure Beach arre actually doing some refurb to it I hope it will stay.
I was gutted about the laughing man as well even though he looked really nice in his new outfit he wasn't laughing he was moving though it would cool if in future the Pleasure Beach would have some sort of museum part where they would things from the archive like ride parts or photos in the past the laughing man could sit at the entrance.
They definitely could lean into the museum element. I’m sure I heard that they wanted to but whether it happens who knows. And yeah let’s see what happens with river caves.
The laughing man should be working for free ,do you still have to put money in for it to work ?
@@davidGPS95 I've seen it work and I didn't think it was still paid. But I could be wrong
Blasphemous perhaps but I think Alice has had its day. If getting rid of it made more room for a new ride across the old Wild Mouse and Trauma Towers footprint, I wouldn't be mad.
And I'd probably buy one of the cat cars if they sold them!
Interesting
I miss bling and spin doctor. I believe spin doctor was pulling the bridge apart or something, as there were one on each side. I’ve no idea why they got rid of bling. It was so much better than that raf ride that’s replaced it. Don’t suppose you know why bling was removed? Apologies if you cover it later on as I’m commenting early in the video.
Yeah I'm not sure, but whist I didn't go on Bling I'm not a fan of the replacement
@@coaster_dad I’m the same as you in terms of not getting it to spin so now I just don’t bother. I must admit I am a big fan of steeplechase though. Can’t even say why, there’s just something about it
Ref Grand National you are "on the fence". Nice pun that you didn't even notice
lol. For once unintentional 😂
I am really not a fan of grade 2 listed rides i love all the woody's at bpb but i also think they shuld also be allowed to build something new when they come to the end of their life. Great vlog mate.
I agree. I get grade 2 listing for buildings where it’s just about preservation but for rides that means at some point it will be SBNO or they will have to spend a fortune to keep up with modern safety standards. All for classic rides but the listing really limits them. 😔
@@coaster_dad exactly
No! You can't get rid of Infusion! I love Infusion, It's not even that painful. I don't understand why people hate it. People just overexaggerate it, just keep your head back and your fine. Also, what does Grade 2 mean?
I used to be fine on infusion like you said, hold my head back. But now it’s just getting rough. And grade 2 listed basically means they are not allowed to remove and I believe it also restricts modifications.
@@coaster_dad I ride infusion almost every visit. I love it! Oh thats interesting, so what happens if they need to remove it?
@@zainhussain-bk8or it's a really good question. I get listing building because preserving them is reasonably straight forward. But protecting a coaster is a challenge because at some point the park will either need to spend a fortune upgrading to new standards or leave it standing but not operating. I'm curious to see how it goes!
I love Infusion
Infusion is an SLC model rollercoaster and it's widely accepted to be the worst rollercoaster model ever made lol
The Wallace ride would be so much better if it had a story to it instead of just random moments.
Fair comment
Remove infusion or get new trains is the only thing id change to the current line up. Im dissapointed that after all the refurb hype with valhalla that the drainage issue on the boats wasnt fixed along with the water vortex which make me no longer ride.
yeah surprised they didn't get new boats, but I suspect they went over budget in other areas and had to make compromises.
@@coaster_dad yep its a damn shame!
you said "Take it or leave it" to pretty much every major ride except icon 😭
Not quite. I’d keep icon, Nash, streak and dipper 😉
Issue I had with last W&G was the amount of darkness throughout, almost like half of the scenes weren’t operating as the story just didn’t make sense. Not sure what happened but seemed really odd
That's disappointing. I mean there are dark spots between scenes, but I've not seen whole scenes out of operation. :(
You sit on the fence with the Grand National ride, is that Becher's Brook? 🙂
😂😂
Great vid, it's lovely to see someone's else's opinion that's not mine lol
Ha ha. Thanks. I’m sure there’s bits in there people will disagree with but that’s part of what makes the community interesting. We all like and dislike different things 😀
@@coaster_dad I agree 👍 💯 I just got back from towers and finished watching your bpb vlog it's great !!!!!! ❤️
In all the years I've visited Blackpool I don't think I've ever seen the haunted swing on Impossible open!
Generally agree with you on things - Nick Streak is by far the most rideable of the woodies, though it's pretty boring at the front and much more fun at the back! I do enjoy both Steeplechase and Revolution - I just wish there weren't so many stairs to the latter!
For sure!
I haven't seen the haunted swing open since pre 2017. But we tend to just come down from Scotland at illuminations time., so it could be open during summer months.
I only went on it once, in about 2000/2001and that was enough for me, lol 🤮
@liesl7617 yeah I think I’ve probs only done it once or twice too.
@@m00gal We’ve been 4-5 times a year since 2019 when we first got season passes and we’ve seen the haunted swing open once so we had to go on it. You aren’t missing much its definitely nothing like I remember it as a child but also we have been spoiled now with Hex
Like others say i am loving your vlogs too they do add a different spin to other coaster vlogs. I agree when you said they put wallace and gromit in they should not have got rid of the element of them passing also wish they had not got rid of the cafe you could have made it themed to wallace and gromit and sold cheese 😂😂😁😁
Thank you, glad you are enjoying 😀
@coaster_dad bit off topic but when you have been doing this history vlogs about parks like the pleasure beach one could you do one on lightwater valley lol, there's been a number of owners but probably not to many changes with rides in last couple of years well not major rides lol 😁😁😁
@@garethwilson9592I plan to do a tonne of parks in the uk and internationally. So it will get done 😀
Id put valhalla as my favourite ride at pleasure beach you get soaked but those drops are great and the theming is incredible
The theming is definitely great, there's a reason it keeps getting the golden ticket award
Grand national is a good woody but looks like shit.
I'm curious, how many times has all the wood on the ride been replaced? If a lot of the original wood is no longer there is it still the same ride that deserves to be graded ?
A very good question. I know they stopped painting rides years ago because apparently the paint caused more damage than good. But surely paint technology has moved on. And they just painted big dipper 🤷♂️
Only went on Icon once and utterly hated it. But then I'm not a big fan of upside down bits. Compared to something like Gotham City Escape it really fell short for me. Each to their own though!
Oh don’t get me wrong there are much better coasters than Icon. And Gotham escape is awesome. But at Blackpool I’d say Icon is top for me 😀
I do not go on any rides, but my husband and family go on all of them between them, I love watching and as i have been visiting Blackpool since i was a child, the pleasure beach holds fabulous memories for me, I personally hate it when they get rid of any rides, and my husband was furious when they took away the wild mouse (he says the best ride in the entire park) I do however wish they would still charge non riders a minimal amount, i understand its a talking point, but hey ho if i have to pay i will. Love BPB
Agreed. I’ve said in many videos lately the entry fee for a non rider is just daft. They need the old non rider option again.
I absolutely love Valhalla but never go on it, been on once since the refurb and would only go on once a year before unless it was insanely warm. Absolutely mental they didnt limit the wetness after the refurb. Rev has to stay its the only really intense coaster in the park. Enso if it was a fiver
We could get an amazing coaster if they got rid of Big Dipper and Infusion, Dipper is far to rough now its a health hazard
Yup. Agreed
What editing software do you use?
Final Cut Pro
rode the national this year 2024 i kid you not it smashed my back i was in agony after
Yeah it was my ribs that got battered by the restraint. Such a shame because with decent trains I think it would be amazing
honestly, the big one is so iconic that you kinda have to keep it but if it was scrapped I wouldn't be upset, it's pretty rattly and if the big one disappeared imagine what they could build in its space!
Very true. If it went the skyline would change massively. And it’s a tricky one to remove and replace given it spans the site. You can’t just demolish that in the closed season 😉
@@coaster_dad yeah that's true, another issue is that if you remove it the only option is to use the space that is missing but the big one goes through the whole site as you said. maybe a retrack/refurbishment would do some good for the park
@@coastercommotion they’ve replaced some sections and personally I can’t feel any difference. Sure they’re nice and shiny but that’s it 🤷♂️
Good Evening,
What do you think of the 2024 Journey to Hell ? Good to see some new stuff and unlimited rides after dark .
I received the email today 😊
Mmm to be honest Halloween stuff doesn’t really float my boat. So I’ve never done it, but I do hear it’s not the best, so them trying something new can only be a good thing. At least they are trying.
@@coaster_dad I hope this years is better success than previous years , Universal do it better at Halloween with the scare zones but they have a huge budget.
But the Pleasure Beach at night in winter is amazing.
Absolute rubish about nick streak, i used to run it on 2 trains when it was rollercoaster. It currently has a old big dipper train as we know bpb dont like to waste anything
So is there no reason not to be on two nowadays or is it just they don’t have two of those trains?
@@coaster_dad I honestly don't know the status of a second train. But despite it being a very short ride there were days we had to pump those trains out
@kriss_b I’ve said it before but when they made money by bums on seats it was in their interest to have fast operations. Nowadays not so much 🤷♂️
The biggest problem with this list is also the parks biggest issue: historical relevance.
Yes there are a lot of older rides that people like in a nostalgic manner, but are they actually any good?
Alice in Wonderland is awful, as is the ghost train, even the steeple chase is only there because it has to be there.
If they got rid of those three alone they would have so much room to add some newer rides that would appeal to more people.
I can see them doing so in the future as well, while still charging stupid amounts for last chance rides.
It’s a tricky balance for the park what to keep, what to scrap. They are not short on space though so they don’t need to clear any more until they start filling in
@@coaster_dad I'd be interested to know how much money they spend to upkeep those rides though ... I can't see the throughput for them really justifying anything, especially for Steeplechase ... that can't be cheap to maintain year on year and barely seats anyone.
It's almost certainly got to a point now where they have to throw bad money after good though, can't give up on a ride if you've just spent tonnes on updating it.
Can you imagine how much money has been sunk into infusion over the past decade and it's still that rough?
@Abeus fair comment and they will go eventually as you say. I guess the park is weighing up the cost of repairs vs removal / replacement. Other than 3 of the woodies I don’t think any others are protected so they should be able to do what they want. And it does appear they are very frugal so I’m sure when it’s not financially viable they’ll remove them.
Mr doom and gloom strikes again !
Who? Me? 😂
Gold Mine was a fantastic dark ride, Wallace & Gromit is a terrible re-theme. Big One can go for me as well, it's not aged well and after the drop it's boring as hell.
Big one to go 🤣 are you mad it's iconic, bring back Mick Hutnell and put him on it 😂
@@davidGPS95 build something even more iconic in its place. It's a rough, infamous, unreliable snooze-fest.
Grand national is an awesome ride but making a rollercoaster a grade 2 listed building is probably the single worst decision ever made. When it's past it's usable life repairing it is only going to cost more and at what point does it become a different ride when all of it has been replaced for health and safety at a minimum. how does the grade 2 listed status stand then? it makes no sense to me.
Yeah I wonder if they applied for it or if it was decided by historic England? Can’t imagine it was the parks idea. It just limits them 🤷♂️
I think they'd be allowed to retrack it as long as they preserve the design. But there's all sorts of rules about working on listed buildings, so no doubt the listing would make it much more expensive, and I don't think they'd be able to change the layout of it.
Alice.... charlie and choc factory music... really triggers me that its the wrong music! 😕
It is odd. I’m sure there’s a reason but damned if I know what it is 🤷♂️
Don't like infusion can go for me ,keep the rest
It’s definitely a head banger
RmC the big one
Would definitely be interesting!
@@coaster_dad i hope I'm wrong and a new coaster goes there. but i don't see it. just down to finance of the park
Comments help reach xXx
All rides are crap.But good video.
😂 fair enough.
@@coaster_dad I live in Blackpool lucky for me I,ve ridden many coasters all over the USA.Best coasters we have here is Nemesis reborn,Hyperia,Swarm and Stealth.
@@andrewbarrett42 I've still not managed to get on Hyperia, but I agree with the others 😁
@@coaster_dad Hyperia is amazing,But I love your videos.