PLEASURE BEACH BLACKPOOL

(Redirected from Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

'Pleasure Beach, Blackpool' (formerly "Blackpool Pleasure Beach") is a family owned amusement park in the town of Blackpool in Lancashire, UK.

Contents
History
The current park
Visitor numbers
Tickets
Attractions
Roller coasters
Spinning/tower rides
Water rides
General attractions
Former rides
Other attractions
Shows
Food and drink
Opening times
Club Pleasure Beach
See also
References
External links

History


The park was founded in 1896 by Alderman William George Bean, who said his intent was to create "...an American Style Amusement Park, the fundamental principle of which is to make adults feel like children again and to inspire gaiety of a primarily innocent character."
The park was then managed by Bean's brother in law Leonard Thompson until the 1970s and then by Leonard's son Mr. William Geoffrey Thompson until his death in 2004. It is now managed by his daughter Amanda Thompson who is also the Managing Director of Stageworks Worldwide Productions who produce the shows at the park.
BPB Is a playable scenario in the wildly popular theme-park running simulation game Rollercoaster Tycoon (available with the loopy landscapes expansion pack).

The current park


When opened on 28 May 1994 The Pepsi Max Big One was the tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coaster in the world.

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool has a mixture of traditional wooden rides, modern steel roller-coasters, small family rides, highly-advanced thrill rides and generations-old rides still in original working order. Some regular visitors believe that the Pleasure Beach has been neglected over the past few years, although the park is currently re-branding with new rides and shows.
Another major attraction is the ice shows, including 'Eclipse' and 'Hot Ice', and a casino.
The Pleasure Beach has recently been undergoing a major refurbishment - mainly with the parks rebranding to "Pleasure Beach, Blackpool", many of the wooden rollercoasters have been repainted, and most of the walkways have been resurfaced. The park as a whole is looking much cleaner and safer. The refurbishments are continuing throughout 2007 which will see many of the signs in the park replaced. 2007 is also the opening of Pleasure Beach, Blackpool's brand new white-knuckle ride "Infusion" - a suspended looping coaster entirely over water. Although the name of this latest ride has caused some embarrassment for the park. "Infusion" is also the name of a swingers club in the town which some locals have been campaigning to close. A google search for "Blackpool" and "Infusion" lists the club's website in the top two spaces and the Pleasure Beach only in third.
Rides at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool.

Visitor numbers


Pleasure Beach, Blackpool attracts about 6 million visitors a year.
In the recently published "Attendance 2006" figures for worldwide theme parks, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool was joint 11th theme park in the world by attendance - joint with Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida with 6 million visitors. It was the only UK amusement park to make it onto the 'Top 25 Parks in the World' list.

Tickets


Entrance to the park is free. Rides are paid for individually using tickets which are on sale throughout the park. Alternatively, unlimited ride wristbands are available at a price of approximately £25 per wristband, but the price varies depending on promotion and time of year, and can be as little as £10 per person. A separate section of the park, Beaver Creek, offers a separate wristband for younger guests.

Attractions


A large ''Pleasure Beach'' sign just outside the park, at night.

Roller coasters


Avalanche - A bobsled roller coaster.

Big Dipper - A traditional wooden roller coaster and a classic among roller coaster enthusiasts.

Grand National - A wooden racing roller coaster. A classic among roller coaster enthusiasts.

Infusion - A Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster and the first ride of its kind in the world to be completely over water.Originally 'Traumatizer' from Pleasureland, Southport.

Irn Bru Revolution - An Arrow Dynamics shuttle roller coaster with an inversion. One of four Arrow launched loops still operating in the world.

★ Morgan's Circus Clown Coaster - Kiddy Coaster found in 'Beaver Creek'

Pepsi Max Big One - An Arrow Dynamics ''hyper-coaster'' with a highest point above sea level. (215 feet from floor)

★ Roller Coaster - A traditional wooden roller coaster, notable for operating with minimal restraints. A classic ride at the park.

Space Invader 2 - A dark indoor roller coaster with a "space" theme.

★ Steeplechase - A three-tracked racing steel roller coaster, the last of it's kind in existence.

Wild Mouse - The last wooden Wild Mouse roller coaster in the world.

★ Zipper Dipper - A children's wooden coaster comprised of bunny hills and a tunnel. Found in 'Beaver Creek'.
Spinning/tower rides


★ Bling - Bling is a 'star shape' Top Scan ride made by German company zierer

Ice Blast - A S&S Power Space Shot, originally known as PlayStation: The Ride.
'Spinning/Tower Rides within an attraction'

★ Impossible - Has a Haunted Swing ride after the auditorium.

★ Trauma Towers - A walk through attraction followed by a Tagada ride. The tagada used to be a attraction itself before the days of 'trauma towers'
Water rides


★ Beaver Creek Log Chute - A one lift hill Log Flume,

★ River Caves - Boat based dark ride, visiting displays of "around the world".

★ Swamp Buggies - Water buggy rides.

★ Valhalla - Hyper themed Viking dark flume ride, laden with special effects.
General attractions


★ Alice's Wonderland - Children's dark ride featuring scenes from both 'Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass', the cars are big Cheshire cats.

★ 4D Cinema - Separate fee. Replacing the Black Hole.

★ Convoy Ride - All Trucks are painted in Eddie Stobart Coulours including names. A favorite with children.

★ Derby Racer - One of only three in the world, the ride is essentially a large carousel of 56 horses in 4 rows, the outside row being the fastest. Not as tame as it looks!!

Dodgems - Bumper cars

★ Ellie's Caterpillar - A spinning and lifting children's ride.

★ Flying Machines - The oldest attraction in the park, opened in 1904.

★ Gallopers (carousel) - Ornate traditional English carousel.

Go-karts

★ Ghost Train - This particular ghost train is where the ride name "Ghost Train" originates.

★ Gold Mine Train - Journey through a 'mine' with animatronics, sights and sounds.

★ Griffin's Magic Dragons

★ Helicopters - Children's helicopter spinning ride.

★ Impossible - (Previously 1001 Troubles and The Haunted Swing) - a mirror maze, followed by displays of optical illisions, and a haunted swing ride.

★ Lunar Carousel - A space-themed carousel.

★ Magic Mountain - Children's Dark ride, found in Beaver Creek.

★ Mini Dodgems - Pint-sized children's bumper cars.

★ Mini Scooters

Monorail - Travels around the park and through the back of Valhalla. Has 3 trains, covered/semi covered/open.

★ Motor Boat Ride

★ Noah's Ark - A walk through funhouse attraction, one of only 2 left in the world.

★ Pirate Ride

★ Pleasure Beach Express - A miniature railroad

★ Super Bowl - A large dodgem/bumper car attraction.

★ Tetley Teacup Ride - Children's Teacup/Waltzer ride, found in Beaver Creek.

★ Thor's Turnpike - An children's automobile track ride.

★ Trauma Towers - A walk through haunted funhouse attaction, hotel themed.

★ Veteran Carousel - A classic carousel ride.
Former rides


★ Big Apple - Removed 2004 [1]

★ Cyclone - Removed 1987

★ Log Flume - Operated from 1967 to September 3, 2006[1]

★ Scenic Railway - Removed 1933. A standard train ride

★ Tokaydo Express - Removed 1997 due to death on ride

★ Velvet Coaster - Removed 1932. Components of this ride were re-used in the construction of the ''Rollercoaster''

★ Vikingar - A wooden water chute - Closed in 2003 and later demolished. Can be seen in RollerCoaster Tycoon.

★ Virginia Reel - Removed 1982. A spinning coaster

★ Space Tower - Removed in 1993 to BPB's sister park Frontierland in Morecambe (now closed) - Ride still stands but does not operate.

★ Fun House - Destroyed by fire in November 1991.

★ Tom Sawyer Raft Ride - Removed early 1990s due to construction of the Pepsi Max Big One.

★ The Monster - Removed in 1996 and later replaced with the Ice Blast, which was then known as PlayStation: The Ride. An Eyerly Monster ride.

★ The Whip - Closed in 2004 although its supports still stand and has yet to be demolished. Made by W.F. Mangels.

★ Cableway - Operated between 1960 and 2000 and taken down due to high wind speeds. Made by Von Roll.

★ Spin Doctor - Taken down in December of 2006.

★ Alpine Dodgems - Taken down early 2007. Standard bumper car attraction.

★ Black Hole - Removed 2005 to make way for 4D cinema. The ride was a Waltzer Ride.

★ Millennium Bug - Replaced by simulator when it moved to the now defunct Pleasureland, Southport.
There are literally dozens of rides (maybe even hundreds) that have come and gone from the Pleasure Beach over its history - particularly in its early days.

Other attractions



Pasaje Del Terror

★ Horror Crypt

★ 4D Cinema

★ Bowladrome

Ripley's Believe It Or Not!

★ Ice rink

★ Arcades

Shows



★ Hot Ice

★ Forbidden

Food and drink


'Restaurants'

''See also: [2]''

★ 'Beach Restaurant' - A self-service Art Deco-style restaurant with a selection of hot and cold meals, salads, sandwiches, cookies and cakes

★ 'Bradley Beaver Catering Co.' - Home to a wide range of tempting snacks and meals for the hungriest little appetites around - set right in the heart of Beaver Creek

★ 'Cafe Boulevard'- Relax along Ocean Boulevard and be tempted by a selection of favorite snacks or enjoy an ice cream in the parlour, also a licensed restaurant

★ 'Casino Bar' - This cosy bar is a great place to meet and chat about your day!

★ 'Coasters' - Enjoy your meal while sitting in traditional waltzer, rollercoaster and dodgem carriages from years gone by. An American style diner serving a mouth - watering selection of chargrilled burgers and an extensive range of Tex-Mex dishes.

★ 'Fish Inn' - A great selection of fresh fish and sumptuous sweets await you in this family marine setting situated in the Casino at the entrance to Pleasure Beach.

★ 'Holland Pies and Fries' - Traditional tastes of the North for all the family.

★ 'Ice Lounge' - A dazzling selection of traditional ice cream treats, delicious desserts and freshly brewed hot and cold drinks, all with a contemporary twist.

★ 'Italian Job' - The Italian Job offers the finest choice of pizza, pasta and crepe in this centrally located licensed restaurant. Take a moment to relax on the sundeck and enjoy fine Italian wines with your meal. Children always welcome.

★ 'Magnolia Cafe' - A family themed cafe bar serving a selection of mouth watering Southern Fried Chicken dishes.

★ 'Mr Fu's Sailing Junk' - Authentic Chinese food that brings a taste of the Orient to Ocean Boulevard. Interesting but good fare.

Pizza Hut nearby - A great selection of mouth-watering pizzas located on the high street. Makin' it great at Blackpool since 1986!

★ 'Rib Shack' - Hickory smoked chargrilled ribs, fries and a selection of burgers can be found here. Situated in the Bowladrome, a fun sports arcade, the Rib Shack can also be hired for private parties.

★ 'The Horseshoe' - Enjoy a variety of different meals.

★ 'The Star' - A traditional family pub full of atmosphere and home to Pleasure Beach's brand new pop bands. This bar also has a late license.

★ 'White Tower Restaurant' - The White Tower offers fine dining at this award-winning penthouse restaurant with panoramic ocean views, stylish and romantic atmosphere, often favoured by celebrities. The largest restaurant in the park.

★ 'Big Blue Hotel Restaurant' - located inside The Big Blue Hotel, it serves intimate, special adult-oriented meals.
'Fast food'

''See also: [3]''

★ Alpine Fast Food

★ Buffet Car

Burger King - UK's largest

★ Dipper Dogs

★ Embertons

★ Empire Kiosk

★ Globe Cafe Bar

★ King Cotton Family Restaurant & Bar

★ Promenade Fun Food

★ Thatched Candy Cottage

★ Thor's Plaice & Chips

★ Willie Wurst German Sausages
There are various other candyfloss , donut, drink, and seafood stalls

Opening times


The park's opening hours vary depending on weather conditions.
The park closes for the winter on the monday of the first weekend in November and reopens in February the following year.
A small section of the park including the Pepsi Max Big One roller coaster opens for several weekends in November and December. The Whole park (excluding Some Rides) Open up Durring the weekends of February & March For 'Wow!' weekends
The Wristbands are priced at £10 For February and £12 In March. At This time of the year the park is Very busy and Some rides are closed for Repair or other works that need done over the closed season. Valhalla usually remains closed due to the Cold weather.

Club Pleasure Beach


The Pleasure Beach has its own enthusiast club, called ''Club Pleasure Beach'' (formerly called ''235 CLUB'', named after the height of the Pepsi Max the big one above sea level). It is run as a non profit organization, headed by Barbara Thompson (wife of William Thompson). It was started in 1992 by the park as an initiative to sell advance boarding tickets for the Pepsi Max Big One.

See also



Incidents at European parks

References


1. Final splash for Blackpool ride

External links



Blackpool Pleasure Beach - official site

Blackpool Pleasure Beach at Theme Park Junkies

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