@@ThemeParkWorldwideBPB has been a mess for years imo. Though to be fair it matches the state of Blackpool as a whole, it’s a sad, sad shambles of its former glory.
Say to the missus all the time, if i had 100billion id buy bpb & make it what it once was. THE FAMILY THAT OWN IT NOW ARE NOTHINT SHORT OF SCUM @@ObsessiveGeek
I remember the Grand Prix when it was petrol powered and breaking down halfway around and shouting the Engineer who was sitting in a shed. That was one of my favourite memories from the past.
Out of all the attractions River Caves is my favourite, just a unique atmosphere and so many memories of escaping the hot British summer into the coolness of the caves! Hope it will reopen even better.
River Caves is an absolute bummer being closed. I genuinely am concerned about how long it’s still got left, considering they just threw the Grand Prix closure on us randomly, it’s days could unfortunately be numbered.
@@riggerz08True, I just feel that we should be very wary about imminent closures from now on. I’d bet money that Ice Blast will return, but maybe for only a couple years. It’s not something I see staying for very much longer and considering the fact that they’ve even stated that they don’t want to rely on their history anymore, I think that’s them silently telling us that a lot of the older attractions may not last very much longer because of future development.
@@RMTheMan I think they’ll keep all of the wooden coasters, ghost train, river caves and Alice ride. All the rest should go. Keep the classics. Obviously time goes on and the older rides cost a lot of money to keep open. I do think ice blast is going. Apparently it’s up for sale on a site, don’t know how true that is though. They should get rid though and put a intamin gyro swing there or a huge drop tower. New coaster where the Grand Prix is and sort out the rest of the park.
@@riggerz08 I don’t see them removing those rides, along with the derby racer but I could definitely see stuff like the dodgems, Thompson carousel, even something like avalanche or steeplechase may be close to the end of their operational life.
@@RMTheMan I said they shouldn’t close them, they probably won’t. The old coasters will eventually come to their end of life and will be replaced. Rumours that avalanche is first to go.
River Caves has always been one of my fav rides. Remember it when the ceiling was open and you could look up into the restaurant above and wave at people. Often waved at my mum cus she didnt like the ride lol x
the atmosphere in river caves is unmatched- and it’s age makes it a legend. I really want the park to be clear about it, it’s worrying to see it closed for so long
They are moving away from being a family park and have been for years. Back in the day it would be open until midnight during the illuminations, not closing at 5pm. They are just greedy.
On top of these current non operating rides, so many others have been either abandoned, neglected or removed without replacement over the last 20 years or so. Space Invader 2, Noah's Arc, The Chinese Maze, Impossible, Trauma Towers, Wild Mouse, Spin Doctor, Monorail, Cable Car, etc. Pleasure Beach certainly isn't thriving.
The suggestion that lots of rides have been removed without any replacement is ridiculous. Maybe for some balance you could include a list of rides which have opened in the last 20 years or so... Icon, Infusion, Avatar Airbender, Red Arrows Sky Force, Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, Dora's World Voyage, SpongeBob's Splash Bash and a few other small rides in the kids area. Not to mention Valhalla's redesign.
whats needed is a transport ride, or an extra station for pleasure beach express.not everyone can walk properly, it would be great for grandparents, disabled and prams. as river caves runs under the dome, it seems that could be one of the reasons why its closed. no doubt whatever is planned they will be preparing for the closed season. wonder if there is any plans for the inderground cafe area again.
Goodbye Grand Prix, ice blast..... not my favourite of rides but it is a main attraction at the pleasure beach. And the river caves I hope they don't get rid of that ride, it a fun family ride and it was really cool during journey to hell night ❤❤. Ps once again congratulations to you and Charlotte on your wedding
Having all these rides SBNO is not a good look especially with the ticket prices as they are and closing at 5pm. I also think they should try and get some travelling rides in each season to fill some of the empty space. Maybe a spinning Mouse where the Wild Mouse used to be and an flat ride in the space left by Trauma Towers.
@@stephenduncan3605I don’t actually agree with this law. As long as a business makes it clear they are a card only company then I have no problems with it…that IS still cash at the end of the day, it’s just a digital transaction rather than physical.
Sadly Amanda has no love or care for the park anymore , all she cares about is the hotels and hot ice , so many people have stopped visiting the park due to the state it’s in at the moment
I always enjoy the pov of river caves, such a long, cool, classic attraction. Really hope it opens this summer so you can take us on and show us any changes that have been made!
Went 6 days ago. Nightmare experience. Managed 5 rides all day. Thousands of school kids jumping the queues constantly. No marshalls to prevent this. Teachers couldn't control the kids either. Waste of money for park plus all accommodation costs and time off work and travel expenses to attend. Avoid at all costs.
I was there on Sunday & couldn’t believe how quite it was for the summer holidays, also noticed these rides closed was wondering what was happening with them, Pepsi Max looked to be having a problem in the afternoon
Looking forward to seeing that, I’m still debating whether to go next month or not. I’ll be in the area and have never gone to Thorpe Park before, though time is a factor so still on the fence about it.
It's such a shame to see BPB the way it is currently. This park holds alot of memories for me and my family it was where my son first went on a big coaster being icon and we've had a few good holidays around blackpool and always include the park buts it's sad to see the way it's going hopefully the owners can pull some magic out and get the park back to it's former identity.
It’s not the park that’s the problem ever since the daughter took over the whole pleasure beach vibe has gone she is literally sucking the life out of it and making it worse than it already was A mean charging 40 quid for a non rider is scandalous
@@ThemeParkWorldwide I hope so to it really is like you said sad to see this decline I understand rollercoasters and new attractions cost money but to try charge 40 for a non rider is a joke. Your Asia tour was fantastic
@@kristianconaghan1992I personally don’t understand the appeal of visiting an amusement park if you don’t intend to go on anything. “I just like to look around” can be done via videos like this or even on Google Maps. If you just want a walk, the Promenade is a nice long path that doesn’t cost anything and you’ll get to experience loads of entertainment around you.
Always loved the pleasure beach as a child. We’re not a big ride family but absolutely loved rides such as the river caves, ghost train, derby racer etc. Our absolute favourite ride was the turtle chase and we were gutted when that went. I hope they replace the Grand Prix with a family ride. There’s getting less and less family rides there these days and it feels like the park is loosing that family oriented vibe/ethos it used to have under Geoffrey Thompson. Congratulations to you and Charlotte on your wedding 😊
shawn she needs bring back day entry £5..and pay per ride option,,it could make the park millions,,90%of people that visit blackpool are day trippers and are not going pay full days admission
I’ve never understood why parks withhold information about their rides and don’t provide updates?! If they were open and transparent about the issues affecting rides then it would create a much better relationship, and I guarantee everyone would be more understanding.
Ice blasts problem will cost over £50,000 as i know flamingo land and fantasy island had to do this too and they decided to do it where I have inside sources that pleasure beach did not want to spend the money
I totally agree about openness and transparency. There seems to be very little of that from the park. I feel a new family coaster could be a great addition to the park. I really hope river caves does reopen soon as it's a much loved classic. I'm not a fan of ice blast but I agree it looks a mess. People pay lots to visit and closed rides for what ever reason won't be popular with paying customers and passholdeers. Hope you are both keeping well.
So many great memories of you walking around there… I played Dragons Lair in that street where River Caves was and went in the simulator of the beast rollercoaster, loved playing the remote control cars at the base of the big dipper… also River Caves blew my mind as a kid it felt like being in a different universe.
Ice blast looks to have more area free around the tower than necessary for an S&S tower, if they were to replace it with another tower ride they could easily fit something with more capacity?
Hey, I just wanted to say that I really love your videos. I’ve been watching you for ages and my cousin met you the other day. She so lucky to have got a picture with you as well. It would be amazing if I saw you! Keep up the good work on the videos everybody loves them ❤
Would put me off returning if they get rid of another classic, no fan of white knuckle rides. Pleasure beach trying to hard to be like Alton towers, the attraction is totally different, you have to appear to all ages and abilities at Blackpool beach or you loose customers.
@Skaterbun yep I agree too..I get terrible headaches and sickness after just doing one rollercoaster and usually need to sit down as feel faint..so these rides add variety and actually help me take some time out.
There are rumours the Ice Blast is going to be replaced with a gyro swing style ride. Makes sense given they’re closing the flying machines too which are right next to it. Bad choice imo if they are. Gyro swings imo give major ‘travelling fair’ vibes and would be indicative of the management attitudes. The entrance to the park is really shocking. Really unpleasant to go through, closed buildings, rides not working, unpleasant food spaces. They really need to review what they’re doing. I was also shocked to see how badly maintained the woodies like Streak and Grand National were when I went in July.
I was in the Pleasure Beach on Friday just passed and it was amazing to be back for the first time in 15+ years, some areas that could be updated but so cool to see icon, infusion and the Nickelodeon section
damn first the Wild Mouse now River Caves and the Grand Prix, you'd think they'd lower the entrance fee but nope. we're going in a few weeks time so hopefully it'll be good and we'll get better weather lol 😅 I'm still salty about the mouse but as long as they never get rid of Avalanche I'm sure I'll keep coming back!
Am I the only one thinking they could do something with that dome building? It is actually quite an iconic bit of the Pleasure Beach as it features in many videos, multiple photos and every aerial shot or pic taken from the top of the Big One. It used to have a relatively inexpensive ride in it but not for many years now. They could do similar with something well lit showing through the transparent building.
Great park, always good to visit. Forget a new coaster. The UK's biggest gyro swing would be cheaper, super exciting and chew through the queues with massive capacity. I'm confident the River Caves will return, just wish they would communicate it. Ice Blast is probably gone - but it's rubbish anyway.
I would like to maybe see a new coaster go in Grand Prix’s place. If that space is big enough then maybe some kind of indoor ride? We will just have to see what the future brings.
I think they should use the grand pri space for a big tall mountain of some sort. Something like the Matterhorn. And this mountain would have multiple uses. A family coaster that goes through and around it, a viewing platform you can walk up to, and a water ride like the knotts berry farm log flume or maybe something more slower and is lit up magically like that relaxing toverland water ride :)
I actually thought Ice Blast had already been removed! They need to sort it out. And try and preserve some of the older rides too, there’s so much history at Pleasure Beach
I was an engineer at pleasure island and we had a double shot s&s tower. Pretty surre that we never had parts issues. Also s&s have loads of shot towers, surely spares are readily available
Its exactly same if you walk in Terra Metica park Benidorm..so sad the owner let everything get old and rubbish..both park have potential to be soo good. Sad to see its falling down😢
Could it be that River Caves and Grand Pix both being closed is due to the new ride coming in? I imagine River Caves will be kept and the closure is temporary. Perhaps the new coaster installation will go partly on top of the building for it, or utilise the dome structure, and Caves is therefore shut temporarily while the new coaster is planned and developed.
Great to see the other rides working but not ice blast or river caves (prices rising) it’s a shame to see Grand Prix being removed when that was part of my childhood. They could do with something like a big log flume like they used to have that was taken out like monorail and Noah’s ark and never replaced!!
Space never seems to be an issue at BPB, they are masters at fitting things in and around. Definitely hopeful of "something" being put there. I'm not sad the GP has gone, it was never the same since it went electric. £50 upcharge for its final ride is crazy
BPB has the potential to be at least one of the top parks in the country, on nostalgia alone, drawing people to the area. Right now its just a sorry mess, and while i'd like to visit, its not worth the drive in its current condition.
I can see BPB closing within a decade, if they don’t sort themselves out. The park is a mess, they spin BS such as the Ice Blast “a part” story. I haven’t been for a while and won’t return until they sort the park out. Shame
North Park is terrible compared to what it used to be. The park proclaims to be ride intensive but in the north only has 5 rides operating. If you think some that are gone and currently SBNO you are missing: Ice Blast River Caves Noah’s Ark Water Chute Trauma Towers/Tagada Black Hole/Waltzer Dodgem before relocation Skyride Wild Mouse It’s terrible what has happened to how this area was buzzing with life and activity it just seems a shadow of its former self.
I remember grand prix back in the 80’s, I don’t think it was called that but not too sure? It was great making huge queues… Never knew it changed to electric. Autopia at ED is good and very similar still petrol. Just picking up on the other comments, the Fun House suffered from a fire it wasn’t just knocked down for the sake of it. Infusion, Ikon, big one, avalanche (whatever it’s called now) and revolution are all still quality. Cheers
one of the blackpool pleasure beach staff told me that the river caves has had some water leaks i asked if it was getting a new theme to it but park staff said they were not sure
I worked ther in the 80's, 90s and early noughties and it was never that quiet. It would take 30, 45 minures to walk from one side to the other. Its very sad to see it like this
Hi Shawn and Charlotte, congratulations on getting married! Always love watching the videos! Will you be getting back to Wicksteed Park any time soon? They have some new rides since your last visit including a Ferris Wheel and Jolly Jockeys Ride!!!
I've heard with river caves they had a leak in the roof of the building, I hope it stays, they would have trouble removing it with it being attached to Wallace and gromit though
Personally, I'd like to see something like Big Bear Mountain or Juvelen. However, I do think it will very likely be the UK's tallest coaster, possibly even Europe's tallest and similar to Red Force. I also think there's a serious chance River Caves has been closed for this purpose, as together, Grand Prix, the Dome, River Caves, the Wild Mouse site and Trauma Towers forms a large piece of land...
Hi Shawn, another typical summer day at Blackpool. I reckon Pleasure Beach will put in another Coaster that will be bigger than Hyperia. I'm thinking 240 foot.???
the best thing AT could do is go back to General admission Free - Pay for a wristband or buy individual tickets if you want - but at least let people and families in to spend time, at least the cafes and food outlets will be utilised by family members
Sadly as long as Queen Amanda is running the park i honestly fear for it`s long term sustainability. When the wild mouse closed they said another ride would be taking its place. That hasn`t happened. The Ice Blast is an absolute eye sore. The River Caves being closed and looking so sad is gutting to witness. The park is looking in a sorry state. Lot`s of rust on the Revolution posts. Items needing painting. I remember in the 80s and 90s, the park absolutely buzzing and full of people, making a great atmosphere. Yes it`s great that now you can literally just walk onto a ride, but for the long term, how long can the park sustain this ? Bring back the non rider pass to make it more affordable for families. Such a shame.
Back in the 80’s and early 90’s “staycation” was the norm for the majority of families and Blackpool as a whole was a considered a top destination to visit. The entire city has since fallen to the wayside not just BPB, because that’s changed, way more families are going abroad, you can see this in how there’s loads of beautiful resorts that harken back to how Blackpool used to be. Unfortunately MASSIVE investment is needed to improve the whole area.
@@ObsessiveGeekIt was still very normal for working class families in the 00s too. I spent a lot of my childhood in Blackpool, I still have fond memories of it - BPB in particular! I visited for a day trip back in 2022 and was shocked at the state it’s in. The soul has been sucked out of the place. It’s very, very sad to see.
I wonder with Grand Prix being taken down and replaced by a new coaster if the area around the River Caves/Crazy Mouse will be utilised in some fashion for that too? As you think it's pretty much adjacent it next to the dome building? What do you think? Would be strange to just close it without giving people one last ride though.
I’m from just outside of Blackpool and haven’t been to pleasure beach in 5 years, that whole area of Blackpool is a mess and gone downhill massively in recent years, not the same as it used to be. Pleasure beach peaked when Nik land opened and now it’s a dump. Awful communication from Amanda Thompson which will be doing the park no favours. Should be letting the people who pay her bills and come back season after season know what’s going on
When I first went on ICE Blast it was called Playstation and the Big One was Pepsi Max. I was reluctant to do both but my girlfriend at the time was too afraid to go on. So of course, trying to show im brave, said "watch me" Did them, JUST without soiling myself, but gave me the courage to take on any rides since.
Playstation* Could be easily replaced with something similar but I wouldn't be too bothered either way. Rivers Caves could have it's theming updated and again nothing too drastic is needed just to keep it running well and not too shabby. I think whatever replaces Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment for BPPB, I think they need to make a big statement to keep up with Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Something either unique, or record breaking. Whether it's a huge new dark ride or a compact coaster, it needs to be something that brings people back in and also returning even on rainy days like we have in July :D
I’m at Thorpe park in the queue for hyperia at the moment. They use you and charlottes rider cam first reaction to hyperia in the queue boards 😂 I would love to see a new thrill coaster, maybe a Mack xtreme spinner. I don’t think icon provides enough thrills but a xtreme spinner definitely would. It would be that ride that makes people come back to the park because right now icon doesn’t do that for me
Hopefully Grand Prix will be replaced by an RMC single rail or other thrill ride. Something is seriously wrong when your most thrilling coaster is Infusion.
I think what killed pleasure beach was when they took the 1979 Fun House away , The parents stuck the kids in and left them for hours while they strolled around the park knowing they were safe then they stuck a softplay area for infants and the parents had to drag the kids about wanting everything they saw. So that was the beginning of the end
It's sad to see BPB with these 3 rides SBNO making the park look tired & neglected, hopefully we will get to hear more soon, apart from 1 rumour seems to be another hotel but in my eye they should concentrate more on the park, no point building another hotel if guest numbers are lower than normal. Who knows it's just rumours, but they do need to add more modern rides for me the space for grand prix would be good space for something like Lech Coaster as shame it's the only one of it's type but in Poland and hyped up so much. Also I said loads times a good Intemin Giroswing would be good replacement for Ice Blast we have seen it themed to Vikings in Loki at Liseberg so would work next to Valhalla
River caves is a unique old ride, they should not get rid of it, sad to see the Pleasure Beach declining, my childhood memories are all Blackpool, still can’t believe they got rid of Bling
Great to see that the owner has offered cut price admission to the park with so many rides now closed or not working oh wait she hasn't
The park really isn’t in the best state this season sadly
@@ThemeParkWorldwideBPB has been a mess for years imo.
Though to be fair it matches the state of Blackpool as a whole, it’s a sad, sad shambles of its former glory.
Say to the missus all the time, if i had 100billion id buy bpb & make it what it once was. THE FAMILY THAT OWN IT NOW ARE NOTHINT SHORT OF SCUM @@ObsessiveGeek
If no new ride soon this place will soon shut down as there’s not many going these days 😢follow with there other theme parks they once had 🤣
Blackpool is in general @@ObsessiveGeek
I remember the Grand Prix when it was petrol powered and breaking down halfway around and shouting the Engineer who was sitting in a shed. That was one of my favourite memories from the past.
Great memories!
Out of all the attractions River Caves is my favourite, just a unique atmosphere and so many memories of escaping the hot British summer into the coolness of the caves! Hope it will reopen even better.
It’s a great family ride with so much history
River Caves is an absolute bummer being closed. I genuinely am concerned about how long it’s still got left, considering they just threw the Grand Prix closure on us randomly, it’s days could unfortunately be numbered.
They’ve got money, otherwise they wouldn’t be sponsoring Blackpool Football Club. Plus I think they’ve got plans to replace the Grand Prix.
@@riggerz08True, I just feel that we should be very wary about imminent closures from now on. I’d bet money that Ice Blast will return, but maybe for only a couple years. It’s not something I see staying for very much longer and considering the fact that they’ve even stated that they don’t want to rely on their history anymore, I think that’s them silently telling us that a lot of the older attractions may not last very much longer because of future development.
@@RMTheMan I think they’ll keep all of the wooden coasters, ghost train, river caves and Alice ride. All the rest should go. Keep the classics. Obviously time goes on and the older rides cost a lot of money to keep open. I do think ice blast is going. Apparently it’s up for sale on a site, don’t know how true that is though. They should get rid though and put a intamin gyro swing there or a huge drop tower. New coaster where the Grand Prix is and sort out the rest of the park.
@@riggerz08 I don’t see them removing those rides, along with the derby racer but I could definitely see stuff like the dodgems, Thompson carousel, even something like avalanche or steeplechase may be close to the end of their operational life.
@@RMTheMan I said they shouldn’t close them, they probably won’t. The old coasters will eventually come to their end of life and will be replaced. Rumours that avalanche is first to go.
I think you have hit the nail on the head as it were, it’s the lack of official communication surrounding these closures that is concerning!!
Definitely
That place is looking like a sorry state these days. It's really sad.
It’s sad to see parts of the park looking in a poor state
@@ThemeParkWorldwide Money grabbing Thompson is to blame new ownership is needed
River Caves has always been one of my fav rides. Remember it when the ceiling was open and you could look up into the restaurant above and wave at people. Often waved at my mum cus she didnt like the ride lol x
It’s such a classic!
the atmosphere in river caves is unmatched- and it’s age makes it a legend. I really want the park to be clear about it, it’s worrying to see it closed for so long
It’s such a special ride. Let’s hope the issues are fixed and it reopens soon!
They are moving away from being a family park and have been for years. Back in the day it would be open until midnight during the illuminations, not closing at 5pm. They are just greedy.
It's never been open till midnight
On top of these current non operating rides, so many others have been either abandoned, neglected or removed without replacement over the last 20 years or so. Space Invader 2, Noah's Arc, The Chinese Maze, Impossible, Trauma Towers, Wild Mouse, Spin Doctor, Monorail, Cable Car, etc. Pleasure Beach certainly isn't thriving.
The suggestion that lots of rides have been removed without any replacement is ridiculous. Maybe for some balance you could include a list of rides which have opened in the last 20 years or so...
Icon, Infusion, Avatar Airbender, Red Arrows Sky Force, Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, Dora's World Voyage, SpongeBob's Splash Bash and a few other small rides in the kids area. Not to mention Valhalla's redesign.
And yet they build fancy expensive Hotels on the doorstep of the park, BONKERS MENTAL!
whats needed is a transport ride, or an extra station for pleasure beach express.not everyone can walk properly, it would be great for grandparents, disabled and prams. as river caves runs under the dome, it seems that could be one of the reasons why its closed. no doubt whatever is planned they will be preparing for the closed season. wonder if there is any plans for the inderground cafe area again.
I've heard from an 'inside source' that there is indeed a new attraction coming!
It's called Astro Turf. 😉
😂
Awful. Money grabbing Thompson should be giving a ticket discount for 1 permanently closed ride and 2 temporary closed rides. Not sold as seen.
Really hope these issues are sorted soon!
The rides are on the website as closed and also at the entrance, so it is sold as seen……..
@@timsorsby yes because they realised they had to, but still not reduced the ticket price
Goodbye Grand Prix, ice blast..... not my favourite of rides but it is a main attraction at the pleasure beach. And the river caves I hope they don't get rid of that ride, it a fun family ride and it was really cool during journey to hell night ❤❤. Ps once again congratulations to you and Charlotte on your wedding
Thank you!
@@ThemeParkWorldwide your welcome ❤❤
Oh Shawn that was like the good old days with the solo vlogs. 😀
Having all these rides SBNO is not a good look especially with the ticket prices as they are and closing at 5pm. I also think they should try and get some travelling rides in each season to fill some of the empty space. Maybe a spinning Mouse where the Wild Mouse used to be and an flat ride in the space left by Trauma Towers.
They definitely need to get some of the empty areas sorted out!
I do love Pleasure Beach but I cannot stand Amanda.
She has no clue how to handle criticism or feedback
She'd be breaking the law if her park was in Spain 🇪🇸 as it's illegal for any business to refuse cash as a method of payment in Spain 🇪🇸
I really hope the park can make the necessary improvements to get back on top form again soon!
@@stephenduncan3605I don’t actually agree with this law.
As long as a business makes it clear they are a card only company then I have no problems with it…that IS still cash at the end of the day, it’s just a digital transaction rather than physical.
Sadly Amanda has no love or care for the park anymore , all she cares about is the hotels and hot ice , so many people have stopped visiting the park due to the state it’s in at the moment
It’s such a shame to see so many empty areas now
yes... she only cares about the hotel and ..hot ice.
I always enjoy the pov of river caves, such a long, cool, classic attraction. Really hope it opens this summer so you can take us on and show us any changes that have been made!
It sure is. Fingers crossed!
Went 6 days ago. Nightmare experience. Managed 5 rides all day. Thousands of school kids jumping the queues constantly. No marshalls to prevent this. Teachers couldn't control the kids either. Waste of money for park plus all accommodation costs and time off work and travel expenses to attend. Avoid at all costs.
Sorry to hear that
Most are like that this time of year unfortunately
I was there on Sunday & couldn’t believe how quite it was for the summer holidays, also noticed these rides closed was wondering what was happening with them, Pepsi Max looked to be having a problem in the afternoon
Was nice seeing you at thorpe park today, my brother especially was really excited to see you and when he got the picture with you 😁
Great to see you!
Looking forward to seeing that, I’m still debating whether to go next month or not.
I’ll be in the area and have never gone to Thorpe Park before, though time is a factor so still on the fence about it.
It's such a shame to see BPB the way it is currently. This park holds alot of memories for me and my family it was where my son first went on a big coaster being icon and we've had a few good holidays around blackpool and always include the park buts it's sad to see the way it's going hopefully the owners can pull some magic out and get the park back to it's former identity.
It’s not the park that’s the problem ever since the daughter took over the whole pleasure beach vibe has gone she is literally sucking the life out of it and making it worse than it already was
A mean charging 40 quid for a non rider is scandalous
Let’s hope we see some change come in soon
@@ThemeParkWorldwide I hope so to it really is like you said sad to see this decline I understand rollercoasters and new attractions cost money but to try charge 40 for a non rider is a joke.
Your Asia tour was fantastic
@@kristianconaghan1992I personally don’t understand the appeal of visiting an amusement park if you don’t intend to go on anything.
“I just like to look around” can be done via videos like this or even on Google Maps.
If you just want a walk, the Promenade is a nice long path that doesn’t cost anything and you’ll get to experience loads of entertainment around you.
Always loved the pleasure beach as a child. We’re not a big ride family but absolutely loved rides such as the river caves, ghost train, derby racer etc. Our absolute favourite ride was the turtle chase and we were gutted when that went. I hope they replace the Grand Prix with a family ride. There’s getting less and less family rides there these days and it feels like the park is loosing that family oriented vibe/ethos it used to have under Geoffrey Thompson. Congratulations to you and Charlotte on your wedding 😊
Thank you! Pleasure Beach has always had such a great variety of rides for everyone and it needs to remain this way!
Good post is that
shawn she needs bring back day entry £5..and pay per ride option,,it could make the park millions,,90%of people that visit blackpool are day trippers and are not going pay full days admission
I’ve never understood why parks withhold information about their rides and don’t provide updates?! If they were open and transparent about the issues affecting rides then it would create a much better relationship, and I guarantee everyone would be more understanding.
Definitely
Ice blasts problem will cost over £50,000 as i know flamingo land and fantasy island had to do this too and they decided to do it where I have inside sources that pleasure beach did not want to spend the money
Let’s see what happens next I guess! Sad to see!
11:34 definitely a rollercoaster like oblivion but way higher to take the record back I would love to that that because I am an absolute thrill seeker
Maybe Replace by the longest Wooden Coaster And Themed around the Western
Shame about Grand Prix. I'm in my 50s now but can remember that being one if my favourites as a kid!
It was a great family ride
I totally agree about openness and transparency. There seems to be very little of that from the park. I feel a new family coaster could be a great addition to the park. I really hope river caves does reopen soon as it's a much loved classic. I'm not a fan of ice blast but I agree it looks a mess. People pay lots to visit and closed rides for what ever reason won't be popular with paying customers and passholdeers. Hope you are both keeping well.
So many great memories of you walking around there… I played Dragons Lair in that street where River Caves was and went in the simulator of the beast rollercoaster, loved playing the remote control cars at the base of the big dipper… also River Caves blew my mind as a kid it felt like being in a different universe.
Thanks for sharing. Love the classic rides!
you both omg congratulations on the wedding
Ice blast looks to have more area free around the tower than necessary for an S&S tower, if they were to replace it with another tower ride they could easily fit something with more capacity?
Definitely
I would prefer a 100 meter Funtime Tower at Pleasure Beach
I miss the mouse ride :((
Wild Mouse was amazing!
@@ThemeParkWorldwideit was BRUTAL!
Hey, I just wanted to say that I really love your videos. I’ve been watching you for ages and my cousin met you the other day. She so lucky to have got a picture with you as well. It would be amazing if I saw you! Keep up the good work on the videos everybody loves them ❤
Thank you so much!
I have fond memories of river caves. The implications are huge if it doesn't come back as it is in section next to wallace
Would put me off returning if they get rid of another classic, no fan of white knuckle rides. Pleasure beach trying to hard to be like Alton towers, the attraction is totally different, you have to appear to all ages and abilities at Blackpool beach or you loose customers.
@Skaterbun yep I agree too..I get terrible headaches and sickness after just doing one rollercoaster and usually need to sit down as feel faint..so these rides add variety and actually help me take some time out.
The park really needs to keep the history and continue to add new attractions too. We all love the historic attractions!
There are rumours the Ice Blast is going to be replaced with a gyro swing style ride. Makes sense given they’re closing the flying machines too which are right next to it. Bad choice imo if they are. Gyro swings imo give major ‘travelling fair’ vibes and would be indicative of the management attitudes. The entrance to the park is really shocking. Really unpleasant to go through, closed buildings, rides not working, unpleasant food spaces. They really need to review what they’re doing.
I was also shocked to see how badly maintained the woodies like Streak and Grand National were when I went in July.
I still miss the goldmine ride!!
Yep me too! and look at what we have instead. 🤮
It was so much fun, however we do enjoy W&G too!
Yes, i miss the goldmine too.
Bring back monster ride or I called it octopus ride it was brilliant please please bring it back
They’re never gonna bring back an old ride, could be a more modern version of that ride system though a new coaster would be far more popular.
I was in the Pleasure Beach on Friday just passed and it was amazing to be back for the first time in 15+ years, some areas that could be updated but so cool to see icon, infusion and the Nickelodeon section
damn first the Wild Mouse now River Caves and the Grand Prix, you'd think they'd lower the entrance fee but nope. we're going in a few weeks time so hopefully it'll be good and we'll get better weather lol 😅 I'm still salty about the mouse but as long as they never get rid of Avalanche I'm sure I'll keep coming back!
I remember the octopus it broke down and we were stuck up in the air x
Am I the only one thinking they could do something with that dome building? It is actually quite an iconic bit of the Pleasure Beach as it features in many videos, multiple photos and every aerial shot or pic taken from the top of the Big One.
It used to have a relatively inexpensive ride in it but not for many years now. They could do similar with something well lit showing through the transparent building.
I’m very concerned by the closure of these rides, especially River Caves. It’s such a historic attraction which appeals to so many people.
It’s a fantastic classic ride
Great park, always good to visit. Forget a new coaster. The UK's biggest gyro swing would be cheaper, super exciting and chew through the queues with massive capacity. I'm confident the River Caves will return, just wish they would communicate it. Ice Blast is probably gone - but it's rubbish anyway.
I would like to maybe see a new coaster go in Grand Prix’s place. If that space is big enough then maybe some kind of indoor ride? We will just have to see what the future brings.
That would be great!
Hey I love your videos, they always bring a smile to my face! Are you going back to Paultons park anytime soon?❤
Thank you, we plan on returning later this year
@@ThemeParkWorldwide that’s good, me and my family love watching your vlogs, especially theme parks.
Was there last weekend was so surprised how quiet it was ,so sad hope its not the end blackpool so special to me
I think they should use the grand pri space for a big tall mountain of some sort. Something like the Matterhorn. And this mountain would have multiple uses. A family coaster that goes through and around it, a viewing platform you can walk up to, and a water ride like the knotts berry farm log flume or maybe something more slower and is lit up magically like that relaxing toverland water ride :)
That would be awesome!
I actually thought Ice Blast had already been removed! They need to sort it out. And try and preserve some of the older rides too, there’s so much history at Pleasure Beach
I was an engineer at pleasure island and we had a double shot s&s tower. Pretty surre that we never had parts issues.
Also s&s have loads of shot towers, surely spares are readily available
Thanks for sharing!
Its exactly same if you walk in Terra Metica park Benidorm..so sad the owner let everything get old and rubbish..both park have potential to be soo good. Sad to see its falling down😢
Could it be that River Caves and Grand Pix both being closed is due to the new ride coming in? I imagine River Caves will be kept and the closure is temporary. Perhaps the new coaster installation will go partly on top of the building for it, or utilise the dome structure, and Caves is therefore shut temporarily while the new coaster is planned and developed.
It’s possible, however hopefully we see River Caves back open soon!
Great to see the other rides working but not ice blast or river caves (prices rising) it’s a shame to see Grand Prix being removed when that was part of my childhood. They could do with something like a big log flume like they used to have that was taken out like monorail and Noah’s ark and never replaced!!
Space never seems to be an issue at BPB, they are masters at fitting things in and around. Definitely hopeful of "something" being put there. I'm not sad the GP has gone, it was never the same since it went electric. £50 upcharge for its final ride is crazy
Bummer about river caves! 😂
Oh no the flume ride i love that thing 😭
BPB has the potential to be at least one of the top parks in the country, on nostalgia alone, drawing people to the area. Right now its just a sorry mess, and while i'd like to visit, its not worth the drive in its current condition.
I can see BPB closing within a decade, if they don’t sort themselves out. The park is a mess, they spin BS such as the Ice Blast “a part” story. I haven’t been for a while and won’t return until they sort the park out. Shame
Hopefully they can get back on top form again
North Park is terrible compared to what it used to be. The park proclaims to be ride intensive but in the north only has 5 rides operating. If you think some that are gone and currently SBNO you are missing:
Ice Blast
River Caves
Noah’s Ark
Water Chute
Trauma Towers/Tagada
Black Hole/Waltzer
Dodgem before relocation
Skyride
Wild Mouse
It’s terrible what has happened to how this area was buzzing with life and activity it just seems a shadow of its former self.
Not food at all. Let’s hope things can get sorted out soon!
I’m going pleasure beach on Tuesday so thx Charlotte and Sean!
I remember grand prix back in the 80’s, I don’t think it was called that but not too sure? It was great making huge queues… Never knew it changed to electric. Autopia at ED is good and very similar still petrol. Just picking up on the other comments, the Fun House suffered from a fire it wasn’t just knocked down for the sake of it. Infusion, Ikon, big one, avalanche (whatever it’s called now) and revolution are all still quality. Cheers
So many rides and attractions have sadly gone from BPB
one of the blackpool pleasure beach staff told me that the river caves has had some water leaks i asked if it was getting a new theme to it but park staff said they were not sure
I worked ther in the 80's, 90s and early noughties and it was never that quiet. It would take 30, 45 minures to walk from one side to the other. Its very sad to see it like this
Thank you for the picture tday 😁
Great to see you!
Good to see you!
@@ThemeParkWorldwide 😁😁😁😁😁
A nice top hat would fit in that footprint surely
I think Pleasure Beach could do with at least one more big thrill ride 🤞🤞
Pumping out videos before the honeymoon!!! Have the best time guys ❤
Thank you!
i believe the original cars were stored..in a barn at wesham
Hi Shawn and Charlotte, congratulations on getting married! Always love watching the videos! Will you be getting back to Wicksteed Park any time soon? They have some new rides since your last visit including a Ferris Wheel and Jolly Jockeys Ride!!!
Thank you so much. We’ll definitely have to return soon!
River caves was my first ride at Blackpool it’s a shame it’s closed down 😭
I've heard with river caves they had a leak in the roof of the building, I hope it stays, they would have trouble removing it with it being attached to Wallace and gromit though
Hopefully these issues are resolved soon!
Going to the PB for school on Tuesday finally a good school trip
Have fun!
@@ThemeParkWorldwide thanks
Went with my son at the end of may. Half empty and many closed rides. I smell cash flow problems.
Personally, I'd like to see something like Big Bear Mountain or Juvelen. However, I do think it will very likely be the UK's tallest coaster, possibly even Europe's tallest and similar to Red Force. I also think there's a serious chance River Caves has been closed for this purpose, as together, Grand Prix, the Dome, River Caves, the Wild Mouse site and Trauma Towers forms a large piece of land...
It’ll be interesting to see what they go for!
Hi Shawn, another typical summer day at Blackpool. I reckon Pleasure Beach will put in another Coaster that will be bigger than Hyperia. I'm thinking 240 foot.???
It’ll be interesting to see if they do!
It's so sad to see the park in such a state. It's looks dead 😞. 🤞 They'll spend the money to do it up
Fingers crossed
the best thing AT could do is go back to General admission Free - Pay for a wristband or buy individual tickets if you want - but at least let people and families in to spend time, at least the cafes and food outlets will be utilised by family members
It would be great to see BPB do this!
Sadly as long as Queen Amanda is running the park i honestly fear for it`s long term sustainability. When the wild mouse closed they said another ride would be taking its place. That hasn`t happened. The Ice Blast is an absolute eye sore. The River Caves being closed and looking so sad is gutting to witness. The park is looking in a sorry state. Lot`s of rust on the Revolution posts. Items needing painting. I remember in the 80s and 90s, the park absolutely buzzing and full of people, making a great atmosphere. Yes it`s great that now you can literally just walk onto a ride, but for the long term, how long can the park sustain this ? Bring back the non rider pass to make it more affordable for families. Such a shame.
It’s a shame to see the park looking like it does at the moment
Back in the 80’s and early 90’s “staycation” was the norm for the majority of families and Blackpool as a whole was a considered a top destination to visit.
The entire city has since fallen to the wayside not just BPB, because that’s changed, way more families are going abroad, you can see this in how there’s loads of beautiful resorts that harken back to how Blackpool used to be.
Unfortunately MASSIVE investment is needed to improve the whole area.
@@ObsessiveGeekIt was still very normal for working class families in the 00s too. I spent a lot of my childhood in Blackpool, I still have fond memories of it - BPB in particular! I visited for a day trip back in 2022 and was shocked at the state it’s in. The soul has been sucked out of the place. It’s very, very sad to see.
Great video as always Shawn
Blackpool pleasure beach has been crap this year
Certainly not the best season for the park sadly
I wonder with Grand Prix being taken down and replaced by a new coaster if the area around the River Caves/Crazy Mouse will be utilised in some fashion for that too? As you think it's pretty much adjacent it next to the dome building? What do you think? Would be strange to just close it without giving people one last ride though.
Possibly so, however W&G is located in the same building as River Caves which could cause some issues!
Less rides, Higher entry fee 🤔
.
CHANCERS!!!!!
I’m from just outside of Blackpool and haven’t been to pleasure beach in 5 years, that whole area of Blackpool is a mess and gone downhill massively in recent years, not the same as it used to be. Pleasure beach peaked when Nik land opened and now it’s a dump.
Awful communication from Amanda Thompson which will be doing the park no favours. Should be letting the people who pay her bills and come back season after season know what’s going on
(Congratulations on the new marriage guys by the way, wishing you a lifetime of happiness🤍✨)
Let’s hope things improve
They aren’t going to do anything with the Grand Prix ride space. I doubt they’ll replace it with anything.
Amazing video 👏
Thanks!
When I first went on ICE Blast it was called Playstation and the Big One was Pepsi Max. I was reluctant to do both but my girlfriend at the time was too afraid to go on. So of course, trying to show im brave, said "watch me" Did them, JUST without soiling myself, but gave me the courage to take on any rides since.
Thanks for sharing!
Playstation* Could be easily replaced with something similar but I wouldn't be too bothered either way.
Rivers Caves could have it's theming updated and again nothing too drastic is needed just to keep it running well and not too shabby.
I think whatever replaces Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment for BPPB, I think they need to make a big statement to keep up with Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Something either unique, or record breaking. Whether it's a huge new dark ride or a compact coaster, it needs to be something that brings people back in and also returning even on rainy days like we have in July :D
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
very good video Shawn from CLOSED Rides & Grand Prix REMOVAL Begins At Blackpool Pleasure Beach! keep the good videos coming on the channel, Shawn.😀👍👍
I’m at Thorpe park in the queue for hyperia at the moment. They use you and charlottes rider cam first reaction to hyperia in the queue boards 😂 I would love to see a new thrill coaster, maybe a Mack xtreme spinner. I don’t think icon provides enough thrills but a xtreme spinner definitely would. It would be that ride that makes people come back to the park because right now icon doesn’t do that for me
We saw that today! Would love to see a brand new coaster added to BPB!
Hopefully Grand Prix will be replaced by an RMC single rail or other thrill ride. Something is seriously wrong when your most thrilling coaster is Infusion.
Im going to the pleasure beach in august i hope the river caves is open
I think what killed pleasure beach was when they took the 1979 Fun House away , The parents stuck the kids in and left them for hours while they strolled around the park knowing they were safe then they stuck a softplay area for infants and the parents had to drag the kids about wanting everything they saw. So that was the beginning of the end
It's sad to see BPB with these 3 rides SBNO making the park look tired & neglected, hopefully we will get to hear more soon, apart from 1 rumour seems to be another hotel but in my eye they should concentrate more on the park, no point building another hotel if guest numbers are lower than normal. Who knows it's just rumours, but they do need to add more modern rides for me the space for grand prix would be good space for something like Lech Coaster as shame it's the only one of it's type but in Poland and hyped up so much. Also I said loads times a good Intemin Giroswing would be good replacement for Ice Blast we have seen it themed to Vikings in Loki at Liseberg so would work next to Valhalla
They really need some more investment into the park to keep people coming back!
Where was Charlotte ?
they dont have to go everywhere together do they
Charlotte was with a few friends of ours, so I nipped off for half an hour to film this update!
River caves is a unique old ride, they should not get rid of it, sad to see the Pleasure Beach declining, my childhood memories are all Blackpool, still can’t believe they got rid of Bling
It’s such a classic
Place is looking like the actual town itself these days.
I think it will be a coaster. One that beats the new height record at thorpe park