DREADFUL Opening Day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (VLOG) | March 2024

Blackpool Pleasure Beach / Pleasure Beach Resort is now open for the 2024 season, however sadly the season got off to a bad start with ride closures all over the park due to breakdowns.
© Your Experience Guide / Pleasure Beach Experience. All rights reserved. No part of this video can be reproduced or redistributed without permission from Scott Bickerton, the owner and creator of this Your Experience Guide & Pleasure Beach Experience. For permission requests, email [e-mail]. Use without consent with or without credit is in direct violation of copyright law.

[@ridetechnical]

Won’t be renewing my pass next. Never had any company slam its best customers. Yesterday was a pure scam and was criminal more so to those who traveled a long way and paid money for a shoddy under par experience. 20% off pizza kitchen! As a “ we’re sorry” I will never get that time back and you know what yeah I saw friends. Well first season with a Merlin Pass stood by Blackpool through it all stood up against people hating on it but the owner clearly hates people who expect a semi decent product (enthusiasts are actually more forgiving than public) and is clearly delusional that the hotel and ice show product is enough to keep them sustainable. Feel sorry for the frontline staff who can see it failing but have no power to change anything.

[@markbtelevision]

@@yourexperienceguidewe already get 10% off pizza kitchen and you can’t combine the discount so it’s only 10%

[@bendyinkmachinefan2659]

This isn't looking good for pleasure Beach at all luckily i have my merlin annual pass as well

[@michaelsullivan1631]

I STILL DIDN'T SEE YOU WAS YOU STILL THERE AT 12 O'CLOCK HA I WAS IN 12-5, AND TODAY, IT WAS BUSIER TODAY BECAUSE OF THE ONES WHO GOT SOME TYPE OF PASSES FOR TODAY.AFTER YESTERDAY BEING A NIGHTMARE. I EVEN HAD SOMEONE, COME ON MY RIDE WHILE COMPLAINING TO SOMEONE ON THE PHONE AT THE TIME. CUSTOMERS WERE FUMING, BUT IT ALSO SHOWS THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY DAYS, WE HAVE TESTED THESE RIDES WITH NOTHING WRONG, IT STILL CAN GO WRONG ON THE DAY. I KNOW TODAY WE HAD NO BIG ONE ( JUST TESTING ALL DAY) AVALANCHE WAS GOING AROUND WITH EMPTY TRAINS A LOT.

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@markbtelevisionIt was 20% as a stand-alone discount

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@michaelsullivan1631It was dead today

[@CatsnCoasters]

Shocking opening day, whatever you do, don't ask questions Scott! Lol😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Or mention rumours 😂

[@garethcalleja2556]

Well done for braving the weather. So sad just sad to see do many memories being tarnished. Still can not execuse the owners outburst on social media. Very poor indeed. Better luck you guys today.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thanks Gareth

[@technoandrew]

Thanks for the excellent vlog Scott and others, particularly getting it turned round so quickly. Really sad to see and hear how bad things turned out yesterday. You still gave the park credit where due (Icon operating OK for example). And that train ride looked quite special!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@coastermadab]

Oh boys. This did make me smile! Thank you for providing us with some humour during this. 🤣

[@yourexperienceguide]

Had to put a funny spin on an otherwise shoddy day. Thank you 🙏

[@j41m39]

Absolutely awful day. Really looked forward to it and ended up leaving at 1430. Really put me off going on an opening day again if that's the way it's going to be

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

1430? You mean 2.30pm, or 14:30. You’re supposed to include a colon or full stop in the time. And why would you not just say 2:30?

[@yourexperienceguide]

I’ve done every opening day at BPB since 2004, yesterday was the worst ever

[@evapostormz1218]

@@handsoffmycactus2958They are correct, they’re just using ‘military time’ where you don’t put a colon between the 14 and 30. It means the same thing

[@Peabut_Nutter]

@@handsoffmycactus2958 what a sad little life Jane

[@laurenwilson382]

Love how honest you guys are and it’s so disappointing to see how badly it’s being run. I hope it improves throughout the season

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@ATFOTP]

According to Twitter opening day at Pleasure Beach Resort was a total shambles!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Have a watch of this to see 😉

[@booth2710]

From my more recent visits to the park - even their best days were a total shambles

[@gothicgorey]

Pleasure beach is donkey shit it won’t be around much longer under its current management.

[@Sir_Hesket_Newmarket]

Great to see an honest review of opening day. I hope they see this and take note. I’m hoping to visit once it opens mid-week - if things improve. Looking forward to more updates.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Mid week visits before the school trips are usually decent

[@GodoftimeGaming]

I dont know what to say she running the park into the ground its so sad to see things need to change or we loss it with big changes around the uk this year it doesn't look great i hope something big is coming as this isn't a good look one thing is needed is new rides not a silly name change which they cant work out what the parks called. video amazing as always thanks' for keeping us update and being true on the video lets hope things get better as I want the park to improve

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏 We are all at a loss with it, what exactly are they doing?

[@booth2710]

Makes you wonder if it's been run down to close. Look at the history of any amusement / fun park that has closed down ... prior to closure there was was always an onset of deterioration with purpose.

[@GodoftimeGaming]

@@booth2710 really hope not but they use to own south port pleasure beach and gave that up with the family history in Blackpool would be a Hugh loss

[@chrissy9997]

@@booth2710 If it closed rather than being sold, I wonder what would happen to the protected rides... Maybe they'd just be left to rot like the burned down pier in Brighton was? I imagine someone would buy it though. Be a criminal level waste not to with all that potential. Besides, my home park Pleasurewood Hills was a dump that was deteriorating like crazy and is still somehow going. Heck, seems like it might even start doing passably ok with the huge coat of paint it's gotten since being brought by the company that owns Drayton (Although I'll never forgive what they did to Rattlesnake. Egg-spress is an abomination). I might even be tempted to go again if they threw in another roller coaster.

[@alwilson5193]

Great video and all credit to you all staying so late we were gone by 1230. Was a weird day and very telling that we were staying at Travelodge and normally hear testing etc in the morning, 10am and was deadly quiet they just weren't ready.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you, I’ve noticed they’re already testing the rides this morning (8:05am)

[@CoastersThrillsAndAirtimeHills]

I’m so sorry for the disappointed. I just feel so sorry for everyone who travelled so far to be there on opening day. It’s just terrible.

[@royalrecordings4307]

Loving gladiators. Hopefully a better weekend for us next Sunday 🙏

[@yourexperienceguide]

Gonna catch up on gladiators tonight

[@colettemikaelson160]

a throw away comment Amanda said yesterday had me questioning if they are in more trouble then we think. She made a passing comment about how they have been going years and will be for many more years. it just seemed like she was trying to make a point that they aren't in a tough spot. the shot tower started as playstation didnt it but then rebranded to tango ice blast.

[@yourexperienceguide]

It was rebranded to Ice Blast in 2001 😅

[@colettemikaelson160]

@@yourexperienceguide I thought so lol

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@colettemikaelson160 I’ve got a photo of me and my dad on it in May 2001 😅

[@COLINHILLSWIMS]

Thanks for the blog, I watched it start to finish. It’s days like today when they should have made Valhalla so you don’t get soaking wet! The one world class ride that was working and no one wants to go on and get soaked through to the skin with wet feet when the weather is cold and wet. Even just good drainage in the boats and you might chance it. Anyway, great blog. I’m going to BPB to the ghost train walk around soon. Should be fun.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@bobbythomas200420032]

Hi that was another fantastic and great video and I really enjoy your videos so much. I love amusement parks and was at Pleasure Beach last June and I had a fantastic time. I like the channel so much.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you for watching and commenting

[@TJCUFC]

I love your guy's content and i always watch and support hope you have a better day today keep up the good work 👏

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@Andrewoll68]

What a shame. 😢 We only live 40 minutes away but for the last 2 years we've opted for Merlin instead of BPB passes. Have many happy memories over 40 years but will now probably go once a year. Hope Sunday is better for everyone. Thanks for your honest opinions and posting so quickly.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you, don’t blame you for opting with Merlin

[@paulh6959]

Great video Scott. I don’t think you should apologise for being honest. You are bloody dedicated to that place. They can’t award your positive comments and hate your honest one. It’s a bloody shame it’s was so bad. Awful simply awful!!

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@paulh6959Thank you Paul

[@russellb1212]

Your Guide Experience at its very best, the voice of the everyday visitor, summed your day up well, praise where there was, but fair and balanced comment where not. Such a shame, Blackpool Pleasure Beach need a back to basics approach

[@yourexperienceguide]

We always try and be honest whether that’s good or bad. Thank you 🙏

[@paulclover2839]

Good blog thanks

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@Gareth_YNWA]

Great video! Good to see you being very honest and speaking up as a loyal fan! I used to love going pleasure beach and went many times a year but right now I am not in any rush visiting. The owners attitude to fans on social media is absolutely disgusting too! Hopefully it improves soon or Pleasure beach gets new management!

[@yourexperienceguide]

The tweet yesterday morning set the tone for a terrible day

[@stevieg7755]

Hearing the clown in the background when you said about all the ride closures just sums everything up 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Lol it really did

[@demongorr]

BPB really need to up their game. I've been going since I was a kid and love the park but the last few weeks have been utterly shambolic and have put me off making the journey.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Likewise, it’s a sad situation compared to what it was like 20 years ago

[@danielsheldrake]

So glad I got Liseberg opening weekend next month an opening weekend that I know will run smoothly. Going back a couple more times this year to BPB.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Liseberg is always excellent

[@fuzzysarcade8606]

Another great video, Scott, thanks. We were there for opening day, too (pass holders) but left around 3pm - partially due to the weather, but mostly due to the shambolic state of operations on the day. The staff were trying their best, to be fair. I really feel for people who paid for day entry only to be faced by all those closed rides. I saw a screenshot of Amanda’s tweet and honestly thought it was from a parody account! What a shocking attitude towards your loyal customers. Keep up the great work (we’ll stop you and say hello next time)!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏 Hopefully our next visits are a lot better.

[@UK.Thrills]

i hope this is better next week,originally i was annoyed that i was going to a concert in opening day but now i see it was way better than going

[@yourexperienceguide]

You went to the right place 😅

[@jennifers8223]

Is was nice seeing you again yesterday let's hope Pleasure Beach gets better in the 2024 season after what happened on the opening day I'll be able to get a free ticket next time I go to the Pleasure Beach because of the weather and because of a lot of the rides being down.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Is your free ticket valid all season?

[@jennifers8223]

the park staff just said i could use the free ticket for when i next visit the park and they said i could use it anytime i wanted until november and they also said i could use it for late night riding dates or the halloween event i did notese my ticket said the 1st of december on it so maybe it is valid all season but the staff diden't say how many times i could use the free ticket .

[@jameshardiker]

Given the shambolic day it was, I thought you were quite a positive and honest. We were there (saw you at ghost train) but left shortly after 1. The park was horrendously unprepared! Even down to the retail team not knowing how to process their new photo season passes! Took 30mins to do. I’ve been looking forward to opening day for months and came away fuming, I wished they just came out and said we keeping the park shut for another week. This was a classic example of Piss Poor Preparation by management and I really felt sorry for the ride ops and maintenance teams for pushing through the best they could with the chocolate teapot they were given. Back again today so hopefully a better day and to find time for a chat.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thanks James, we tried to make the best of it

[@Mr_Spliffy]

Passionate lads. Respect, subbed

[@meangreenmachine616]

Why are people surprised by this, PB has never been the same since Jeffrey passed away, FACT. Amanda NEVER gave a crap about the park and that has clearly shown in her lazy, half-arsed and selfish decisions over the last few decades. Her Father will be turning in his grave. Jeffrey absolutely loved the park and was absolutely committed to making it as thrilling as possible. How many years after Big One was the PlayStation built, 3 or 4? The man was passionate about creating thrilling, cutting edge rides and I even believe he was making plans for a vertical tower coaster (like Kingda Ka) before he passed away. That was all scrapped when she took over. Icon is a great ride but was the first big attraction in what, 20 years? Pathetic (and I don't count Infusion because it came from another park). PB used to be rammed through the 90's, but forcing people to pay to enter the park, closing at night and basically abandoning the concept of the big new ride, has meant the place has been declining rapidly. Footfall must be less than half of what it was in the 90's. She ripped the heart out of the park and people know it, she needs to sell the place and let someone young and passionate take over. Replacing the Ice Blast with a gyro wheel?! You find those at local funfairs nowadays, pathetic low effort. And btw Jeffrey HATED low-budget carnival rides. God knows what he was thinking leaving it to her, all she cared about was her bloody ice show. Congratulations, you've tarnished your father's memory, ruined his vision and failed the British public.

[@StuartGreen]

Geoffrey’s large investments did saddle the park with a lot of debt though, and it hasn’t been easy to recover from that. I agree though that Amanda’s priorities have always been off. Focusing on the periphery like the ice dancing shows and redesigning the park’s image (again). She’s never had a clear direction for the park, and even if she did, she’s always downplayed heritage rides and thrill attractions.

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@StuartGreen GT made mistakes (Valhalla) but he was ambitious, can’t say the same about BPB now

[@Mitjitsu]

I don't expect every ride to be in full working order all the time, but that opening was shambolic.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Completely agree

[@baddestlemming]

Im heading down there first week next month, looks as though ice blast is out of the question, but hopefully all the other major rides should be open, especially the Big One

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully you’ll get on everything

[@fuzzyhobbit6548]

I came on the train from Barnsley and was very excited to ride some coasters after the winter break. After 3 hours I had been on more trains to get there than coasters in the park. Absolutely shambolic operations. Saying that though I still enjoyed it because it was a chance to catch up with everyone! I saw you around yesterday but I didnt want to interrupt your recordings just to say hello 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully your next visit will be much better 🤞🏼

[@Judventures]

You know what, I love the fact that despite what can only be described as a complete shit show of an opening day, you guys still managed to have a good laugh about it all day and made the best of a bad day. Was a great watch 🙏👍🏻

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@OblivionSpl]

I went and tired to get on many coasters as possible apart from the ones that were closed or broke down every 5 minutes, I had a ride on sky force to myself with no-one else on it, flying machines and Valhalla were also walk on so I got my ride on them plus got my chance on all the other indoor rides due to the weather. Also got to see the staff increase the capacity on Big Dipper before I got my ride on it which was interesting. I am a forgiving person and all the staff were trying their best, so I will make a return to the park once it has warmed up and during a late night ride day, hopefully things improve before that day comes.

[@jimmyp7928]

Opening weekend at Blackpool has always been my favourite part of the season. Sad that this year's opener has not been the best. Hopefully they get their act together pretty quick.

[@yourexperienceguide]

It was such a let down, and not a cheap weekend either

[@marielangan1401]

We came over yesterday for the opening and it was an absolute disgrace we queued for so many rides to be told it's stopped working. It was an awful day with the weather and 3 kids cold and wet. We left Valhalla till quarter to 5 as we thought it was a better idea before we got absolutely drenched then the bloody thing broke down just as we got to the front of the queue. So that really annoyed me and I went to the customer service to complain to be told they were giving return tickets for today but we were going back home last night, I do however have all the rest of the season to return for the day "free of charge" so hopefully everything will be working as it should when we do return 😔

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully you’re able to revisit and have a much better day

[@shanesandwich]

I think its shocking how mandy t decides to kick off at the fans when her park is open in that state, its the equivalent of going to towers on opening and seeing nemesis is still missing half its track whilst still being advertised march 16th opening. Pleasure beach or as you all call it blackpool pleasure beach is in a state and a half

[@yourexperienceguide]

Lol at “as you call it” 😂

[@AudreyMealiff]

The owner comes across as very immature, not a serious businesswoman.

[@DjShamusUK]

thx for the Vlog Guys, just let ya know in my area i know around 16 people & all not Renewing there Season Passes cause how badly the Pleasure beach has gone, its a crying shame that they just letting it all get RUN down & there service is just plain awful these days, they truly are killing the park of. R.I.P. Pleasure Beach

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you, we don't blame anyone for not renewing with the price hike.

[@LeShark75]

Thanks for your time putting this together, considering Amanda Thompson and Blackpool Pleasure Beach can't be arsed. Shadow of its former self.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@RealMightyC]

I’m booked for the 17th of March with 3 friends I’ve not been since 2018, and they have never been I’ve been telling them how good this park is for the rollercoasters, especially the big one and right now I’m pretty embarrassed that I’ve praised this park so much to my friends they regret spending their money. They are still coming along but I’m just praying the big one is open along with infusion and icon

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully you guys have a great day

[@arronlawrence1103]

Thanks for the insights! Let’s see what today brings 🙈 It a complete shock the difference between BPB and the Merlin parks we have in the UK, it’s embarrassing!!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Merlin are making a massive effort to improve everything too

[@xsm5525]

so about 50% of the park not open, but don't worry,, cause they made a nice new logo! lol

[@yourexperienceguide]

🥲

[@jons1809]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Some good memories of Blackpool pleasure beach, sad to hear it's in this state.

[@Elliot-js9vd]

Loved the video an amazing insite of the opening day dramas, a bit off topic but will you be going to opening day/weekend at alton towers?

[@yourexperienceguide]

We’ll be at Towers

[@cool110]

Seeing you lot again was the one highlight of the day. They did get the 2nd train on Big Dipper after you left, but with it running so slowly it was stopping on the lift every time.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully you enjoyed your ride on it though

[@ZEK.0]

Why would they re-brand to Pleasure Beach Lancashire? That’s disrespectful to the history of the place !

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s an odd choice

[@kkrispy2009P]

What a shocking open day it's poor management I was glad I didn't go. I'm in wonder if Amanda does know what's going on in the park and if she cares I'm happy grand prix is going and new scenes in the ghost train and shame big one wasn't open thanks 4 the honest review Scott and gang

[@yourexperienceguide]

Having seen the state of some of the attractions, I’m not convinced the directors are looking at all of the park

[@crashcoaster3852]

So happy I haven't renewed my pass for this year!

[@yourexperienceguide]

We’ve all been wondering if renewing was the right choice

[@geordielad82uk]

For what seems like a poor day you still made a decent and honest vlog, well done Scott. It seems paying customers & enthusiasts get backlash for being honest ref several outbursts that have happened as you mentioned. Yet the park in its current state fails to deliver. So sad to see from a favourite park of mine yet I fear the current direction & mood seems all negative with nothing to look forward too. Focus is too much trying to be something they are not (Resort/Theme Patk) best to get back to basics reset to what it is an Amusement Park get that right & people buzzing again, we only speak truth & honesty because we care. I know other vloggers have also been so be interesting to hear their views too.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Going back to basics, and relying on their history, heritage and location would work a treat

[@geordielad82uk]

​@@yourexperienceguideHopefully you have a better day today

[@Nebroc-ju5dg]

Quite sad how the optimism for the park generated by the opening of Icon has been completely destroyed just half a decade later.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Completely agree

[@ems6413]

Ah that's honestly so sad to see 😞 I'd be gutted if I travelled all that way and was met with that! 😬

[@yourexperienceguide]

It wasn’t good

[@stevenjgfm]

As much as your vlog found the funny side of it, it is a sad site to see. As Mark said least the fountains were open 😅

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully some better luck today

[@Ainsworth_Antics]

We slogged it out until 4pm then had enough. The rain got the better of us. This vlog really made us laugh though. See you at Oakwood chaps!

[@yourexperienceguide]

See you there 🎢

[@MaJoRMJR]

Given how bad it looks, PBR should give a free ticket to everyone who entered the park as a gesture of good will, that's the least they should do

[@yourexperienceguide]

I believe they have but it’s only valid for today, not all season. Pass holders have been given a discount on pizza kitchen which is no help to anyone.

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

I think they did

[@themeparkerysto]

passholders got 20% off pizza and non passholders got free tickets for tomorrow which is a bit stupid

[@markbtelevision]

@@themeparkerystowe already get 10% off tho and you can’t combine it so it’s only 10%

[@mousecharger]

I would be fuming if I'd travelled and paid for that day!! However, you lot did make me laugh when you were all on the train then it broke down😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

The train situation was so funny tbf

[@JesusIsLord105]

I noticed the word 'Blackpool' on the Ghost Train sign. That needs to change because the word 'Blackpool' puts me off 😂 Funny vlog 👍

[@yourexperienceguide]

Noticed lots of signage saying Blackpool Pleasure Beach 🤣

[@Stubwood_on_YT]

That tweet was incredibly immature, you feed into that hate with a response like that. And to announce future plans in the same message? Who does that, yikes

[@yourexperienceguide]

The MD needs to stay off Twitter IMO

[@davidGPS95]

​@@yourexperienceguide Did the MD tweet about how bad it was yesterday?

[@CoastersThrillsAndAirtimeHills]

I totally agree with you. Such a terrible, rude tweet to the people who make her business work.

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@davidGPS95Nope! Think she’d left well before park close

[@thesportsgeek-_-]

Going on the Saturday in the Easter holidays hope it’s all sorted by then

[@yourexperienceguide]

Good luck 🤞🏼

[@corefamilyadventures]

I feel gutted for you guys and anyone who went yesterday 😢 although I had to laugh out loud when you were on the train 🚂 and you were very hopeful it was going to make it round…then it didn’t! A total waste of everyone’s time, it needs to open at Easter and have the first three months of the year testing, testing, testing. Good luck with your next visit 👍

[@yourexperienceguide]

I had a good laugh at the train footage when editing this 😅

[@attractionshubno1]

Great Vlog Scott, it’s a shame that you’ve had a disappointing opening day at Pleasure Beach Resort aka Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Hopefully it’ll get sorted out

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏

[@attractionshubno1]

@@yourexperienceguide you’re welcome

[@markcarter2712]

I possibly think the park might be sold in the near future , it's clear Amanda has lost her passion for the park

[@davidGPS95]

She seems to be only interested in the Hot ice show and stageworks company. I don't think she had any passion for the park to begin with compared to her late Father .

[@yourexperienceguide]

The park needs new direction

[@cliffcook3993]

I would say Merln but i dont know there with there almost 9 to 5 opening hour mode, it would mean the end of night rides, if it is sold i would prefer an independant operator, like the owner of southends park.

[@davidGPS95]

@@cliffcook3993 Melin might be safer compared to independent also they would invest more in the park , new rides , if a company like Merlin were to buy do you think they completely change abd rebrand the park with a new identity? Maybe Blackpool council would buy it like they did with the Sandcastle 😯

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@davidGPS95Merlin won’t buy BPB IMO

[@sampower1735]

It's great to see some changes at least in Ghost train..

[@yourexperienceguide]

Definitely

[@mozzamorrison8478]

Nick streak did open moments after you left the station at the start if the day, I saw you all just outside the que line, merlin just need to buy the place out

[@yourexperienceguide]

Typical. Merlin won’t buy it.

[@stuartbrazier2464]

At least today was a better day ...good to see Everyone at least

[@yourexperienceguide]

Good to see you mate

[@chrispike7249]

Good to see you & Steve and the other guys at ther opening day at BPPB there shame it was a shambles ! but i see Andy ( Coaster Crazy ) met Walk with me Tim & Gabby there too Scott 👍

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you for watching and commenting Chris

[@seany84uk]

If any park has a major line up issue they should offer all guests at least half price discount on a return visit

[@yourexperienceguide]

It looks like non pass holders were offered a free return today, but pass holders compensation is a small discount in Pizza Kitchen

[@seany84uk]

@@yourexperienceguide thats good to hear

[@sqkuravoid]

im going on saturday, hope it improves by then

[@yourexperienceguide]

Good luck 🤞🏼

[@LeetheLank]

7:10 just smile and wave boys, smile and wave 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Lost me here

[@booth2710]

Lat two times I went to PB it was an absolute crap out. They really need to up their game.

[@kebarosUK]

We were going to come down for opening day, a 2hr journey but glad we didn’t as I would have been at guest services asking for a refund.

[@yourexperienceguide]

You made the right decision

[@platinumsandtrophies8625]

I know its too late now but they should of opened on the following saturday (9th) because they couldn't open on the (16th) due to alton towers and nemesis and the (23rd) is thorpe parks opening but i think they would of been okay since hyperia wont be opening then , lets see how the other parks manage there opening day

[@yourexperienceguide]

Opening in mid February for wow weekends at £15-£20 worked much better for them, ride availability was iffy but people accepted it at the lower prices.

[@shaunbiggin6301]

Oh dear. Let’s hope Alton’s opening day is better. Will we see you guys there?

[@yourexperienceguide]

We’ll be there

[@themiracledetectiveagency]

Creasing at the absolute takedown of Ice Blast/Playstation 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s unbelievable really

[@marcdawson4635]

Great video. I was following the day online yesterday and also their ride queue times. It's like the owner sees the rides as a 'neccesary evil' now, a sort of add on to hospitality. With regards to a new attraction, I don't think even that will turn it around (we've had Icon already). The problem IMO is much deeper now than the ride line up itself. I get parks have bad days, but when the owner seems to intentionally take her frustrations out on fans online (again), something is very very wrong here. I feel sorry for the hard working staff.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Since they’ve put ICON in, they’ve pretty much hit the self destruct button

[@marcdawson4635]

@@yourexperienceguide It's horrible to watch, but at least announcing a vague new attraction of "unprecedented heights' seems to have saved them from a total pasting in most of the press. 🤔🙄🤣🎢

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@marcdawson4635An attraction that’s not even signed off yet

[@TheNeofierer]

RMC the Grand National is a silly goose idea. They should think out of the park and RMC the Big One. Pretty sure they'd be fine reengineering steel too.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Definitely won’t happen

[@Mrs_Funshine]

Wow. What a shambles. What a shame. Did enjoy the vlog though. What a statement from Mark that the most reliable ride was Valhalla!!! 😂😂😂😂 with all the different names on the merch at the minute I won’t be buying anything until we know what they’re sticking with. Very confusing. Hope you get a better day today (Sunday).

[@yourexperienceguide]

I’m sticking to BPB merch only

[@user-xs1jq2ss8b]

Its sad, i was there yesterday along with this, staff outside the revolution queue (when it was shut) started talking to us then their friend came over and started talking about their tea that evening just leaving us stood there. We walked away. We went back later, got evacuated from revolution for the second time.. they sent us to guest services for our bag, rhey didnt have it.. its a mess. Im a passholder.. infusion team sent us to go on a test train. Forced on tbe back when we said no. Unfair. Treated horribly

[@yourexperienceguide]

I keep hearing about the “test train”, were they being serious?

[@Niff0601]

seeing how excited steven was for the big one only to be hit with "oh yeah big ones not opening today" was genuinely depressing

[@yourexperienceguide]

I felt bloody awful right there when I had to break that news

[@sampower1735]

Really talented model shop they have on site

[@yourexperienceguide]

Absolutely

[@charlesstanmore]

What absolute shambles I live in Blackpool myself but haven’t been to the pleasure beach in years but planning to go in August for my birthday but might go to Alton towers instead.They should not have opend if the park wasn’t ready simple I think it was a case of Amanda Thompson wanted to get her park open before anyone else regardless whether it was ready or not.Anyway great vlog love the humour or is it just a rumour 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏 Funny thing is they weren’t the first park to open 😆

[@charlesstanmore]

@@yourexperienceguide oh right

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@charlesstanmore Adventure Island Southend and Paultons Park were already open, and Alton Towers were open in February.

[@fatmazza]

Wow you had even worse luck than us. Was a shambles of a day but got 1 good ride on Valhalla at least. Big changes needed though, your turn PB.

[@yourexperienceguide]

We had no interest in doing Valhalla 😅 Hopefully next time will be better.

[@CoastersThrillsAndAirtimeHills]

Grand national does not need to be an RMC! It needs leaving alone lol

[@yourexperienceguide]

Completely agree

[@Fanriffic2020]

If that Pleasure Beach Express gets any faster they will have to fit lap bars. It's a shame that the open day was a nightmare and the rides were all malfunctioning. Hope it's not a sign of how the season will pan out. Leap years are always throwing up strange occurrences.

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’ll definitely get better, but yesterday was an awful showing and there’s really no excuse for it

[@ridemadness]

Travelled from Glasgow, fair to say pleasure beach was a LET DOWN. We saw rides testing today before we left but decided to not even go and try claim the free ticket return they was offering because how disappointing yesterday was and did not want to waste anymore time so decided to do Sandcastle and ride the rides on the pier instead!

[@yourexperienceguide]

The Big One didn’t open today even though it tested all day 👎🏼

[@ridemadness]

@@yourexperienceguide thought it would. I managed Big dipper Avalanche Red arrows x3 Grand National Valhalla Wallace Icon x3 All day 10-5. Only got on first ride at 10.45 after two/ three times when we q and get told it’s having issues

[@yourexperienceguide]

It was a massive disappointment@@ridemadness

[@Marhelorpe]

I think deciding to not renew my season pass this year was the right decision. Holy… Will use my Europa Park season pass for a free day at Pleasure Beach later this year instead. Ain’t giving my money to a park being run this way.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Good call, after Saturday and another call out from the MD I am wondering why I bothered renewing. No longer feel like my custom means anything.

[@joesphburns9074]

Are you going back for twilight thrills on 30th march

[@yourexperienceguide]

We were, but not sure we will do now

[@mozzamorrison8478]

Dipper also had 2 trains when I went on it so not sure what happened with it

[@yourexperienceguide]

It was on one most of Saturday

[@markharrison5695]

Never been the same since Geoffery Thompson passed. He had a real passion for the park, and for Pleasureland in Southport. It seems its just about the money now. Reckon Britannia may take it over soon... its becoming run down enough!!! lol

[@yourexperienceguide]

The Britannia comment is naughty but made me laugh 😅

[@markharrison5695]

@@yourexperienceguideHaha... I live in Southport and Britannia is a swear word! 🤣

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@markharrison5695 Stayed in one of their wretched hotels in 2022 😩

[@jonathonpotter1059]

I think they should open at Easter like all the other parks especially if they need more time to get the rides ready. I worry about PB as there are so many better options this year.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Honestly think they need to bring back the cheap wow weekends and run the park in that way. It used to work.

[@kyematthews816]

This is gonna be juicy

[@yourexperienceguide]

🥤

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Love the thumbnail hahaha They really need to put the opening back to the end of March.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Should be early February and cheap weekenders to get the park run in

[@flaw3dgenius222]

@@yourexperienceguide too cold...the wind coming off the sea would be piercing.

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@flaw3dgenius222It’s always like that 😂

[@theiconicgeek]

Was told off an engineer on Sunday. The Big One hasn’t done its test run times. Thats why its been testing both days.

[@yourexperienceguide]

On Saturday it was due to an issue with the station demag, Sunday it was fit to open but the staff weren’t trained enough for the public to go on 👎🏼

[@Nelsonthefox]

Shambolic. One of the main advantages of Pleasure Beach over the Merlin parks has always been customer service and presentation. With Merlin now appearing to be focusing on upping this aspect this year and Amanda's distain at one of the parks core audiences I'm seriously concerned for the parks future

[@yourexperienceguide]

Merlin are going to seriously show up BPB this year

[@nikki827827]

I can’t cope with how she addressed her customers on Twitter 😢 This looks like a shit show , hope things change soon 😢

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s really poor ranting at customers on Twitter

[@hardworker8030]

What did amanda say at the opening ceremony because loads of people were complaining on tiktok she was slagging the people off

[@yourexperienceguide]

Didn't pay too much attention to the opening speech after her posts on X/Twitter

[@jazeroth322]

Enjoyed the video scott. Shame BPB really havent gotten it sorted for the open day :(. Merlin now knows what's up and how to beat BPB this year for launch day of their parks. I can see BPB having a bad year

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏 Today was better but still below standards.

[@shanepower3114]

Big changes needed at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Seems to be on a downward spiral unfortunately

[@yourexperienceguide]

Completely agree, it’s been heading downwards for 2-3 years now

[@dougbriglmen716]

@@yourexperienceguide I would argue long before that, at least the last 15 years if not 20, It’s been very gradually.

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@dougbriglmen716Lately it has gotten very bad

[@jacobshaw8825]

Last season I’d made the trip specifically for Valhalla. The day before we travelled, website said it was closed ( a last minute change - we booked a couple weeks in advance)… Only reason for us going was to ride Valhalla after the refurb. I emailed BPB and they told me to still go to the park and to visit guest services so that they could open-validate my ticket for any other day in the season. They can do that, they are just choosing not to. We had two absolutely brilliant days at the park last year. Fantastic memories - it’s not hard for them to do this properly. Chances of people returning today are slim. It costs nothing to give people a free return any time throughout the season. Instead after yesterday a lot will have left the park feeling cheated and will be unlikely to return this season - maybe even for the next few years. Get them back for free, make a good impression and get some more money in the tills. It’s surely a no brainier?! My experience with Guest Relations was fantastic , especially one member of the senior team from the park who was an absolute star, but this seems to be a rare case of something well handled.

[@yourexperienceguide]

The team in guest services are usually very helpful, no complaints from us about those staff members. We didn’t complain to guest services yesterday because we knew their day would be hard enough anyway.

[@jacobshaw8825]

@@yourexperienceguide yep. Just highlighting that there would be so much more goodwill towards the “resort” if this level of customer service was spread throughout other areas. I also saw a video of AT having her little dig at the rumours (similar to what she said on Twitter) when she spoke before opening the park. I can’t quite work her out …

[@yourexperienceguide]

@@jacobshaw8825 It comes across as if she really can't stand pass holders, but that has been the general feeling for a long time now.

[@jacobshaw8825]

@@yourexperienceguide just read a comment on your video about Valhalla being a hit or miss that she had a lot of influence in vetoing a lot of the creative teams ideas for the reimagining. It does seem like she has a lot of influence (understood) but that some of it isn’t always particularly well directed …

[@DanMufc-jt9le]

Well scott in all my time been going to pleasure beach am glad i didnt go for opening day never seen it so bad such as this ive always gone in mid april summer time but to see it like this with few rides not operating as it should be is real shame to see it degrade so badly ive never been on playstation ice blast what ever its called and if i go this year some point the thought of not being able to ride it seeing the state its in is real shame to see think the park needs a next big investment to survive just dont see how they will do it given such limited space they have such a shame to see my local park i visit every so often fall in state such as this hope things pick up soon 🙏😔

[@yourexperienceguide]

Hopefully things begin to pick up from this weekend onwards

[@jonnybridge]

Do you still have to use those ridiculous e tickets to get on the rides?

[@yourexperienceguide]

Yeah, unfortunately

[@debbietaylor5183]

Yeah that puts me off preferred good old wristbands much easier