Riding the U.K.'s Tallest Roller Coaster! The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach POV Reaction

Join us for a front row ride on a legendary Arrow hyper coaster... The Big One! Aptly named, this attraction stands 213 feet in the air, reaching speeds up to 74 mph with over 5,000 feet of track! It's a massive attraction that shattered records when it opened in 1994... but how does it ride? Let's find out!
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Production, Filming, & Editing: Taylor Bybee and Sarah Anderson
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[@Kieben1112]

Did you know why the station is so tall it is because they actually store the extra train underneath the station because the park is so compacted that they didn’t have any space to build a maintenance bit

[@rivertownproductions]

Kinda like Lightning Rod!

[@antonytsai6611]

@@rivertownproductionslightning rod has a whole smaking hill to build on

[@joecandish3923]

When parks have to get creative it makes it more impressive sometimes the bigger parks forget to maximize the space they have Blackpool still has no end of space that could be used FY4, Space Invader 2, Top of Valhalla.

[@triple7marc]

Many coasters at Cedar Point do that too lol

[@moredgaming331]

Gröna lund.

[@DG95Official]

Loved how you mentioned it's the UKS tallest coaster, At the moment. Bring on Exodus for 2024! 😁

[@Kieben1112]

3:12 there was a plan to build the bigger one and if you go out of the park on just outside big one the is 3 massive circles that was meant to hold the support structure it was going to be like top-thrill dragster

[@Filipolis]

I've heard those had nothing to do with that ride but with an art installation at that place

[@moobit]

@Filipolis my wife is from Blackpool - those were footings for a top thrill dragster type ride, with the top hat out in the sea, but eventually the Airport right next door won a case against it's construction, so the circular footings were then turned into an art instilation by the local council.

[@christait8503]

@@moobit They are 100% not footings for three reasons. 1. There is literally nothing under them - it pretty much is rubble and sand. It is literally just the surface that's different. 2. They would be the wrong way around. If it was for a coaster structure the 'triangle' would need the single support behind the top-hat element for support. 3. The concept art (some has been leaked - google it) shows the top-hat element/ immelman (depending on the concept) to be over the sand/ water.

[@SANITIZEDINC]

I appreciate you guys putting rides into historical context as you analyze and review them. As a 56 year old enthusiast, I feel like some of the younger fans would be well served by doing the same. But historical context is often lost on the young. But not you guys, and I appreciate you for it. I mean, you were spoiled with the more modern technologies from your day one on roller coasters. Many young fans should toughen up a little and enjoy Arrow and others on its own janky terms. Once upon a time they were the best, they were the cutting edge. And they did much of it without computers. Respecting elders is important, is what I'm saying. Even with coasters. Analogue isn't an enemy.

[@coastaku1954]

That was strong "You're too soft to like this" energy. Look bud, times have changed, no one likes these coasters apart from old folk like you who are nostalgic. I for one hate Magnum because it hurts, that's a pretty damn good reason not to like something, you're literally saying that we should put up with painful coasters, do you not want us to enjoy coasters? Theres playful rough, like on The Beast or a Schwarzkopf, and then theres Old Arrow Coasters. I ride coasters to feel the speed and forces (Not laterals though, I hate laterals) that you can't get anywhere else, not to be yanked around and get off with a sore neck and ringing ears

[@me-myself-i787]

Arrow was not great for its time. While Arrow made looping coasters, Schwarzkopf made vastly superior looping coasters. Later on, while B&M built rides like Kumba, Arrow was still building janky rides. The Big One was built in the same year as Nemesis at Alton Towers. Magnum was built in the same year as Olympia Looping, and a few years before Batman: the Ride at Six Flags Great America.

[@radbricks8298]

I am young and love arrows and old things in general. there is still a few of us

[@radbricks8298]

@@coastaku1954 pffft I love em and I am young. he's right. and your too soft

[@phantafan7965]

I feel like you can appreciate the history behind them without liking the ride. I have to say as well that Arrow had great ideas, did some influential stuff, but unlike Schwarzkopf for example they didn't age well. For many years arrow didn't develop that far and their first attempts at new things after a while like Drachen Fire failed miserably. When they got better with rides like Tennessee Tornado or X2, more modern manufacturers like B&M or Intamin were already lurking around the corner, almost instantly beating them at their own game as they were already struggling to keep up with time.

[@christianortiz-v1l]

Excited for the U.K. Vlogs!

[@Jacob-Simonsen]

This a legendary coaster. No less.

[@austinmckeon9836]

Now Buffalo Bills Resort needs to re-open Desperado! It may be janky as hell, but nothing beats an Arrow Hyper in the middle of the desert with nothing around.

[@flynlr]

that one was rough as hell when brand new. but at least I got the credit

[@jtfgamer8832]

Literally watching this while on line for Magnum XL200

[@richardwillcock5768]

A seagull connected with my hand on there, gave out a right squawk it did 😂

[@joecandish3923]

Your lucky it was not windy on the day of your visit Big One is one of two coasters in the UK notorius for having wind issues the other being Odyssey just hoping Exodus does not have the same wind issues.

[@sortascouseace]

There is one similarity between the Odyssey and the big one, that exodus does not share, and that's there location, both the big one and the Odyssey are near the sea, winds are obviously much stronger when you are near the sea, thorpe isn't so this shouldn't be a problem.

[@garyh.2487]

I went on the Big One way back in 1996 and because nothing happens much on the rollercoaster I was very distracted by the wind hitting my face due to the high speed. Like I've read, after the first drop the ride is over!

[@calvinwalsh3925]

love this ride, going back in august and I love the pleasure beach

[@GavHern]

"was this before magnum?" imma try not to bully you for that one lol

[@mmtot]

It's best at the back when the train is full.

[@iitzfizz]

Worlds tallest monorail!

[@Luderitz]

I find it funny how you guys have done more parks in the Uk than me and I live here

[@djavatar68]

Must be nice to afford to go all over the world to all these parks.

[@harvoldtv]

Its their job

[@SANITIZEDINC]

Coaster Bot is such a great channel.

[@coasterbot]

You are a kind soul

[@SANITIZEDINC]

@@coasterbot I mean it. Your channel is fantastic. I love it. Really impressive.

[@airtimeaddict]

I don’t know why, but I thought the big one was really bad when I rode it. It may have just been the day, but those valleys just seemed to jank so hard at the bottom. I came off with spinal injuries 😂

[@iitzfizz]

I mean, it's an Arrow 😆

[@AudreyMealiff]

Agreed, it's awful. I had one ride on it, after waiting 90 minutes in the biggest heatwave of 2022, and it was just the biggest ever disappointment!!

[@sortascouseace]

It's a 30 year old arrow coaster, the jank is expected, besides the only good things about it are the views and 1st drop.

[@joecandish3923]

Big one was running brutally in 2021 however over 2022 and 2023 off season they retracked various sections the parts that need retracking next is the final Helix and first Drop

[@sortascouseace]

@@joecandish3923 probably the turn around as well, that was uncomfortable when I last went to pb.

[@joeltownley8037]

Ah no way ❤home park vibes

[@guillaumecourchesne8684]

Amazing handchoppers

[@SnowghostFilms]

So does Sarah prefer this to Magnum?

[@WhatAreColors]

Having a pepsi max as I watch this.

[@RyanDaRizzle]

Maybe Thorpe park should name Project Exodus "The Bigger One"

[@defenestration5008]

Nahh call it the mega one

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Love it ❤

[@naomicunningham5320]

I know how you feel I went on it for my birthday

[@sqoomsh]

Sarah: *”Was this before Magnum??”*

[@AydenJennerCarroll]

Yeah! They should build one next to it and call it “THE BIGGER ONE”! #RMCGiga #IntaminSuperHyper #MackHyper #NextGenVekoma

[@joecandish3923]

There was plans for an Intamin accelerator called bigger one over the water however it got canceled

[@AydenJennerCarroll]

@@joecandish3923 AWE! That would’ve been sweet! Maybe intamin’s new LSM vertical launch model would be nice as well.

[@danielward4868]

The bigger one was a real thing but was scrapped, it would've been like top thrill dragster

[@Protronica]

Honestly they should replace all monorails with this, it would make them slightly more fun

[@Lachefnoob]

I would cry

[@maxhagenauer24]

Are you planning a review for this thing?

[@CoasterStudios]

Yes

[@thomasxl200]

Really surprised they didn't ride this in the back, isn't that the best part of the ride?

[@emmawilliams16]

Back hurts more though

[@jcoaster2279]

The back is so painful on the drop

[@mitzy123]

The Big One is essentially just the world's greatest monorail. Absolutely no creativity in the layout

[@callummiless7518]

Its older then magnum

[@VECTOR_Coasters]

it looks so much better then magnum

[@dannyj.246]

You mean the UK's biggest monorail

[@jamalbrown8555]

Hi hello man I don't know how you guys do it you guys are so brave you guys make it look so easy to ride i be shaking in my boots haha 😆 i get so have a great summer.

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Was that English?

[@I_am_Addicted_2_RollerCoasters]

I rid the Big One in the Rain

[@Gussy507]

I want to see the coaster not you

[@Silvarret]

The headchopper at 1:54 looks NUTS!!

[@sortascouseace]

It is that's probably the most forceful part of the ride as well, I remember going on it a few years ago and making the mistake of putting my hands up at that bit the big one was like NO and slammed my hand down onto the handbar

[@coasterbot]

The amount of clearance breaches at Blackpool is crazy, you could easily injure yourself!

[@clowesaviation5443]

I think The Big One is one of them rides where even though it has a clear lack of airtime its still a hilariously fun ride. I will say this the back row on that first drop is insane!!! You definitely get airtime on that part

[@iitzfizz]

the first drop is great, imagine if the rest were like that lol

[@clowesaviation5443]

@@iitzfizz more airtime would defo be nice

[@Cirrus5005]

Bizarre to see you both just a couple of hours away from my town. 😂 Some in the UK seem to be fond of this ride to the point of being defensive about it. I was quite lucky to get a taste of Islands of Adventure and Europa Park when I was younger, so while I shared so many great teenage memories with friends down that first drop, I always knew there was bigger and better out there.

[@LeetheLank]

Big one is now an iconic part of the Blackpool skyline, I couldn’t imagine it not being there. BPB gradually re tracking it suggests it’ll be around for many many more years too. Given they’ve 100 year old coasters I guess it’s no surprise.

[@radbricks8298]

I love it

[@sqoomsh]

Fun fact: Blackpool actually DID have plans to build a “Bigger One.” I believe Harry was trying to explain that to Taylor.

[@thewaspsare1nside]

It's a good day when Coaster Studios posts!

[@thewaspsare1nside]

@@Jacob-Simonsen ok and?

[@thewaspsare1nside]

@@Jacob-Simonsen why'd U have to say they do everyday. I alr knew that. Like what was the point of that reply...

[@sameeknowsitall]

@@thewaspsare1nsideBecause the comment makes no sense…

[@thewaspsare1nside]

@@sameeknowsitall help it's gone 😭😭

[@andrewbarrett42]

Crap rollercoaster,needs to be replaced like something like Shambala.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Definitely not as crazy as Magnum but it's more graceful and unique and scenic.

[@jcoaster2279]

I was at blackpool the day before! Just missed seeing you guys🙁

[@MaJoRMJR]

I hope the pleasure beach continues with the retracking this winter, there are still sections of the ride that need it, the turn back being the biggest section

[@chrisogrady28]

Praying the Big One becomes the first steel coaster to get RMC'd. That enormous structure has so much potential that arrow did not have the computers (or sense) to utilise.

[@MatthewRambles]

I absolutely love the Big One

[@tanner3707]

This thing looks like a life size knex coaster lol

[@dingo137]

Everyone slags off the Big One, and yes, compared to more modern hypers it's not so good and lacking in airtime. I recently rerode it for the first time since the 90s (I'm old) and enjoyed it more than Icon. No real airtime, but a decent feeling of speed, nice views and that first drop's pretty surprising. I didn't find it too rough either - a few jolts but nothing painful, but I was careful to avoid the wheel seats.

[@andrewbarrett42]

I,ve heard many slag it off too, even back in 1994 when it opened I would hear people in queue lines at other parks like Alton towers Drayton manor.

[@Shwiftea]

that drop looks the coolest.

[@coastaku1954]

Looks like jank city, no thanks, I'll stick to Intimidator 305

[@paika5675]

@@coastaku1954this is way older than the indimitador though

[@coastaku1954]

@paika5675 Bro you did not just call it "The Intimidator" It's called Intimidator 305 or I305, no "The"

[@Shwiftea]

@@coastaku1954 personally, I think jank, (as long as it doesn’t slam you against things) adds character, especially to wooden coasters

[@BingChilling-d8k]

After the turnaround that might be the best hand hopper/head chopper on the planet. It actually looks dangerous to put your hands up don’t want to sound stupid though it’s mostly likely perfectly safe.

[@Abandonedchannel9696]

When I saw the title of "UK tallest" I was thinking of stealth. Stealth is the fastest not the tallest... (I gotta study more coasters...)

[@DJWezzyK]

They actually going to re-track more of the ride in the off-season. They do this with a local company. The idea is to get all of the old arrow track removed and replace it with the new track and do some profiling fixing.

[@davefroman4700]

The big snore.....

[@joecandish3923]

I used to dispise Big One but now I think its a great ride one of the better arrows though the thing that annoy's me about Big One is it has Height and Speed but does nothing with it no force and no airtime. But its still impressive for 1994 given it was the tallest coaster in the world.

[@sameeknowsitall]

Awesome

[@cybertronicgamer9589]

Is the lap bar safe for those that are just big enough for the ride but have small thighs?

[@CatsnCoasters]

Can't wait for the UK vlogs to begin. Great to see our Harry!

[@coasterbot]

Me either, Sarah's and Taylor's reactions to some of the rides were great, we had a lot of fun and I think it showed 😊

[@jaya1000]

Desperado can be saved! 5m buys the casino and overhaul

[@heene]

Quiet day there!

[@liamcollinson5695]

Since it's in England you say its eccentric

[@BossySwan]

Nice view

[@joshgill6680]

Dr diabolical? ☹️

[@rickyiibrown830]

Are you going to do a Gotham city escape review?

[@CoasterStudios]

Yes!

[@wildboy1983]

I honestly don't understand why this thing gets any love at all. I remember thinking this over 20 year's ago and I still think it's a terrible ride.

[@andrewbarrett42]

Agree I think its the most ugliest and lamest coaster ever.I hate the thing.

[@basictransportenthusiast4386]

1:55 reminds me of that boat video when all the people face plant when going over a wave

[@annmariebellew7402]

Go emerald park? Plz 4 credits

[@hellacia8151]

Hmm material for a coaster parody?

[@Debbiesdarts]

Your channel has changed a lot since your first visit here when in the vlog you didn't even film inside the park and you certainly didn't seem impressed with BPB or the Big One.

[@kyleantonini]

I still can’t stop thinking of it by the original sponsored name “Pepsi Max Big One.” Gee whiz I’m getting old.

[@BlizzardDaPup777]

Podcast idea: 3 minute on ride podcasts where you ride coasters while interviewing people

[@dindog22]

looks like The Big One brings the pain just like Magnum

[@simonpennybernard-smith9744]

The big monorail

[@plymouthtoleedsonaxchst9537]

Why is it called a monorail?is it because that long straight section after the first drop?

[@Nick_J_]

Magnum Better 🙏

[@NARLY_CHARLIE]

Agreed

[@katashworth41]

At least you got the good weather here. It’s not the nicest usually.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

Desperado still counts. One day it will open back up lol.

[@jeremydegeytere8385]

Desperado clears!!! *ducks down*

[@drk_end5347]

im going there next tuesday so im excited, one of my favourite rides at bpb!

[@derekconwaygd]

So wild to see Taylor and Sarah literally where I was a couple weeks ago. Hope you enjoy the uk!

[@nitefly99]

When you have to be polite about how bad a coaster is.

[@flashback0978]

it is like a toned down Desperado

[@davidnevolo4402]

The pepsi max big one🔥

[@justguitarplayer1501]

No Way

[@coasterfootage]

preppy

[@occoastersandthemeparks4910]

Of coure Please don't forget about Desperado! Desperado , The then world record breaking arrow hypercoaster which opened in 1994 is not mentioned in this video. Its the 3rd arrow hyper coaster still standing and is 209ft. It has a 225 ft' drop and also was the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in the world at one time!. Hopefully it will reopen at bullafo bills in Stateline Nevada soon as the casino and hotel are now back open from the pandemic closure. Although never personally ridding on the big one, I can tell from this and other reports that Desperado like Magnum has way more airtime then the big one. Thank you for the video glad to hear this coaster is still running strong!! Also you guys got to visit one of my top bucklist parks hope you guys had a awesome day, and looking forward to the full Vlog of the day!

[@andrewbarrett42]

I,ve ridden both loads of times and I can tell you Desperado is far superior.

[@occoastersandthemeparks4910]

@@andrewbarrett42 That makes me feel good to hear, it happens to be my favorite roller coaster of all time and I haven't had a chance to ride since January of 2016 I live about 6 hours from Vegas, Then since I've been coming back to the Vegas area for yearly visits since 2019 onward it's always been closed. I know it's still testing and cycles regularly, and a lot of younger enthusiasts have never gotten the credit so I hope for the sake of its old fans and the next generation that wants to experience it. So hoping Buffalo bills can get it reopened Sometime this year or next year. It's by far the best hyper coaster on the West Coast!

[@dragonpullman23]

For a while, this coaster was called the "Pepsi Max Big One". I'm not sure why Pepsi sponsored it for so many years.

[@coastaku1954]

Playstation sponsored an S&S Compressed Air Drop Tower in the UK, calling it "Playstation: The Ride" I'm not making this up. The only theming was Playstation logos on the car... that's it

[@Mina_Fox_90]

This is one tall hypercoaster with such high velocity. It opened in 1994 and was sponsored by Pepsi Max for 17 years since it opened.

[@rich7447]

At 205' it is only just tall enough to be a hyper. It's really very tame compared to similar height coasters (especially Skyrush).

[@Mina_Fox_90]

@@rich7447 It’s top speed is 74 mph (or 119 km/h in metrics that the British and most other countries use), so that’s pretty unbelievably fast and has a G-force of 3 1/2. According to its stats via ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON with the Loopy Landscapes installed where you can play recreations of these real world parks and rides they had at the time, its I intensity is 7.41, which is high but almost to the “very high” rank.

[@rich7447]

@@Mina_Fox_90 Your standard Vekoma Boomerang pulls over 5G. They are everywhere and not overly exciting. My local park (Hershey Park) has 3 coasters with a top speed between 75 and 80 mph (two of those pull 5G). The top speed and the maximum Gs pulled doesn't do all that much to make a ride good. Apollo's Chariot is an example of a ride with good stats that never fails to disappoint, while Maverick looks kind of weak on paper and is one of the best rides out there. I haven't been on the Big One in since 2008 and I don't know if they have changed anything since then, but it was okay at that point in time. I liked it better than Stealth (more bored on the ride than in the line), which I got to ride the following year. Both are better than Wicked Twister, but not in the top 10 hyper-coasters that I have ridden. TBF, we are in Baltimore-Washington Metro, which puts us within a day drive of some of the best coasters (Kings Island - only about 500 miles, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, 6 Flags Great Adventure, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kennywood, Knoebels, Cedar Point).

[@andrewbarrett42]

@@rich7447 The Big one is the crapiest rollercoaster ever,anything in the USA is better.

[@rich7447]

@@andrewbarrett42 It could be that I just dislike Wicked Twister that much. LOL!

[@Coolharry64]

I kinda wanna see a B&M Dive Coaster as Blackpool's next coaster TBH

[@joecandish3923]

FY4 area is the best place for one they are shipping containers plus the old wild mouse site and trauma towers

[@LeetheLank]

I’d get rid of steeplechase personally, decent size area that takes up and it’s awful. A modern family coaster would be a great fit

[@Coolharry64]

@@LeetheLank Well Blackpool do kinda wanna keep the vintage spirit of the park tho. But I do think Steeplechase should go too

[@coastaku1954]

@@Coolharry64 Except for the giant Red and Blue Coaster towering over and under the "Classic" park

[@Rivensdusk]

I know next to nothing about coasters, regarding “head choppers or hand choppers”. Are they all made to look like near misses? Being another trick of the trade to increase the thrill factor. Or are there real rider height limits on some coasters because of them?

[@adamtrue7691]

Yeah its just meant to make you feel like it could. Nemesis at alton towers has a 'leg chopper' section on the first helix.

[@coasterbot]

Both, most are made to look like you're going to hit something even though you're no way near. On older ones, some of these hand chopper moments are real. Taller people could probably touch the structures you're driving beneath. Modern rides account for this with maximum height requirements. If there's a particularly tight space the ride has to go through, it might feature maximum height meaning guests above that height can't ride as they might be able to touch the surroundings.

[@coasterbot]

I made a video all about this head chopper / hand chopper effect: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIGchZeBrJxqaac

[@adamtrue7691]

@@coasterbot Nice to know @coasterbot. cheers!

[@MrSlice-jy7lu]

Looks better than Magnum

[@HHPYEPIC42]

looks can decive

[@MrSlice-jy7lu]

@@HHPYEPIC42 Magnum kinda sucks, it’s just painful airtime

[@joecandish3923]

It has Height and Speed and yet has no force or airtime but is iconic and the first drop is good plus its a long ride

[@Spiderific]

I just missed going here when I went to the UK. Kinda regret it. Sarah I like your idea. The Big One, then build The Bigger One. I'd go even further and after a few years build The Biggest One and go for a record lol 😆

[@joecandish3923]

This is my second favourite park in the UK Icon is my current favourite though not normally, Revoltion is awesome, Big Dipper and Grand National are good classic woodies with Grand National having the strongest ejector airtime in the UK

[@CasinoCruisers1]

Dude with your knowledge of coasters why are you afraid to keep your hands up during the low overhangs? Man up

[@CoasterStudios]

Not afraid, I just choose not to

[@coasterbot]

I genuinely wouldn't do that for some of the rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. A lot of the coasters are old, and predate the notion of proper clearance envelopes. Essentially, you'd be able to touch some of those hand chopper moments on the Big One.

[@dingo137]

I find that putting hands up really only increases the enjoyment of airtime, and the Big One doesn't have any.. Also, as Harry said, it's Blackpool. I wouldn't be 100% confident in the clearance envelopes.

[@acehood9953]

Lmao I can imagine you with your hands in the air on a ride thinking you're the most fearless man in the park.

[@RetardedBunny]

Was here on Wednesday, even though it's rough I still love the Big One.

[@paultuley3305]

In other words it's CRAP