What’s going wrong with Blackpool Pleasure Beach?

[@frankwilson3265]

Let's be honest, it started to die the day they switched from Pay-To-Ride to entry fee. Loads of people use to drift on to the park for a mooch round, ended up riding a few rides and probably buying some snacks and possibily playing a couple of the game stalls. Now it's just off the menu for the average day-tripper to Blackpool, as £40 ties people in for the whole day when they could want to do other things while they were there. With a stroll around the Pleasure Beach out of the equation, a trip to Blackpool slides well down in the appeal stakes, further compounding the problem and sending the whole seaside resort into a death-spiral that we're seeing now: More attractions outside the Pleasure Beach see less traffic and close, meaning less people visit Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach (in the form it used to operate), meaning less traffic for other attractions, meaning more of them close, meaning less people vist Blackpool and The Pleasure Beach. Rinse and repeat ad nauseum down to zero. The Pleasure Beach is a funfair, not a theme park and it never was. Blackpool is the resort, not The Pleasure Beach. Trying to market itself as a stand-alone like Alton Towers / Chessington / etc, was a kiss of death that anyone with half a brain could have seen as a forgone conclusion. It's a throw-together of rides in a very limited space, like any other funfair. It's not like Alton Towers where there's picturesque places to wonder around to balance the day. Just up the road, I've heard Morecambe is set to relaunch itself in the old seaside town format, with the reopening of Frontierland. If and when they do, it could be the final nail in the coffin for The Pleasure Beach and possibly Blackpool overall too, with the proable exception of the tower. Too much damage has been done now and too late to turn it around more than likely I'd say. Very sad, very stupid and very greedy.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, we completely agree! All these decisions have had such a bad effect on Blackpool in general. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens due to the impact of Morecambe on Blackpool. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@billchief397]

Yeah though I do not live there I get that about the entry fee part... seems like they are shooting themselves in the foot over greed.

[@martinofleeds]

At 55 I grew up when you could walk in free and choose what you wanted to go on. The atmosphere was better than it is now. I’ve been to both platforms, but since it’s a one off payment, my choice to visit has been limited because I just don’t like it anymore. The 70’s & 80’s were so much more special there than today’s clinical approach.

[@tehf00n]

The problem though was the influx of local chavs who would walk around like they owned the place. The arcades were awful and anytime you were playing you were guaranteed to get some little scrote stand next to you telling you they can do your skillshot or nudges.... in return for part of your winnings. It got really bad which is why they decided to price them out with a £5 entry fee. It worked well. But when they removed that and now charge people full price to just walk around... that's fkin stupid.

[@tonyhaynes9080]

They have done the same to Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth. How to lose money in one easy way.

[@peterkelly9490]

It should go back to what it was when I was a kid, free to enter and you could buy blocks of tickets or pay per ride, now its what £40per adult it's become rip off

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, that would definitely help the park attract more guests! Thanks for watching!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

Jesus! Is it £40 to get in there now? For what!!!??? Its a small park with few big coasters and some old fashioned classic rides, some smaller stuff and most of it is dirty, falling to bits and covered in grime or rust or both!!! A lot of what I saw in this video looks so badly maintained you are taking your life in your hands getting on the thing! In the early 90s there was a documentary on the BBC about Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its lack of maintenance and issues. They were going around with the workers, one of who was a whistle blower and had lodged complaints about all the rot in the wood on the Grand National. That was just one of the rides in question. The Wild Mouse was falling to bits then, no wonder its gone. Bolts were dropping out of the track etc as the cars went around!! And this was back in the early 90s...I bet its just as bad if not worse than ever now...

[@iitzfizz]

Yeah, it went wrong way when it changed from wristbands and tickets. As a kid we used to go with my mum and dad and my Gran and they could enter the park for free and we would pay for tickets or a wristband...My parents and gran wouldn't ride anything and these days they're not gonna pay the price of a day ticket to just walk around.

[@christait8503]

@@Simon-xc5oy No. It's £33 when you book. It is a small park, but has more rides than Alton Towers. Each to their own over choices though.

[@joemuir866]

If it don't take cash then won't be taking my kids

[@chorleycake7942]

A CEO throwing their hands up an d saying it isn't their fault is exactly why they are in this mess. Terrible leadership.

[@johnsmith-ht3sy]

Go woke go broke.

[@Skaterbun]

She will be the death of a family business, similar to the greedy owners of Wilkos, not considering what the consumers wanted.

[@WhatYaL00kingAt]

Totally shows how dumb the CEO is by implying it must be the fault of the public by stating it's not there fault. Hope they go bankrupt coz they deserve it with that sort of attitude

[@uhm_oksure]

yeah. my brother used to work there and said she was a horrible woman and control freak 😭

[@VestedUTuber]

@@johnsmith-ht3sy How does this have anything to do with progressive policies? If anything, the CEO of a company refusing to take accountability is an anarcho-capitalist move.

[@paulinetinsley68]

They should backtrack on the entrance fee. I used to love walking around soaking up the atmosphere

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching!

[@Electro096]

Same

[@tbeeken1]

Was going to say exactly this. Used to be great being able to walk round for free

[@IMeanMachine101]

yep 💯

[@TheMixmaster2009]

Its private land. Why would they continue free access? I personally lrefer it that way. It wouldnt be fair on paying customers to walk around an overcrowded park would it?

[@phillambrose3496]

It needs a major player to fund the Pleasure Beach, she won't even keep up the maintenance on the Woodies, they are in a terrible state. And as for going off the deep end when the Public make assumptions on new rides and she's losing her cool over it, she's going the right way of rubbing people up the wrong way....people have feet and they can walk. The Pleasure Beach closes way too early. Back in the 70's and 80's when Geoffrey Thompson was in charge, the Park used to be open late into the night. It's been 6 years since the Park has had a new Ride, while the other Parks in the Uk are way ahead with new rides and more planned. Rant over.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Haha, totally agree! Thanks for watching!

[@melina001a]

Agreed the Pleasure Beach needs new owners who care about the park. Maintenance is a massive must. Amanda Thompson needs to go. The park needs a major over haul, I can't see someone like Disney sitting on his arse not introducing new rides and keeping staff under control.

[@arranmelaugh5606]

It’s being left behind with Alton towers and Thorpe park essentially having new coasters

[@severnsea]

I think the reason for the early closure is because our wonderful forward thinking council imposed it on them because of the noise late at night, which apparently was receiving complaints from local residents and hotel guests. What the hell they expected when buying a home or hotel room next to a theme park in a holiday resort I've no idea, but I never heard any locals complain and I used to live very close. Totally agree with the rest of the comments though, she's too set in her ways and is well known for disagreeing with just about every idea thrown at her because she knows best and will do it her way. She really needs to get her act together because Blackpool doesn't have much more going for it, with most of the traditional trams gone, the town centre run down and the council's only solution is to throw millions at turning old abandoned shops into government offices, as if anybody is going to come to Blackpool to look at those, and the tram extension to the train station means that most visitors are going to completely bypass the town centre anyway. Everywhere you look, just one black back from the promenade the place is a real dump, especially from Central Pier southwards. Sadly I think by the time Amanda Thompson wakes up and smells the coffee it will be too late, because if the Pleasure Beach goes you take away the one remaining jewel in the crown with the possible exception of the Tower.

[@testpilotian3188]

A new managing director would probably go a long way to improving operations and staffing moral, if she’s that hostile to strangers in a public forum like X, imagine how she treats people behind close doors.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, that's certainly a good point. I can't imagine morale is great amongst those working at the park! Thanks for watching!

[@vaslav030547]

You wouldn't believe.

[@littleblackpistol]

Yep, sounds like way too much ego and inherited wealth to me. Often an issue in generational family businesses when the wrong family member ends up inheriting the reins.

[@severnsea]

@@littleblackpistol You're not far off the mark to be honest.

[@MGarages]

Watch the Pleasure Beach documentary series from the 90s if you want to see how she treats staff, horrid woman.

[@Kivetonandrew]

I remember the Pleasure Beach as a kid in . Always was a magical place. It was a place I've always visited when I've been to Blackpool. It had a unique atmosphere. Then one visit I found you had to PAY just to walk around. Never been back. It seems like there needs to be a huge change in management!

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah it's such a shame! Thanks for watching!

[@jackjarvis6644]

Blackpool pleasure beach has been in decline for a number of years. Was a firm family favourite when i was growing up, but recent trips with my own kids have been really drepressingly disappointing. Would only cosider going back if the park changed back to ride tickets instead of day passes that way you could wander in and out at your own leisure like the good old days

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, it really has been depressing to watch! I don't blame you! Ticket options really need to change! Thanks for watching!

[@simoncurrie5520]

Amanda should step aside and let her brother run the place.

[@dougbriglmen716]

Agreed, and eventually Morgan, his son, once he’s ready, having met and spoken to Morgan in person, I can honestly say he seems to really understand what makes Pleasure Beach special and how to bring it back to its glory days.

[@elkiepops]

Do wonder though if her brother would run it better, as he must see what’s happening just now, and doesn’t intervene? Xxx

[@dougbriglmen716]

@@elkiepops He can’t really intervene because he doesn’t have the final say, Amanda ultimately has the final say with her being CEO of a family run company.

[@PhotoWirral]

It's the family that are presiding over the slow demise of the park. The sooner it is bought up and they are out of the way, the better. Why would one family member do any better than another? What skill-set, acumen and experience does he have in running, and scaling a theme park or similar large operation? It's okay to say he understands what it needs - so do many people - it's about implementation where family businesses fall down. They don't have the vision, they're content with the status quo and making the wedge they're already making, if you want to see it develop, prosper, and scale, then the family needs to go. Until then, it will continue its slow demise into the abyss until they either fail, or are bought out to avoid failure.

[@dougbriglmen716]

@@PhotoWirral I can promise you, Morgan will have a much better understanding of how to run the park with Amanda does, I’m more certain of that now than I’ve ever been before. Honestly, it doesn’t necessarily need to change ownership just somebody more confident in the family that will prioritise the park over bloody hot ice and the hotels, if Amanda still wants to run them herself fine, but the park needs to be run by somebody who will not only prioritise it but actually bring it back to its former glory or at least a hell of a lot closer to that.

[@Never2old.]

I haven't been to BPB for a few years now and will not return until Amanda hands over the reins to someone who actually cares for the rides and their place in the amusement park world. The last time I went I was appalled at how the classic woods have become rough and unloved. Let's see some restoration instead of demolition

[@adambrown67]

We Havent been to the pleasure beach since the opening of the icon ride in 2018 , I love blackpool to bits- before the pandemic I used to go at least twice a year for 30 years. I say this with the greatest of respect and a fair bit of sadness aswell but even when we were there 6 years ago I thought that the park looked a bit run down and tired , the merch was way too expensive and all the ride operators and staff in general looked thoroughly miserable and we just came away with the impression that the whole place needed a bit of Tlc. I go on some of the rides but my partner is a non rider and like a lot of people have said we certainly are not going to pay sky high prices just for the privilege of being able to walk round.Why not go back to a minimum charge for entry and re-structure the prices to accommodate everyone ? I dont know what the answer is but i do know one thing is for sure, if the park really is losing money like the reports say it is then the owners need to do something about it and quickly .Otherwise i dont think its beyond the realms of possibility that the park could close within the next 10 years.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

yeah, the park is incredibly run down these days! It's sad to see!

[@simonrobertrhodes]

It’s 20 years since Geoff & his mum Doris died and they would be spinning if they could see it now. Not just the park, but the entire South Shore area is awful compared to what it was. I was very fortunate as a teen in the early 90’s to be able to visit the park weekly. It was open till midnight on illumination weekends and was very busy. There is no way they should introduce free entry as it was bad enough in the 90’s with randomers hanging around, stag and hen parties and locals passing through with shopping as a short cut. Now, with the state of the town, it would be disastrous. Amanda seems to be losing interest. She should pass the reins to Nick or Morgan, it needs new blood and new ideas before it reaches the point of no return where it’s not sustainable. A decent priced family pass allowing the family members who don’t want to ride cheap or even free entry with discounts on Food or Souvenirs. A couples pass where 2 partners get a good deal with drinks vouchers etc. Group passes for when the footballs on a Bloomfield etc. It needs something to revitalise it.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, I think that's a fair point. Free entry may well no longer be a good idea, but better ticket options are needed! Thanks for watching!

[@masterknife8423]

Bringing back free entry should be an absolute no what with the current state of the town. You've got the piers for that if you want it. A £8 entry pass with free access to rides like the River Caves and the Pleasure Beach express and a 10% discount on food and snacks could be a good and profitable idea though

[@nessah23]

It was disaster fist day of Easter break roller coaster broke down.saw on news people been walked down track to safety

[@severnsea]

"Locals passing through with shopping as a shortcut?" To where? It doesn't go anywhere near any shopping areas or any residential areas for that matter. It wasn't a shortcut to anywhere that a local would want or need to go.

[@severnsea]

@@masterknife8423 Yes, I like that idea. Keep it reasonable, family ticket for £20 or something with a couple of rides thrown in. I seem to remember Alton Towers has a monorail or something that takes you from the main car park into the theme park if I remember correctly, so for the kids especially it's great as they get to go on a ride of sorts as soon as they arrive. I've also been a big believer in providing decent food and drink at a reasonable price, never can understand why these places turn out the most awful stuff at absurd prices. They would surely sell far more if it was cheaper and edible?

[@andrewhaines3259]

When you start messing around with brand identity, you know there's something wrong. The PB used to be somewhere to go for everyone. In the eighties, it was free to wander about, so those that don't like the rides can go and they can be 'coat monitor'😅. There were attractions that were free, or on the lower band tickets you bought. It started to go downhill in my opinion, when the Fun House burnt down, an attraction, for those that are too young to know of it's existence, that was a large "shed" full of things like moving walkways, spinning drums and turntables etc. They got rid of it because you could spend all day in there, so it was a loss of revenue. The gokarts were always popular, but poorly maintained even then. It needs someone who has the customers at the forefront of the business. It's a business, it needs to make money, but there are ways to do it. Pricing out those who would be your main supporters isn't the way to a sustainable park.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Exactly! The park has completely lost its way! Thanks for watching!

[@spaniyell]

Glory days of the 90's are long gone. Icon was a great addition but removal of the Wild Mouse was almost unforgivable. At least Mr. Funshine has been let out of prison.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Haha, very true! The loss of wild mouse is truly so sad! Thanks for watching!

[@zoltar666pz]

I use to love going on this when it was pay for the ride now not been in since the charge to go in

[@Simon-xc5oy]

Heh...That Wild Mouse was falling to pieces! It was dangerous. So badly maintained and rickety. It was very old though. If they had not taken it out or closed it etc someone would have died on the thing when a car came off the rails. They could have built a new one with the same design etc, but it was way past being safe. Seems like each year when I look in the news at some point there is a story of people getting stuck on the Big One coaster as well, and having to be rescued by firemen or walkdown the safety catwalks as it breaks down for whatever reason. They need to get real and serious about this park otherwise there will be a serious accident there like the Smiler at Alton Towers. I am just amazed it has not happened yet, to be honest...

[@GaryThomas-gx2jm]

@@Simon-xc5oy not if it got regular maintainence or an upgrade ? There was no excuse to abandon one of the parks premier rides !! Only danger was its upkeep n wellbeing !!!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

@@GaryThomas-gx2jm I know. But they never looked after it. I am not exactly young anymore. I first went to Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1975 when I was a toddler. And it was falling to bits then. Tatty. I have been back many times, in the later 80s and 90s. Through till about 2000 or so. And it got steadily worse over that time. Same with the Grand National, Grand Prix and a lot of the older rides like the River Caves. The Gold Mine has been taken out. And Grand Prix is going. The whole park looks tatty and run down now. The Big One etc has constant problems and breakdowns, but looks ok as it gets painted and some more maintenance than other rides. But that Wild Mouse was utterly unsafe and dangerous. Yes they should have maintained it. Yes they should have upgraded it and replaced the track etc to keep it tip top. But they didn't and it fell into such disrepair it was probably cheaper to bin it rather than fix it. That is down to bad park management and poor decisions over the years. If you want a wild mouse ride, last time I looked there is one on Brighton Pier that is pretty good and very similar. And the car does not lift off the track during the run and its not dropping to bits...

[@RogEdwardsTV]

They need to bring back a walk about ticket for a tenner or similar. I used to love going to the PB with my Mum and Dad. I would go on the rides and they would watch and buy coffees and food. We don’t do that anymore because it’s stupid for them to pay full price to just walk round. I’m flabbergasted that Amanda doesn’t get that this is keeping crowds of people off the park. Also they need to replace removed rides even if it means having seasonal guest rides. For example put a travelling Mouse where the WM used to be. And some temporary flats. It would work. It works at other parks in the UK. Come on Amanda start listening to your customers.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the walk around pass absolutely needs to come back! It was always such a popular ticket option! Anything to replace the removed rides would certainly be better than nothing! Thanks for watching!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

Alton Towers back in the 80s used to have a lot of big off the shelf rides. Stuff that was fixed in place, but not a custom coaster. So things like 1001 nights the magic carpet rides. The wave swinger that was a huge roundabout with baskets on chains. Thunderlooper which was also in Blackpool but there it was called Revolution or something similar. That coaster that is one loop and up a huge incline, then backwards via gravity the same way. There was Enterprise, that round spinner ride with carriages and the whole thing tipped up onto its side like a Ferris Wheel. What Blackpool Pleasure Beach should have done is get in some rides like this to fill the gaps. Popular, easy to buy and maintain and not too large taking up a lot of room. This was how Alton Towers built up its reputation and took a lot of money. They put that money back into the park buying and building huge custom rides like Nemesis, Gloomy Wood, Oblivion and so on...So now its the best theme park in the country. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is just slipping backwards into total decline. Its just another example of what is going on to the rest of the Uk. Bad management, excuses, lack of investment and maintenance, leading to breakdowns and problems and finger pointing. Its the managements job to ensure everything works and runs, otherwise what use are they ? Saying dont blame them for problems is ludicrous. If they had done their job properly there would not be problems. As they would have hired the right people to fix the rides. Ordered the parts and had them in place and made sure everything was on schedule and tested and working for opening day. That is the function of management!!!

[@andrewbrazier9664]

​@@Simon-xc5oyThunder looper was granted temporary planning permission due to the noise levels for local residents. It was not the Revolution, which is a custom built Arrow coaster still in operation at Blackpool Pleasure Beach & ride experience Is still intense & excellent 😃

[@Simon-xc5oy]

@@andrewbrazier9664 I know Thunderlooper was a single loop coaster, that went up a steep incline on the far side of the loop. The Revolution opened in Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1979. And it was the first of the European full loop coasters. I remember it well as there was a lot of publicity at the time. And an episode of Jim'll Fix it was filmed there with some Scouts going on the coaster while eating a packed lunch. Done for comedy value and the mess was incredible it was used in the opening credits of the show for years after.. Shame about what Saville was up to but I used to enjoy the show at the time. So to me Thunderlooper was very similar. I am pleased that Revolution is still at the Pleasure Beach though. I used to love the two different Magic Carpet rides at Alton Towers and was sad when they went. There was a smaller fast version that really flung you around and then a huge tall slower one that gave you an incredible view of the park. When it came down from its arc it was like being in freefall if you were sitting in a seat at the edge, really scary. I used to love Wave Swinger and Enterprise as well. Its great the park has huge custom coasters but the slightly smaller rides like I mention could get huge numbers of people on them very quickly, so the queues were never that bad and you could get a ride easily, nip on something else, go back and ride it again later or pop back for a last ride at the end of the day...

[@andrewbrazier9664]

@@Simon-xc5oy Agree . Very different ride experience though. Thunderlooper was much less intense with its ground level launch.

[@markfalshaw-gv9im]

The pleasure Beach has been in a downward direction for many years,from charging people like Grandparents to walk around the park while taking there grandchildren to the funfair ,that was a bad decision by charging for entrance then to be let in and find out that there are 4 or 5 rides are down for maintenance inc 3 Top rides and this is a regular thing and when people win prizes on some of there stands wich make a fortune then say your a professional at this so you cant play anymore and you will have to leave the park ,it happens,the food is over priced pig swill , tbh as a family we just wont go anymore we would rather take the kids on the pier rides

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the park has very little going for it these days! I don't blame you for not visiting anymore!

[@TonyGator78]

When I was a kid my parents took me to Blackpool every year. I was about 10yrs old I think. The Fair (as we called it) was amazing and full of people every night. We didn’t have to pay to enter and roaming the fair was the highlight followed by the ‘Blackpool Lights’ and automated displays that lined the Golden Mile. Over the years my sister followed the tradition with her children. But now it has been ruined by charge to enter and overly commercialised Corporate branding. It has lost much of its fun factor and families can no longer afford the additional expenses just to take the kids out every evening. How times have changed.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

It's so sad to see! Thanks for watching!

[@Kat-bx5mn]

I live in Blackpool and we don’t even get any discount, I don’t know anyone that’s been to the park from my town since the tickets and free entry came into place x

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, it's sad to see how they treat locals!

[@TheIndigoSystem]

@@JustThemeParksYTimagine thinking you’re owed a discount as a local. Gtfoh with that entitlement. Bunch of Karens, the lot of you.

[@MikeRox83]

Nail on head is free entry and pay per ride as it used to be. Sure do day passes, but I used to just like mooching around and experiencing the sights and sounds of the place. There's not enough for me to go on to pay the current asking prices. But I'd pay for 1 or 2 rides and patron the concession stands purely out of nostalgia.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Exactly!

[@AlexanderMclntosh]

Geofry Thompson is sorly missed

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Very true. Thanks for watching!

[@CoolRunnings-wm8cj]

What puts me off taking my Son is the fact that they want me to pay full admission price even though I’m likely to sit and watch my son and his mates go on the rides. I don’t like ride and I am literally there as a parent/guardian so why should I have to pay full whack

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, there needs to be better ticket options! The walk around pass should definitely come back!

[@tubewatcher97]

@@JustThemeParksYT so they had a walk around pass in the past ? that would solve the majority of complaints

[@JustThemeParksYT]

@@tubewatcher97 Yeah, they used to! It also used to be completely free to enter before that! It really would solve most the complaints in the comments!

[@robwalker4653]

@@tubewatcher97 They did, and everyone complained about that. Yet they never actually went to the park.. Next time I go to the cinema to watch a film with my child, I might ask if I can get in for free as I won't be really watching it..

[@tubewatcher97]

@@robwalker4653 a better analogy would be the cinema charging you £10 to wait for your child in the lobby

[@Electro096]

Great Channel and I miss the Mouse Trap soo much. That was such a iconic ride. Craziest sharp corners and steep drops in a Amusement park.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thanks you so much! We miss it too!

[@jamiedeyes3087]

I'm sure there was one of the Mouse Traps in Morecambe too, scary ride that 👍

[@notsospoopybob]

i think you hit some good points: the park is for sure having an identity crisis. theyre trying to compete in a market they dont have the capital to compete in, and refuse to lean into their marketing that theyve spent 100+ years building. it just doesnt make sense to try push that away so suddenly. the park does probably need a direction change though, the english seaside town market is just going to keep shrinking. the park has done this far too abruptly though, it feels like theyve just slapped a sticker over their whole identity and said *this is us now* without any real care or passion. it concerns me that the management thinks this is a good way to go about things and what might be ahead for pleasure beach. that being said i wanna give them time to see if this new identity works, people dont like change, but if they can pull it off theres a chance it works, but management doesnt instill me with confidence. especially with amanda scolding people for calling a ride by its newer name, when theyre trying to move forwards??? it makes me think she doesnt even believe in her own parks direction. its sad to watch tbh the park has also just been removing rides without any real replacement. you cant just get rid of something and expect no impact if you provide nothing in its place, people will just slowly lose hope as more and more of their favourite rides go and nothing is given as any sort of replacement to justify the old rides removal in their eyes (most people dont see the behind the scenes and the cost of keeping those older rides going)

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank you so much for the brilliant comment! I definitely agree that they need to figure out their identity! The park should find a way to balance their legacy with their efforts to modernise/update. The loss of rides is very sad to see! It makes sense that some things have to go/ are just too expensive to maintain, but the lack of replacements is not good! It's sad to see!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

Yes exactly. They are never going to compete. I first went there in the mid 70s as kid and it was the most amazing place ever, well kept and with some classic rides. The log flume was still there then, and the Ghost train which is still there. But the Goldmine was a Blackpool classic. They should have kept that and just repaired and cleaned and spruced up the theming. What they should be doing as the space is limited, is give people a retro traditional seaside park experience. Keep the retro rides, keep them up to date, clean and well maintained and for heavens sake PAINT THINGS! Get rid of the rust and grime! Keep it clean and tidy!!! Put in an arcade that has vintage retro arcade cabinets! People would come to see the classics, how things were done back in the day, and there could be a couple of big coasters as well. Just going on vintage retro rides like Goldmine would be the reason to go in the first place...

[@JustThemeParksYT]

@@Simon-xc5oy Exactly! They need to care for and preserve what they already have, rather than letting it get run down!

[@StanThompson-vx2ro]

They demand that staff focus on selling photos to ride patrons, and have set targets. No wonder the staff are miserable.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Wow, that’s not good to hear! Staff shouldn’t have to meet those sort of demands! Thanks for watching!

[@Adzcantsing]

Just need to go back to free admission like it use to be. People would still spend money on food, games and merchandise

[@sharonellis8776]

I visited BPB last year in early April. It was a wet day, food too expensive, couldn't use cash to pay which was really annoying. Did not see the reason for having bag checks on entry. Had to scan ticket on my phone for every ride. Will not be going back ! xx

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the price of food is so high and the quality certainly doesn't match! Thanks for watching!

[@donna1420]

The bag check is to make money. By not allowed food or drink in bought off the premises they are raking it in

[@tedspoonboxing8837]

On top of what's already been said, the fact it shuts at 5pm (DURING PEAK SUMMER!) is ridiculous.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, it's way way way too early!

[@linzianderton2090]

Did not know that! When we were kids we loved going on big dipper when it was all lit up at dusk

[@juneseghni]

I spent a summer working as a cashier on the rides in 1986, and occasionally did group tours. It was always busy in those days. Sad to see the decline.

[@laddersman]

@juneseghni i used to go in the 80s it used to be packed , Free to get in then . maybe bring it back then the punters would flood in X

[@View2Go]

Sadly blackpool will never be the holiday and day trip mecca it once was with families and people of all ages. The decay of hotels, shops, and classic pier entertainment has made the once golden mile and its buzzing nightlife a distant memory and like most things around now, will not be the exciting and free era it once was

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the park is definitely only a small part of the problem. Blackpool just isn't what it once was! Thanks for watching!

[@kh1426]

I also agree about the cost. I'm disabled and unable to ride on the rides, why should I pay so much to enter? This prevents me from entering to spend money on food and merchandise. This would also prevent many other adults even though they may have children.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, they need to sort out ticket options for sure! The current system doesn't work for so many people! Thanks for watching!

[@herzeleid64]

Agreed. They're scrapping rides that I COULD go on. It's not worth £40 to get in when I can hardly ride anything...

[@JayJay75315]

Being in Blackpool is the problem

[@RoyForrester-u8m]

I agree with everything said, the Pleasure beach needs to follow it's own identity rather than follow what other parks are doing.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@sitcorocket]

As much as i love the place its definitely lost its way....as others say the weather doesn't help and Blackpools reputation as being a bit rough cant attract people. The price is way too much. It needs an outside agency to come in and right the wrongs.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

The park could definitely do with some help! Thanks for watching!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

I know. Blackpool always was a bit rough in places with a reputation. But it was always fun and colourful as well. Now it just looks like a tip and is really run down. Yes you could got there for the illuminations. But what about summer? If it looks grubby and run down then it will add to its image of decline. Faced with a choice of going to Blackpool and the Pleasure Beach or Alton Towers I would pick the Towers every time. Both places are expensive, but at least Alton Towers is better kept and less rough and has better rides, in a better state of repair...

[@JustThemeParksYT]

@@Simon-xc5oy Yeah, Blackpool Pleasure Beach looks really run down these days! Alton Towers is far better!

[@christait8503]

@@JustThemeParksYT I would disagree. Pleasure Beach, for me, has better selection of rides. Other than Nemesis and Hex, I would say Towers is a bit 'meh'.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

@@christait8503 To each their own. Their are so many things we love at Pleasure beach, but overall, just can't say it's as good value for money! But. we'd love to see things change in order to preserve the classics Pleasure Beach does have!

[@G4RY1159]

My first ever holiday to Blackpool was back in 1975 when I was just 6yr's old, like many people I instantly fell in love with the place, I even ran away from home and headed for Blackpool when I was about 13yr's old, after a few days wondering around me and my pal were picked up by the Police and were locked up unto his Mother and partner came down from Glasgow to get us, YIP! they were not happy. Eventually I ended living and working in Blackpool when I was about 19 and loved it but after about 3 months I moved away, I've always returned and still remember taking my daughter for her very first every holiday when she was just 4 years old, it was clear 2C how much she loved it and since that first trip with her Id return with her sometimes 2 - 3 times per year. I still remember the look on her face when she finally found the courage to stand in the queue and ride the Big 1 for the very first time, you just never forget those kind of special memories, I also remember when we returned and she was of age that we could get a drink together and also visit some of the Casinos, some of those trips were also full of great memories so not only have I grew up with Blackpool I've watched my daughter grow with Blackpool too. HOWEVER! we both last visited ''together'' back in 2018 meeting up with some other friends for a few drinks then a few gambles in the casinos, sadly since that very visit ''Sep 2018'' I've not returned as I just felt the Town was looking very VERY rundown, it just didn't feel like a holiday / break and when walking around I was noticing more and more bad stuff, I remember returning back to Glasgow and just thinking how sad the place was and I knew then Id not be returning anytime soon. I really do hope the Town doesn't just fall away deeper and deeper as I know the Council etc do try, BUT look at all three piers as an example, they all look terrible and need upgrading, all the back streets are also a mess, I've walked those back streets many many times and would even visit with my daughter and my mum and she loved wondering in and out the little shops and markets. Just last week I showed her that Video that ''KZbinr Wendall'' had done on Blackpool and my Mum was almost in tears, she had so many memories with the Town even before I was born, it just shows what the place means to people and how disappointed they are seeing how the Town looks now. I really do hope Blackpool can recover and I can visit again before my number is called, it would be nice seeing the place look in much better shape but until that happens, I doubt Id ever return. . Enjoyed your video BTW! Thanks!

[@JustThemeParksYT]

It really is so sad to see the decline of the place! We'd love it if things improved, but it's certainly going to take a lot of work! Thanks for watching!

[@Ian-xq4rt]

When i first visited back in the 70’s as a young child, I’m sure if there was a charge to enter then, I probably wouldn’t have got to experience the joys of Blackpool pleasure beach. We strolled freely and took in the atmosphere, as a child, this left many memories in itself. It’s a shame that today, it’s more for adult rather than families, this is why Blackpool has declined over time too, what was once a family friendly place is now no longer the case, such a shame.

[@lenniecapuano521]

its disgusting that they charge you so much just to walk round

[@JustThemeParksYT]

yeah, it's not good!

[@justbreakingballs]

Why should you just walk around fir free?

[@TheCoasterSerpent]

I have to say, I don't live in the UK, but a visit there within my lifetime is really something I would like to do. When I heard they removed their wild mouse, it pretty much killed my desire to visit the park. I would much rather go to Alton Towers any day of the week.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, it's such a sad loss! The park is still worth a visit, but if you have to choose, Alton Towers is much better in our opinion!

[@Simon-xc5oy]

Heheheh if you had come here to go on wild mouse, you would have been killed. Never mind killed desire. That thing should have been condemned twenty years ago. It was the one of the subjects of a BBC documentary show called Horizon back in the early 90s on the safety and condition of the rides at the Pleasure Beach, the others in that show were the Grand National and Log Flume etc. The Management should have taken the thing down and then built a new one the same as the old one, just with new track etc like Alton Towers has just done to Nemesis to keep it going for thirty more years. And that was a steel coaster built with modern methods and materials. Imagine what sort of a mess a wooden coaster in the Pleasure Beach was, after being there for decades, in salty corrosive area with poor maintenance. They never even bothered to paint or clean the thing that often. Same for the rest of the park. The old rides should be painted every year and cleaned etc to keep them in good shape and well maintained. What I dont understand is they do this for some rides, but not all of them. Its a false economy...

[@dh2032]

@@Simon-xc5oy steal coasters, have far less connecting bits, so fail, only just one bit, a bigger problems wooden ones they tend to many, many, beams of timber, chis crossing all over the place, and wood being a natral substance, max pay load is a unknown number, to be on the safe side, averthing 3 or four times what needed, and may be more ? so like 50 % may ready chopped out and replaced, and yous still almost two time what's needed? you can not stats like that steal coasters, they have be nearing 100% to be safe?

[@bethreeve7683]

Altona towers gets more money. Simple as that . The separation between rich and poor is terrible now. The divides never been as big as it is now. Sad really

[@kymscates2892]

I’ve been to both parks and AT is by far the better park to visit if you ever get the chance! The rides are so much smoother and enjoyable. Most rides at BPB are rough and old and not well maintained tbh. The only rides I actually enjoyed there were Icon and Revolution the rest all were quite painful and bang you around a lot I found. AT is another league in comparison. Makes me appreciate it though and it’s my local park 🫶🏼

[@lesliesmith5266]

Excellent and well presented documemtery with good observationa comment Back in the early 2000s I was working at Lightwater Valley theme park in Yourkshire and was lucky enough to be asked to take our mascots, the Valligators to Blackpool pleasure beach to join with other theme park mascots and celebrate the birthday of Barney (respectful apollgies if the wrong name) Blackpool Pleasure Beach's mascot. Fabulous day, we were made so welcome by the assistant manager and staff and after doing lots of promotional photos etc. myself and the three Valleygator costume animators were given free tickets for just about every ride in the park, including the, then newly opened Valhalla! So sad that such an iconic pleasure park should be going through difficulties and I hope that present management can take heed and make the right moves to put this British institution back at the top.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Wow, what an awesome story! Memories like this are what make the place so special, it is so sad to see the park suffering! Thanks so much for watching and for your great comment!

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

She really needs to stand down from running the park she's clueless

[@stephenkelly8065]

When I was a kid in the 1970's I had a pound in my pocket and I loved walking around, looking at the rides and enjoying the atmosphere. Why pay to get in ?! A lot of families do not have the money to throw away on expensive tickets !! At least if it was free to get in and wander around, people would most probably go in the cafe's and coffee shops to purchase items ? Making it a "closed shop" just alienates people. How many times have I heard people say " if you think I am paying £££!!! to get in there, you can think again"!! They should rip down the entrance barriers and let people come and go as they please, if you want to go on the rides just buy a ticket, how hard is that ?? I suspect that if the old methods are not introduced back and the park is not opened back up to stroll around for free, then Blackpool may well have a piece of prime building land that no one actually wants ?! You have tried the Theme Park route and it has not worked for you ?! Wake up and change before it is too late.

[@Dwarvish_Cooks]

I agree with the last line. Look after what you have instead of chasing what you want.

[@MrCheswickMusic]

The last time I went to Blackpool I had an absolutely AMAZING time, ok, it was 1986 and I was 12, but still, it was great ha ha

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Haha! Seems to be about the last time the place was worth a visit!

[@hippydude1]

I would catch the train from Manchester to Blackpool with my friend and bother when we was younger around 11 years old. We would spend the day there with hardly any money. No pay to get in. We would just enjoy the atmosphere and watching the ride. We always went in the fun house which unfortunately burnt down but I think it was a pound each and you could spend hours in there. What made it amazing was the fact the rides were old and paint peeling. It's not or will ever be a theme park. It's totally ruined now. I've been back once with my lad and I've never wanted to go back again. That excitement has gone and so has the history and the thing that made it different from modern parks.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the way they have neglected preserving the park's history is so sad! All uniqueness is fading fast!

[@hippydude1]

@@JustThemeParksYT definitely.

[@SoylentGreenIsPeople68]

Blackpool might be a different town had the Euro Disney resort been built where Herons Reach hotel and golf course was developed but the Thompson family blocked it, because it might effect the pleasure beach.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

It certainly would have been very different! It's hard to imagine!

[@Shagnasty1956]

But with Disneys current virtual freefall in stock prices, and poor occupancy of their hotels, and plummeting visitor numbers, maybe it was a lucky escape, all due to their "Agenda" obsession.

[@SoylentGreenIsPeople68]

@@Shagnasty1956 this was back in the eighties, before wokeness became a thing

[@herzeleid64]

There used to be rides for every taste, and now the focus is on rollercoasters. They are taking out iconic rides like the Log Flume and the Wild Mouse, but not everyone likes the rollercoasters that have replaced them. Now, the Grand Prix is closed. I miss the old rides - and I'm sure I'm not the only one...

[@Smilerr290]

Im so annoyed they are taking off the rugrats log flume and they took off wildmouse. The flume was my favorite and they shut river caves.😢

[@pshuttle]

I went with my 6 year old son on Monday. We did have a good day as it wasnt very busy. However I was alarmed at the amount of closed rides as well as finding that nothing has been developed where Trauma towers and the Wild Mouse used to be. Also surprised to find the arcade with the dome was now closed (used to have the centrifuge ride inside) and that the building that used to hold the Black Hole is also shut. The loss of Ice Blast, Space Invader and the Wild Mouse is unforgivable too. Although we enjoyed it, I came away with the impression that the park is very much in decline. Sad as I used to go all the time as a kid when the park was free entry. Only been twice now in about 10 years.

[@rob235ioa1]

THE reason for the decline in visitors is that in the main visitors to the park were daytrippers whose time in Blackpool was very limited and they DONT want to spend their time and money tied to 1 place and people stayomh om hotels etc used to leave the pleasure beach until mid / late afternoon when daytrippers were leaving etc but now with 5-6 pm closing they cant do that

[@dan1ofoxx]

Used to love blackpool and the pleasure beach in the 90s growing up, i went again recently, it looked like a prison from the outside and was absolutely filthy. wont be going back.

[@NorthernBirdBoy]

They are totally against the old free entry and pay per ride style ticket system that brought in people who in Blackpool for the day just wanted to nip in for a short while. I don't see why they cannot issue an evening wristband if they stayed open later, or a half day wristband. This may help with this. Also bring back the non rider ticket, and maybe introduce a cheaper wristband that uses the old ride letter classification so for Granny who is only happy going on the kids rides with the kids but nothing else can do so for a reduced price. Just a couple of ideas. I miss the days pre Amanda when the park was exciting, fun, and lively, not the ghost town without the heart it used to have. I hope it can be turned around.

[@561jeffkelly]

Excellent Vlog. The problem with Blackpool is the area it’s in. Blackpool as a city is a dump it’s full of Hen and Stag parties around the area So you have to contend with them before you even enter the Theme Park. This is going to upset a lot of people but when I took the Grandchildren we also had to contend with Non British people who clearly did not know the word queue or pretended they did not know the word but clearly had deep northern accents and then on top of that ran riot and the staff just looking the other way. Then the price OMG and why pay if you’re not going on any rides. I have been to Florida 14 times since 1995 am in my 50s now but still love Florida. I was in Universal studios once and I remember a lady in a queue saying Blackpool can compare to Orlando for rides. Me and my wife nearly fell on the floor cause of this comment and I had to say something to her. Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@thesunreport]

One thing strikes me about this situation and that is - School trips When I was a kid in the 1980's I lived about an hour north of Blackpool, and my Dad would take us there for days out. I remember having great times in the funhouse etc. As younger kids he would also take us to see the illuminations, and as older kids/teens we would go there for things like friends birthdays and have days at the swimming pools (the Olympic pool had a couple of water slides, and I think there was also a purpose built place (Waves??) which had slides and stuff. And of course there was the Tower and the arcades as well. So Blackpool was definitely a destination for a good day out, however when it was time for school or club trips, then it was ALWAYS Alton Towers, even though it was many hours there and many hours back. Of course Alton Towers was step-up from Blackpool, but it seems odd that Blackpool was never chosen for a school or club trip. Maybe this was a liability thing as Alton Towers is self-contained?? But maybe this is something that could be incorporated into their offering for the Pleasure Beach somehow, at least to get some numbers into the Pleasure Beach/Tower??

[@cbrider726]

Managers that care about staff and only want to count every single penny spent by staff trying to keep the park safe . Its all about cash not maintanance and that as an engineer i couldnt stand. I was only there for a couple of months then left. I come from an aero space back ground and wouldnt let any memeber of my family ride on any of the main rides as its not safe. The family that owned the park took the best out it and ran away.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, they really don't seem to care at all!

[@WhatYaL00kingAt]

For me as a kid, and a nightmare fo my parents, the pleasure beach would advertise itself everytime we drove along the sea front back in the days when you had an un-obstructed view of the pleasure beach, the log flume being one that you couldn't miss. When they built all those shops it hid so much of the attraction of wanting to go on and nag the parents to park up

[@tehf00n]

I would take my family of 7 more often but it costs us about £400 for the day with food and supplementals. Not to mention they close at 5pm most days which is horrible as you can wait 2 hours to get on the Big One when its running. They need to go late night every opening day. It will make them more money in the long run.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

The park really should open later in the busy season! Thanks for watching!

[@oranda15]

Some excellent points made in your video. This must be the first time in my 60 years that I feel I don't want to visit the Pleasure Beach. I have many fond memories but with so many rides going and few replacements, I just feel it would be a major disappointment. Wild Mouse, Monorail, Grand Prix, Ice Blast, Dodgems, etc, etc. Yes, Icon is a great addition but simply not enough. There are huge gaps now that will be dead. The concourse where Grand Prix was is a massive space of nothingness, so too where Wild Mouse was. I hope I'm wrong but Blackpool Pleasure Beach, for that's what it will always be called despite their best efforts, really needs to face up to some realities and sort the place out.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, it's such a shame to see! So much has gone! Thanks for watching!

[@darkkrenify]

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been piss poor for many years now the only good ride was valhalla but that is only ever working like 10% of the time

[@kurbeco]

I grew up not far from Blackpool, and would often pool money with friends then cycle/get the bus to the Pleasure Beach and buy a book of tickets so we could go on a couple of rides. We never planned to make it an all day event, BPB is not a destination park - it was somewhere you could nip in and out of, carefully picking where to spend your tickets. Maybe buy some donuts (do they even have those fresh donut conveyor kioks anymore?) with the change. Not been there now in a long time, I live further away and if we're going to make a trip to a theme park then it'd not be BPB and that's a shame as I had so many happy there, and would like my kids to have the same. I don't really use Twitter, but having seen some of the comments from Amanda Thompson show in this video.. wow, she needs to step back from that and let a PR firm handle it.

[@Smilerr290]

They still do donuts thankfully lol

[@treeduck3705]

I used to go there in the late '70s-early '80s, but I'm scared of heights. The thing is though I didn't know I was scared of heights, I thought everybody felt the same way, so I just tried to forget about it. I didn't mind going down, it was going up that bothered me, going up slowly...

[@thenewbrutes]

VERY easy problem to solve in 2 points: £5 entry, or full price for a wristband that allows you on rides. The £5 is refundable if you predictably change your mind when inside & wish to upgrade to a wristband. Secondly: push the park as a world class historic attraction. Attempting to compete with modern theme parks is impossible, & people visiting will either enter or not, regardless. This is SO simple, a child could figure it out.

[@TheMaverick987]

What needs to happen is getting rid of Amanda. She doesnt care about the park. Yes, after her father died she was essential to keep the place running after he invested too much. But now shes gone too far the other way. It seems she only really cares about Hot Ice, a show that the vast majority of people who visit have no intention of seeing, and the maintenance and investment in the park suffers for it. To go 6 years without any actual new attractions is not good, and no, Valhalla doesnt count.

[@CrazyDuckie94]

I remember walking through Noah's Ark with my Mum when I was about 6, one of my best memories, but when I went a few years ago, it was sad to think my children would never get the chance to experience an attraction like that outside of a Guy Fawkes night event with one of those portable illusion attractions :(

[@mike8544]

So many great childhood memories of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, so sad to see it in decline. I'm afraid I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel if things remain the same. The park entry charge has resulted in less income, less income obviously means less upkeep/maintenance/new attractions. My parents/grand parent's never went on any rides, they took pleasure in watching us kids having the time of our lives, if the entry charge was in place back in the 70/80's I'm doubt we would have ever visited

[@JustThemeParksYT]

The decline has been so sad to see!

[@Heathen.Deity.]

It’s a theme park in a northern sinkhole. It’s not exactly destined for greatness.

[@tomlewisuk]

Really well-written analysis- much as i love many coaster channels I'm glad I've found yours as it feels a lot more thoughtful and considered (and far less click baity!). I wish they'd update the river caves, it's such a huge ride and still quite eye-opening in terms of scale and i think some new scenes and touches would give great bang for buck. Maybe it's next on the list after the recent ghost train update

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Wow, such a kind comment! Thank you so much! Some updates on river caves would be great to see! It's such an iconic ride and therefore deserves some more love from the park!

[@MichaelCampin]

I used to love the Grand National but if it's now pay to enter I wont be going in.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Many people feel the same way! The park needs to sort out their ticket options for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@jayneknight2675]

I was there at the weekend so quiet it has always been special to me but something is so going wrong 😢

[@Sir_Hesket_Newmarket]

Great analysis- totally agree.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank you very much!

[@w.urlitzer1869]

it's keeping up with blackpool's general theme which is: MISERY

[@Smilerr290]

This.

[@ladyxxmacbeth]

It's the cost! 5-6 years ago it was £20 for a wristband, and a non rider wristband was free. It's a fun little place to visit. But it's not worth £35 to go. I may as well go to Alton towers for that. I like that Blackpool is a.bit scuzzy it's what gives it charm.

[@justbreakingballs]

Everything gone up hanent you noticed?? What do you think the electricity bill for the pleasure beach is?

[@timheye7863]

I was planning to get a trip from Belgium to the UK and visit Thorpe park, Alton Towers and Pleasure beach. But the many negative reviews changed my mind and replaced Pleasure beach to hike in snowdon.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

That's a fair decision, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are much better and far more reliable! Thanks for watching!

[@andrewbarrett42]

Snowdon is more beautiful than pleasure beach.

[@justbreakingballs]

Your loss, just had a brilliant day at the pleasure beach

[@Robert-vw3od]

Icon is a great rollercoaster, but it tells you everything you need to know because there is no theming with that ride. Alton did not have money for themes at the start but it became the theme, it turned to its history.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Very true!

[@DylisMort]

40 pounds entry outrageous ,far to exspensive,should be free,as it used to be

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the price has become crazy!

[@iitzfizz]

Seems to be going the same way as Camelot and Pleasure Island...something drastic needs to change imo before it's too late.

[@Robert10075]

My mum still says “Epcot Centre” pretty much every time 😅

[@Twmpa]

I have always had a soft spot for Blackpool but a £50 admission fee to go into the Pleasure Beach is a huge rip off. Why do they insist on pretending that their seaside funfair is some sort of competitor to the major theme parks? I have never been in since they introduced the admission fees. In my opinion Amanda Thompson's arrogance will eventually kill the place off.

[@LeodisTrainSpotter]

You can't bring ur own food in either, which if someone has dieatry needs seems a bit harsh.. they make you go back outside the park and then come back in, or leave ur food in a hot locker

[@Flame_boy342]

Get rid of the witch and charging to get on in the 1st place always worked before hand !

[@MarusASMR]

Fantastic video, and I've subbed :) I used to ADORE this place. It was my favourite childhood place, I went back in my teenaged years, I went there with my mates whilst at Uni, I even tried to get there every year in my 20s... but I went there two weeks ago and I have to say, the whole place just felt off. First of all, it's a bloody fortune. £50 on the door. £18 to park. This is just insane money for a family of four. You could book an all-inclusive to Benidorm for cheaper! You make the point very well in this video - attractions have been closed, and just left to rot. Where was the sense in shutting Noah's Ark, River Caves, Wild Mouse and the Grand Prix if you're not going to replace them with anything? Maybe there were structural issues with the Grand Prix, I dunno, but it's just a massive, empty ride that could easily be drawing a crowd. It always did. With the exception of Icon, I found myself walking round feeling sad tbh, wishing for the Park of my childhood, and the rides we have lost, to come back. I know that things need to change and grow, and I'm not against it, but it seems that the Park has become almost bitter at it's previous reputation. It desperately wants to be a Merlin park, and seems to have forgotten what made it so charming in the first place. Plus, my visit was made worse by Valhalla being shut for most of the day (great investment to refurb that, clearly), and them now introducing fast pass options for rides simply not built to handle it. Queues that should have taken half the time now take far longer as a result, and it just wasn't as fun. We were there 7 hours, and got on 5 rides. No joke. I also agree about some of the commentators below in their notice of the behaviour of the CEO. Getting into twitter spats with your customers when you've clearly had a shitty day is just not good business. What's more, it shows a pretty nasty attitude in general, and an unwillingness to think you're ever in the wrong. Amanda Thompson has not been a disaster for the Park. Far from it. Some of her decisions have been very good, and probably kept the place open as it entered the modern era. Maybe it couldn't survive as it was 20 years ago, I dunno. But something is different about the Pleasure Beach now, and it does make me sad. Ah well.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, a visit to the park today can be completely miserable! It’s sad to see all the closed attractions & the chances of the operating ones actually being open are always slim! The park needs to make some serious changes! Thanks for watching!

[@johnmartin6622]

I just don't think the rides are that amazing there: Big One - it needs to have something changed on its layout or trains to make it more resilient to closing in the wind. Been there before and felt barely a gentle breeze (way at the top of the Revolution platform as well) in the morning, and it was closed. Then in the afternoon the wind dropped and they said they'd sent the staff home (by the sounds of the CEO's attitude problem, I assume so they didn't have to pay them...). It also just looks like boring, shallow sloped hills after the first drop. Revolution, Avalanche are decent rides but for me "one and dones" (as are the 2 smaller woodies.) Grand National does have the great racing experience with the synced trains, but after going on both sides there's not much will to re-ride it. It's extremely rough and probably getting close to being dangerous now, I've seen it going round and the wheels don't even touch the tracks, and each drop feels like falling down a flight of stairs. Same feeling on Big Dipper and the Steeplechases, they're just too painful. Icon is the standout coaster here, so comfortable. I love how punchy it is and how it has been designed to weave in and out of all the other rides. It's the only one really worth trying multiple times / different seats. Valhalla is the other standout ride. Not great on reliability though, and again can't really go more than once due to the absolute soaking it gives you! Last and definitely least: Infusion, just a shitty SLC that's one of the roughest of the standard layout ones, no idea why people queue up to an hour for this. Should have kept the log flume... Add to this the pathetic rules about not bringing your own food (so you can buy their overpriced crap), charging over £4 for lockers and no pay per ride, it's clear why people don't rush back here.

[@Smilerr290]

I agree about steeplechase being rough i almost fell off it.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

The ride line up is classic, but definitely dominated by painful coasters these days! Too many of the coasters just aren’t fun to ride anymore!

[@RealMightyC]

After visiting this Sunday just gone, it was honestly a good day. Every ride was operational apart from the ones that we know are shut such as Grand Prix and ice blast and a few others, but every ride that was meant to be open was open it was good weather, it wasn’t insanely packed which is how I prefer it I haven’t been since 2018 so it was nice to get back in the park I can understand peoples concerns and criticisms I’m not happy with some of the choices they have made, but it will always be my favourite park

[@JustThemeParksYT]

That's good to hear! Hopefully things will get better this season and opening day was just particularly bad due to unfortunate circumstances! We have so much love for the park and would love to see it improve! Thanks for watching!

[@johnrobinson6292]

A rip off

[@danw5525]

It's the weather 100%, it has been raining constantly for the last 2 years it seems.

[@allanmailer4540]

This is what happens when you piss about too much from formula and depart from your bread and butter. They seem to know the cost of everything but the value of nothing-hence why so many of the older rides are now gone or seem to be going to seed. The Wild Mouse should never have been removed, the Gold Mine was another ride that was perfectly fine but was removed for a Wallace & Grommit marketing opportunity. Sad state of affairs.

[@Smilerr290]

The park will lose most of its history shutting wild mouse, river caves, flume, etc.

[@CoastersandPop]

Quick thoughts. Firstly, stick to consistent branding, this tells potential visitors who you are and it’s currently confusing and messy. Next, if you are going for a resort, add ERT and a seperate entrance for hotel resort guests. If this isnt the direction, lean into the history, have small entrance fee and either unlimited ride wristband or scannable mobile tickets per ride. Also, the park needs to focus on making the current rides open as much as possible which does need investment. My main concern is that it either doesn’t know what it wants to be, or does and hasn’t told people where it’s heading so it just seems like a mess right now.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Yeah, the park really does feel like a mess right now! The cost they are trying to charge just doesn't match up to what they are offering! As you said, they either need to lean into their history and change ticket options or provide something that makes the current cost worth it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cbrider726]

Its not safe its that simple . Maintained on a shoe string with no investment to make it safer. Its expencive and full of staff that are on short term contracts for the season . They dont care .

[@djtonylee]

In the 90s we used to get the train to blackpool and it was open and busy beyond 10pm and it was free. Sometimes we would just wander round, go in some arcades then have a few beers fo on the big one a few times etc. Was there a couple of years ago to see a show with my mother for her birthday at winter gardens, and decided to pop in considering i had not seen inside it for probably 25 years, we happened to be in blackpool anyway and it was 4:45pm. Staff on the gate said we would still have to pay even though we wouldnt have time to go on any rides, we said we didnt want to ride just walk around. Still have to pay and you have 15 minutes was the reply. So we pay up and then immediately some oveezeaous security guard says he needs to search my mothers bag. She was 63 years old, dont know what they thought she would be carrying but anyway we were finally allowed in. Disappointing wasnt the word, its obvious why its not making money, people used to go into the pleasure beach while they were in blackpool, but charging to go in was a serious mistake. Been to Blackpool a lot over the last few years as we go to a lot of shows, and even in the height of summer this place seems empty, never see the big one climbing the track, and i think its closes at 7pm even in summer. All of the food parlours in the entrance have not been open in years, and at 9pm in the summer, the piers are packed, the promenade in packed, but the lights are out in the PB. There is no coming back for the PB because they are too dense to understand what the problem is.

[@AudreyMealiff]

This is a very good review of the situation. The management seem to be rudderless and the park is on the decline. We came over from Ireland in 2022 to visit for our first and only visit. Whilst we enjoyed the rides, the park is run down, the food offering was atrocious, having to scan your code at every ride was a joke, and Blackpool itself was one of the worst places I've ever visited. It's sad to see the decline but it's not going to improve.

[@cyberleaderandy1]

As a kid we use to walk round, look at rides and pay to ride a few. After they changed to pay a massive fee and ride what you liked we never went again and havent since.

[@daisysunshine1324]

The Revolution was the first ride I ever went on whilst on a week long college trip. I went in another one a few years ago with my kids to make them happy & demonstrate how terrifying I find them. That’s it. 2 in my 50 years of life. And I want a reasonably king life, so I definitely will never go on another.

[@neilloughran4437]

I went this weekend with my brother and kid. I don't find the ticket price too bad if you use all the rides (should be much cheaper for kids though).. but the reality is that after a few rollercoasters the average 50 year old has usually had enough and the bigger ones are quite frightening to children, We spent a fair bit of time trying to scan our phones on the rides than doing anything else though... I loved it but think we were lucky to have the nice weather.

[@macdonaldsadler]

The feel of Blackpool as a whole has changed over the years. Especially at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, (or whatever they are calling it now). It's a big decision whether to go or not these days, especially with the cost and the lack of maintenance, new rides etc. The price should not be too compete with apron towers etc, as they are completely different parks. A ticket for non riders is essential, more undercover catering, even just a marquee/simple structure to keep the worst of the elements off. Signage would really help also opening a second entrance near the bond street car parks would encourage people. Should not be a big effort to think about going, but these days everywhere at Blackpool is getting expensive which for a resort that was always great value for money is s big problem especially with the town being in decline also.

[@benlowe578]

I went recently. It was pretty good. And prices weren't too bad tbh. It probably just needs one or two new rides.

[@lapinlogic6267]

I have not been in since "pay to enter" happened, I used to buy a ride or 2 but i'm not buying a day pass or whatever just to walk through and buy some candy floss and a go on the grand national

[@justbreakingballs]

You were the problem

[@asio101]

I worked on the pleasure beach... it was always under staffed.. the big one is unsafe in high winds and closed often.. I lost my job after a lady lost her temper after the 3rd time of telling her sorry they've just had to close due to high winds. I would never go as a guest

[@davidGPS95]

Hi will you be doing a updated video on what has been happening at Blackpool pleasure beach since May 24 ? From what i hear the River Caves has not opened neither has ice blast .😮

[@TyreeJase]

Very good video , and to the point. Very sad to see the decline in this happy amusement park , in which I've fantastic happy memories. Amanda , chief leader is a very fiery character, so backing up her promised land , and probably can't handle the critics. Unfortunately, the public are entitled to their opinions , we are the buying customer here. Blackpool pleasure beach management and staff shouldn't be hostile , and be more professional. Under staffed , lack of training etc, remember the late 90s documentary about the place? Seasonal workers being messed about , that probably don't care 2 hoots . The park has had its best years I'm afraid

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Thank You! The park really is in a bad state right now!

[@MickeyMcNoob]

Having been this summer, the only reason i would want to go back is for icon, valhalla is fun if the weather is nice but everything else is average at best

[@JF-ly3jf]

Went a few weeks ago and lots of rides closed. When paying for day passes, height restrictions (understandable), the cost does not reflect the number of rides can go on to make it worth while paying a day pass. The state of many of the rides is horrendous. Thrill should not come with pain. The Big Dipper and Nickelodeon Streak were so rickety and I came off with brain shake. The Steeple Chase has bolts on the inside of the seat which causes pain on hips as the ride shunts you on the turns. My daughter was not tall enough to go on the bigger rides, which left us very limited as she is a thrill seeker. The Red Arrows has a height restriction which my daughter was fine to go on but cause she could not reach the handles, she was not allowed to ride. She was just 127cm, so allowed on Steeple Chase but then was refused on Revolution which is also 127cm. This was very hard to explain to a neurodiverse child. One positive was the Easy Pass for disabled but won’t be going back and support others views of pay as you go on rides rather then paying for a full pass.

[@katashworth41]

It’s my home park and I hate how much it’s declined in recent years. Though I can’t fault anyone for not going to go anywhere near South Shore.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

The decline of the park has been so sad to see! Thanks for watching!

[@SmileAlways7144]

Genuinely, as someone who has that as the closest theme park to me, I find it is actually a pretty nice place to visit, so I can't have a complete opinion on this park since it is very easy for my family to just come for a day. Though, I do think that if Blackpool pleasure beach did put a lot of tlc into the older rides, people would like it for half a season before they start complaining about something else, and I find that is quite common in the KZbin and X community to complain about minor problems, for example, many people complain about Rita not being intense enough, yet towers is a Family fun and thrill park, and Rita is good for those who are not brave enough to ride the rest of the coasters (not including SW6, SW8, spinball whizzer and the octonauts coaster) but can do the ones I just listed. So I don't think towers should remove Rita, seeing as if you want a launch coaster fully dedicated to thrill then just go to thorpe park (and if your like me and can't get there without a really long drive, I guess you kinda have to deal with it 😢). Back to the point though, I think pleasure beach should split the money they have into 4 groups, them being: tlc for rides, money to make new rides, money to pay staff, money to keep the general upkeep of the park. I do think that some people do not realise that the staff are human too, and despite them being staff at the park, they are not robots who can do everything without error. Also, based on opinion I have heard online, the best family, thrill and park for little children, in the uk, are all owned by merlin. They are better because they have a multi million pound company behind them, who can provide money for lots of theming, unlike parks like pleasure beach and flamingo land (I don't think flamingo land is owned by merlin) who, if they end up spending to much money on theming and not being able to pay to upkeep it, people will complain and decrease people coming to the park. The pleasure beach probably has it harder though, since the older a coaster gets, the more money it costs to upkeep. This example could also be seen by towers, as The smiler would not exist and the black hole would probably still be there today, if it didn't start getting too expensive to upkeep. I think people need to understand that theme park owners do NOT have infinite money, and they still have a possibility of going bankrupt if they don't make the right decision. (P.s sorry if any of this is offensive in any way and I'm sorry if autocorrect has changed my comment into a jumble of words, I just wanted to get a point out there. Also, if anything important has happened that made my points not valid, please tell me since I stopped watching theme park update videos after I went on hero and it was smoother than Galactica, I'm not kidding there)

[@JustThemeParksYT]

None of it's offensive at all, this is a really great comment! I'm glad to hear you still enjoy visiting the Pleasure Beach! There's definitely an issue with people always finding something to complain about, but I really do think a lot of the complaints about Blackpool are completely fair. But yeah, there would still be no pleasing some people no matter what! In my opinion, as someone who loves the historic element of the place, the Pleasure Beach really does just need some tlc and a few better management decisions to be good again! You're so right about the areas they need to be spending money on! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@Smilerr290]

Its way too overpriced thats why its on decline my mom refuses to pay it

[@ricshmitz83]

I live by the park. In season there used to be an energy coming from the park; the sound of screams and laughter would fill the surrounding area. This has gone. I find it ridiculous there isn't a lower entry ticket price for non-riders who accompany their friends and family.

[@stormchaser419]

This park reeks of a park that will have roller coaster and ride accidents in the near future. Doesn't seem SAFE. This coming from a US fan of parks and coasters. Come to Kings Island in Mason, Ohio if you want to see first class operations combined with great efficiency and friendliness. BPPB is iconic but now in freefall. I wouldn't ride anything there now.

[@JustThemeParksYT]

Oh, we adore Kings Island! That is an example of a really well run park! BPPB doesn't even compare! Thanks for watching!