Pleasure Beach Blackpool

Infobox Amusement park
name=Pleasure Beach


location=Blackpool
location2 =
location3 = England
season=February-November
area=42 acres
opening_date=1896
previous_names=Blackpool Pleasure Beach
rides=57
coasters=12
water_rides=4
owner=Thompson Family
slogan=Britain's Biggest Tourist Attraction
homepage= [http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com]
footnotes=

Pleasure Beach, formerly "Blackpool Pleasure Beach", is a family owned amusement park in Blackpool, England. It is currently the most visited tourist attraction within the UK.

History

The park was founded in 1896 by Alderman William George Bean, who said his intent was to create "an American Style Amusement Park, the fundamental principle of which is to make adults feel like children again and to inspire gaiety of a primarily innocent character."

The park was then managed by Bean's son-in-law, Leonard Thompson, until the 1970s and then by his son, William Geoffrey Thompson, until his death in 2004. It is now managed by his daughter, Amanda Thompson, who is also the Managing Director of Stageworks Worldwide Productions who produce the shows at the park.

The current park

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is currently situated along the South Shore area of Blackpool, adjacent to the prom and opposite the South Pier along Ocean Boulevard and above Watson road.. The main entrance is to the left of the initial park and 78 meters from the Pleasure Beach Casino. The main car park is to the left side of the White Tower restaurant, behind Valhalla and to the right of the Grand National. The additional coach park is to the back of the park adjacent to the Pepsi Max Big One and in front of the Tango Ice Blast.

The park is currently home to over 125 rides and attractions, including 12 roller coasters, of which 4 are wooden. Over the years numerous records have been broken with regards to the roller coasters in the park. When it opened in 1994, Pepsi Max Big One was the tallest, fastest and steepest roller coaster of any park in the world. It was also substantially one of the longest, measuring 5497' foot long. Currently, the ride holds the crown as the tallest in England, measuring 213' foot below sea level. Currently Pleasure Beach is the only park in the world to operate a traditional wooden Wild Mouse coaster. The ride was built by the late staff in the park, post war and is still in complete working order. It was also the first park in Europe to introduce a fully inverting steel coaster, "Irn-Bru Revolution".

Like many other areas in Blackpool, Pleasure Beach is currently undertaking major refurbishment and since 2002 has invested nearly 90 million pounds on re branding and updating. Most of the walkways have been replaced and each of the rides have been carefully maintained. Both the Grand National and Big Dipper roller coasters have in recent received new trains, and many ride removals have directed the park to open Infusion, an 8 million pound "suspended looping coaster". This move also corresponded with the closure of "PleasureLand Southport", sister park to Pleasure Beach which closed in 2006. Since then, the Pleasure Beach company has invested more money into the park, work of which included the opening of the 'boutique' multi-million pound restaurant, the "White Tower Restaurant" and the new refurbished Casino. In 2006, the park was re branded from 'Blackpool Pleasure Beach' to simply 'Pleasure Beach.' The famous trade mark 'Happy Sun' logo was removed from advertising boards and brochures and the park approached a new 'ultra modern' look, using bright colors and brash writing for the credits card. The park now also uses live models to advertise the park, with the Beaver Creek childrens amusement park still using the famous Bradley Beaver icon.

Pleasure Beach is open from February until October. Opening times vary, and each ride has its own specific opening and closing time which is usually thirty minutes after opening time and thirty minutes before the park closes. Rides may not always be operational, particular when wind turbulence is high. The park closes for its 2008 season on October 31st and re opens in February 2009, with Ride Tokens going on sale in March.

In September 2007, the Pleasure Beach was judged joint fifth best amusement park in the world (with Disneyland in California, United States) in the "Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards" – the self-proclaimed Oscars of the amusement industry. Pleasure Beach was the only British park to feature in any category. Pleasure Beach was also the highest ranked European park in the awards. Also, Pleasure Beach was voted second best seaside park in the world. It is currently voted as the 'UK's number one tourist attraction' by the "British Tourist Board" after numbers soar to nearly 6 million visitors a year, with this record un-beaten by any other tourist spot or amusement/theme park in England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales. The Grand National roller coaster made the universal list of Top 50 Wooden Roller Coasters at number 28 and the Pepsi Max Big One was in the Top 50 Steel section at 44 and came in at 9 in the "Top Ten Coasters" poll shown on Sky Travel. cite news
title = Pleasure Beach top of the world
publisher = Blackpool Gazette
date = 2007-09-15
url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-news/Pleasure-Beach-top-of-the.3203927.jp
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]

Visitor numbers

In 2007, Pleasure Beach was ranked as 14th most popular theme park in the world with 5.5 million visitors. It was the only UK amusement park to make it onto the 'Top 25 Parks in the World' list. [http://www.connectingindustry.com/downloads/pwteaerasupp.pdf TEA/ERA Theme Park Attendance Report 2007 - Top 10 Amusement/Theme Park Attraction Chains - World (2007)] , "Park World". Retrieved on March 25, 2008.]

Future Preferences

It has been wisely speculated that after the 2009 season Pleasure Beach will be taken over by new management. The Blackpool Council Chair has neither denied or confirmed this, however meetings between blackpoolpleasurebeach (the company which manages the park) and park investor Phillip Miller (who also owns the second most popular English amusement park, Adventure Island) have been conducted over the past few months after Stageworks re-estated to expand to Las Vegas and San Francisco. Amanda Thompson, park MD said 'It is true we are taking our entertainment to the next level, and I am a headstrong girl but what I have to offer the people of Blackpool with regards to Pleasure Beach is more not less. I'm not about to hand this place over. It was my fathers legacy and I believe we have so much more to show.' There are also rumors that the park is installing a new 'flat-ride' type ride, after pieces of what appeared to be a tripod structure and four gold painted harness restraints were discovered near the backdrop at the Beacon Hill High School. The Blackpool Gazette printed an article on the findings, however it not known whether the 'giant' ride is headded for Pleasure Beach or the South Pier funfair, adjacent to the Pleasure Beach.

Admission

Currently, entrance to Pleasure Beach is corresponding with a seasonal promotion. In order to access Pleasure Beach, each person is required to pay £20 regardless of what attractions they use. This gives that person unlimited access to the park throughout the day. From March 2009 however the wristband service will be back in order, with the new "Freedom Pass" admission option being launched. In 2008 a campaign & petition was launch by locals to stop the new £5 charge in 2009. The campaign called Stop The Charge has got 10000 people who plan to not vist the park in 2009..you can join it at http://www.westviewonline.co.uk

Unlimited Ride Wristbands

Most commonly used is the 'Unlimited Ride Wristband' option, whereby wristbands with a printed barcode on are sold at costs between £15-£35 depending on the time of year and promotional season. This code must be scanned by a computer which unlocks the turnstile at each ride platform. The design technique means that riders are unable to access the ride unless having first scanned their specially printed 'day-code.' Each day a new code is printed on the wristband, meaning wristbands from previous days are now invalid. A warning section is printed on each wristband, telling guests that removing the wristband or peeling the barcoded sticker will deem the band invalid. Unlimited Ride Wristbands allow access to both the interior park and the children's-themed area of the park "Beaver Creek."

Beaver Creek Children's Wristband

At a cost of £15, special wristbands may be purchased for unlimited entrance to the "Beaver Creek" children's-themed area of the park which occupied the smaller rides and attractions. The wristband system works in the same way as the above, however access to the larger rides is unavailable.

Ride Tokens

The final option available is the separate "Ride Token" fare, where guests can access each ride using specially printed tokens available from kiosks around the park. Like the wristbands, each token has the day bar code printed on its face, unlocking the turnstile at each ride platform. Ride tokens are £1 each, however guests are encouraged to purchase tokens in a set of 20 or more, as most rides require more than one token. Pepsi Max Big One for example requires nine tokens.

Pleasure Beach Freedom Pass

From 2009 Blackpool Pleasure Beach will no longer be accessible to the public without holding a ticket first. To meet with financial changes and the plans for the park, guests will now be required to pay £5 at any of the four entrance gates, unless they have first purchased an unlimited ride wristband beforehand. This pass will allow access to the park and to five of the attractions within the park area covering "Noah's Ark", "Pleasure Beach Express", "Monorail", "Chinese Puzzle maze", as well as the 'South Beach Musical' stage show at "Planet Rock". To use additional rides, guests will purchase additional ride tickets. cite news
title = Changes to Pleasure Beach pricing structure 2009
publisher = Pleasure Beach Blackpool
date = 2008-02-10
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shop/pricing2009.htm
accessdate = 2008-02-15 ]

Attractions

Roller Coasters

General Rides

*Adventure Golf - New for 2008
*Alice's Wonderland - Children's dark ride featuring scenes from both "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass". The cars are big Cheshire cats. Was damaged by the fire that destroyed the Grand National station on 20 May 2004. + |-
*Chinese Puzzle Maze - a small maze.
*Convoy Ride - All trucks are painted in Eddie Stobart colours including names. A favourite with children.
*Derby Racer - One of only three in the world, the ride is essentially a large carousel of 56 horses in four rows, the outside row being the fastest.
*Dodgems - Bumper cars
*Ellie's Caterpillar - A spinning and lifting children's ride.
*Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machines - The oldest attraction in the park, opened in 1904.
*Gallopers (carousel) - Ornate traditional English carousel.
*Go-karts
*Ghost Train - A Dark ride. This ghost train was the first in the world and is where the ride name "Ghost Train" originates.
*Gold Mine Train - Journey through a gold mine with animatronics, sights, and sounds.
*Griffin's Magic Dragons
*Helicopters - Children's helicopter spinning ride.
*Impossible - (Previously 1001 Troubles and The Haunted Swing) - a mirror maze, followed by displays of optical illusions, and a haunted swing ride.
*Lunar Carousel - A space-themed carousel.
*Magic Mountain - Children's Dark ride, found in Beaver Creek.
*Mini Dodgems - Pint-sized children's bumper cars.
*Mini Scooters
*Monorail - Travels around the park and through the back of Valhalla. Has three trains, covered/semi covered/open.
*Motor Boat Ride
*Noah's Ark - A walk through funhouse attraction, one of only two left in the world.
*Pirate Ride
*Pleasure Beach Express - A miniature railroad
*Super Bowl - A large dodgems/bumper car attraction.
*Tetley Teacup Ride - Children's Teacup/Waltzer ride, found in Beaver Creek.
*Thor's Turnpike - A children's automobile track ride.
*Trauma Towers - A walk through haunted funhouse attraction, hotel themed.
*Veteran Carousel - A classic carousel ride.

Former rides

*Big Apple(Junior metal rollercoaster) - Opened 2003, closed 2004cite web
title = Big Apple (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id2517.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Cyclone - Opened 1974, closed 1987. Single car trainscite web
title = Cyclone (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id1313.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Log Flume - Opened 1967, closed 3 September 2006cite news
title = Final splash for Blackpool ride
publisher = BBC News
date = 2006-09-04
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/5309934.stm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ] On the day the ride closed, the 24 log flume boats were sold off to the public at £25 each.cite news
title = Grab a log - for just £25!
publisher = Blackpool Gazette
date = 2006-08-31
url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-news/Grab-a-log--for.1733303.jp
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Scenic Railway - Opened 1906, closed 1933. Standard train ridecite web
title = Scenic Railway (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id1371.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Tokaydo Express - Opened 1980, closed 1997cite web
title = Tokaydo Express (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id953.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ] due to death on ridefact|date= September 2007
*Velvet Coaster - Opened 1909, closed 1932. Components of this ride were re-used in the construction of the "Rollercoaster".cite web
title = Velvet Coaster (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id1034.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Vikingar - Originally purchased from Belle Vue Zoo when its funfair closed in 1977. Opened 1979 (as Water Chute), renamed Vikingar 1997, closed 2003. Metal water chutecite web
title = Vikingar (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id2739.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Virginia Reel - Opened 1922, closed 1982. A spinning coastercite web
title = Virginia Reel (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)
publisher = Roller Coaster Database
url = http://www.rcdb.com/id1312.htm
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Space Tower - Closed in 1993 and moved to PB's now-defunct sister park Frontierland in Morecambe - Ride still stands there but does not operate. Stood at 160ft tall.
*Fun House - Destroyed by fire in November 1991.
*Tom Sawyer Raft Ride - Removed early 1990s due to construction of the Pepsi Max Big One.
*The Monster - Removed in 1996 and later replaced with the Ice Blast, which was then known as PlayStation: The Ride. An Eyerly Monster ride.
*The Whip - Closed in 2004, Removed in September 2008 for relocation to Dreamland, Margate, 4 years after closing down. Made by W.F. Mangels.
*Tidal Wave - Opened 1980, closed mid 1990's - a large swinging ship relocated to Pleasureland, Southport.
*Cableway - Operated between 1960 and 2000 and taken down due to high wind speeds. Made by Von Roll.
*Spin Doctor - Taken down in December 2006.
*Alpine Dodgems - Taken down early 2007. Standard bumper car attraction.
*Black Hole - Removed 2005 to make way for 4D cinema. A Waltzer ride in an enclosed dome.
*Turtle Chase - Removed 2005 due to construction of Infusion. Now a clear area.
*Millennium Bug - Replaced by simulator when it moved to the now defunct Pleasureland, Southport.
*4D Cinema - 2006-2007, removed for a new show for the 2008 season.There are literally dozens of rides (maybe even hundreds) that have come and gone from the Pleasure Beach over its history - particularly in its early days, and during the 1960s-1970s, when many temporary rides were operated as concessions by third-parties.

Other attractions

*Pasaje Del Terror - Opened in 1998. Interactive horror attraction within the Casino.
*Horror Crypt
*Bowl-a-Drome
*Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
*Pleasure Beach Arena (Ice rink) skating year round only closed 2-5 days a year
*Arcades and Midway Sideshows
* Gallery @ The Globe

hows

*Hot Ice - At the Pleasure Beach Arena. Hot Ice celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2007.cite web
title = Ice show spectacular promises to be hot
publisher = Blackpool Gazette
date = 2007-03-23
url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/life/Ice-show-spectacular-promises-to.2145765.jp
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Hot Ice (The Mix) - A new show in 2007, also at the Pleasure Beach Arena.cite web
last = Duke
first = Robin
title = Ice show spectacular promises to be hot
publisher = Blackpool Gazette
date = 2007-04-09
url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/entertainment-news/Matinee-magic-from-skating-stars.2231634.jp
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Forbidden - At the Globe Theatre. cirque du soliel meets moulin rouge style showfor all the family.cite web
last = Duke
first = Robin
title = A showstopper!
publisher = Blackpool Gazette
date = 2007-07-09
url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/entertainment-news/A-showstopper.3013946.jp
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* South Beach Musical - At Planet Rock

Accommodation, restaurants and cafes

Pleasure Beach has over 35 restaurants and cafes, as well as a pub and a hotel.

Cafes and restaurants

*Bradley Beaver Catering Co. - located in Beaver Creek. Serves a wide range of snacks and meals.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Bradley Beaver Catering Co.
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/bradley-beaver-catering-co-/1/28/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Cafe Boulevard - Located on Ocean Boulevard. Includes snacks and ice-cream. Licensed restaurantcite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Cafe Boulevard
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/cafe-boulevard/1/31/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Casino Bar restaurant - A small barcite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Casino Bar
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/casino-bar/1/36/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Coasters - An American style diner. Vintage waltzer, roller coaster and dodgem carriages used as seating.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Coasters
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/coasters/1/7/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*The Fish Inn - A seafood restaurant situated in the Casino at the entrance to Pleasure Beach.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Fish Inn
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/fish-inn/1/8/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]

*The Horseshoe - Serves a variety of different meals.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, The Horseshoe
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/the-horseshoe/1/37/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Ice Lounge - Serves ice cream, desserts, and hot and cold drinks.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Ice Lounge
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/ice-lounge/1/33/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Italian Job restaurant - Centrally located licensed restaurant.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Italian Job
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/italian-job/1/10/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Magnolia Cafe - A family themed cafe bar serving a selection of Southern Fried Chicken dishes.
*Mr Fu's Sailing Junk restaurant - Located on Ocean Boulevard. Chinese food.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Mr Fu's Sailing Junk
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/mr-fu-s-sailing-junk/1/6/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Pizza Hut - Opened 1986. Located on Ocean Boulevard.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Pizza Hut
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/pizza-hut/1/12/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Rib Shack - Located in the Bowladrome, a fun sports arcade. Serves hickory smoked char grilled ribs, fries and a selection of burgers. The Rib Shack can also be hired for private parties.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Rib Shack
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/rib-shack/1/11/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Southern Fried Chicken - Family themed cafe barcite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Southern Fried Chicken
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/southern-fried-chicken/1/27/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*White Tower Restaurant - Award-winning penthouse restaurant with panoramic ocean views, stylish and romantic atmosphere, often favoured by celebrities. Art deco design. The largest restaurant in the park.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, White Tower Restaurant
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/white-tower-restaurant/1/5/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ] cite web
title = White Tower Restaurant
publisher = White Tower Restaurant
url = http://www.whitetowerrestaurant.co.uk/whitetower.php
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]

Pub and hotel

*The Star - A traditional family pub. Home to Pleasure Beach's brand new pop bands. The pub also has a late license.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, The Star
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/the-star/1/32/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
*Big Blue Hotel - 157 bedrooms with sea views and an award winning restaurant.cite web
title = Welcome to the Big Blue Hotel
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.bigbluehotel.com/welcome.php
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]

Fast food

* Alpine Fast Food - A row of kiosks selling ice cream, doughnuts and hot dogscite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Alpine Fast Food
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/alpine-fast-food/2/13/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Burger King - The 2nd largest Burger King in the UK with the first being at Alton Towers Resort. Located at the south end of the park under the Pepsi Max Big One.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Burger King
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/burger-king/2/9/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Dipper Dogs - Hot dogs and soft drinkscite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Dipper Dogs
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/dipper-dogs/2/21/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Embertons Sandwich Bar - serves sandwiches, homemade soup, cookies. Eat inside, on the patio or takeaway.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Embertons
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/embertons/2/29/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Globe Cafe Bar - Fully licensed cafe bar.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Globe Cafe Bar
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/globe-cafe-bar/2/17/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* King Cotton Family Restaurant & Bar - A traditional English family pub in cotton mill surroundings with bar meals and snacks served.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, King Cotton Family Restaurant & Bar
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/king-cotton-family-restaurant-bar/2/25/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Promenade Fun Food - Traditional fish & chip, also serves ice cream and doghnuts.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Promenade Fun Food
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/promenade-fun-food/2/20/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Thor's Plaice & Chips - Fun fish and chips in a Viking longship, situated adjacent to Valhalla.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Thor's Plaice & Chips
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/thor-s-plaice-chips/2/30/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ]
* Willie Wurst German Sausages - Large selection of German sausages.cite web
title = Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Willie Wurst German Sausages
publisher = Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
url = http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/willie-wurst-german-sausages/2/22/
accessdate = 2007-09-15 ] There are various other candyfloss, doughnut, drink, and seafood stalls situated throughout the park.

Opening times

The park's opening hours vary depending on weather conditions. The park closes for the winter on the Monday of the first weekend in November and reopens in February the following year.

A small section of the park including the Pepsi Max Big One, opens for several weekends in November and December. The Whole park (excluding some rides) opens during the weekends in February and March. The Wristbands are priced at £16 in February and £16 in March. Valhalla usually remains closed at this time.

For the 2008 season, the park opens every weekend from Saturday 9 February onward to late March/early April. During the summer season the park will be open every day. The park usually opens at around 12pm and closes between 6pm and 8pm. The park can stay open until around 10pm if it is busy enough.

2004 Fires

On 20 May 2004 the Grand National’s station was destroyed by a fire that also damaged Alice’s Wonderland and Trauma Towers. The Grand National was repaired and re-opened five months later on 28 October 2004. Not long after, a large restaurant caught fire. The restaurant was almost completely destroyed leaving only the shell of the building. The building was demolished and replaced with the Big One Stage.

Club Pleasure Beach

The Pleasure Beach has its own enthusiast club, called "Club Pleasure Beach" (formerly the "235 Club", named after the height above sea level of the Pepsi Max Big One ). It is run as a non profit organisation. The club was formed in 1992 by the park as an initiative to sell advance boarding tickets for the Pepsi Max Big One, but has since evolved to become an organisation for Pleasure Beach enthusiasts.

Railway station

The Pleasure Beach has its own railway station, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach railway station, on the Fylde Coast branch line of the Blackpool Branch Lines.

Recent Timeline

1967

*The Log Flume opens to the public. At the time of opening, it is the longest Log Flume in the world.

1976

*Geoffrey Thompson becomes MD.

1977

*The Steeplechase opens to the public.

1979

*Irn Bru Revolution, Europe's first looping coaster opens. The Water Chute is moved from the defunct Belle Vue park in Manchester to Pleasure Beach.

1980

*Tokaydo Express opens to the public.

1984

*Space Invader opens to the public. The ride is opened by Dr. Who.

1987

*Cyclone closes and is removed from the park.

1988

*Avalanche opens to the public.

1990

*Ocean Boulevard is opened at the front of the Pleasure Beach.

1991

*The Funhouse is destroyed by a fire. The Grand National station is rebuilt.

1994

*The Pepsi Max Big One opens to the public at a cost of £12 million.

1997

*Ice Blast opens to the public at a cost of £2 million. When opened, the ride was known as Playstation: The Ride

1999

* The Haunted Hotel attraction re-opens to the public after a major renovation, and inclusion of the old Tageda ride, and is now known as Trauma Towers

2000

*Valhalla opens to the public at a cost of £15 million.
*Cableway closes to the public after 40 years of service.

2002

* The Haunted Swing and 1001 Troubles attractions combine and become the new attraction, Impossible.
*Eddie Stobart Convoy opens to the public.
*Spin Doctor opens to the public costing £2 million.

2003

*Big Blue Hotel opens to the public.

2004

*Bling opens to the public at a cost of £2 million.
* The 'Space Invader' attractions is revamped and renamed Space Invader 2.

2005

*Black Hole closes to the public and is removed from the park.

2006

*Log Flume closes to the public and is removed from the park.
*Spin Doctor closes to the public and is removed from the park.
*Turtle Chase is removed from the park.
*4D Cinema opens to the public.

2007

*Infusion opens to the public at a cost of £8 million.
*4D Cinema closes to the public and is removed.

2008

*The classic attraction 'The Whip' is removed from the park.
*The Planet Rock Show venue opens to the public replacing the 4D Cinema.
*Adventure Golf opens at Flagstaff Gardens.

2009

*The park begins the charge £5.00 for people not riding. Parents who take children to the park will now be able to ride several of the parks attractions. This may prove to be unpopular as many parents do not wish to ride with their children.
*Its been confirmend by the Pleasure Beach that 2009 will see a new Dancing Water display for the new season.

See also

* Incidents at European parks

References

External links

* [http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/ Blackpool Pleasure Beach] - official site
* [http://www.theblackpoolpleasurebeachguide.co.uk/ Blackpool Pleasure Beach] - unofficial site
* [http://www.blackpoolevents.co.uk/blackpool-Pleasure-Beach.htm Pleasure Beach Shows] - Discount show tickets
* [http://www.attractionsblackpool.co.uk/Blackpool_Pleasure_Beach.htm Pleasure Beach] - Height Restrictions