Blackpool Pleasure Beach (BPB) Discussion Thread

[spaceace12Cubs/Colts Fan]

Speaking of Southport, who is the new thing going on there going?

That didn't make any sense.

The new "park" that is using portable type rides at the Southport site. I know there was a thread on here about it, but haven't seen it resurface for a long time.

EDIT: Opps, said who instead of How.

[DenDenFabulously FIERCE!]

I just wish they would do that at the Adventuredome. Maybe then it wouldn't seem as much as a babysitting service.

As a former Main Banker at CC, I can tell you that Adventuredome is just that, a babysitting service. It will never have an admission price.

Part of CC's success all these years has been free stuff where the kids can hang while the parents spend their college tuition. It's the market demographic that nobody else in Vegas has been able to capture. Everyone tried to copy it in the 90's, but they all failed. Why? Because they charged admission.

Advernturedome (as far as the book$ were back in the 90's) NEVER made a profit. I would assume it's the same today. Putting in a new million dollar flat every couple of years (and I know, they don't cost a million!) keeps them coming back. The Million dollar loss from that one ride pays for itself when the parents give CC their Billion (with a B) Dollar revenue every year.

The dome is a money-sucking machine. But when compared to the money the casino makes from the parents dropping their kids off there, it's like a pin-hole in Hover Dam.

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

It's the market demographic that nobody else in Vegas has been able to capture.

I don't think anyone wants the demographic Circus Circus caters to...

I just like to imagine that the strip ends with Wynn/Venetian. Thankfully once Project City Center is done, MGM is looking to build another massive development to finally rid the world of the plague that is Circus Circus.

But anyways...back on topic: You have to do what you have to do to control overhead costs. It's definitely worth trying. If there is a backlash against it, and it actually turns out to hurt the bottom line, I am sure the policy will be changed.

[DenDenFabulously FIERCE!]

It's the market demographic that nobody else in Vegas has been able to capture.

I don't think anyone wants the demographic Circus Circus caters to...

Well, that's very true now. THANK GOD! I was supposed to be there yesterday, but had to cancel I've not been back since I left in '98!

Anyway, back on topic, Blackpool is just too well known for it to fall as Southport did. I think the new policy will do good for them.

[ShockwaveNon-German Tom]

The entrance fee has its pros and cons. As has been said, there's not many amusment parks left that you can still walk into for free, and for some very good reasons (cleaning, security issues, etc).

This amusement park is trying to become a destination in itself in Blackpool, where previously it had more relied on the other surrounding businesses like the Tower, Winter Gardens and the like to help pull its trade in. But now that people are taking more and more cheap foreign holidays, the area as a whole is suffering.

Hopefully this will help in the turnaround that the park needs. It's still in finanical dire straits after years of complacency and shifting holiday trends, and with an economic slowdown forecast it's gonna be testing times for the Pleasure Beach.

[Fallen HereticDonkeys are my way of life!]

It really was only a matter of time.

Im in two minds really. The selfish part of me says "Damn, I wont be able to go take free strolls through PBB at night when Im on my way back to the hotel, and I havent been in that day". Plus it might put off those families who have very young children. They will all have to pay, rather than the adults who wont ride getting in free, and just paying for the kids to go round Magic Mountain and Alice 4 times each.

But, the sensible part says, yeah, its probably about time. Blackpool as a town has been on the decline since the 70s. The Pleasure beach, despite many efforts, does show signs of that as well. The park needs the money even more than it needs extra space. Ive seen kids comming into the park just to cause a bit of mischeif. A popular 'fun thing to do' for them seems to be running into the exit door of Trauma Towers. A £5 charge would probably keep them out.

Besides, even non-riders have to pay the full whack going to Alton Towers, Disney and the like. Sure, Pleasure beach is too small and hasnt enough garden/scenery/theming to warrant the full price if your not riding, but £5 could still be considered pretty generous.

[texcoasterBonafide Donkey Expert]

Thats to bad that they are now charging admission, because some people I know don't like to go on many rides, and its a waste to spend a lot of money and doing nothing the whole time your there.

Then why do they go?

I think you've hit the nail on the head as to why there will be an admission fee. Folks like the ones you describe are basically in the way. BPB is full of narrow walkways, and when the place is really crowded, it's miserable. Reducing the number of folks present to just those who are actually there to DO SOMETHING will make it a bit less packed and more enjoyable for everyone.

[stubpbI Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

BRITAIN'S favourite free tourist attraction is to break with a century of tradition by introducing a charge for admission.

From 2009,punters will have to pay a minimum £5 charge to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach & car park charges & wristband charges which could top £40 per person.

But the move has attracted criticism in some quarters amid fears the pricing policy could deter visitors.

The new entry system will mean that from the beginning of the 2009 season in Febuary, visitors will have to either purchase an Unlimited Ride Wristband at £30 or a £5 Freedom Pass. Only under-threes will get in free.

The Freedom Pass gives free access to the Chinese puzzle maze, the Pleasure Beach Express, the monorail, Noah's Ark and the stage show at Planet Rock,which would cost £10 in total in individual tickets. If visitors use any other attractions they will pay extra.

Pleasure Beach managing director Amanda Thompson said: "At Pleasure Beach we are always looking to add value to our customers' experiences, the introduction of the Freedom Pass will allow us to do this and ensure that we can continue to improve the overall visitor experience at the park."

The park refused to comment further but said it was telling customers about the change this year so that they had time to get used to it.
Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for regeneration and tourism on Blackpool Council, said she was suprised by the move.

She said: "I'm sure they have done their research but it could be off-putting to some people if they have to pay £5 to go in. They used to promote it as the best free attraction in the country and some people just go in for a stroll round.

"I think they are very brave to change their charging policy and it's a big leap in the dark but they have to take a fresh look at everything like all businesses do."

The Pleasure Beach who also owned a park at MORECAME & SOUTHPORT was named the most visited free attraction in the UK once more last year after welcoming 5.7 million people through its gates in 2007.

The company introduced charges at its Southport theme park during the latter years of that attraction's operation, but the park later closed DUE TO LACK OF CUSTOMERS.

"This is surely madness. They tried introducing an entry fee to Southport and then they said it was no longer viable." BOTH PARKS CLOSED DUE TO LACK OF CUSTOMERS.

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[raptor2011There is no such thing as a donkey punch.]

I actually like the idea. With the exception of last year Blackpool was in need of some new rides. Infusion was their first coaster since the 90's. This system will probably bring in money like it does at our parks in America. Parks like Cedar Point, Six Flags Great America, and King's Island and many more have been using this system, and have been receiving new rides yearly. Maybe Pleasure Beach can add some new state of the art rides, and with their lack of space it would have to be pretty cool and creative. Their attendance will probably drop but their income will probably rise.

[verticalzeroDon't make me kick you in the donkey!]

I still think the "Pay Entrance ticket price and all rides are free inside the park" is the best idea for BPB.

What is wrong is the age range, You should not have a 12 or 13 year old kid pay the full "Adult" price of Alton Towers = £32.

Anyone over 18 should pay an "adult" price, anyone below 18 should pay a "child" price.