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Blackpool PTR - 18-19/7/2013

FaceYourNemesis

Hyper Poster
The Blackpool attractions have been on my “must do” list for a while now. It had been years since I’d last visited the Pleasure Beach, so was pretty excited to experience the rides from an enthusiast point of view.

This is quite long (sorry)

Day one - BPB
Setting off early on a hot, hazy morning, I arrived in Blackpool just after 11.30. I knew it was going to be busy, but wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. The PMBO had a queue time of two and a half hours (or so the person on the ticket desk warned me). Still, I wasn't too bothered.

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First ride of the day was Revolution. A simple but awesome ride! I love that pop of airtime as you hurtle down both drops and into the loop 10/10
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PMBO next! Would the ride live up to its poor reputation? The simple answer – yes. One thing I will say after now riding all three of the big 1994 coasters, is that the PMBO hasn't aged well. The whole layout is really quite uncomfortable. I'm guessing new trains would probably help? 5/10
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Valhalla’s outdoor (?) queueline was packed solid (as was the case all day), so I decided to leave it and do Ice Blast.


I love drop towers and the sensation you get from falling, so was very excited about doing my first shot tower. Unfortunately I found Ice Blast to be really dull. No feeling whatsoever from the launch or the fall 5/10

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Now for the best bit of the day, the wooden coasters!

Wild Mouse
I was really looking forward to doing this, as it’s one of those iconic rides that you have to do at least once. It didn't disappoint!

What an extreme little ride this is: The vicious turns, the steep drops, the chopper effects…
This is the only coaster I've been on where I've come away with bruises. Loved it 10/10
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Grand National
After a horrendous introduction to wooden coasters earlier in the year with Stampida, I was a little apprehensive about doing Nash (despite being reassured beforehand). It’s a gorgeous airtime machine from start to finish; the cars just float over those little hills 10/10

Big Dipper
This is such a fun little coaster! Again, great airtime, and I love that drop mid ride – it really takes you by surprise.

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Unfortunately I didn't get to do Valhalla that day. Sad, as I was looking forward to it, but nevermind.

Ride count:
PMBO x1
Nash x1
Revolution x1
Ice Blast x1
Big Dipper x1
Wild Mouse x1

General opinions:
The park has a wonderful vibe about it, and there are some brilliant rides.The staff were the friendliest I’d ever encountered at a theme park. It only takes a smile to make someone’s day. The lack of decent restaurants is pretty appalling. I’d have thought there’d be more variety on offer, especially considering the park has a strict policy on picnics etc.

Day two
Day two was spent going round the Merlin attractions. I really enjoyed the Tower and Madame Tussauds, but what really stuck out for me was the Tower Dungeons and the drop ride at the end. The mirror maze was seriously disorientating, great stuff!

You know you’re a nerd when you recognise a certain scene odour from Hex or The Sanctuary. Dale Air FTW ;)

Random pictures:
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I wussed out of doing this
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Thanks for reading!
 
Wait, you missed coasters??? Avalanche is fab, and even Orange is a decent woodie.

I guess you got the important ones and have a reason to return ;)

I do love reading reports from people who have visited for the first time, it gives the park a new perspective and I think it's somewhere everyone should go at least once :)

PMBO had new trains last year didn't it? Obviously they didn't help :lol:
 
furie said:
I guess you got the important ones and have a reason to return ;)
Oh yes! :wink:

I was disappointed that I didn't get to do Valhalla actually, but the queue was bad all day, and I didn't want to wait for one water ride when there were three coasters within the vicinity.

I didn't know the PMBO had new trains. If that's what the ride feels like now, I can't imagine how horrible it was before :shock:
 
FaceYourNemesis said:
furie said:
I guess you got the important ones and have a reason to return ;)
Oh yes! :wink:

I was disappointed that I didn't get to do Valhalla actually, but the queue was bad all day,
You totally picked the wrong day bud, i was there on the 17th & it was fine for queue's but my brother was the on the 18th & said the place was mobbed, apparently there was school trips there & was about 10,000 kids there.
 
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