The FUTURE of The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach?!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is about to lose the UK height record, so what does the future hold for this iconic roller coaster?
It remains as the signature attraction for the Pleasure Beach, but how long will it be before big changes are made? Scott looks at all the possibilities in this video.
© Your Experience Guide / Pleasure Beach Experience. All rights reserved. No part of this video can be reproduced or redistributed without permission from Scott Bickerton, the owner and creator of this Your Experience Guide & Pleasure Beach Experience. For permission requests, email pbexperience@hotmail.co.uk. Use without consent with or without credit is in direct violation of copyright law.
Imo the Big One is going no where and will just continue to be retracked over the years and possibly a gradual paint touch up. They have a lot of attractions that required more urgent attention (and money) atm, plus this new attraction they are supposedly planning for grand prix area. I don't believe they have the money to a) Remove it or b) replace it. Totally agree that it's still a hugely popular ride and literally IS the skyline of the park which no coaster could really replace. Great video 👍👍🎥
I’ll be very surprised if we see anymore retracking work from Taziker this winter, but things do change 🤔
@@yourexperienceguide Just reading the comments on how rough people say it's got over the last few years, looking forward to hopefully getting back on it again soon for the first time since 2020. 👌😁
@@yourexperienceguide think I agree with you. Shame because taziker seemed like a really cool company when they gave you a tour of the factory
Hmm, thought long and hard about posting this, but TBH with the way that BPB is going at the moment, it really wouldn’t surprise me to see the Big One being listed as SBNO in the next few years, as that sadly is the way that it does seem to be going with rides there atm…….
This year has to be a record with SBNO rides, it is just so sad that the investment in ride attractions just isn’t forthcoming, so much attention is paid to “Hot Ice” type shows, and not the rides….
I really feel for both the ride operators and engineers, they do a superb job, but the overriding impression is that BPB isn’t investing in the park, but just out to make as much money as possible, hence all the recent email marketing, special offers etc, but they do not seem to actually grasp why the attendance figures are way down on what they used to be a few years back…
Personally, I won’t be visiting with my family this year, as since my youngest son’s favourite ride, Grand Prix is no longer being utilised, not every 12 year old wants to go on a thrill ride….
Just my thoughts, although they won’t mean anything to the management at BPH in all honesty…..
@j.d.sunderland8113 Yeah, I couldn't agree anymore. The last few years they've had an identity crisis it's like they don't want to be known for the rides but things like hot ice and the nice hotel. Is a shame but the management needs a serious alteration
I would love to see an RMC big one, it would be such a great marketing strat. Make it the worlds tallest RMC, 240ft, there's so much structure and footers that you could make an insane hyper layout if it was designed properly. ATM Blackpool is lacking any extreme rides, the sheer height and first drop isn't enough anymore for thrill seekers. I love Grand National, and Icon is still my favourite ride in the UK, but they aren't extreme rides. It would be a very cheap way to get a ton of records like: Worlds tallest RMC, worlds longest RMC, worlds first steel RMC conversion, worlds fastest RMC, Tallest UK coaster, fastest UK coaster, tallest coaster in the world with inversions (would need to be 257ft to beat hyperion but does that one dive loop really count), etc etc. It would be my move if I was Amanda
Honestly, I don’t want to see it and I’d rather see it get a full retrack BUT logically an RMC conversion would make more sense.
Can't believe it's 30 years. I went on a lecture organised by the local RICS branch by one of Big One's designers not long after it opened. He wasn't the friendliest of chaps but went on the ride with us. The Big One is a real landmark now and you can see it from miles away. That first drop with the prom hurtling towards you makes it worth while despite the rest of the ride being a bit of an anti-climax.
Thank you for advising me not to buy fast tracks for sat just gone as we didn’t need them, on a couple of rides there was more people in the fast track queue than the normal queue, all rides between zero queue and 10 mins all day.
I was very surprised at just how quiet it was at the weekend, especially with the weather being so warm.
I think with how quiet I've seen it all season, I'd have felt bad saying buy fast passes on the off chance it'll be busy for the first time in ages.
I really enjoy watching and reading your content. I'm actually visiting the park itself at the end of this month, so we'll see if the Big one is in operation, as it will be my first time on it
Hopefully you’ll get a lap or two on it 🤞🏼
"That's what bothers me now, favourite record's gone."
In all seriousness though, it would be cool to see Big One get a Phantom's Revenge style retrack, but obviously with today's technology and design philosophy. I'm sure quite a few manufacturers like S&S, Premier or Vekoma would work alongside Taziker.
I didn’t say anything about a favourite record 😬
I can't see too many people working with S&S for a while tbh...
Thanks for the reply mate.i agree.keep up your awesome content.my best wishes to your family.
I think The Big One will remain at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for many years to come. If they're not doing any re-tracking work this winter, it might just simply be that they are diverting the money away from that to do other things around the park. They may start re-tracking again in a couple of years and finally get round to fixing the turnaround section and the helix section.
Possibly, but it’s worth remembering the retracking work was being done due to fatigue/damage on the track not for improving customer reviews.
I’m sure they don’t want to be in a position where it has to close indefinitely due to a stress fracture.
I wouldn't go on it as its always going wrong.
@@keeleydount8366 Not factually correct
Great informative video Scott 👍👍
Thanks 👍
i was terrified when i first rode it but it was an experiance never to be forgotten it was great, and now im getting off feeling sick from been thrown around it has surely gotten worse sadly.
I’ll never forget my first go on it
Lots of food for thought with the big one
Going Wednesday next week. Been very concerned and reading forums etc about lack of park attendance..even this weekend it seemed really quiet by sounds of app etc! They really need to step things up!
In terms of re-tracking they need to redo the sections before both sets of brakes because the profiling just slams you to the side which it never did before the re-track 😬
The track under Big Dipper was done like for like (I’ve seen the concept drawings).
There’s definitely something unusual about it though…
Great vlog as always.👍RMC would be the dream. Steeper lift hill to regain the height record and go wild with the airtime, stalls and inversions. 🤞
Thank you
My feeling is they'd be better spending the sort of money Scott talks about to replace the big one improving other areas of the park. Adding other rides including flat rides and using up dead space would be better than replacing what is a really good coaster.
Possibly, but what happens when Big One’s fatigued track is no longer fit for purpose?
It’s a tough situation.
@@yourexperienceguide I completely agree it is a tough situation and it has to be worth keeping. If they continue to retrack the big one then that keeps it going longer rather than a complete replacement which would allow more investment in other rides for the park. It looks to me that the management have let everything that needs done build up till it all needs done at once rather than try and spread it out a bit. I don't think there's any quick fixes for the park but a good place to start would be for management to listen to what the fans of the park are saying rather than the tone they are currently talking.
30 years! Where the hell has all that time gone!? I hope PB feel the pressure from the competition and come out swinging. Interesting times.
After my last ride on it the other week I'm debating making it a once a season ride along side infusion. It was that horrific last time. I hope they do retrack where it's needed as it's going down my list of coasters at the pleasure beach. Currently I'd say 4th behind Icon Big Dipper and streak. Maybe even 5th with National about the same if not slightly better since it's work
Sad situation
Nemesis turns 30 = Massive refurb and re theme
Big one turns 30 = Amanda spends even more on the Ice show and makes sure the park has record SBNO rides
Pleasure Beach isn't looking great this year
Hard to believe that Nemmy is the same age as the big one, even before the retrack it was much smoother, not had a chance to ride it yet since the retrack, hopefully get there later this year though. B&M's age much better than Arrows.
Great vid scott, i would like full retrack and see rmc elsewhere in park. Grand national far too rough now. RMC have done duelling coasters and there is enough space.
I don't believe there's enough room to RMC the Grand National
@yourexperienceguide I think the car park would go but I think you could looking at airforce one in Atlanta. Small thin out and back design. If not can we have the megaphobia treatment please.
Visiting the park for my very first visit later this month!
Enjoy
I think it will continue to get re track work but maybe if the park get a new coaster in the grand prix area maybe there is a deal in place the park gets a world first coaster and track work on the big one as a bundle deal? Hopefully we get new trains in the next few years with a more modern style and restraint system to improve throughput etc.
It’s a bit of a myth that coaster manufacturers do bundle deals for parks, covering costs and making a profit is the most important thing for a manufacturer.
Based off what I’ve heard I’ll be very surprised if we see any retracking this winter.
I don't understand why they didn't take the opportunity to reprofile some of the hills during the retracking. Would have made it so much better to have a few airtime hills after the first drop.
Retracking was for replacing knackered track not changing the layout
One very simple reason, for the enthusiasts who are the only people who would actually notice it's not worth the money the park would have to spend and likely don't have. The more and more time that passes from the opening of Icon I am starting to think it was a one off and it'll likely be 10-15 years until the next new coaster. Not including Infusion in 2007 as it was a relocation the last new coaster at Blackpool before Icon was The Big One itself.
I hope PB don't give up on The Big One. It could do with a full repaint tbf
It doesn't look great
RMC conversation would be absolutely amazing. Yes the structure is over designed so would help RMC make it into something absolutely amazing. If it end's up being RMCed it's likely to end up with a mad layout and just 1.2 rider hight. And yes it could retake the hight record. And it will work with the current voice of PBR and move to the future and not nostalgia. Best bet for a full fat RMC now Ultimate dose not exist.
Worth remembering a 1.2m height limit doesn’t guarantee people of that height will want to go on it
@@yourexperienceguide Totally true.
Peter does agree with Scott!
Peter lol
I think to either replace the big one or modify it in some way simply because of it's height being beaten by Hyperia would be money badly spent. Each year the financial overheads just keep on rising, and they can't even find money to remove the Monorail track and supports. Also as reported in Blackpool Gazette on 3/1/24 - (Blackpool Pleasure Beach reports £522k pre-tax loss to Companies House as attendance drops and wage costs increase). So then take on board what you said Scott about the park being so quiet, which doesn't surprise me with the extortionate pricing and removal of the non-rider pass - then I don't see much spare money for any sort of big investment. The last Valhalla reimagined project was in my opinion a waste of money. It wasn't improved at all, quite the opposite with the removal of the backwards dip. No investments in Flat-Rides whatsoever for many many years, and Skyforce was nothing amazing to shout about, and no improvement on the Bling ride. I think Skyforce is rubbish. Also, the Grand Prix has to be removed and replaced by hopefully a good flat ride, so taking on board all I say, and the costs to repair Ice Blast and other park maintenance, I think re-tracking on the big one is probably just been postponed for a year or two, simply as a money-saving measure.
Also, some bad news is coming the pleasure beach's way in the next couple-or-so years, which is the £300 Million Blackpool Central Indoor Entertainment Park, which is being built in that Central car park, and they'll also be an indoor theme-park with rides inside there. That shall pull away a lot of pleasure beach visitors when that opens, as with the mass effects of costs of living crisis, visitors shall be forced into choosing between the New Park, or the Pleasure Beach which has become pretty much same-old-same-old. Even Nickelodeonland has offered nothing new for the children since it was first opened 13 years ago in 2011. You would think that Amanda Thompson would at least be able to afford to replace 2 or 3 of those kids rides with something new, but oh no, not one single new ride. Nothing.
It is a very concerning situation as a Pleasure Beach fan. Rides closing down because they're beyond repair, other rides approaching the end, the Big One in need of millions spending to replace the existing track issues, new rides needed to compete with their competitors and more!
They are losing custom because they refuse to listen to customers, customers who keep telling them on every social media post that they've stopped visiting because the entry pass was scrapped. Free entry being scrapped peed people off but not enough to kill the park, refusing to offer the non rider pass now we've got no covid restrictions is hurting them but they refuse to see it.
We went to Blackpool yesterday, it was absolutely rammed but Pleasure Beach was once again a ghost town.
@@yourexperienceguide I totally agree with all you say, and I hope they find a way to resolve some or all these issues. I love the pleasure beach, always have done, but it does seem to be going down-hill on the path the park is on. Management seems more interested in Ice Shows and their Hotels, and have let the park side priorities slip. Also, renaming it to Pleasure Beach Resort is hardly a moneymaking-spinner of an idea for 2024 (and beyond)
@@chloetaylor3011 Agreed
@@yourexperienceguideagreed. Was there yesterday too (Sunday) and it was quiet, barely a queue all day and a good few walk ons. Good for getting lots of rides in but can't be good for the park.
They really do need to bring in a cheaper non-rider pass, the infrastructure is there for it. Surely they realise it will bring in more people, and those non riders would be bringing in full priced riders with them. Seems a no brainer.
I’ve always loved the Big One. It’s one of the first major coasters I rode as a kid.
I have to say, when I go now, I usually ride once and that’s it. I find it so rough, and overall such an average / below average experience.
It’s iconic and still looks iconic but under the control of the current park owners I have little hope for its future (same with the park itself sadly).
Concerning time to be a BPB fan with the park so quiet so often
As for it being a B&M hyper as a replacement, provided B&M were able to do it without removing any existing coasters like what arrow manage to do back in the day and potentially even made it more reliable even and windy conditions or as much as you possibly could do from that side of it then I would be all for it.
Having ridden Shambala yesterday and a couple of years ago, I can honestly say it’s bloody fantastic modern hyper and if anything would be a worthy replacementwith the same layout it would be that.
Just back from salou myself and I'm always taken aback by how good shambala is. Tho I had my first experience of uncharted and I was wowed by that too and would love to see something similar in Blackpool
Mako is still my favourite B&M hyper, it’s so good
I don’t quite understand how an RMC conversion works - how would it allow for them to make the ride go higher?
Structural mods
I'd be really shocked if they got rid of the big one. But with Amanda you never know. If they got rid of it, it could very well signal the end of the park.
I can't see it going, but I do think it needs money spending on it.
Realistically, a new B&M hyper would cost about £29M (Shambala's cost adjusted for inflation), but as an RMC conversion doesn't require any groundwork, you can save around 50% compared to new builds, even if no supports are used. Land clearance and footers are unbelievably expensive. So I'd expect an RMC Big One to cost about £15M, and there's no way that small of an investment could have a greater pay-off in any other way. I for one would get an annual pass if it was built, despite being 2.5 hours away.
RMCing an existing steel coaster wouldnt involve groundwork but it would involve a lot of welding to the existing structure.
You love the idea of an RMC conversion then Chris lol
@@yourexperienceguide what gave that away 😂
I've been going to Blackpool since I was little and although there was a gap of 10 years between going in my teens and then going again I've only got good memories of PB. Well that was until last year. Rides were breaking down and other rides were on and off all day, including the Big One. Pleasure Beach is definitely in need of an overhaul. However, that's not likely and the whilst I do like it being a compact park, it also limits what can be done. Caves, Ghost Train and Big One are really lacking. River Caves could remain quite similar in terms of theme and layout (maybe a slightly bigger drop) but better animatronics and CGI would really help. Look at something like Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Manor. Part of River Cave's charm is that it is a slower older style ride. I wouldn't want to lose that. That being said it's very tired.
The Ghost Train. It's certainly changed and all that but it's really missing something. It feels like they've stuck wee bits here and there. It doesn't really flow anymore. In fairness I wasn't on it last year so if it's changed since 2022 apologies. If you're going for something scary then Alton Towers is the way to go (if you ignore getting punched on the one that used to be in Morecambe's Frontierland). My wee one was terrified on that, not so at the PB. If you want a more comedic spooky ride then Haunted Mansion is well done.
Looking at the Big One. I like it but it's not great. I had a bad back injury which survived Icon, Smiler, Expedition Everest, Thirt13n and load more. Last time I came off the Big One in a great deal of discomfort. They could have launched the trains over cobbles and it would have been smoother. Then there is the fact it's not really a top thrill ride. It was designed to be big and fast. They need to address the ride quality, the thrill factor and regain some sort of record. I'm not an engineer but I imagine that you could add another 30 feet to the initial drop with a steeper descent and a potential twist in there.
As for what's going to replace Grand Prix? That's a more interesting question.
River Caves is currently closed indefinitely 🤒
I don't think they have got the funds to do anything major with the Big One but are probably delaying maintenance as long as they safely can to help fund other projects like removing and replacing the Grand prix.
I think the PB is not only getting battered by it's own bad weather but by all the competion from all the other parks
It could be anything to be honest, I have been on the Big One recently and whilst rough, the Woodies seem to be worse especially Grand National. Maybe they're taking a year off and doing more on the Big One next year.
I'm hoping that Grand National has a season closed in the near future and is overhauled by Gravity Group or GCI? With the other woodies getting retracks here and there 😊
I don't think a rollercoaster 250 miles away and not a great deal bigger will make a difference. It dominates the pleasure beach. As long as it stands, it'll be the signature attraction.
Edit: also, it may not be the tallest anymore, but I'd still say its the biggest.
It's the longest, which in Big One's case isn't a good thing
@@chrisogrady28 harsh
BPB is already extremely quiet whilst Blackpool is busy, so I don’t think it can get any quieter.
The park have now lost their best USP though.
@@yourexperienceguidecan’t believe how quiet it looks on pictures week in/week out. What’s going on?!
I went to blackpool last Monday (6/5/24) and went on the big one for the first time… first drop was great but the ‘drops’ after that were VERY bumpy and hurt my back a lot so I won’t go on it again I don’t think unless it gets a retract in a few years
It has been getting retracked every winter for the past 5 years but it seems unlikely there'll be anymore done by the same company this winter.
Believe it or not it used to be smooth and enjoyable
For me the rougher the better,thats when you feel the Soul of the coaster,maybe im just old school,but a woody beats a metal coaster Anyday.And as for the Big One,they have got to keep it,its Iconic.
There’s a fine line between a rough coaster being bearable or brutal
Wishful thinking, Pleasure Beach are going to take back the height record (take guest experience to unprecedented heights) with a new coaster, a Zamperla like top thrill 2, who will also do the re-track work on the big one at the same time.
Zamperla didn't even build 90% of that ride and it's just close for an unknown amount of times because of problems 😂 why would you wish for that
Was just thinking the same, TT2 has lasted a whole week 😑
What about a Zamperla conversion? Lightning trains on Big One 2 please 😂
👀
Instead of retracking they can go in and weld up cracks and keep it going longer without full replacement track pieces.
I think an RMC conversion would legitimately be a brilliant result. But it would be much harder than usual for RMC as their current projects don't involve much welding on site.
Can’t fully reply without probably getting myself into trouble, but what I will say is they’ve been doing the welding like you say but still having to replace track
@@yourexperienceguide Yeah I would expect as much. Parks don't like to publicise it but they all have to basically weld and weld and weld to keep stuff going until there's nothing left to weld to 😂
@@ballbag Pretty much, it stands out so much on PMBO though 😬😂
Big One - it will NOT be getting replaced any time soon. With the effort originally to install it with digging foundations so far down into the ground, it was simply designed to be there for a LONG LONG time. Extend the Big One? This is something I remember winding Scott up with many years ago - however id say now that there is more a possibilty of this happening rather than replacing the ride. Im not sure how this would work - but its a possibility. RMC convertion also.
Extending the height has been discussed, but would be a shame to see this being the way to reclaim a record instead of building something new and exciting to be in the park with the Big One
@@yourexperienceguide The only way I can visualise extending the height would be to remove the lift hill track, add extensions to the mainframe along the climb, and totally reprofile the first drop. This might effect the speed of the ride too so maybe extra trims would need to be installed too.
👍
Footage I saw from Dora's Adventure from a few months ago says enough about the future of this park I'm afraid, absolute and complete neglect. It's a shame but it is what it is.
Maybe taziker are fixing old traffords roof scott
No one outside of PB knows what the financials are like but I can't imagine the money is there for a new hyper coaster to be built. I don't know the exact numbers but I would be interested to know the operating ride count year on year - I imagine it is on a negative trend and why do you think the south PB express station is not open?
They only use the south station for hotel guests now
I wonder if BPB are planning on targeting investment elsewhere in the park, I.e. a new ride, and will come back to retracking the big one will resume once a new ride is installed. (That doesn't mean a new ride is coming next year, or even 2026)
Probably looking at a 3/4 year wait minimum which may be too long to wait for certain areas
I do think they have to change it,at some point they'll have to move on from the nostalgia fans and create a path for the future. I think for cost and convenience itd be great if they could retrack and reprofile it . Keep the old fans happy and gain new ones. Its also the perfect time to make it bigger as thorpe won't be opening anything in a while and non of the other parks wouldnt build something taller
They’ve already spent a lot on retracking and there’s so much more to be done (at some point)
Galvanising and paint gives a warranty on the finish alone of approx 40 years on the finish, so the Irish Sea hasn’t battered the steel at all. Any damage would be fatigue.
Have you seen the paintwork?
@yourexperienceguide not since last year, but it's still galvanised underneath which is good for 20 years protection by itself
@@jbeattie02 I think you’re overestimating how good the paint is.
The track sections which have been taken out so far barely had any paint left on them, and were showing very clear signs of corrosion.
The only track sections with a decent paint job are the new sections from Taziker.
If Universal decide to go ahead with a UK park in Bedfordshire, I don't think it will matter what BPB (sorry, Pleasure Beach resort) do with the Big One. Once the Universal park opens circa 2030, other UK parks, and especially English parks will seriously have to up their game, and sadly I just don't think the Pleasure Beach has the money to do so.
I think they'll go ahead with the project, and from then it's up to each park to decide if they're going to sink or swim.
Maybe the plan could be to build & open the new coaster? 1st then close TBO for complete track replacement for up to two seasons ?
The new attraction would then hold up /increase attendance.
Should it transpire there is to be a change of track supplier, the ceasing of uk production of top quality engineering virgin steel may have been the catalyst. Just speculation.
I don't see any good scenario where the Big One is closed for a full season, it's been the park's biggest selling point for 30 years and the only way that'll stop is when they build something taller.
I wonder if it's for financial reasons PB are rumoured to be holding off on further bits of retracking. Add this to the poor state of areas of the park and ride closures and I'm getting quite concerned.
It’s all very concerning now
I personally dont think it will go anywhere, due to it being the most recognised ride at the park and the nostalgia of it
I’d be shocked to see it get removed
Hi scott mate.do you agree with me.i think Blackpool pleasure beach will make the big one taller it would make sense.also Amanda Thompson needs to up her game.the park is getting old and neglected which is so sad.
Hi Steve, I'd like to see them keep it going and look at building something taller, not everyone will agree but in my opinion Pleasure Beach needs to market itself to the promenade and surrounding areas. As good as ICON is, it doesn't have that wow factor from outside the park like the Big One and Ice Blast do.
that cavill model 👀
Lots of Superman stuff in my office 😀
I think the announcement will be made on the 30th anniversary of the big one ??
Do you believe they’ll make an announcement in two weeks?
As much as many enthusiasts would love to see an RMC make-over on the Big One I just don't see Pleasure Beach doing so. Why? Because as you said, it's a massively popular ride with the public and 99%+ of those likely don't know nor care about who manufactures a ride. Just that it looks good. I mean, they are the same people that'll happily lap monstrosities like Infusion and The Smiler, so it doesn't even really need to ride well. Pleasure Beach - a seaside amusement park that by reports are running at a loss, would be a bit daft to put so much money into a project when other rides and areas need the money so much more.
Have a go on an RMC coaster and you will see what the fuss is all about. The Closest One I know of is in Walibi Holland. But Zadra in Poland (Only a 2 hr flight) is well worth the trip.
@@leesmaling8582 As an enthusiast I don’t need convincing that RMCs are worth the hype. My comment simply stated that general public don’t care who manufacturers a coaster. My partner is an example. He’s ridden most of the thrill coasters in the UK and couldn’t care less.
@@felicitygoesplaces true enough that most don't care about the actual manufacturer. I am probably one of them too. But RMC has become synonymous with the style of the hybrid. I'm sure they make other styles but I couldn't tell you what they are. Zadra really changed my perception of what can be done with a coaster.
Enthusiast hype for a ride is never the same as what the GP are into.
Most enthusiasts pretend to hate the Big One whilst the GP will always want to do it.
I very much doubt the big one will be removed, especially with the continued work over the last 5 years in renewal of track. It might just have a pause in spending with lack of funds or with lower numbers & inflation. They might revisit/continue further retrack work in 1/2 years. Only BPB management will be the people who will know what's going on.
There's definitely more than just the BPB management who know about the retracking work with Taziker, but I get what you're saying. My concern is delaying the project will turn it into a more expensive project in a few years time when it becomes 15-20 sections of track that need replacing in one go, and not 6-10.
I'd buy a t shirt with a big one RMC mock up on it, they should also prob go with bigger one to maintain brand identity
Lol 😆
Why does the park close early.
Cost cutting and trying to run as a theme park 😵
@@yourexperienceguide I loved the night riding and the chaser lights on the dippers, when young.
One thing that baffles me is why parks don't call Chance. They got called out to do Phantom and that ride still makes top 10 lists but they were never called again. With all of these aging Arrows it seems to be it would be a no brainer to see what they could do.
They've previously explained why they went with Taziker ruclips.net/video/h3UthQqU0xk/видео.htmlsi=lU_swVY1HYBUjSJI
The Big One is Getting Removed from Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2026 Closing Day 🇬🇧
✡️
😑
I really dont think BPB have any idea what kind of park they want to be. It is a really sad state of affairs for them
Back to the basics of an amusement park would be great to see
The big one isn’t smooth anymore, sat at the back and got bruises on my hip and then went back on but in the back seat of the first carriage and ended up with a bad back
I just think they've run out of money with the re-track, and given the issues with other rides it's probably not a priority given the ride is still running
From the Day one they always said 235ft - but as we know that's always been Above Sea Level & is in Fact 213ft, so if that's the case then they Never had a record Breaking Coaster, as Nemesis sits 636ft Above Sea Level so this is the Biggest ;-) . so they have always Been wrong in there stats & over rated, so TBH im not bothered wat they do with the BigOne as they got more things to worry about & that's make the Park back as a Proper Sea Side Pleasure Beach once again instead of them stuck in there own STUBBERN ways & letting the Park Fade in the Background ...
Sea level or not it was the tallest in the country lol
@@yourexperienceguide No it wasn't,, if SEA LEVEL as they STATED,,, ,NEMESIS & MANY MORE are TALLER ,,, FACT
@@DjShamusUK Take sea level out of it, it’s still the current tallest in the country
It’s listed as 260 feet
Went on it for the first time the other week and its rougher than a dogs arse. Did have another go at the end of the day and was worse.
It’s definitely got rougher
If there’s any truth in this rumour whatsoever, is it possible that they’re diverting funds from that in order to sort out certain attractions that need urgent attention, i.e. caves(and yes, I know that they also need to find somebody who can make the part but that could be another thing they’re prioritising) S&S for Steeplechase or maybe Revolution Grand National work, it’s just something that came to mind when you mentioned this rumour🤔
If money is really tight at the moment, maybe there diverting funds/saving money to give it to something that needs it more?
I’m not saying the big one doesn’t need work, far from it, I’m just saying that it’s possible they may have stopped doing it temporarily in order to sort something else out.
The Big One definitely needs the work doing, that’s my biggest concern.
Nobody expected River Caves to be where it is now, but here we are. Likewise Ice Blast.
I reckon they'll simply mend and make do with it until such times as it's earmarked for closure/removal. I can't see them investing large amounts of £££ into altering the ride in any significant way.
The main objective of the retracking was to avoid it having to sit SBNO or be closed permanently, so I hope they aren't planning to run it until it has to close without any further mods now.
If the retrack work is stopping my guess would be the Pleasure Beach are diverting the money away from that to a new project. I think we might see Avalanche go in the next few years and a new coaster go into it and Grand Prix's space in like 2028 after that I think The Big One retracking will continue.
By that point it may need more than just a few sections at a time replacing
If I’m honest I wouldn’t put it past them to shut it for a season or two like they’ve done with other rides, especially if they have a shiny new coaster to market instead.
@@ToastGhost I dread to think how that’d go for them
@@yourexperienceguide Probably the same way it went for them with Valhalla just a bit worse, I’d guess they’d just frame it as a refurb for a couple years and just not do anything for most of the time, the general public wouldn’t even realise. If they really were that desperate to keep it open they’d just keep retracking it unless they actually can’t afford it
I still don’t think Amanda knows what to do with Grand Prix..
They have been actively planning out replacement ideas with coaster manufacturers
Really actually could see the big one being rmc’d
Yeah, especially since it could take back the UK height record.
@@glennzone12 I would definitely be up for it to be closed for a few seasons to regain the height record
I’m sure I saw in someone’s vlog about a year ago where Andy Hygate said that they were planning on retracking the whole ride. Maybe things have changed since then. I can’t underestimate the magnitude of maintaining the conglomerate of rides at Pleasure Beach, but at the same time the perimeters of the park feel like the Berlin Wall, and enthusiasts that have an opinion or want the park to be better are greeted like 1933 King Kong before he crashes through the gates. Nevertheless, I don’t think the Big One will go anywhere. It’s too iconic and hugely popular.
Andy was probably spot on, but things have changed by the sounds of it 🫤
1933 King Kong 😂😂😂😂 true though
I say big one will be betters in uk 2025 or 2030 or worlds record in the future I say yes 😊
I have been an avid roller coaster fan, but with all the RUclips, twitter and Facebook doing speculation here and there, themeparks/amusement parks are always very clicky on what there planning or proposing for the future as they don't want there rival what there planning, you say they should do this or do that, well it all takes money, give pleasure beach resort some slack, they are a family owned park from day one, you would think they will know what there doing, you can speculate all you like until you are blue in the face, and spread as many rumours as you like, the fact remains that they are doing there best.
I’ve been to several IAAPA expos, the industry is very supportive. Most park directors know what their competitors are doing before the info is out there in the public domain. I’ve been lucky enough to have a beer with park management and manufacturer execs from different companies at the same time, the industry supports itself.
I’ve reported on BPB on various platforms for 20 years, I’ll continue to do so by reporting honestly 😇
You reckon £20-25m to fully replace Big One with a B&M/Intamin/Mack hyper? I'd say the replacement would be that without the removal of Big One. Icon was what, £15m?
I can't see Big One going anywhere for a while. They've closed/announced the end of GP, and I think Avalanche will follow soon after. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if not only Avalanche went, but Rev and Steeplechase too before Big One. Big One is too iconic now to just ditch and replace. Love it or hate it, it's a part of UK coaster history and a major part of the Blackpool sea front.
I don't think we will see anything new for a few seasons yet tbh, they're already clearly planning something for that central area to replace GP at least.
I don't think Big One will be removed, but I am certain it needs more money spending on it to keep it going for the long term. The main objective of the retracking was to avoid it having to sit SBNO or be closed permanently, so I hope they aren't planning to run it until it has to close without any further mods now.
I don't expect to see Avalanche and the Revolution around for much longer.
@@yourexperienceguide Oh yeah, I 100% agree with that. It needs TLC, but we are a good way away from it being on the chopping block. It basically defines PBR at the moment. Avalanche and Revolution will go first I think, and I reckon that'll be to make way for something major.
Hell, I'd say they'd do away with Infusion before Big one.
@@mrrayner7162 Depends on how bad the remaining sections of the Big One track becomes, they need to avoid a situation where it’s left for a few years then ends up needing most of the track replaced in one winter to avoid it being SBNO.
The track that’s come out so far was in terrible condition.
@yourexperienceguide I'm hoping this has been assessed, and that Pleasure Beach have realistically looked at the condition of the areas they have left instead of it just being financial.
They should change its name to The Biggish One.
I'd second that!
Nobody renamed the Big Dipper coasters around the world when bigger stuff opened
The only thing more shaky then the big one is spinball at Alton towers and not a problem putting out 2025 on this date this ride is closed.
i think they will only remove the big one once it becomes to much to maintain
Honestly don’t see it being removed anytime soon
The Big Gone
Maybe they don't have the cash flow to continue paying Taziker?
Not for me to say, but if it doesn't get any further retacking work over the next few years it may become a hugely expensive refurb rather than one that can be chipped away at every winter.
On the point of the making their money back in replacing the big one with a completely like for like hyper coaster from a different manufacturer et cetera.
The only hoping hell they would get of making their money back and that is if they got their act together and not only marketed and advertised it properly Better than they did with icon but also sorted this nonsense with this P1 price and actually brought back the non-rider pass at the sensible price and the individual ride tickets, that is the only chance in my opinion that they would make their money back on it.
Today was another sad example of BPB being empty whilst the sea front was rammed
@@yourexperienceguide😔😔
I think the Big One will just continue to be retracked and maybe get new trains and that's it. I don't think they can afford to replace it. They made the mistake of not investing in new rides to bring people in and just relying too much on the heritage aspect. Perhaps they should get a national lottery grant and just call themselves 'Museum of Rollercoasters'.
I’ll be very surprised to see retracking this winter after what I’ve recently heard, but things always change 😵
I've played RCT, just delete some track and make it taller.
For God's Sake. CHANGE THE TRAINS!!!
Changing the trains won’t fix the track issues
@@yourexperienceguide No. But it would fix the train issues.
@@leesmaling8582 Issues are with the track
Blackpools in a really bad place right now. I think they've had to hold off any further retrack to save money. There are so many parts of the park that need investment, I think it's at the point where it needs the investment or it will struggle badly to pull in enough crowds to gain any profit. They need to forget the height record for now and concentrate on customer satisfaction and concentrate on what they have.
I do think it's a financial decision above all
I worry for the parks future. Tbh with how dated it is, personally it wouldn't bother me if it went bust. I just don't like the place and haven't for years unfortunately. But for people that love the park, unless there's serious investment in NEW rides, the park will fall apart. It's just too dated, expensive and looks tired. Whereas other parks are building a rebuilding, then there's the new Universal Park coming. It's game over.
It’s difficult to see how things improve without changes being made.
One look at their social media pages and the replies they get would be a good start, it’d be a clear way of seeing what would immediately improve the quietness situation.
@@yourexperienceguide Totally agree buddy. They're (she is) massively out of touch and thinks she can just rest in her laurels whilst hiking the prices up.
Forget about the future of the big one. There’s no future for the park whilst Amanda is in charge. I last went on the big one last season and vowed to next go on it ever again. For me it’s completely unrideable. It is rough beyond words and feels like it’s about to fall apart on ride. There’s no charm left for me at pleasure beach anymore. Amanda has destroyed the place.
I’m extremely worried about the future of BPB
Doesn't really matter about losing its record,this ride is still pulling in cash regardless of any speculations which are unfounded and not confirmed by amanda and the pleasure beach themselves .
In case you missed the news, BPB recorded losses for 2022 to 2023. Park was very quiet in 2023, but hopefully they made profits.
What speculation is unfounded? There’s a lot of speculation at the minute.
@@yourexperienceguide loses aren't due to the big one itself are they? It's you who thinks the big one is the cause quite clearly,stop goofing on mate .
@@markherbert1343 At what point did I say the losses were because of the Big One? 🤯
It’s obviously the main reason people visit, but it’s probably in need of a lot of money spending on it to keep it open for another 10+ years.
There’s many more problems why they’re losing money, and that’s not the Big One.
Please watch and listen before making assumptions, thank you 👍
@@yourexperienceguide listen to you too much fella and you do to ha yes listen to your comments on the big one in recent months,what a tool .
@@markherbert1343 So a few weeks ago there was a video explaining why the Big One has been retracked every winter over the last 5 years, and another one about how it’s *not* unreliable, and the narrative around it is false.
There’s no doubting it’s got rougher, but it’s still my absolute favourite coaster in the country without a doubt.
BPB’s issues are much deeper than the Big One.
It's the best looking coaster in the UK but it's a horrible horrible ride now. So so rough and once that first drop is over it's pretty bland.
It’s not bland but the roughness has taken away any enjoyment
This channel could do with a fit goth to tell me news about rollercoasters
You’re stuck with me sorry 😂
Big one, I'm not sure.Little invest.Need outside investors or go on the stock market and raise money from shareholders.Either this or not able to run and go into administration and close.Turned into housing or commercial space.Big loss if blackpool pleasure beach closes down.
For me there'd be no reason to visit Blackpool anymore
Big one
It is
close the park
Blackpool pleasure beach dont have the money to rmc the big one.
I didn't say they do, I don't think they have the money for retracking it but I was looking at all possible options in the future.
@yourexperienceguide based on that logic why don't they just tear down the whole of BPB barring icon and install some rides that don't want to snap your neck riding them?
Sadly it's now dated
Still a huge draw to the park
Problem is that the Pleasure Beach may close. It is losing money.
Haven’t seen it busy since last August bank holiday weekend
I hate this coaster. Lay out bad and boring. Roughest ride ever. Have rid it and RMC it. Ikon is amazing coaster and deserves a showstopper alongside it.
I wouldn't say ICON is amazing, it's good fun and reliable but not the best coaster at BPB. ICON has a show stopper next to it; the Big One.
Get rid of it. It was crap from the start. So boring
Bin it for a Wacky Worm XL 😂🧱👍🏼
Haha behave