Latest news with #IceBlast
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tried Blackpool Pleasure Beach's newest ride - it's not for the timid'
The UK's favourite amusement park has had a big new addition to its line-up this week, as one of its iconic attractions was officially unveiled with a new look - and a brand new name It's been a bumper year for UK theme parks, with Universal Studios announcing its arrival and major new attractions popping up at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Closer to Greater Manchester, Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort has also been making waves, particularly this week with the grand reveal of its revamped and rebranded Launch Pad. I was among the first to test the ride on Wednesday morning (May 7), just hours before it officially opened its doors to the public, writes the Manchester Evening News's Adam Maidment. It's a heart-pounding adrenaline rush as riders are catapulted 210ft into the air at a blistering 80mph. READ MORE: 'Gorgeous' £9 body spray perfume 'just as good if not better than Sol de Janeiro' A word of advice - keep breakfast light before hopping on. If you're a regular at Pleasure Beach Resort, you might already be acquainted with Launch Pad, albeit under a different guise. Since its debut in 1997, it's gone through several name changes - starting life as Playstation: The Ride and later becoming known as Tango Ice Blast and then simply Ice Blast. But 28 years after its initial unveiling, bosses told me on opening day that it's been given a 'new lease of life'. In fact, it's undergone such a transformation that it's best considered a brand new ride. There's a fresh theme, vibrant new colours, a catchy new soundtrack and even a new cylinder. Diving into the mechanics without getting bogged down in jargon, the thrill of the ride is largely due to the pressure cylinder operating at a whopping 105 PSI, exerting a force of 105 pounds. Karl Murphy, Pleasure Beach Resort's engineering director, has previously remarked: "We've increased the force, which means the acceleration is greater." As someone who'd never experienced the ride's earlier incarnations, I was essentially going in blind, save for the anticipation of being catapulted skywards. Its longstanding popularity hinted at an extraordinary experience awaiting. The ride's space theme is a perfect match, easily conjuring images of being aboard a rocket about to blast off. A brief countdown from mission control and suddenly, it's lift-off time. The immediate surge of speed is electrifying, prompting involuntary shouts of excitement (or terror). The sensation of the G-force is palpable, offering a taste of astronaut life without leaving Earth. And if you manage to regain your composure while suspended 210ft high, do take a moment to appreciate Blackpool's beauty on a clear day – the sandy stretches, the iconic Tower, and the expansive views are truly breathtaking. The new attraction may be brief, but it is so engaging that you'll likely fancy multiple rides if the queues are manageable. Beyond Launch Pad, visitors can enjoy other attractions such as Valhalla, previously crowned the best water ride in Europe, and the legendary The Big One roller coaster which, at 213 feet tall, has endured admirably for 31 years. Pleasure Beach Resort recently refreshed Valhalla two years ago - a move that has seen it reclaim its title as the best water ride in Europe - and is maintaining its momentum by updating classic attractions, with River Caves next in line. At the Launch Pad debut gathering, Pleasure Beach Resort CEO Amanda Thompson OBE underscored the significance of these revitalisations: "Re-imaginings like this one are fantastic for our industry. Not only do they create a new and incredibly powerful ride experience, they're sustainable, and they allow us to re-invent beloved attractions for generations to come." Even to newcomers who missed the ride's earlier versions, the care and investment poured into reimagining Launch Pad is evident; the attraction has been reborn with abundant new features that almost render it a brand-new experience. Pleasure Beach Resort is certainly pulling out all the stops to maintain its standing as one of the top theme parks in the UK, and perhaps even further afield. They're also gearing up to unveil a brand-new Gyro Swing next year, with a hefty price tag of £8.72m, set to be the largest of its kind on these shores. You'd do well to add Launch Pad to your itinerary for your next jaunt to Pleasure Beach Resort - it's sure to sweep away the cobwebs.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch
Plus, a mum has revealed how to pay just £10pp on theme park days out BLAST OFF I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch IT'S launch day, but this isn't my first rodeo on Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 'new' shot tower ride, Launch Pad. Known as Ice Blast until 2023 and PlayStation: The Ride before that, anyone familiar with Blackpool will know this vertical steel giant well. Advertisement 7 The ride was known as Ice Blast until 2023 Credit: Lee Bell 7 The ride has been at the park since 1997 Credit: Lee Bell 7 Over the past year it has had a huge makeover Credit: Lee Bell It's one of the park's classic thrill rides, and it's been flinging riders to jaw-dropping heights since 1997. But after one year off, it's back, having had a huge makeover that's aims to get your stomach churning like never before. Lucky for me - I was one of the first to give it a spin ahead of its public opening this week. Besides an updated name, theme and fresh blue and red paint job, the daunting 210-foot structure has been overhauled with a brand-new launch cylinder to give it an extra kick. Blackpool Pleasure Beach claims this 'reimagined' ride now serves a punchier, more intimidating experience as it hurls you 20 storeys skywards. Advertisement And I have to say, after multiple rides at its official press launch, I can't argue with that. With a rocket-like blast off that catapults you vertically at speeds of up to 80mph in mere seconds before a sudden, stomach-lurching plunge back to earth, I can confirm that the experience is better than ever. Launch Pad isn't the first time Blackpool has updated an old ride to offer visitors a new experience. The park's legendary water ride, Valhalla, received a £4million re-imagining in 2023, and Pleasure Beach announced at its 2025 season launch that fan-favourite River Caves will also be getting a revamp later this year. Advertisement The park's bosses say overhauling existing rides isn't just about a new name and a fresh paint job. Reusing Launch Pad's structure also means less waste - something the park's CEO, Amanda Thompson, said is better for the planet, right before cutting the ribbon. Seaside theme park gets reimagined ride She added that this is something Pleasure Beach is focusing on more and more - giving old favourites a new lease of life. And that's what they did with Launch Pad. Instead of scrapping a classic, they gave the ride a proper upgrade that feels familiar, but hits different. Advertisement Launch Pad is open now - and if you've ridden it before, don't expect the same experience. This is faster, louder, and more intense. After Blackpool Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson, cut the ribbon and announced Launch Pad as officially open, we were let loose inside the ride area, which has a cool new 'space exploration' theme. Added oomph Alongside the galactic soundtrack, there's updated seats and restraints, and a themed launch sequence, which counts you down to take-off - alongside theatrical smoke - just like you're blasting off into the stars. However, the biggest update to Launch Pad is an upgraded pneumatic cylinder, now operating at a whopping 105 pounds per square inch (PSI). I'm told that this boost in pressure means a much faster ascent, with riders fired upwards with more force. And you really feel it. Advertisement The increase in kinetic energy is what makes the launch feel completely different. Comparing it to previous years, it now feels sharper and way more aggressive - from the g-force that pushes you down into your seat at lift off, to the floaty weightlessness you feel when you hit the top. 7 Part of the upgrade includes a faster ascent Credit: Lee Bell 7 Riders will reach 210 feet, with views across the park Credit: Lee Bell Advertisement And no matter how many times you ride it, it doesn't lose its edge. Sure, your stomach is left on the floor, but before long, you're rewarded with epic views across the whole of Blackpool, its beaches and beyond. Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season, including welcoming visitors to the Nickelodeon Land area of the park for the first time in over 10-years. In addition, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been crowned as the best family-owned theme park in the country. The amusement park first opened in 1896 and has been kept in the same family since. Advertisement Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort prices start from £28 for kids and £30 for adults. A mum recently revealed how she pays just £10pp on theme park days out for a family-of-five. Plus, the major UK theme park to get huge new land by 2027 with rollercoasters, kids rides and indoor attractions. 7 Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season Credit: Lee Bell Advertisement
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was one of the first to try the revamped ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – with new 80mph launch
IT'S launch day, but this isn't my first rodeo on Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 'new' shot tower ride, Launch Pad. Known as Ice Blast until 2023 and PlayStation: The Ride before that, anyone familiar with Blackpool will know this vertical steel giant well. 7 The ride was known as Ice Blast until 2023 Credit: Lee Bell 7 The ride has been at the park since 1997 Credit: Lee Bell 7 Over the past year it has had a huge makeover Credit: Lee Bell It's one of the park's classic thrill rides, and it's been flinging riders to jaw-dropping heights since 1997. But after one year off, it's back, having had a huge makeover that's aims to get your stomach churning like never before. Lucky for me - I was one of the first to give it a spin ahead of its public opening this week. Besides an updated name, theme and fresh blue and red paint job, the daunting 210-foot structure has been overhauled with a brand-new launch cylinder to give it an extra kick. Read more on Blackpool And I have to say, after multiple rides at its official press launch, I can't argue with that. With a rocket-like blast off that catapults you vertically at speeds of up to 80mph in mere seconds before a sudden, stomach-lurching plunge back to earth , I can confirm that the experience is better than ever. Launch Pad isn't the first time Blackpool has updated an old ride to offer visitors a new experience. The park's legendary Most read in News Travel The park's bosses say overhauling existing rides isn't just about a new name and a fresh paint job. Reusing Launch Pad's structure also means less waste - something the park's CEO, Amanda Thompson, said is better for the planet, right before cutting the ribbon. Seaside theme park gets reimagined ride She added that this is something Pleasure Beach is focusing on more and more - giving old favourites a new lease of life. And that's what they did with Launch Pad. Instead of scrapping a classic, they gave the Launch Pad is open now - and if you've ridden it before, don't expect the same experience. This is faster, louder, and more intense. After Blackpool Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson, cut the ribbon and announced Launch Pad as officially open, we were let loose inside the ride area, which has a cool new Added oomph Alongside the galactic soundtrack, there's updated seats and restraints, and a themed launch sequence, which counts you down to take-off - alongside theatrical smoke - just like you're blasting off into the stars. However, the biggest update to Launch Pad is an upgraded pneumatic cylinder, now operating at a whopping 105 pounds per square inch (PSI). I'm told that this boost in pressure means a much faster ascent, with riders fired upwards with more force. And you really feel it. The increase in kinetic energy is what makes the launch feel completely different. Comparing it to previous years, it now feels sharper and way more aggressive - from the g-force that pushes you down into your seat at lift off, to the floaty weightlessness you feel when you hit the top. 7 Part of the upgrade includes a faster ascent Credit: Lee Bell 7 Riders will reach 210 feet, with views across the park Credit: Lee Bell And no matter how many times you ride it, it doesn't lose its edge. Sure, your stomach is left on the floor, but before long, you're rewarded with epic views across the whole of Blackpool, its Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season, including welcoming visitors to the Nickelodeon Land area of the park for the first time in over 10-years. In addition, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been crowned as the best family-owned theme park in the country. The amusement park first opened in 1896 and has been kept in the same family since. Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort prices start from £28 for kids and £30 for adults. A mum recently revealed how she pays just £10pp on theme park days out for a family-of-five. Plus, the major 7 Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently reopened for the season Credit: Lee Bell 7 The reopening included welcoming visitors to Nickelodeon Land for the first time in 10 years Credit: Lee Bell
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Biggest-of-its-kind new ride to launch at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort is set to launch a brand new £8.72m ride next year, the biggest of its kind in the UK. A new giant swinging pendulum, double the size of other similar gyro swings, will be added to the park in 2026. The new pendulum ride, Project MMXXVI, will spin and swing riders as they reach high points of up to 138 feet. Seating up to 40 thrillseekers at a time, the riders will face outward with their legs dangling, to deliver an 'exhilarating' sensation of flying. The theme park on the Blackpool coast says that while other swinging pendulum rides exist in the UK, none will come close to its new ride in terms of height. At Drayton Manor's Maelstrom, its swinging pendulum ride reaches approximately 74 feet – Pleasure Beach Resort's new ride will be almost double that at its highest point. Amanda Thompson, the CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: 'We're thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway. 'We're well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense. 'The Gyro Swing is one of the most exciting flat rides in existence – it's dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top. 'It will be a fantastic addition to our ride line-up and we can't wait to see people's reactions when they experience it for the first time. 'We'll be announcing more details soon and we're very excited for the future at Pleasure Beach Resort.' Work has already started in preparation for the new ride earlier this year, including the demolition of the former Bowl-A-Drome. The resort says the ride will be found in the north of the park close to the perimeter, to give riders the feeling that they are being swung over the sea. Alongside the announcement, Pleasure Beach Resort said that its Ice Blast ride has been reimagined and updated and will be reintroduced as 'Launch Pad' this spring. Additionally, new scenes from the latest Wallace & Gromit instalment, Vengeance Most Fowl, will be added to its Thrill-O-Matic ride. It also announced that its River Caves ride, a family favourite since 1905, will be the next attraction to receive a re-imagining to keep the experience fresh for returning guests.
