April 19th, 2005

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Mini Crew Running

Pleasure Beach Blackpool - Motion Theater Chair - Mini 4D Cinema System Manufacturer

History of the Pleasure Beach

Early years

The park was initially founded in 1896 by William George Bean after he failed in his attempt to become an advertising man on New York's Madison Avenue.He returned to the UK in 1897 and opened his own small amusement parks; one adjacent to Euston Road in Great Yarmouth and another in Blackpool. The Yarmouth amusement park consisted simply of a switchback railway and bicycle railway called the Hotchkiss's Patented Railroad. Bean stayed in Yarmouth until the end of the century before moving to Blackpool to concentrate on his amusement park there.

In 1903 Bean, along with businessman John Outhwaite, purchased 30 acres of land known as the "Watson Estate" to be rented out by various trade stalls and traditional fairground rides and in 1905 the name "Blackpool Pleasure Beach" was chosen. In 1910, pleasurebeachltd was founded by Bean and Outhwaite, and to this day remains the name of the company to which the Thompson family uses to manage the park. Outhwaite died in 1911, leaving the initial business to Bean, however the Outhwaite family still had ownership in shares of the park. Further investment included the building of The Casino, The Whip, Virginia Reel, Noah's Ark, Big Dipper and Dodgems.

In 1923 land was reclaimed from the sea front. It was at this period that the park moved to its 44 acre current location above what became Watson Road, which was built under the Pleasure Beach in 1932. In 1929 Bean died suddenly of pneumonia leaving the park to his daughter, Lillian 'Doris' Bean, who had previously married a young businessman, Leonard Thompson in 1928. Thompson was an Oxford natural sciences graduate who after Bean's death immediately took over the Pleasure Beach with his wife. The park became in full control of the Thompson family after the remaining Outhwaite family sold their share of the park. Leonard Thompson became the managing director and Lillian Dorris, who later became known as Mrs L.D Thompson, OBE, became a secondary manager and director. The couple had a son named Geoffrey.

The Geoffrey Thompson era

In 1976 Leonard Thompson died unexpectedly and six months later the company secretary also died suddenly, leaving Doris Thompson commercially in charge of the whole business. Appointed chairman; she gave the role of managing director to her eldest son, Geoffrey. He had previously administered the New Era Laundries in London before returning to the Pleasure Beach as head of catering at the Casino Building. He married his wife, Barbara, shortly afterwards and they had three children, Amanda, Nicholas and Fiona. After Leonard's death, Geoffrey and his mother steadily extended the Pleasure Beach business, opening both Pleasureland Southport and Frontierland, Morecambe and invested into food-and-ride trade at the Pleasure Beach. He saw the opening of the Steeplechase, Avalanche, Revolution (now Irn-Bru Revolution), Space Invader (now Space Invader 2), Pepsi Max Big One, Playstation: The Ride! (now Tango Ice Blast: The Ride) and Valhalla.

He also became a world wide figure in the industry and inspired many other showmen and theme park owners to expand their businesses by taking risks and building a higher quality range of roller coasters throughout Europe and the United States. His daughter Amanda Thompson showcased the park by expanding her theatrical company, 'Stageworks Worldwide Productions' to be situated primarily at the Pleasure Beach. Stageworks created almost all of the shows which would become a famous trademark within Pleasure Beach, including the world-famous Hot Ice dancing extravaganza which showed as a matinee and evening show in the Pleasure Beach arena until the 2009 season. Geoffrey Thompson died on 12 June 2004 immediately passing the role of Managing Director (of Pleasure Beach and Pleasureland) to Amanda Thompson. Nicholas Thompson became the Deputy Managing Director and Fiona Thompson became a fundamental architect (she has been praised over her work on both the Pepsi Max Big One's station and the Infusion station.) Nine days later, on 23 June, Mrs L.D Thompson, OBE died leaving the entire business to Amanda Thompson (who is the current managing director) and Nicholas Thompson who remains as the deputy managing director.

Managing Directors

Name

Year(s)

John Outhwaite

1896 - 1911

William G. Bean

1896 - 1929

Leonard Thompson

1929 - 1976

Doris Thompson

1929 - 2004

Geoffrey Thompson

1976 - 2004

Amanda Thompson

2004 -

The Current park

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is situated along the South Shore area of Blackpool along the Fylde coast, adjacent to the promenade, opposite South Pier along Ocean Boulevard and directly above Watson road. The main entrance is to the front of the initial park and approximatley 38 metres from the Pleasure Beach Casino. The ticket sales is opposite the entrance (below the Noah's Ark attraction) and is adjacent to the Globe Theatre. The main car park is to the left side of the White Tower restaurant, behind Valhalla and to the right of the Grand National station. The additional coach park is to the back of the park adjacent to the trim break section of the Pepsi Max Big One and in front of Rollercoaster. Numerous self catering kiosks are situated near to the entrance of the park. The entrance plaza is directly behind the Casino building and is themed to correspond with the Noah's Ark ride which site on top of the structure. The park is lined with tall metal gates that connect to the entrance building and the main gift shop, underneath the Noah's Ark ride. The staff entrance is towards the back of the park, behind the Grand National.

The park is currently home to over 125 rides and attractions, including twelve roller coasters, of which five are wooden - the Grand National, Big Dipper, Rollercoaster, Wild Mouse and Zipper Dipper. The newest roller coaster is, 'Infusion' which was opened in 2007. 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 5,497 feet long. Currently, the ride holds the crown as the tallest in the UK, measuring 213 ft, (235 ft above sea level.) and features a drop of 205 ft. The Pleasure Beach is one of the few parks left in the world to operate a traditional wooden Wild Mouse coaster. The ride was built entirely in house, post-World War II and is still in complete working order. It was also the first park in Europe to introduce a full inverting steel coaster, Irn-Bru Revolution, and the first to install a Space Shot ride, Tango Ice Blast which was manufactured by S&S Sports Of Utah. The park went on to launch Valhalla, which was designed by Sarner, a UK based theme park design company. Valhalla is sponsored by the Daily Star and remains prominently the 'biggest and most spectacular dark ride in the world.' Later the Pleasure Beach opened Bling, a Zierer Star Shape spin ride of which only two are operated in the world. The latest record is taken by Infusion which is the world's first suspended looping coaster entirely over water. The park has a wide variety of modern and classic-age rides and operates a separate children-themed section called 'Beaver Creek' towards the back of the park near the entrance of the 'Space Invader 2' roller coaster. This section of the park includes numerous small attractions suitably aimed at younger children. This corresponds with the parks mascots, Bradley and Bella Beaver who roam the park on a daily basis entertaining the younger visitors.

The park has numerous food stalls, restaurants and cafs including the 'Italian Job' Italian themed restaurant, situated next to the Tom Sawyer bridge, adjacent to the Big Dipper station, and the UK's largest Burger King chain restaurant, with two levels. It also owns the 'White Tower Restaurant' a tall white building near the front of the park which is used and is hired for private parties.

Awards and achievements

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 and was voted second best seaside park in the world. It is currently named as the UK's largest and most popular tourist attraction by the British Tourist Board exceeding 6 million visitors a year. 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. Previous general manager Jim Rowland received an honorship for his commitment to the Lancashire tourism industry and on behalf of Pleasure Beach. Doris Thompson received a number of awards for her commitment to the park. She also had a rose named after her, the "Lillian Dorris".

Admission

For the 2009 season the park introduced an entrance charge after having previously for its entire existence been a free-to-enter park. The park was criticized over its decision by the "Stop The Charge" protest group, headed by protestor Stuart McNeil who set up pages on MySpace and Facebook as well as canvassing outside the park gates informing people of the charges. On 13 February 2009 the group presented a petition to the Pleasure Beach with a claimed 19,823 signatures of local residents and tourists, calling for the entrance charge to be abolished. This was unsuccessful. The Pleasure Beach now has a variety of payment methods, all payable upon entrance.

Unlimited ride wristbands

Most commonly used is the 'Unlimited Ride Wristband' option, whereby wristbands are sold at costs between 20 and 30 depending on the time of year and promotional season. These wristbands are valid only for one day, and include a printed barcode unique to the day. Access to each ride is via a turnstile, which must be unlocked by scanning the barcode. At the end of each day, a computer calculates how many guests have used the ride during the day. 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 void and invalid. Unlimited Ride Wristbands allow access to both the interior park and the children's-themed area of the park Beaver Creek.

Junior Wristband

At a cost of 20, younger guests may access the park with a special junior wristband which allows entry to both the Beaver Creek children's park and the interior park. Access to larger rides is permitted but must be afflicted with the general safety/height restrictions.

Pleasure Beach Pass

Guests who do not wish to purchase ride wristbands are required to purchase a 5 Pleasure Beach Pass. A guest holding a Pleasure Beach Pass is entitled to upgrade to any wristband type or purchase Ride Tickets once inside the park. The Pleasure Beach Pass allows access to the park and to selected attractions within the park area covering Water Dance Show, Chinese Puzzle maze, Pleasure Beach Express, as well as the South Beach Musical stage show at Planet Rock.

Attractions

Roller coasters

Name

Opened

Brief Description

Avalanche

1988

A bobsled rollercoaster.

Big Dipper

1923

A traditional wooden rollercoaster and a classic amongst coaster enthusiasts. Extended in 1936. Returning in 2010 after accident sustained in August 2009

Grand National

1934

A wooden racing roller coaster. A classic among coaster enthusiasts.

Infusion

2007

A Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster and the first of its kind in the world to be built completely over water. (Formerly operated at Pleasureland Southport as the "Traumatizer" until 2006.)

Irn Bru Revolution

1979

Opened as the first modern looping coaster in the UK. An Arrow Dynamics shuttle coaster with an inversion. Has a unique cantilevered support structure.

Pepsi Max Big One

1994

An Arrow Dynamics hyper coaster with a highest point of 235 ft above sea level or 213 ft above the ground. It reaches speeds of up to 74mph.

Rollercoaster

1933

An out and back wooden rollercoaster aimed at the younger generation. Occasionally SBNO throughout the 2010 Season.

Steeplechase

1977

A three-tracked racing steel roller coaster and the last of its kind in existence.

Wild Mouse

1958

One of only three operating wooden wild mouse roller coaster's in the world.

Zipper Dipper

1934

A children wooden coaster composed of bunny hills and a tunnel. Located in Beaver Creek.

Thrill rides

Name

Opened

Brief Description

Bling

2004

A "Star Shape" ride made by German company Zierer, one of only three in the world.

Ice Blast: The Ride

1997

An S&S Power Space Shot which stands at 210 ft above sea level.

Water rides

Name

Opened

Brief Description

Beaver Creek Log Chute

A one lift hill Log Flume

River Caves

1905

Boat based dark ride, visiting displays of "around the world".

Swamp Buggies

Water buggy rides. Also a PPR attraction.

Valhalla

2000

Themed Viking dark flume ride, laden with special effects.

General rides

Name

Opened

Brief Description

Adventure Golf

2008

9-hole course located just outside the main entrance.

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. It was damaged by the fire that destroyed the Grand National station on 20 May 2004.

Derby Racer

1958

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

2010

New Dodgems attraction opening in the 2010 Season

Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machines

1904

The oldest attraction in the park.

Gallopers

Ornate traditional English carousel.

Gold Mine

A dark ride featuring scenes of a gold mine theme. Occasionally SBNO throughout the 2010 Season.

Go Karts

PPR attraction.

Ghost Train

1930

A Dark ride. This ghost train was the first in the world and is where the ride name "Ghost Train" originates.It was named and built in 1930 by Mr Emberton.[citation needed]

Grand Prix

Diesel Powered automobile ride.

Impossible

2002

(Previously 1001 Troubles and The Haunted Swing) - a mirror maze, followed by displays of optical illusions, and a haunted swing ride.

Monorail

Travels around the park and through the back of Valhalla. Has three trains, covered/semi covered/open.

Veteran Carousel

A classic carousel ride.

Beaver Creek rides

Beaver Creek Log Chute - A one lift hill Log Flume (Also Known as Beaver Creek the ride)

Chinese Puzzle Maze - a small maze.

Convoy Ride - All trucks are painted in Eddie Stobart colours including names.

Helicopters - Children's helicopter spinning ride.

Lunar Carousel - A space-themed carousel.

Magic Mountain - Children's Dark ride

Mini Dodgems - Pint-sized children's bumper cars.

Pirate Ride

Pleasure Beach Express - A miniature railway.

Tetley's Teacup Ride - Children's Teacup/Waltzer ride

Thor's Turnpike - A children's automobile track ride.

Top Rallye - Miniature PPR Go kart ride

Standing but not operating

Trauma Towers - This ride has not re-opened since November 2008.

Space Invader 2 - The ride has been closed due to Health & Safety. In October 2009, Pleasure Beach officially put the ride up for sale.

Noah's Ark - This ride has not re-opened since November 2008.

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. It is only closed two-five days a year

Arcades and Midway Sideshows

Gallery @ The Globe

Shows

Hot Ice and Forbidden

Hot Ice is a skating extravaganza show which was created by Stageworks Worldwide Productions, a Blackpool and West End based company owned by Amanda Thompson, the managing director of Pleasure Beach. The show has been running for many years and stars Olympic ice skaters and dancers. The show is performed in an auditorium in the Arena, a large skating rink in the centre of the park. The Arena is also open to the public when matinee performances of Hot Ice are not featured. Forbidden, shown in the Globe theatre at the entrance of the park is a variety show featuring a range of Circus Type acts,Dancers and amazing special effects. Only Forbidden is currently not showing. The Globe Theater is currently used to house the 'Big One Talent Show' and the Arena will be used for Hot Ice in July to September 2010.

Cafes, restaurants, pubs and accommodation

Food and drink

Bradley Beaver Catering Co. - located in Beaver Creek. Serves a wide range of snacks and meals.

Cafe Boulevard - Located on Ocean Boulevard. Includes snacks and ice-cream. Licensed restaurant

Casino Bar restaurant - A small bar

Coasters - An American style diner. Vintage waltzer, roller coaster and dodgem carriages used as seating.

The Fish Inn - A seafood restaurant situated in the Casino at the entrance to Pleasure Beach.

The Horseshoe - Serves a variety of different meals.

Ice Lounge - Serves ice cream, desserts, and hot and cold drinks.

Italian Job restaurant - Centrally located licensed restaurant.

Magnolia Cafe - A family themed cafe bar serving a selection of Southern Fried Chicken dishes.

Mr Fu's Sailing Junk restaurant NO MORE - Located on Ocean Boulevard. Chinese food.

Pizza Hut - Opened 1986. Located on Ocean Boulevard.

Rib Shack - Located in the Bowladrome, a fun sports arcade. Serves hickory smoked char grilled ribs, fries and a selection of burgers. It can also be hired for private parties.

Southern Fried Chicken - Family themed cafe bar.

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.

Pubs

The Star - A traditional family pub. Home to Pleasure Beach's brand new pop bands.

The Big Blue Hotel

The Big Blue Hotel is a Four star family hotel, owned by Pleasure Beach Blackpool and is situated within the outskirts of the park, near the now disused south entrance behind the Pepsi Max Big One and adjacent to Blackpool Pleasure Beach railway station. The hotel opened in Spring 2003. It is currently the highest awarded hotel in the North West of England.

Damaging events and incidents

Big Dipper

On 11 August 2009, two trains - carrying a total of 32 guests - collided, resulting in 21 guests requiring treatment at a nearby hospital for injuries ranging from whiplash and broken noses, to cuts and bruises.

Fun House

On 16th December 1991, the Fun House attraction (first opened in 1934) was completely destroyed by a fire. Valhalla (opened in 2000) was built in its place.

Grand National

On 20 May 2004 the Grand National station was destroyed by a fire that also damaged Alice 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.

Pepsi Max Big One

On 31 August 2000, 23 people were injured, when two ride vehicles collided due to a failure of the ride's braking system. Of those injured, 21 were taken to the hospital.

Space Invader 2

On 21 July 2000, an 11-year-old boy died after he fell out of the ride vehicle. Reports say that he panicked on the dark ride and unfastened his seatbelt.

Club Pleasure Beach

The Pleasure Beach has its own enthusiast club, Club Pleasure Beach. It is run as a non profit organisation and 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.

Television series

In 1997 the Pleasure Beach featured in a six part BBC documentary, which followed the day to day running of the park. It was mainly focused on the rides and the park managers, Jim Rowland and Keith Allen. The film crews also spoke to Geoffrey Thompson and Amanda Thompson, the director and producer of Stageworks Worldwide Productions (which directs, produces and choreographs the shows within the park.)

In popular culture

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is featured as a park in the "Loopy Landscapes" expansion pack for the original Roller Coaster Tycoon PC game.

The music video for Simply Red's song "Fairground" was also shot here.

Gallery

The Hotchkiss Bicycle Railroad.

When opened on 28 May 1994 The Pepsi Max Big One was the tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coaster in the world.

Rides at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

A view over the park, taken from the lift hill of the Pepsi Max

The Valhalla ride, which is themed around a mythical place from Norse mythology

Statues inside the Chinese Puzzle Maze. The rollercoaster track passing over it is from the Pepsi Max

A large Pleasure Beach sign just outside the park, at night.

Part of the Big Dipper with Infusion behind it and the Pepsi Max Big One dwarfing both of them in the background.

The Irn Bru Revolution.

Two trains of the Grand National

The Avalanche bobsled roller coaster.

Pleasure Beach Blackpool from South Pier.

The older rides have historical plaques like this one on Wild Mouse.

The entrance and Casino at night.

The Pepsi Max Big One at night.

See also

Incidents at European parks

Pleasureland Southport

Frontierland, Morecambe

References

^ http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/news/pleasure-beach-opens-13th-feb-2010-for-half-price-fun-weekends_1291.php

^ http://www.connectingindustry.com/downloads/pwteaerasupp.pdf

^ "Pleasure Beach top of the world". Blackpool Gazette. 15 September 2007. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-news/Pleasure-Beach-top-of-the.3203927.jp. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Petition presented to Blackpool Pleasure Beach". Blackpool Gazette. 13 February 2009. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpool-news/Petition-presented-to-Blackpool-Pleasure.4978796.jp. Retrieved 14 February 2009. 

^ "Changes to Pleasure Beach pricing structure 2009". Pleasure Beach Blackpool. 10 February 2008. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/shop/pricing2009.htm. Retrieved 15 February 2008. 

^ "Avalanche (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id789.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Big Dipper (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id790.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ a b "Grand National (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id792.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Infusion (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id3672.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Irn-Bru Revolution (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id788.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Pepsi Max Big One (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id775.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Steeplechase (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id795.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Wild Mouse (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id796.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Zipper Dipper (Pleasure Beach, Blackpool)". Roller Coaster Database. http://www.rcdb.com/id797.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Bradley Beaver Catering Co.". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/bradley-beaver-catering-co-/1/28/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Cafe Boulevard". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/cafe-boulevard/1/31/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Casino Bar". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/casino-bar/1/36/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Coasters". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/coasters/1/7/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Fish Inn". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/fish-inn/1/8/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, The Horseshoe". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/the-horseshoe/1/37/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Ice Lounge". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/ice-lounge/1/33/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Italian Job". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/italian-job/1/10/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Mr Fu's Sailing Junk". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/mr-fu-s-sailing-junk/1/6/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Pizza Hut". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/pizza-hut/1/12/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Rib Shack". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/rib-shack/1/11/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, Southern Fried Chicken". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/southern-fried-chicken/1/27/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, White Tower Restaurant". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/white-tower-restaurant/1/5/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "White Tower Restaurant". White Tower Restaurant. http://www.whitetowerrestaurant.co.uk/whitetower.php. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Eating & drinking at Pleasure Beach, The Star". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/eating/the-star/1/32/. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Welcome to the Big Blue Hotel". Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. http://www.bigbluehotel.com/welcome.php. Retrieved 15 September 2007. 

^ "Big Dipper accident leaves thrill-seekers injured". The Times. 11 August 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6792903.ece. Retrieved 11 August 2009. 

^ "23 injured as roller coaster carriages collide". The Independent. 1 September 2000. http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article259310.ece. Retrieved 5 January 2007. 

^ "Four hurt in fairground fall". bbc.co.uk. 30 July 2000. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/858418.stm. Retrieved 30 January 2007. 

Coordinates: 534725 30320 / 53.79028N 3.05556W / 53.79028; -3.05556

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pleasure Beach Blackpool

Blackpool Pleasure Beach - official site

Club Pleasure Beach website

v  d  e

Roller coasters at Pleasure Beach Blackpool

Operating:

Avalanche  Big Dipper  Grand National  Infusion  Irn Bru Revolution  Pepsi Max Big One  Rollercoaster  Steeplechase  Wild Mouse  Zipper Dipper

Past coasters:

Big Apple  Cyclone  Morgan's Circus Clown Coaster  Scenic Railway  Space Invader 2  Tokaydo Express  Velvet Coaster  Vikingar  Virginia Reel

v  d  e

Attractions in Blackpool, England

Current:

Blackpool Tower   Pleasure Beach   North Pier   Central Pier   South Pier   Blackpool Zoo   Blackpool Illuminations

v  d  e

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ltd Parks

Current:

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

Former:

Frontierland, Morecambe  Pleasureland Southport  Magic Harbor

v  d  e

UK Theme Parks

Merlin Theme Parks:

Alton Towers  Chessington World of Adventures  Legoland Windsor  Thorpe Park

Other Selected Theme Parks:

Barry Island Pleasure Park  Blackgang Chine  Blackpool Pleasure Beach  Drayton Manor  Dreamland Margate  Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach  Flamingo Land  Lightwater Valley  Loudoun Castle  New Pleasureland  Oakwood  Paultons Park  Robin Hill  Pleasurewood Hills

Categories: 1896 establishments | Amusement parks in England | Pleasure Beach, Blackpool | Visitor attractions in LancashireHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from February 2009

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