RevolutionRuleZ
Mega Poster
They actually did that a few years ago as part of Vampire Beach and I enjoyed it, so I was baffled when it was dropped.So they don't have a scare maze in their existing maze? Baffling.
They actually did that a few years ago as part of Vampire Beach and I enjoyed it, so I was baffled when it was dropped.So they don't have a scare maze in their existing maze? Baffling.
"Often, your biggest critics are critics because they're also the ones who care the most"At the end of the day, there's right and wrong on both sides of the argument.
If I had an array of criticism for Pleasure Beach (which I suppose I do at times) then I would certainly not be dipping into my wallet to buy a season pass each consecutive year.
It's quite amusing really. To moan about a wide range of issues but in the same instance, pay for a season pass and continue to financially support what is effectively the status quo.
"Often, your biggest critics are critics because they're also the ones who care the most"
- Me
Just now, 2023
In all seriousness, I watched a PBE (or whatever they're calling themselves now) video earlier, in which Scott was saying basically the same thing. They know they're guilty of moaning a lot, but it's because they've seen BPB at the best of times and the worst, and whilst they love the place unconditionally, they still want what's best for the place and have a right to be vocal. Kind of like how a football fan can slate his own team, but turn up week in week out and get behind them.
Made sense to me...
Equally they won’t be in a position to change if people just stop supporting them… BPB is not a profitable company as it is, each season is a struggle, if a good chunk of their funding was suddenly pulled, that would spell the end for the park these pass holders love. They aren’t investing much because they do not have much money to invest.That's fine but realistically they're not going to implement changes based on passholder feedback if they're getting your money regardless
People can do what they want of course, I'm simply saying it's amusing when people endlessly slate something yet pour money into it despite this. I love BPB and have as much nostalgia and history with it as the next person, but I personally won't be visiting regularly nowadays until there's something new that piques my interest, whether it's a ride, better opening hours or whatever.
Equally they won’t be in a position to change if people just stop supporting them… BPB is not a profitable company as it is, each season is a struggle, if a good chunk of their funding was suddenly pulled, that would spell the end for the park these pass holders love. They aren’t investing much because they do not have much money to invest.
You clearly don’t have any emotional attachment to the park, (maybe you’re not the type to be emotionally attached to any park?) Otherwise you’d understand this point of view. And that’s fine. But some people do love the park enough to have an emotional attachment to it, despite being able to see (and voice their concerns about) it’s flaws. And that’s fine too.
Didn’t Amanda make general sweeping remarks about all pass holders? Not just the tiny minority who take it to extremes, and borderline stalk her with their concerns? She used phrases like ‘all those people with season passes’ and ‘these people.’Whilst I don't entirely disagree with your sentiments, I don't think that if some passholders withdraw from their annual purchase of a season pass, the park will go under. BPB have a lot of advantages and its one of the most accessible parks in the UK. Christ, if Lightwater and Oakwood are still around then it'll take a lot more to reshape Pleasure Beach.
The point I am making in this regard is also taking into consideration the wider context. Cost of living crisis, inflation etc etc.
I have an affection for Pleasure Beach. It's my local park, my most visited park and the first park I ever visited. I wouldn't consider myself a fanboy in that I don't visit regularly these days (I used to year on year) but I have to draw the line somewhere. I tend to visit much less now, but for me that is the best way for me to actually enjoy being in the park. I like having the space to want to go back. Each to their own of course. Maybe that's why all of the micro issues people bang on about don't affect me quite as egregiously as they do others.
Again, let me emphasise; I'm specifically talking about pass holders that regularly cite a barrage of issues and find themselves complaining about a huge number of things on a regular basis. The sort that message the park on socials, tweet Amanda with it. It's a bit weird, obsessive almost. Surely, just don't bother with the season pass?
I'm sure BPB management are savvy enough to pick up on trends. If they saw a drop in numbers there, they'd have to reflect on why, and that's where they'd probably ask for feedback (surveys, comment forms etc) and possibly make some of the changes people ask for.
I dunno, it's worked in other businesses, industries etc. But when you keep throwing your hard earned money at them yet continue to constantly moan, you can't expect the changes you ask for. There's no incentive.
It's worth noting that the most recent set of accounts cover the 2021 season, where COVID restrictions ended, nobody could go abroad, most parks were rammed over the summer, and the park were also benefitting from government subsidy such as reduced VAT.I have to concede on their profitability though, I hadn’t checked for a while, and I was wrong. Their most recent accounts show record turnover and not just profit, but £6.5m profit, in a year!!! For the first time in years they’re a profitable company again. Their turnover was £39m vs just £16.5m the year before and £28m the year before that. So actually, despite all the moaning from pass holders, and the snide remarks from Amanda, things are looking up.
Yep, good point worth mentioning. BPBLTD will have already had an idea of their 2022 figures when they submitted, (most accounting is done real time now due to RTI,) and they very clearly state that 2022 will not be as good.It's worth noting that the most recent set of accounts cover the 2021 season, where COVID restrictions ended, nobody could go abroad, most parks were rammed over the summer, and the park were also benefitting from government subsidy such as reduced VAT.
While the profitability of 2021 is certainly promising, I think we need to at least wait for 2022's figures before we can conclude a long-term trend.
It’s insane to think isn’t it, doesn’t feel like yesterday that we were excited for it. 2018 was the last real cause for any excitement in the UK, and that wasn’t all that huge… I can’t frikkin wait for next year!!! Calling it now… The Uk’s 2 best coasters are opening / reopening in the same year. (And BPB will be left further behind.)Amanda's public comments are always a potential banana skin moment, let's be honest. Someone needs keep her away from Twitter and microphones. She'd be so much better dedicating herself to shows and the performing arts stuff.
I think that a lot of the fanboys and die hard BPB guys raise some good points though. I just reckon in simple business terms, often the only time feedback is taken seriously is when there is a financial impact. I could be wrong, it's just how I see it.
If people wanna have a moan but still enjoy visiting the park then all power to them.
We've seen BPB's level of investment and Amanda's approach to running the park over the last 18-19 years. It should be no surprise that we're not getting RMC's, Michelin restaurants and midnight closes, sorry guys. Expect more grey facades and astroturf and you won't be disappointed.
*On that last note, it's quite terrifying to think that Icon will be 6 next year. Where has that time gone? Only 15 more years until the next new cred
That’s insane… on an even more terrifying note, that means that next year will mark half a decade since I last went to Blackpool. Last time I went, the dust was still settling on Icon, and old Valhalla was still open!*On that last note, it's quite terrifying to think that Icon will be 6 next year. Where has that time gone? Only 15 more years until the next new cred