Blackpool Pleasure Beach has opened its reimagined Launch Pad ride, and announced a reopening date for its Grand National coaster.
Starting with Launch Pad, the 210-foot ride sends guests 20 storeys into the sky at speeds of up to 80 mph. It provides feelings of weightlessness at the top, a thrusting g-force, and a thrilling descent.
Launch Pad has been completely revamped and given a new 210-foot pressure cylinder to transform the ride experience and propel riders with even more force.
The installation of the cylinder was overseen by an engineer from S&S, the largest manufacturer of family rides and roller coasters in the United States.
Additionally, a makeover of the ride has seen its colour change from white to blue and red. Blackpool Pleasure Beach has also changed the branding, and introduced a new soundtrack and space exploration theme.
“Re-imaginings like this one are fantastic for our industry,” said Pleasure Beach CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE.
“Unique blend of old and new” at Pleasure Beach
“Not only do they create a new and incredibly powerful ride experience, they’re sustainable, and they allow us to reinvent beloved attractions for generations to come.
“Launch Pad is an exciting, innovative take on a classic, combining nostalgia with bold new elements that we know fans will love. We’re so excited to finally welcome everyone onboard and see their reactions.”
As for Grand National, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will reopen its wooden roller coaster towards the end of June following a period of maintenance.
This involves replacing sections of the track, installing a new drive sprocket, replacing parts of the pull up chain, and painting sections of the ride.
“The wonderful thing about Pleasure Beach is that we have a unique blend of old and new,” said Thompson.
“We’re home to some industry-leading, modern coasters like Icon, as well as nostalgic fan-favourites such as Grand National.”
Images courtesy of Pleasure Beach Resort
