Theme Park Slammed for Charging 'Absolute Robbery' Fees to Non-Riders

• Many angry fans turned to social media to denounce 'discriminatory' tickets.
• EXPLORE FURTHER: UK amusement park slashes adult ticket prices to match children's rates

One of Britain’s most recognizable theme parks has faced intense criticism following the implementation of an exorbitant entry fee for visitors who do not go on rides.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach now applies an entrance fee for all visitors, irrespective of their intention to go on rides.

Until 2009, this well-loved coastal destination permitted guests to wander around the area at their own pace, perfect for those who didn’t want to partake in the attractions but wanted to stay with their buddies and loved ones.

A £10 fee for non-riders was temporarily implemented but later abolished in 2019, aligning with changes across the broader amusement park sector.

Following this, the park has maintained a fixed entrance fee, which presently stands at £50 on the day of visit or £30 if reserved two weeks ahead for those above 11 years old; meanwhile, for younger children aged 11 and below, the cost is £45 upon arrival or £30 with prior booking.

The regular admission charge put a stop to big crowds loitering at the location, leading to numerous grievances from those who paid to visit.

Now, park bosses say they’ve 'listened to guest feedback' and responded by introducing the £25 non-rider ticket.

Although it doesn't grant access to the rides, this option comes with various extras like a £5 coupon for meals and beverages along with admission to the Hot Ice daytime performance during summertime.

This allows guests unrestricted entry to the Pleasure Beach Express train ride, the Chinese Puzzle Maze, and Bradley and Bella’s Learning Garden. Additionally, they can encounter beloved costumed characters like the PAW Patrol puppies.

Despite the extras, hundreds of furious fans took to the popular Facebook page, Welcome to Blackpoo Sure, I understand you want me to rephrase your sentence while keeping the original meaning, context, and tone intact. Here’s an alternative version: Some criticized the ‘shameful’ prices, whereas others called them unfair towards seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Someone commented, 'Preposterous to charge £25 just for walking around and attempting to sell it with only a £5 discount, which might barely get you a slush. Plus, the ticket for cold ice isn’t something many would desire anyhow;£5 should suffice as an entry fee.'

Someone else commented: 'Dislike it when they claim "we’ve paid close attention to feedback from park visitors." It’s utter nonsense. Who in their right minds would say that offering £25 as an enticement for simply walking around with coats is amazing?'

One commenter said, " daylight theft. Absolutely disgraceful," whereas another seethed, "This is a rip-off."

One person commented, "Managers never pay attention. It needs to be open for walking along...the end of the recreation beach," while someone else chimed in, "They really blew it with this one. They had an opportunity to get it right but totally messed things up. Good job."

Another comment was added: "Being discriminatory towards individuals using a power wheelchair and not allowing them access to the rides is unfair. I paid £25 just to experience being disabled here. It’s time you reconsidered your policies."

Nevertheless, some people approved of the new fee, with one stating: "I'm in the minority here, but without charging anything at all, anybody and everybody can freely wander through the park, which sadly leads to misuse and overuse."

'I felt somewhat more secure when my kids and I were inside together... perhaps they should adjust the policy, such as letting grandparents enter for free along with paying children, but I’m simply attempting to view their reasoning from another perspective.'

Last week, when announcing the new prices, Amanda Thompson, CEO of Pleasure Beach, justified the decision by stating: "This year, our emphasis has been on making family visits more budget-friendly, all while maintaining the quality of the visitor experience."

We think we've achieved this in manners that enable us to keep thriving—not just as a significant spot in Blackpool, but also as an employer for numerous locals.

We have closely heard what our guests are saying, and it’s evident that adaptability and options hold greater significance now than before. Therefore, we’ve chosen to introduce our non-rider e-tickets featuring additional perks—this step distinguishes us within the sector.

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