Adam_C Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Remember me? I wrote a while ago how I have a bit of a fear of coasters... Big Thunder Mountain (Paris and Florida) is the limit on what Ive been on really, and I enjoyed it a lot because I liked it being fast and twisty but without strong drops, dips, or loops etc. Yes I know, Im a big girl. I did go on the Jurassic Park ride in California, but kind of by accident, and I hated that drop! lol Anyway, I need the advice of those who have visited Blackpool Pleasure Beach... this is my local theme park now that Southport Pleasureland is no more, and I visit a fair bit, but have never been on any of the coasters aside Zipper Dipper when I was a kid, heh. Well as a first time coastery type, who aint a fan of big drops and dips (so not the Big One thanks!!), what coasters would you recommend I try? I've been to the Pleasure Beach all my life, but this is something new to me! I'm getting brave! Many kind thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janster Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Well, if you like twists and turns, but no drops and loops. You should go on "Space Invaders". It's an indoor roller coaster. No drops, no inversions; just turns. You can try "Steeple chase", that's some sort of a mechanical donkey trail. You sit on horses and with three people you race simultaneously around a small circuit. Not much of roller coaster, but it's fun! I guess you are also quite tolerant for the wooden roller coasters in blackpool. Just try "Roller Coaster" first. Not that high, not that intense. You can also go on "Avalanche". It's a bobsled that only makes turns. Don't go on "traumatizer" (the "new" inverted; infusion has moved from southport to blackpool). It's rough and painful. And it would be a real traumatic experience. I know someone who didn't dare going on roller coasters, and he first went on "El Condor" @ Walibi World. He never recovered, he doesn't go on any coaster with inversions anymore. If you want to push your limt: go on "Irn Bru Revolution". It's small, the ride is over withing 40 seconds. It has no high drop, no forcefull launch and just one loop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menghini Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 And watch out with the Wild Mouse... Maybe you like it, maybe not. It´s pretty rough and there isn´t much security... But it´s a fun ride. I think you´ll like the other woodies there (as Janster said). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acetcw Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I think you are going to have fun finding rides to enjoy with no drops twist or turns. I will say one thing though to get over fear is to hit it head on . The fear part is the best bit to ride. I no of someone who hated coasters but did it for her grandson , He is autistic, . Now she will ride any coaster including to he list Kingda Ka. If you want to be brave the Wild Mouse is cool. The maddest and insane ride I have the Pleasure to have ridden. Revelution is the one to go with first or the bobsled ride. as that is also cool ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janster Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Yep, you should be warned about Wild Mouse. It looks like an innocent, not intense, kiddie coaster, but it's really INSANE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 17, 2007 Author Share Posted March 17, 2007 Thanks for your help so far guys, its really appreciated! So far Im tempted to try Roller Coaster, Space Invaders 2, and perhaps the Grand National? Im not sure about Steeplechase... it looks like those fun Soapbox Racers from when I visited Knotts Berry Farm, but the fact that its on a horse on a bar and you just have a seatbelt... looks kinda deadly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fallen Heretic Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I used to be a coasterphobe (I wonder what the correct term is) and Blackpool Pleasure Beach pretty much cured me. And now Im on here. Go figure. lol. I had been terrified ever since my mum made me go on Zipper Dipper when I really didnt want to. I was very young and it scared the life out of me. Pleasure beach is actually a really good park to help with getting over fear of coasters. Here is how I did it... I started with rides on avelanche. Nice fast turns pushing you into the seat but no dropping. Then I moved to rollercoaster. I recomend for first time if your nervous that you ride it as early as you can, before the ride has run in and sped up. This should get you used to the shaking and vibrations that come with woodies, and ease you into the dropping sensation. From there, I tried Big dipper. Its a bigger drop, faster, and has lots of anticipation before the first drop. This is somthing I like and its good to learn to appreciate it. Building anticipation for a drop just makes it better when it comes. Its a combination of wanting to go over, and being nervous of it. This is where you will learn about airtime, and that it can be a good thing. After that, I went to the Big One. Now I know its tall and scarey looking, but believe me, it only looks that way, it really isnt. The first drop is good, but the rest of the ride just feels like driving up and down hills in an open top car. The only real feeling of dropping is with the first one. Pretty much all you will get from this is getting over a fear of heights if you have one like me. Then I tried steeplechase. Its not dangerous at all really, although if you have big hips, this ride can hurt them. It does teach you to get enjoyment from the psychological fear, but still know your safe. Then I did the grand national. By this time, you should be raring to give it a go. A seat in the back will change your appreciation of airtime to a love of airtime. After a few rides, you will even be starting to go hands free. Then I rode the revolution. This is a nice inversion, a nice launch, and an awesome fast drop that has your stomach in your mouth Last, and what I think is truely the scariest ride fo the park (maybe until Infusuion is ready) is the Mouse. The key to having fun is to try and relax and go with it, rather than tense up and fight against it. Its helpful to stick a few gentle things in between the bigger rides. A ride round the monorail or express work well. As does the derby racer. Well, thats how I did it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niiicolaaah Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 You can totally do Roller Coaster. It's very gentle, and until last year didn't even have any restraints. Now there is a seat belt. If I were you, I would stay away from Wild Mouse. It had a few moments that made even ME nervous, and I'll ride ANYTHING. I thought it was insanely fun, but it throws you around a lot and out of your seat almost violently a couple times. I would probably do them in this order due to your dislike of big drops: - Zipper Dipper (you've already been on it, why not?) - Space Invader (twisty fun stuff indoors!) - Avalanche (intense, but all twists and turns, no drops, very fun and short) - Steeplechase (it may be a funny seating arrangement, but I felt very secure in it. Have somebody ride on the horse with you) - Roller Coaster - Irn Bru Revolution (the whole ride is just a small drop and a loop, it would be an excellent first inverting coaster) - Big Dipper or Grand National (now we're getting into the bigger woodies) - Big One (besides the first drop, it's really slow and not intimidating at all) - Infusion... probably not a good idea, but try if you're feeling brave. - Wild Mouse.. probably not a good idea, but try if you're feeling brave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divv3k Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I'd go with what the order niiicolaaah gave and back up what people are saying about the Wild Mouse. It's quite the shocker if you're not prepared. I do hope your fears do not preclude you from riding Valhalla because then you'd be really missing out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 take it from a former coaster phobe also. Hit it the nail on the head right off. My first coaster was the legend followed by the Voyage and then the Raven at HW and it was the hook and worm that I needed, I now plan to hit up SF: STL, Cedar Point, Kings Island, SF: KK, SF in Chicago, Beach Bend and probably Indiana Beach this year. Along with Holiday World atleast once a month. Once you get on them, you want to never get off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 17, 2007 Author Share Posted March 17, 2007 I do appreciate all this help! I like the sound of niiicolaaah's list. Although I stopped being able to fit in the Zipper Dipper when I was about 15, probably cos Im 6ft 3 now, and probably wasnt far off it then! It's gonna take a lot of guts, but I really wanna try it! As for Valhalla.... only thing putting me off is getting drenched, and that I was told it has some big backward drops... and that its about 7 quid a throw! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 17, 2007 Author Share Posted March 17, 2007 take it from a former coaster phobe also. Hit it the nail on the head right off. My first coaster was the legend followed by the Voyage and then the Raven at HW and it was the hook and worm that I needed, I now plan to hit up SF: STL, Cedar Point, Kings Island, SF: KK, SF in Chicago, Beach Bend and probably Indiana Beach this year. Along with Holiday World atleast once a month. Once you get on them, you want to never get off. Whether its the foreign parks or the abbreviations/acronyms, but I didnt quite understand any of that!! Sorry! Nothing personal... people do that a lot, "PMBO" for Pepsi Max Big One etc. Even happens on other forums, like musicals, someone will be talking about "ALAYM" ... and Im like "huh?" and they mean "As Long As You're Mine", a song from Wicked. Heh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Divv3k Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 If you plan on doing a few rides you'd be as well going for a wristband. You can usually get one for no more than £20 and if you have it you might feel more inclined to ride more things. David "5ft 11 and had no problems riding Zipper Dipper last August" Walsh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 17, 2007 Author Share Posted March 17, 2007 If you plan on doing a few rides you'd be as well going for a wristband. You can usually get one for no more than £20 and if you have it you might feel more inclined to ride more things. David "5ft 11 and had no problems riding Zipper Dipper last August" Walsh It's Zipper Dipper's restraint bars, they push down on my thighs. And yeah, the wristband idea may be worthwhile... the annoyance is that in summer it's heavingly busy, but right now the wristbands are only £10 but its full of people taking advantage of that offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fallen Heretic Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Valhalla only has one backwards drop, and its a tiddler. Really gentle, its short and not steep at all. And you really only travel backwards for the little hill. I used to recomend getting a giant body-condom thing, but thats was always on the basis that I could use it for log flume as well. But thats gone now, so Im not sure I shouldnt just let myself be soaked in future. lol. I do recommend Valhalla though. It has its critics but Im a big fan of dark rides and I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceDragon Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 dont go with the smallest ones first!!! it makes the 'scarier' rides seem more intense. start with something slightly daring such as Revolution or Avalanche, build your way up as far as possible, then do the small rides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verticalzero Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Make "Wild Mouse" your 1st ride at Blackpool before anything else. This will make every other ride you do seem tame, even the PMBO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 18, 2007 Author Share Posted March 18, 2007 I feel like Id prefer to start small and work up, whilst going on other rides too... ...probably gonna do this Friday 30th March... so if anyone sees me, say hi, call me a noob for not knowing the coaster terminology or acronyms or knowing what points are what etc and wish me luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menghini Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 I feel like Id prefer to start small and work up, whilst going on other rides too... ...probably gonna do this Friday 30th March... so if anyone sees me, say hi, call me a noob for not knowing the coaster terminology or acronyms or knowing what points are what etc and wish me luck! Well, of course the thing to do there is: have fun! One way or the other! Just don't do things if you don't want to do it, but when you feel a little doubt: then go for it! It's a nice park where you also can eat "coaster burgers" and walk on the beach, so there is more than only "rides". Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimboyphat Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 I agree with spaceace... I would recommend going for the Big One or Infusion first, then the rest will seem tame and you will be more up for trying larger rides. I am terrified of heights, my first coaster was the Big One, the reason for that.. I thought if I am going to try to beat this fear then go for the biggest ride in the park Turns out I love the adrenaline rush more than I am scared of heights.... The lift still scares me to half to death no matter what coaster I am on but the rest is well worth it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan King Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 You can totally do Roller Coaster. It's very gentle, and until last year didn't even have any restraints. Now there is a seat belt. If I were you, I would stay away from Wild Mouse. It had a few moments that made even ME nervous, and I'll ride ANYTHING. I thought it was insanely fun, but it throws you around a lot and out of your seat almost violently a couple times. I would probably do them in this order due to your dislike of big drops: - Zipper Dipper (you've already been on it, why not?) - Space Invader (twisty fun stuff indoors!) - Avalanche (intense, but all twists and turns, no drops, very fun and short) - Steeplechase (it may be a funny seating arrangement, but I felt very secure in it. Have somebody ride on the horse with you) - Roller Coaster - Irn Bru Revolution (the whole ride is just a small drop and a loop, it would be an excellent first inverting coaster) - Big Dipper or Grand National (now we're getting into the bigger woodies) - Big One (besides the first drop, it's really slow and not intimidating at all) - Infusion... probably not a good idea, but try if you're feeling brave. - Wild Mouse.. probably not a good idea, but try if you're feeling brave. Wheres Valhalla on this list...? -Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niiicolaaah Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Ryan, my dear... Valhalla is not a coaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan King Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Ryan, my dear... Valhalla is not a coaster. I know! Its awesome like one, and has some insane drops, stops and turns. And you of all people not putting Valhalla on that list dissapoints me... -Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarryH Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Valhalla is only a coaster if your name is Jeff Johnston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam_C Posted March 19, 2007 Author Share Posted March 19, 2007 Valhalla is listed as a "indoor water coaster", and I was planning to ride it last... but... "insane drops" ? Anyway I think I'd like to start tame and work my way up, that seems the logical idea, especially as Im a bit nervous of that too, so the idea of doing the biggest scariest coaster first I find a bit nuts, it could really put me off! So yeah whilst wandering the Pleasure Beach, and occasionally going on River Caves or Ghost Train or Derby Racer etc, Im hoping to MAYBE do this order: Space Invader Avalanche Roller Coaster Steeplechase Irn Bru Revolution (Although this one is a "maybe", it scares me!) Grand National Big Dipper and possibly Valhalla. I need to work myself up a bit to try the modern coasters like Infusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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