Blackpool Pleasure Beach has come under fire from customers after they spotted an ‘eye watering’ extra charge for its newest ride.
One of the park’s most popular rides, ICON, has been fitted with a “twisted” add-on for 2022.
Called The ENSO, the first of its kind in Europe, ICON’s rear seats have been adapted so that riders can spin and twist freely during the ride’s thrilling duration, reports LancsLive .
READ MORE: 'Chocolate Factory' you can visit on a day out from Liverpool
When the ride was announced earlier in the year, thrill seekers couldn't wait to get their day passes and head down for 2022.
However, fans have been disappointed as Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced an extra charge on top of entry fees would be expected of those wanting to ride the ENSO carriages.
On the Blackpool Pleasure Beach website it states: "ENSŌ will be available on one of ICON’s three trains. There will be an upcharge to ride ENSŌ, with two levels of access – Standard and VIP. Both will only be able to be booked via Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s app on the day of your visit."
Despite the extra charge for the ENSO seats, passengers with Standard ENSO tickets will have the same wait time as anyone else in the queue - but won't have to stand in the queue. Instead, visitors can try other rides and attractions across the park while they wait.
When purchasing an ENSO VIP ride, the wait time is reduced by 90% of the normal queue time length. Standard ENSO tickets cost £15 while VIP tickets cost £25. Guests that already have a VIP Speedy Pass can get a VIP ENSO booking for £15.
Many fans weren't happy with the additional charge and took to social media to share their outrage.
On Twitter, one person said: "This only seems aimed at YouTube creators and season pass holders... the common visitors/families who only visit once and maybe luckily twice a year [it] is just totally unaffordable, should have left it how it is."
A second wrote: "I completely understand the idea behind the upcharge but feel they overshot here. Not sure this will be a high thing the general public will spend £15 on, it's even splitting the coaster enthusiasts."
A third added: "Sorry to say that I won't be paying it, I'm having to cut down on things this year due to fuel price rises and spending £15 extra to ride a ride I can go on already isn't going to happen for me."
Another said: "That's a shocking amount to charge in the current climate. Imagine being a family of 4 wanting to try it. £60..... That's eye watering.... Enthusiasts and normal park goers, no-one's a winner other than the park......"
Not everyone seemed as shocked at the charge for ENSO and expressed their understanding for the park's decision to add the extra fee.
One wrote: "Did anybody seriously think it would be free??! I don’t think it’s justifiable but it’s certainly not unexpected, especially as I believe we knew it would only be the back car?
“If they charged less they’d have capacity issues/not be making enough for it to be financially viable to operate.
"I think you underestimate non-enthusiasts with cash to burn on their ‘one day out as a treat’ of the year. People will pay this."
Another said: "I'm excited to try it, but it'll probably be a one-and-done for me. Happy that the standard ticket doesn't require you to physically wait in-line at least, that's a unexpected bonus."
A spokesperson for Blackpool Pleasure Beach said: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach is delighted to bring ENSŌ to the park. In a first for the UK, and the Northern Hemisphere, our existing ride ICON will have spinning seats fitted to the rear of one of its trains and riders will be able to spin freely and experience the ride like never before.
“ICON’s exhilarating high speed accelerations, electrifying twists and turns and heart stopping interactions will all be turned up to a whole new level by ENSŌ.
“ENSŌ is a unique experience with limited capacity and guests will be required to book their seats on the day when ENSŌ launches. We look forward to welcoming guests to get twisted with ENSŌ.”
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up for one of our free newsletters
