Pleasure Beach Resort Disabled Access Review

  • This blog post was last updated on the 8 August 2026
Promo image for a blog post titled “Blackpool: Pleasure Beach Resort – Disabled Access Review”. On a bright yellow background, a central photo shows Iona smiling sitting on a bench between colourful Alice in Wonderland characters (the Mad Hatter and a large rabbit) in front of an “Alice in Wonderland – Pleasure Beach Blackpool” sign dated Oct 1 2023. To the right there is the symbol for theme park trops woth a cartoon of Iona riding a rollercoaster with her hands in the air in the bottom courner.
Come and spend the day with me at the Pleasure Beach. There is so many unique rides here there is really something for everyone from the brand new for 2026 Aviktas to the over 100 year old coaster Big Dipper we have so much to explore so come we best get going.

Table of Contents

Facilities and Services Available for Disabled Guests

Here is a quick overview of the facilities and services available for disabled guests at Pleasure Beach, so that you can decide if this attraction is able to meet your access requirements. Please note: some of the services are listed below and a full explanation is available later on in the blog post. In order to quickly navigate through the post you can use the table of contents.

  • Wheelchair hire: Pleasure Beach offers a limited number of wheelchairs that can be hired on the day of your visit from the ticket office. Wheelchairs have £5 hire charge as well as a £20 refundable deposit.
  • Sensory backpack hire: A number of sensory backpacks are available to hire from Pleasure Beach guest services for a £20 refundable deposit or purchased and kept for £30. The sensory bags contain ear defenders, communication cards, a bottle of water and an access guide.
  • Essential companion tickets: Essential companion tickets formerly known as carer tickets cost £25 and are available to paying guests with the access card or Nimbus ID with the +1 or +2 symbol. Paid carers are free. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’ section of this blog post.
  • Easy access pass: Pleasure Beach offers the reasonable adjustment of the easy access pass, a virtual queuing system for guests that are unable to queue in the main queue line due to a disability. Full information can be found in the ‘before your visit’ and ‘arrivals’ sections of this blog post.
  • Changing Places: A full changing places complete with hoist, changing table and accessible toilet can be accessed by using a radar key and is located in Nickelodeon Land.
  • Learning and sensory garden: A sensory style garden is available to take a break during your visit. Full information can be found in the ‘sensory garden’ section of this blog post.
  • Assistance dogs: Pleasure Beach welcomes assistance dogs on park however, request that owners are in control of their dog at all times and they are kept on a non extendable lead in the park. Assistance dogs must also not be left unaccompanied and are not allowed in ride vehicles. Due to the health and safety risk Pleasure Beach may request proof of training and may remove untrained assistance dogs. Please click here for full information on assistance dogs.
  • Mini access guide: Pleasure Beach have created their own accessibility guide with a helpful table featuring all the ride restrictions for disabled guests on each ride. You can get a copy of the mini access guide from Guest Services or view it online by clicking here Pleasure Beach Mini Access Guide.

Before your visit

Before visiting Pleasure Beach Resort there are a few steps you must take in order to ensure you have the correct access available to you so you can enjoy your day.

Booking tickets

You can easily book tickets for Pleasure Beach Resort by clicking here admissions tickets Pleasure Beach.  In terms of prices, Pleasure Beach Resort uses dynamic pricing this means that prices differ depending on when you visit. 

Pleasure Beach will require you to set up an E-ticket that you will scan to get into the park and at the entrance and at each ride. To set up your E-ticket after booking your tickets you need to download the Pleasure Beach app from the app store or the links below:

You will then be able to set up your E-ticket by entering your booking reference number (this can be found on your confirmation email from when you purchased your ticket) and uploading a photo of yourself and entering your name.

Essential companion ticket

Essential companion tickets formerly known as carer tickets cost £25 and are available to paying guests with the access card or Nimbus ID with the +1 or +2 symbol. Paid carers are free. Please see the information below on how to book essential companion tickets with and without an access card, and how to book a ticket for a paid carer.

Booking with an access card: If you already have an access card with the +1 or +2 symbol on then once you have booked the rest of your party tickets online fill in the form to be given the payment and booking details for your essential companion ticket before your visit. The form is located at the bottom of the accessibility page on Pleasure Beach and can be found by clicking here accessibility form.
Booking without an access card: If you do not already have an Access Card then I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Pleasure Beach Resort then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Blackpool Pleasure Beach Digital Access Pass.

Once you have booked the rest of your party tickets online fill in the form to be given the payment and booking details for your essential companion ticket before your visit. The form is located at the bottom of the accessibility page on Pleasure Beach and can be found by clicking here accessibility form.
Free paid carer tickets: Pleasure Beach still offer free essential companion tickets to people who require paid professional carers to come to the Pleasure Beach. Such as personal assistants, carers via direct payment and care agency support workers.

In order to get a free essential companion ticket you need to contact Pleasure Beach directly either by emailing access@pleasurebeachblackpool.com or phoning 0333 003 2212. You will be required to provide some form of proof of payment and information that you have paid professional care.

I have a personal assistant funded through direct payment and in my experience by emailing access@pleasurebeachblackpool.com proof of a letter of the direct payment annual uplift was able to get a free essential companion ticket for my PA added to my booking.

queue assist scheme: Easy Access Pass

Pleasure Beach Resort offers the reasonable adjustment of an easy access pass for guests that are unable to queue in a conventional queue line due to a disability.

Have an Access Card: If you already have an access card with one of the following symbols:

  • Standing and queueing
  • Difficulty with crowds
  • Difficulty standing
  • Level access

Then there isn’t anything you need to do before your visit. Please proceed to the ‘Arrivals’ section of this blog post. Please note: If you have a symbol not listed above that you believe affects your ability to queue then email access@pleasurebeachblackpool.com as Pleasure Beach have not released an official list on what symbols they accept for the easy access pass scheme.

Don’t Have an Access Card: If you do not already have an Access Card then I have a full blog post all about the access card that you can find by clicking here what is the access card and is it worth it. If you do not wish to purchase the access card and only want your access needs registered for Pleasure Beach Resort then you can get a free Nimbus ID by clicking here Pleasure Beach access register. Please note: In order to use the easy access pass you must be awarded one of the symbols listed in the ‘have an access card’ section above.

Arrivals

In this section of the blog we detail what will happen when you arrive at Pleasure Beach Resort so you know what to expect and can get on the rides as quickly as possible.

blue badge parking

Pleasure Beach Resort has an on-site car park with a very limited number of blue badge parking spaces. The on-site car park is right outside the ticket office making it a very short distance if you need to go back to the car during your visit. Car parking costs around £18 to £20 depending on the time of year you visit and there is no discount available for blue badge holders. We find the blue badge space smaller than other venues so something to bear in mind if you have a bigger vehicle and need wheelchair access.

white entrance arch to car park with sign that reads plesure beach a big image of fun shine
car entering the car park through the white entrance gates with ticket boof and pricing sign present
image of blue badge parking space with yellow hatchings on each side and the wheelchair symbol in the middle.

There is a number of other parking options in Blackpool that are a lot cheaper. Depending on your access needs some of the off site parking options may be a better option most have blue badge spaces. I have linked a helpful video below showing lots of different parking options.

entering the park

You can enter Pleasure Beach’s entrance plaza through the car park, the ticket office or gift shop as seen in the images below. There are male and female toilets available by the car park both with a radar key accessible toilet. By the turnstile building there are lockers available to hire for an additional charge.

Inside the entrance building is a security and bag check where you will walk through a scanner this will make a sound as you go through. A member of security will also check your bags. At Blackpool Pleasure Beach you are not allowed to bring picnics and outside food into the park however, I’ve never had any issues with pre-packaged snacks like crisps and mini packs of biscuits.

Once through security you will reach the turnstiles where you will scan the e ticket from the Pleasure Beach app on your phone. There are 3 gates for wheelchair and pushchairs.

inside plesure beaches ticket office with chairs around the edge of the room and counter for ticket office
entrance into plesure beach theme park you can see front of a white building with lots of doors and red wording that reads park entrance noah arch on top of the building
plesure beach security can see 3 security booths for checking bags and scanners to walk through.

collecting Easy Access pass

When you arrive you will need to collect your easy pass wristband and time card from either the ticket office located before entering the park or guest services located inside the park.

All you need to do is show your access card or Nimbus ID with one of the following symbols on: standing and queueing, difficulty with crowds, difficulty standing or any symbol that makes the queue line a barrier. Pleasure Beach allows one carer to use the Easy Access pass with the disabled person free of charge. You can have a maximum 2 additional people using the easy access pass with you for £10 per person.

outside of guest services building from the side with windows all around and a sign that reads guest services
plesure beach ticket office counter you can see the counter with card meshines on and staff behind serving customers and a queue of people.
easy access pass time card with two boxs one that reads date of visit and the other number of guests. below is a tabel that says visit your next ride at and a table of blank boxes
image of green wristband with the plesure beach logo and text that reads easy access pass and has the visit date on.

How Easy Access Works

Once you have collected your wristband and time card you can head to your first ride. You will be timed out after all rides for the length of the main queue. The Easy Pass system still has an element of queueing especially on busy days, generally you wait around 10/15 minutes to get on rides using the easy pass. The following rides are not available on the easy access pass the only option is to wait in the main queue line: Ghost Train, Krusty Krab Order Up. Please see the example below of how the easy access pass works on the rides.

Step 1: Check ride restrictions

Before going through the easy access pass entrance for the ride of your choice it’s important to make sure you have checked the ride restriction to make sure this ride or attraction is accessible for you. The ride restriction boards are clearly located at the entrance for each ride and attraction. Your easy access pass time card also has a handy restrictions table so you can check the ride requirements before getting to the ride.

image of ride restriction board for blue flyer restrictions include do not stand up, no phones.

Step 2: Find The Easy access pass entrance

Now you have found out the ride is accessible for you it’s time to locate the easy access pass entrance for the ride you would like to enjoy. The easy access pass entrance can be found by the blue sign saying easy access pass. The entrance for easy access pass users is normally the same as the Speedy Pass entrance and is generally located near the ride exit. In the ‘our day at Pleasure Beach’ section of this blog post I detail where the easy access pass entrances are for the rides and attractions I went on. A few rides and attractions offer step free access I detail this throughout the blog post. However, even in the easy access pass queue line most rides involve stairs.

image of stair case with blue gate that has signs on that read easy pass entrance and speedy pass entrance.

Step 3: Show your easy access wristband and time card

Once reaching the front of the easy access pass queue line for your chosen ride, a ride host will come and ask for your easy access pass wristband and time card. The staff will have a look at your easy access wristband and write a time on your timecard in line with the length of the main queue line. For example, if I went on Icon at 14:00 and the main queue line was 40 minutes, the time written on my card would be 14:40. This means that you are unable to use the easy access pass on any rides and attractions till 14:40 when the time on your card is up. This is commonly referred to as a timeout.

birds eye view of blue flyer station you can see rides air gates and a full train of ridders
easy access pass time card with two boxs one that reads date of visit and the other number of guests. below is a tabel that says visit your next ride at and a table of blank boxes
image of green wristband with the plesure beach logo and text that reads easy access pass and has the visit date on.

Step 4: Enjoy the ride

It’s now time to experience your chosen ride! Whether you’re going on a thrilling rollercoaster or having a relaxing ride on the Pleasure Beach express I hope you enjoy being able to access the ride thanks to the easy access pass system.

Iona's on ride photo for blue flyer text on the on ride photo reads my first rollercoaster

Step 5: Relax until your timeout is finished

Once you have experienced the ride of your choice it’s time to take a break and re-regulate until your timeout is over so in my example till 14:40. Once your time out is up you simply repeat the process with another ride or attraction.

Top tip: Use the Pleasure Beach app to see what rides have a long main queue time so that you can do a ride with a long main queue before your lunch or dinner. This allows you to be virtually queueing whilst having your lunch or dinner maximising your day at Pleasure Beach.

Image of a symbol of a person a clock and sand timer with text reading take a break.

Our day at Pleasure Beach Resort

Now we’re in the park and have sorted all of our access out it’s time to enjoy the park and get on some rides. In this section you will find a write-up of our day at Pleasure Beach Resort including all the accessibility information of course. So come and enjoy the day with us!

Grand National

Grand National is a bumpy wooden coaster with 2 tracks side by side meaning you get to race the other team creating some fabulous interactions. Grand National is most definitely a bumpy ride with lots of air time the further you sit towards the back of the train the more intense the ride experience. Grand National has 1.4 metre height restriction.

In terms of access, Grand National has an easy access pass entrance located through the rides exit and a separate step free entrance for wheelchair users located to the left of the ride as seen in the images below. When using the step free entrance you need to go around the ride twice to get back to the step free entrance as only one side of the station has step free access. There is a step down into the train that can be very challenging if getting on at the easy access pass entrance as the turnstiles are quite small. When the ride dispatches there is an alarm that you can hear whilst waiting in the ride station.

ride restriction board and height board for grand national with ride restrictions like no standing, no mobile phones.
image of easy access pass queue line entrance with entrance sign and path leading into the station
Easy Access Entrance
View of the easy access entrance staircase with yellow steps and handrails leading up into the Grand National station.
Easy Access entrance
Ground-level view of the wheelchair entrance gate to Grand National, marked with signage and a flat, step‑free path.
Wheelchair entrance
Close view of the wheelchair entrance path alongside the Grand National station, showing a smooth raised platform beside the track.
Wheelchair entrance
Side view of the Grand National station from outside the fence, showing guests waiting on the platform underneath the canopy.
Exterior view of the Grand National wooden coaster lift hill with a train climbing, framed by bare trees and park buildings.
Interior view of the Grand National station showing a train of red seats stopped at the platform with the step down from the platform to the train clearly visible.

Launch Pad

Launch Pad is a space themed shot tower with a minimum height restriction of 1.32 meters. Launch Pad shoots you up very high up and the shot is intense with a more tame drop from the top of the tower as the ride comes back down.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for launch pad is step free and located next to the ride exit. Wheelchairs can be taken all the way up to the ride for transfer into the seat but need to be left behind a barrier in the ride station whilst riding. Launch Pad has on ride audio and music themed to space as well as countdown audio before the ride shoots up into the sky there is also an on ride camera that flashes.

easy access pass entrance with people weighting locates to the left of a black queue line building.
view from easy access pass gate with easy access pass entrance signage and ride restrictions vidable as well as base of lauch pad
on ride photo of icon with a space themed frame
Full-height view of the Launch Pad shot tower against a blue sky, with the slim blue and red tower rising above nearby trees and park buildings.

Flying Machines

The Flying Machines is the oldest operational ride at the park and creates a unique view of the Pleasure Beach. The ride carts are themed to airplanes and with no minimum height restriction to ride with an adult is a classic ride for the full family to enjoy. There is an additional minimum height restriction of 1.17 meters to ride alone.

In terms of access, in order to get to the Flying Machines ride station you need to climb up a flight of stairs with a handrail. The easy access pass entrance for the Flying Machines is located next to the main entrance as seen in the images below. The ride has an additional step down to get into the ride cart. The exit to the Flying Machines is also down stairs and through a gift shop. There are no sensory effects but due to the Flying Machines being high up and near the sea it can be windy you can feel the wind on your face.

Information board for the Flying Machines ride at Pleasure Beach, showing height requirements, safety symbols and ride details
Flight of stairs with yellow-edged steps and handrails on both sides leading up to the Flying Machines station, with a sign at the bottem that says easy access pass entrance
image of main entrance and easy access pass entrance for flying mashines Covered stairway with yellow-edged steps and white walls leading to the Flying Machines ride station
wooden queue line in ride station in a cattel pen style with sign that reads way in and additional sign with an arrow saying easy access pass entrance with a seprate straight queue line for easy access pass users
The Flying Machines ride at Pleasure Beach showing an airplane‑style ride car suspended from a rotating arm high above the ground
Wooden ramped walkway with railings leading away from the Flying Machines area toward the ride carts

Valhalla

Valhalla is a Viking themed water ride where you get very wet. The ride has some fantastic theming including fire effects and animatronics. Valhalla has a minimum height restriction of 1.3 meters as it is a thrilling water ride with some big drops. You will get wet on Valhalla so make sure you bring a poncho and a spare change of clothes.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for Valhalla is located to the right of the main queue line as seen in the images below. The easy access pass and main queue line merge going into the ride station. There is steps to exit Valhalla and you are not allowed to go back up the entrance meaning you need to be able to navigate 2 staircases at the exit of the ride. Valhalla has lots of different sensory effects and is dark inside it can very easily cause sensory overload. Therefore I’ve included an on ride POV of Valhalla below so you know exactly what to expect.

ride restrictions and information board for vallhall with height information and ride restriction info such as no prams in queue line and no standing up.
entrance sign that reads early access and speedy access entrance with arow pointing to the entrance of the queue. You can see people waiting in the main queue line behind
entrance plaza for vallhall with stone building and waterfalls visable as well as stone viking statues
Guests waiting behind metal railings outside Valhalla, with the rocky façade and a large waterfall feature forming the backdrop of the queue area.
outdoor section of the boat ride water visible in the ride beneath a wooden, Viking‑style structure
Valhalla on ride photo showing the full boat surrounded by splashing water and dark, atmospheric theming.

Aviktas

In 2026 Pleasure Beach opened a brand new giro swing ride called Aviktas! I have created a separate detailed disabled access ride review that you can find by clicking the blog post below or click here Aviktas Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool Disabled Access Ride Review.

Aviktas Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool Disabled Access Ride Review

Lunch

Pleasure Beach has plenty of on site food options but I can find them to be a little bit expensive. There is a Wetherspoons across the road from Pleasure Beach which is where I tend to go for lunch and also a bit of a break as everything is very close together at Pleasure Beach so can be nice to find some quiet. The Wetherspoons is called The Velvet Coasters and has 3 floors that are all fully accessible via lift. There is a changing places toilet with a ceiling-track hoist on the first floor and with the pub playing no music I have always found it a very accessible option. Full menu and access details for The Velvet Coaster can be found by clicking here Wetherspoons The Velvet Coaster.

Street view of The Velvet Coaster Wetherspoons pub across from Pleasure Beach, with the large curved pub sign on the roof, cars parked along the road
Interior of the Changing Places accessible toilet at The Velvet Coaster, showing a height‑adjustable sink, a ceiling‑track hoist, support rails, and toilet in the middle with support rails at each side.
Changing Places accessible toilet at The Velvet Coaster, showing a wall mounted height‑adjustable adult changing bench, a ceiling‑track hoist, support rails,

Big One

Big One is a very iconic coaster in the UK that up until Hyperia opened at Thorpe Park was the UK’s tallest coaster. The Big One has a minimum height restriction of 1.32 meters but don’t let the low height restriction fool you Big One is a very thrilling coaster with plenty of air time and some insane drops.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for the Big One is located past the photo booth to the right of the ride exit as seen in the images below. There are 2 staircases in the easy access pass entrance to get up both with handrails on each side. There is wheelchair access available via the ride exit ramp. The ride exit is a ramp but disabled guests are only allowed to enter up the easy access pass entrance with the stairs.

Once in the ride station the easy access pass merges with the main queue line for an indoor queue as seen in the images below. This is not something that is possible for me to do due to my access needs so staff let us through a side gate by the back row. The wheelchair entrance is located at the opposite side of the station and doesn’t merge with the main queue. There is voice over in the ride station and when the ride dispatches an alarm sound plays but the only sensory effects on the ride itself is the flash for the on ride photo.

Tall vertical “Big One” ride information board at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with the blue panel listing safety details
Outdoor view of the Big One’s easy access entrance beside the main station building, with red railings and steel coaster supports overhead, showing the route toward the ride exit and photo booth area.
Wheelchair & easy access
Closer view of the same outdoor area for wheelchair and easy access, with guests moving under the red coaster track and steel canopy toward the entrance point with signs reading easy access pass entrance and a ramp leading to the exit
Wheelchair & easy access
Doorway for the easy access pass route beside bright red coaster supports, leading into the internal stairs
easy access
Narrow internal staircase on the easy access route, with yellow-edged steps and handrails on both sides
easy access
queue line in ride station of cattel pen queue with peoeple queueing to get to the air gates and merge point for easy access
Step-free outdoor ramp beside the Big One’s bright red track and supports
Step Free
Indoor flat exit corridor with a red rope barrier and concrete walls, showing the step-free section of the ride exit
step free
Boarding area of the Big One with guests in blue and red trains inside the station
On‑ride photo showing four riders seated in the Big One train at the start of the drop, framed with the words “We Survived The Big One,”
Side view of the Big One’s with train going around the track
big one train on the break run the ride is blue with red stripes on a red track

Avalanche

Avalanche is a very unique coaster as it is a bobsled style coaster. Avalanche has minimum height restriction of just 1.2 meters when accompanied by an adult and a minimum height restriction of 1.32 meters to ride alone. Avalanche is a super fun coaster and I love the fact that it doesn’t really feel like you’re stuck to a track due to the bobsled style coaster track.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for Avalanche is located inside the gift shop up the ride exit which is next to the photo booth as seen in the images below. In order to get to the ride station there is a flight of stairs with a handrail to walk up. Although there is a little platform to wait on when using the easy access pass it can get very crowded with people coming down the stairs exiting the ride. The ride seats consist of one seat with a back and a second seat in front, meaning you are sat between the legs of the person behind there is no back to the front seat. I have always sat in a different rows to my carer and this has never been an issue. The only additional sensory effect is the flash for the on ride photo.

Entrance to the Avalanche roller coaster easy access route at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, showing the exterior of the themed gift shop and signage that reads easy access pass and speedy pass entrance
Interior view of the Avalanche easy access pass entrance inside the gift shop, showing a narrow wood‑panelled corridor with a pointed doorway and space to leave the wheelchair at bottem of staircase
Flight of indoor stairs with contrasting step edges and a handrail on one side and natural light coming from windows at the top.
outdoor wooded platform weighting area at the top of the staircase next to station building
Close‑up of Avalanche bobsled coaster car in the station, showing the two inline seats where the rear seat has a backrest and the front seat does not
on ride photo of iona smiling on avalanch with a snowey themed photo frame

Sensory Garden

Pleasure Beach have a sensory garden called Bradley and Bella’s Learning Garden. It is located next to the Avalanche ride and the step free access route for Big Dipper, Infusion and Icon. The sensory garden features:

  • Lots of plants with different smells and textures
  • Water fountain
  • Grass area
  • Picnic benches

The sensory garden is a great spot to get away from the busy walkway and overwhelming environment. As the rides at Pleasure Beach are so close together there it can feel very overwhelming and like there is nowhere to just stop and relax but that’s where the sensory garden comes in.

In terms of access, the majority of the sensory garden has level access with some walkways including steps and uneven ground. It is worth pointing out the sensory garden is not quiet you can still hear some of the rollercoasters, music and other guests. Due to location the sensory garden is also very overlooked and is not enclosed.

A small wooden building with a picket fence and a sign reading “LEARNING GARDEN” in bright letters, with cartoon-style artwork underneath. Trees and wooden posts are around the structure
Grassy slope with a few bare trees and several large artificial pumpkins. Above and behind the hill is a steel rollercoaster track structure
A paved brick area with low, mushroom-shaped stools arranged like a children’s seating area, next to bushes and a fence. There is a decorative animal figure
left: A round, green rotating play platform surrounded by metal railings, with a large sunflower-shaped canopy above it and a blue information sign on the railing.
steps with no handrail leading up grassy slope with plants and trees around
A narrow curving path bordered by short grass and a small white fence, passing next to a wooden trellis wall

Icon

Icon is Pleasure Beach’s newest rollercoaster and is themed to a Japanese aesthetic. Icon is a thrilling rollercoaster with a double launch, one inversion and plenty of twists and sharp turns. Icon is a smooth and enjoyable coaster with some great hang time allowing you to fully appreciate the coaster.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for Icon is level and located past the sensory garden as seen in the video below. Wheelchairs can be taken up to the inside section of the easy access pass queue line meaning a wheelchair to ride transfer isn’t possible. You need to walk through the rides turnstile and stand in the ride station. It is level to get into the ride vehicle with a slight gap. The seats have a lap bar restraint with a seat belt and are quite high up for Icon so takes some upper body strength to get into the seat however, carers can assist. The only additional sensory effect on Icon is the themed music that plays in the ride station and this can be heard during the ride itself. Ear defenders can be worn and on multiple occasions we have seen the staff turn the music off for guests struggling with the noise.

vertical brown signboard with many circular red-and-blue prohibition symbols, such as no loose articles and no food or drink.
A view of an exterior wall next to a wide a paved walkway with easy access and speedy access entrance sign on the wall
sppedy pass an easy access pass entrance to Icon with arrowed signage and heigh fences forming queue line path
to entrance door ways leading into station building one door labled enzo the other labled speedy pass an easy pass
image of ride station area with opening next to wall between barriers with wheelchair parked
close up of easy access pass door with a level open door leading into the station with signage that reads speedy pass entrance and easy access pass entrance.
A large section of the ICON roller coaster track with a steep lift hill. A train full of riders is cresting the hill.
A closer view under the coaster where a train full of riders is inverted on a twist in the track, supported by black steel beams. Another part of the coaster and surrounding park structures are in the background.
The main ICON station building with a modern, boxy design and the word “ICON” with a bird-shaped logo on the wall. Track runs in front of the building, and a coaster train with riders is visible to the right.

Infusion

Infusion is an SLC inverted rollercoaster with 5 inversions. I do find Infusion quite an uncomfortable ride as it really does rattle your head and I don’t find the over the shoulder restraints very comfortable. This said the ride is visually very pleasing with water under the track and some water effects however, you don’t get wet during the ride. Infusion has a minimum height restriction of 1.32 meters and a maximum height restriction of 200cm.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance is step free located up the ride exit ramp. You can get to the ride exit by going down the stairs through the Infusion photobooth or going step-free way past the sensory garden as seen in the video below. Wheelchairs can be taken all the way to the ride perfect for a side by side transfer. During the ride you can see water but you don’t get wet. There is also music in the ride station.

ride information board with height restrictions, ride opening times and ride restrictions
A view of an exterior wall next to a wide a paved walkway with easy access and speedy access entrance sign on the wall
small level walkway between building and external wall
paved area and ramp nder the coaster structure leading up to the easy access and speed pass entrance gate
image of metal gates with sign bolted on that reads easy access and speedy pass entrance.
close up image of infution twist on track with train full of rides you can see more of the blue track in the background with invertion visable

Big Dipper

Big Dipper is a real historical coaster as it is the oldest in the UK at 103 years old! Big Dipper is a fun wooden rollercoaster with a lap bar restraint and some sharp turns. I really love Big Dipper and always feels very nostalgic as there are “no smoking” and “no stand up” signs as you leave the station although it shows it’s age as it is a rough coaster. Big Dipper has a minimum height restriction of 1.17 meters to ride.

In terms of access, The easy access pass entrance for Big Dipper is located up the rides exit and is level access. The exit ramp is very narrow and we have to fold my wheelchair down to get it through parts of the ramp. There is a turnstile to go through that merges with the main queue as you are getting on the ride. As seen in the images below next to the turnstile is a blue gate that leads to the exit station sometimes staff do let wheelchair users go through the blue gate so the wheelchair isn’t blocking the exit and don’t have to go through the turnstile. However, I have found it differs depending on staff so if you are a wheelchair user I would ask the member of staff if you could get on the ride through the exit gate. There were no additional sensory effects on Big Dipper.

A view of an exterior wall next to a wide a paved walkway with easy access and speedy access entrance sign on the wall
image shows wall with ride restriction board for big dipper, speed pass and easy pass entrance signs with arrows pointing left.
image of ride exit/easy access entrance to big dipper. you can see a rap with blue railings and a green sign with text that reads please wait here to be called.
image if front of easy access queue line you can see a divider with people waiting in the main queue on the other side, a turnstile and a blue gate with a sign that reads no entry please wait here.
image of big dipper station and queue line you can see a big cercal water feature in the background the big dipper train is loading in the station and you can see people queueing to the right.
image if big dipper break run you can see the train with guests riding on the break rub with the big dipper's wooden track supports in the background.

Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic

Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic is a dark ride where you ride through multiple scenes themed to the iconic Wallace and Gromit! It is truly one of the best dark rides in the country and a must do on any visit as a nice relax in a giant slipper whilst you take in some great stories. Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic has a minimum height restriction of 0.90 meters when accompanied by an adult and an additional height restriction of 1.17 meters to ride alone.

In terms of access, The easy access pass entrance for Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic is step free and located next to the entrance for the main queue. Wheelchairs can be taken into the ride station in order to do a side by side transfer but must be stored in the easy access pass queue line during the ride. There are stairs at the ride exit so wheelchair users are asked to stay seated and they move the ride cart from the exit back to the easy access entrance.

Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic is a dark ride so has lots of additional sensory effects as seen in the list below. The ride can be very easily overstimulating so I have also added an on ride POV so you know exactly what to expect. You can keep ear defenders on during the ride.

  • Flashing lights
  • Alarm sound
  • Wind effects
  • Music and ride audio all the way through
  • Smell pods (means the ride smells of different things like a bakery)
  • Moving animatronics
  • Digital screens
  • Moments that make you jump
building with 2 arched doorways next to eachother the left door way has signs at the side that read easy access pass and speedy pass entrance as well as sign above the doorway that reads speedy pass with the wheelchair symbol next to it. the right doorway has a sign above that reads entrance and two ride restriction and information boards on the wall.
image shows front of easy access queue line you can see a gate with the ride area to the left and the main queue directly opposite the easy access entrance.
image shows close up of ride area from front of easy access queue line you can see 2 ride carts in the station themed to slippers both with 2 rows of seats.
image shows 2 steps down for the ride exit into the gift shop. you can see lots of themed merchandise in the image like a display rocket filled with soft toys.
ride exit
image shows Iona and her friends on ride photo for Wallace and Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic. the frame is themed with a pic of Wallace and Gromit's themselves and the word Geronimo

Blue Flyer

Blue Flyer is the perfect first coaster as there is no minimum height restriction when accompanied by an adult there is an additional height restriction of 1.17 meters to ride alone. Blue Flyer is located in Nickelodeon Land and features a lift hill with small drop and during a section of the ride you go through a tunnel. As Blue Flyer is a wooden coaster it is rough with a few turns and bumps.

In terms of access the easy access pass entrance for Blue Flyer is located up the exit stairs. The exit stairs has 2 sets of stairs both with handrails on each side. The main entrance for Big Dipper is a ramp making it step free something to consider if you are able to queue but require level access. There is announcements in the ride station but the ride itself has no additional sensory effects.

image of ride restriction board for blue flyer restrictions include do not stand up, no phones.
wide image of blue flyer you can see the ride entrance and queue line the photo both and the gate for the easy access pass entrance all are themed blue
image of stair case with blue gate that has signs on that read easy pass entrance and speedy pass entrance.
birds eye view of blue flyer station you can see rides air gates and a full train of ridders
image of train going up the lift hill of blue flyer wooden track to the right you can see an orange track for the Nickelodeon streak rollercoaster.
Iona's on ride photo for blue flyer text on the on ride photo reads my first rollercoaster

Nickelodeon Streak

One of the top attractions in Nickelodeon Land is Nickelodeon Streak a wooden coaster with an orange track. Nickelodeon Streak has a minimum height restriction of 1.17 meters and is a more thrilling step up from Blue Flyer. The ride features some good airtime for a family coaster but still has the classic jolting and bumps of a wooden coaster.

In terms of access, the easy access pass entrance for Nickelodeon Streak is via stairs and located to the left of the main queue line next to the exit stairs as seen in the images below. Just like Blue Flyer the main entrance for the ride is fully ramped making it step free so something to consider if you are able to queue but require level access. Nickelodeon Streak has announcements and audio in the station however, no additional sensory effects during the ride itself.

image shows ride information and restriction boards for Nickelodeon Streak information includes ride opening time and saft restriction like remain seated and no prams past this point.
image shows a wide shot of the main entrance and easy access entrance for Nickelodeon Streak. there is the rides station on the right with the ride restriction signs that is the main entrance with a rope seperated the easy access entrsnce to the left that has sighs on the left wall that read easy access entrance and speedy pass entrance with arrows pointing down the queue line.
image shows 2 stair cases the left one is the eassy access and speedy pass entrance to the ride station for Nickelodeon Streak and the left is the exit stairs. both stair cases are metal stairs with double handrails and yellow painted edges.
image shoes the front of the easy access pass queue in the ride station with railings and a gate and 2 signs that read easy pass please wait and speedy pass please wait.
image of the ride station you can see people queuing and waiting behind the air gates as well as an empty train in the station. the train has orange seats and green ride carts with orange stripes
image shows station view from loading on to Nickelodeon Streak the train is full with 2 people sat per row staff members can be seen checking lap bards and people are waiting behind the queue line fences on the right.
image shows Nickelodeon Streak train leaving the station and going around a bend part of the train is visible. with people smiling and enjoying the ride.
image shows Nickelodeon Streak going up an inclide on the orange wooden track people have got their hands in the air. directly next to the Nickelodeon Streak track you can see a blue wooden track for blue flyer.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a unique but amazing theme park filled with some absolute classic and nostalgic rides like Alice In Wonderland and Big Dipper as well as new modern rides like Icon and Aviktas. I’ve had a season pass for the last couple of seasons now and Pleasure Beach is a park I visit regularly and always find plenty to do and explore. I find the park is generally quieter than theme parks like Alton Towers and with being able to get the easy access pass on the day of your visit it’s a great choice for neurodivergent guests. I would not class Pleasure Beach as wheelchair accessible although step free routes can be found to some rides they are hard to find and often out of the way. I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user and I do manage most of the park but it is one of the few places where there is multiple rides I can’t access. I love seeing how the access at Pleasure Beach has evolved over the last few years and that more step free access has been added like the ramp on the Big One.

Well, that’s all from today’s adventure. Thank you for coming to Blackpool with me. Don’t forget there is so much more to explore here than the Pleasure Beach. There is even some fun fair rides on the piers. See you on my next adventure, Bye for now!

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Disclaimer​

The information provided on this blog about theme park accessibility is based on my experiences and the details available from the attractions’ official websites at the time of my visit. Please note that facilities and services for disabled guests may change, and the information may not always be up-to-date. I strongly recommend checking the accessibility section on the respective attractions’ websites for the most current information. The comments and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any other organisation.