One theme park enthusiast was left disappointed following a visit to Southport Pleasureland.
Matt, writing for the Facebook page Theme Park Insanity, said when he arrived three hours after they opened at 1pm, a number of the rides were shut to visitors. Matt claims it was the reopening day after the winter break, with him even feeling "sorry" for staff who weren't able to do much.
A theme park spokesperson explained Pleasureland was quieter than normal because it wasn't the "official opening". The opening wasn't promoted as "part of the park is under development with three rides out of commission in that area".
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Matt did mention the wide selection of things to do for families and those wanting a day out, describing the park as "a lovely offering with stunning gardens surrounding it."
He said: "So it was Southport Pleasureland's opening day yesterday, we went with anticipation and couldn't wait to get inside, sadly, gone 1pm which was three hours after the park opening, lots of rides were still not running, the coaster was sealed off and the Ghost Train had its shutters down with ongoing work inside.
"It still didn't stop us getting on a few things, staff were engaging but we felt a bit sorry for them as it was a very quiet day, hopefully things pick up as it's a lovely offering with stunning gardens surrounding it with crazy golf and the miniature railway( which also wasn't open)."
Southport Pleasureland was quick to reassure those thinking about heading down during the Easter holidays, which are fast approaching, explaining the day wasn't advertised and was offered at a discounted rate. The price drop and lack of promotion were due to new members of staff being integrated into their roles and rides still having maintenance completed ahead of a busy year.
A spokesperson for the theme park told the ECHO: "Last weekend wasn’t the park’s official opening. We didn’t market or promote it as such and lower 2022 prices were held because part of the park is under development with three rides out of commission in that area as a result.
"We flagged this on the website, so that people pre-ordering tickets were aware, and for people arriving and paying in the park, our staff invited them to have a look around the park before deciding whether to buy wristbands. As we deliberately didn’t promote Pleasureland’s opening, naturally it was quiet and this was intentional to enable our new staff to have a couple of quieter days to get used to their new roles ahead of the busy Easter period ahead.
"Our experience of visitor feedback this weekend was a positive one, with many people interested about incoming changes at the park as investment in new experiences and the launch of a new immersive themed land going live later in the spring."
*A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the Viking mini-golf at Southport Pleasureland was due to open this year. The attraction opened in August 2022, and we are happy to clarify this.
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