It's the question that's been on the lips of Blackpool Pleasure Beach fans for years now, 'When is Valhalla reopening?'
Well this week, following a four-year closure, that day finally arrived when the theme park welcomed back the 'UK's wettest rollercoaster'.
Involving a massive £4m upgrade, the 'reimagining of Valhalla' promises 'a totally new immersive experience'.
During four minutes of high-speed action, it sees riders engulfed by fire, water, snow, thunder and lightning.
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Making the half-mile journey on a Viking longboat into a parallel world to reach Valhalla, you'll experience plunging temperatures of -20°C and highs of more than 43°C, 'through roaring fires and freezing mists'.
“You will get wet, you may get soaked” is the ride's tag line - and when it includes a reservoir holding more than one and a half million gallons of water, enough to fill more than two Olympic sized swimming pools, it's easy to see why.
Creators of the ride, which first opened in 2000 and has won numerous awards, say Valhalla will 'test limits and evoke shock, surprise and excitement at every twist and turn'.
It features 12 boats, each carrying eight riders at once. Children must be 117cm tall to ride, but only accompanied by an adult. Those 132cm or over can ride alone.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to share a glimpse into all our hard work. The new ride is absolutely sensational and will definitely leave riders wanting more.
“Those who remember the original ride may recognise some of its best-loved features, but this reimagining of Valhalla offers a totally new immersive experience that will leave riders eager to return."
Adam Slevin, director of creative, design and experience at the Pleasure Beach added: “We’ve worked so hard to find the perfect balance between maintaining nostalgia, giving the ride some much-needed TLC and adding in a few surprises for fans.
“Valhalla will test even the most confident rollercoaster rider’s limits, with plummeting temperatures, fiery furnaces and torrents of water.”
Tickets for the Pleasure Beach, from £27, can be booked online.
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