False Claims

Is it right that parks try to confuse the public into thinking a ride has an impresive claim to fame. Are the public interested in records?
To the first question I say no and to the 2nd I'd say yes. It seems only record breakers and world beaters get major global publicity. Take a look at Top Thrill Dragster, that received huge global coverage and even today I still receive an emailed power point presentation with photos of the amazing coaster.

Given the impact claims have on attendance it's hardly surprising that parks make every effort they can to boast impressive statistics. The latest park making loud claims is Pleasure Beach Blackpool with their new ride Infusion.

PBB are claiming Infusion to be the fastest, tallest SLC in the UK, it cost £8million and is the only roller coaster built entirely over water. Impressive claims that earnt the ride huge amounts of publicity when it opened earlier this week. But are these claims correct?


What concerns me is their claim that Infusion is the tallest and fastest SLC in the UK. I'm sure they wouldn't make these claims without evidence to support them. But on paper there appear to be 2 other SLCs that out boast Infusion. Firstly Kumali at Flamingoland is 117 feet tall with a top speed of 55mph. Secondly Jubilee Odyssey at Fantasy Island is 167 feet tall with a top speed of 63mph. On the other hand Infusion when it was at Pleasureland Southport as Traumatiser was 110 foot tall with a top speed of 50mph. Now in its new location Traumatiser/Infusion has somehow grown in height to 131 foot tall and has gained in speed to 53 mph. But even with it's new statistics Infusion stills can't claim the record as Jubilee Odysey is still taller and faster. By the facts on their own website they've caught themselves out on this one.

As much as I love and support Pleasure Beach Blackpool I can't help feel disappointed in their latest marketing tactics. Infusion is without a doubt one of the most impressive looking SLCs going. It's amazing what a few water fountains, new paint job and waterfalls can do. I understand that marketing a record breaker makes life easy but surely a ride that looks this good should be just as easily marketable. The entirely built over water claim is impressive in itself and has marketing potential.

I have no doubt that the public don't care if these claims are true or not, they'd almost certainly go anyway. Realistically world records are only there to sell news papers and therefore get lots of free publicity. It's not like the Pleasure Beach are stealing money from anyone.

However with the large unrest amongst certain coaster enthusiasts (one list has never been so busy) I hope Pleasure Beach Blackpool don't find Infusion leads them into deep water. I want Infusion to be a success for the park, if it is then we'll see more new attractions installed, if it isn't then we could have another Southport on our hands.

Oh and be careful doing a Google search for Infusion Blackpool, it's also the name of a local swingers night club.