Blackpool Pleasure Beach invited us to preview ENSŌ, their new limited availability upcharge experience on the UK’s first and only double launch roller coaster ICON.
In a first for Europe, riders in ICON’s rear two seats now spin and twist freely during the ride. The exhilarating high-speed accelerations, electrifying twists and turns, and heart-stopping interactions are experienced in a new way with ENSŌ.
It was exciting getting to enjoy ICON almost as if it was a new ride, with the launch sections, inversions and elements taken facing forwards, backwards, sideways or while spinning. It's a real novelty and sometimes the forces felt quite unusual.
With a different experience each time, we loved how unpredictable it was. Initially we went on as solo riders, and with all the weight on one side of the rotating platform, the seats began to rotate as soon as the train left the station and continued to do so at many points throughout the ride.
Afterwards, we experienced the ride together. On our first ride there was significantly less spinning and twisting, especially during the first half of the ride, which suggests that this is likely to happen when the weight is more balanced between the two seats. However, on our next ride we swapped seats and there was a lot more motion. We were facing backwards for a whole section and really enjoyed that part!
Pros
- If you like ICON, you'll love ENSŌ - it takes the ride to the next level!
- It's very re-rideable as the experience is unpredictable and different every time
- Both booking options allow you to queue virtually, with no standing in line
Cons
- There's an additional charge
- Some rides might have considerably less spinning and twisting
- It could make you feel a little nauseous!
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 of these options will be available to book via Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s app on the day of your visit.
- A standard ENSŌ booking (£15 per person) provides a virtual queue for the ride, with the same wait time as the current queue.
- With a VIP ENSŌ booking (£25 per person) your wait time is reduced by 90% of the normal queue time length.
Guests that already have a VIP Speedy Pass can get a VIP ENSŌ booking for £15.
Bookings are only valid for one ride on ENSŌ. It is non-refundable and non-transferable. ENSŌ is subject to availability.
On-Ride Video
