After riding it all day during this past week I can feel comfortable enough to bring you my ENSO Blackpool Pleasure Beach review.
Upon visiting Pleasure Beach this week my sole intention was to ride ENSO all day, this brand new upcharge experience from Mack Rides consists of a spinning seat on the back of the Mack launch coaster ICON at the park.
I wanted to ride it on the left side, the right side, as a single ride and with someone else to compare all combinations to see which is the best experience.
So here’s what I learned after riding ENSO all day!
Left / Right does NOT matter
That’s right (or left) it doesn’t matter one single bit which side you sit on as the experience is exactly the same and as a single rider it doesn’t matter which seat you sit on as the experience doesn’t change whatsoever.
Single Rider is Better than With A Partner
If you’re riding with a partner then you’re going to be bitterly disappointed if the weight between you is fairly even. I experienced minimum rotations (2-3) and the rest of the ride barely moved other than a judder to the left and right now and again.
As a single rider, I experienced on average 12 full rotations per lap and absolutely enjoyed this experience more as a single rider as it was much more intense with the weight of the train unbalanced.
The Junior Immelmann is Intense
The highlight of the whole ENSO experience for me was going through the junior Immelmann backwards. Time stood still and I literally floated through this inversion (or half inversion?) with such elegance and breathtaking stomach floatiness (I’m sure there’s a professional term for that)
It’s A Rip Off
There’s really no other way to spin it (get it?) ENSO is extortionately overpriced as currently the most expensive one-shot ride upcharge in the country.
If you’re riding as a double with minimum spin you’re both going to be very angry about the £15 you’ve just spent.
As a single rider who thoroughly enjoyed his experience, even I couldn’t justify the cost!
If it’s to be believed that Mack has loaned ENSO out to the park and that the park is splitting the cost to ride with Mack then you can understand it from a business standpoint but sadly it’s the guest that suffers such an insane price tag.
Pleasure Beach is expensive enough as it is and having this on top at that price point is a step too far in my book.
I’d happily pay the standard £8-£10 one-shot prices that other parks charge for ENSO but the £15 and especially the £25 (for an even quicker wait to board) is ridiculous.
Value Is Subjective
Despite my own personal opinion above I have to post the other side of the coin.
ENSO is an experience that allows you to rediscover the magic that ICON gave me the first time I rode it.
It feels refreshing, it’s intense, you have those HOLY S**T moments the second ENSO spins you into a frenzy.
If you’re passionate about coasters or just wish to resurrect the magic of riding it for the first time you may be able to justify the £15 you’ve just spent for the ride.
But the questions are and always will be.
Would you pay for it again?
Will ENSO last at Pleasure Beach?
Will the cost eventually be reduced?
ENSO feels like a once is done and dusted experience and whilst I went on it multiple times mine was to assess if anything changed depending on number of rides / seat sat in.
Others may have the same queries as me and would like to experience that for themselves but once that’s done, it’s done.
No more money needs to be spent.
Does it?
Experienced ENSO? Then post your very own ENSO Blackpool Pleasure Beach review in the comments below!
