The UK theme park season thrives on hype. New rides spark speculation, teaser campaigns flood social media, and enthusiasts begin counting down months in advance. So when Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced the opportunity to be among the first guests to ride Aviktas — for a £59 price tag — the debate was inevitable.
Is this an exciting premium experience for passionate fans, or an unnecessary upsell in an already expensive hobby? Let’s break it down.
The Rise of Paid Preview Experiences
Paid ride previews are no longer unusual. Across Europe and the UK, parks have experimented with VIP nights, charity previews, passholder soft openings, and exclusive ride events. These serve multiple purposes:
- Generating early revenue before peak season
- Creating social media buzz
- Offering enthusiasts a “badge of honour” moment
- Testing operations with smaller crowds
For parks, it’s smart business. For guests, the value proposition is far more subjective.
Aviktas’ preview offering sits squarely within this growing trend — but with a price that’s high enough to make people pause.
What £50 Actually Buys You
Exclusive ride on Aviktas, as well as a first rider certificate, and commemorative keepsakes from the day.
For £10 extra, you can upgrade your event ticket for a full access eTicket, which gets you unlimited rides on all of our rollercoasters, rides and attractions for the whole day.
“Be one of the first”
The wording “Be one of the first” taps directly into Fear Of Missing Out.
Limited capacity events create urgency, and social media amplifies that urgency. Seeing others posting first rides, night shots, and reactions can make non-attendees feel they missed something significant — even if the practical impact is minimal.
This doesn’t mean the event lacks value. But it does mean part of what guests are buying is a moment in time, not just a ride.
That distinction is key.
Verdict: Worth It — But Only If You Care About When, Not Just What
Aviktas will likely be a strong addition to Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s lineup regardless of when you ride it.
The £59 preview isn’t paying for a better ride experience — it’s paying for an earlier one.
If that timing matters to you emotionally, socially, or professionally, the price is defensible.
If it doesn’t, patience will save you £50 without diminishing the core experience at all.
So, is it worth it?
If you’re asking for a friend — the answer is: it depends what that friend values most.
“Be one of the first” and book your VIP tickets now: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/events/aviktas-ride-preview/
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Comments
What do you think about this story? You can share your thoughts on our Facebook page or leave a comment using the form below.The ride cost 9 million and God knows how much to build It. So the price is very fair I’d say as an event before it’s open to public. And who knows prices might change when the parks fully open.
U dont have pay 50 just one ride its in with the price of all the other rides in the park it deof worth it 🎢🎢
Season Passes make it much better value but you need to go multiple times throughout the year to make them viable – if you register with the website or download the app then there also are various cheap deals through the year both on wristbands and shows- I was offered £25 for a wristband last year and paid £5 entry to hot ice , £10 evolution magic, £10 Xmas panto . I bought £85 residents pass this year including from feb- dec including now Saturdays (inc night riding and fireworks nights . ) .
It could do with a lick of paint in places but it’s a great place and have had many great times there.
No. I’ll just wait and go on it when I go to Blackpool later in the year
I’ll pay £4 £5 to ride 😃
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