The legend returns: Valhalla is back!
The news many a roller coaster fan wanted to hear. After a three-year absence due to the pandemic and supply of material challenges from across the world, Valhalla is almost ready to ride again.
The park has confirmed that the much beloved dark ride Valhalla will reopen for ‘technical rehearsals’ this April. This means that the ride will go through various testing evaluations to check every component and ride elements is working.
During this time, guests on the park will be invited to ride Valhalla at sporadic moments to check all is working and fix potential issues. Therefore, the ride could be open for a small period or all day, depending on the ride maintenance crew.
Valhalla has undergone a £4 million investment and will reopen in time for the park’s 2023 season
The UK’s wettest ride is set to reopen for the aforementioned technical rehearsals this spring with some exciting new features.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach confirmed the ride is back for the 2023 season at its annual season launch (Wednesday 15th March).
Valhalla rode its first adventure in 2000 and for its rebirth, the team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach have hinted that there are some surprises in store to bring the ride up to modern day thrill expectations.
Riders can expect to be taken on a “fantastical journey to Valhalla, boarding a longboat and journeying into a parallel world guided by a brave Viking named Ivàr. There, they will encounter the spirit of Odin and pass into the afterlife to try to make it to Valhalla. While on their journey, riders will get to experience the elements – fire, ice and lots of water.”
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, comments: “We know how long fans have been waiting for us to announce the reopening of Valhalla, and we’re confident they won’t be disappointed with our reimagining of one of the country’s best-loved rides.
“The team has been hard at work behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to have the famous Valhalla waterfall back on in the park once more. Guests will be able to experience the ride through technical rehearsals this April.
“Valhalla has well and truly been given the reimagining it deserves, now boasting some exciting new features and impressive sustainability credentials to help ensure the ride is more environmentally friendly – without compromising on the sense of adventure for which it’s been known for many years.”
Adam Slevin, Director of Creative, Design & Experience at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who has headed up the Valhalla project, said: “The reopening of the UK’s most beloved water ride has been a tricky secret to keep, so it’s fantastic to be able to confirm we will be bringing back Valhalla for the 2023 season.
“We are initially opening Valhalla for technical rehearsals which means that the ride may operate intermittently throughout the day and some elements of the attraction may not be functioning.”
“We appreciate our guest’s patience as we’ve carried out this huge project, working alongside countless industry experts to enhance ride experience and give guests a well-deserved surprise. The legend has returned to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Images: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
