Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Discuss theme parks, roller coasters, and donkeys!
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Posts
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By Swishtime101 · Posted
News update, looks like the sale went through. I still think this is for the better with Valleyfair, but only time will tell. What are everyone else's thoughts? https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/Six-Flags-Completes-Sale-of-Six-U-S--Parks-to-EPR-Properties/default.aspx?fbclid=IwdGRjcARBaV9jbGNrBEFpXGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHq3g8275Wio4nbs6NBSCfqiZR_wuN6nRDheQWEl7S6gytPDZQdUyh6tTsZgu_aem_Y64Uoh-lEkaX0opETwBHOA -
Enchanted will have decisions to make with Valleyfair; The Halloween Valleyscare shows and houses looks to be the biggest money maker of the year. Sinister Circus for example would always draw in good crowds to the Galaxy Theater. During the summer they could maybe have a bigger name/major show to try and draw in people that way too, if they ever wanted to use the larger stages again. Then there's the shrinking number of rides over the years. Cedar Point just announced their Monster ride is gone for 2026, with lack of parts being the major reason. That means Valleyfair has literally one of the last few (3?) operating models in the country. It's getting to be unique is a fun sort of way and I'd hate to see it go. It is about 7 years newer than Cedar Points Monster, but it's still near 50 years old, and lack of parts is a lack of parts. Valleyfair used to get cool unique stuff: Supercat was the most deluxe caterpillar I've ever seen. That hasn't been fully operational for probably 30 years. It was a really neat ride when the top used to work. It was faster and would open and close twice at full speed on a single ride with air blowing inside and sirens, music. etc. Without that, it's basically been reduced to a Bayern Curve with flashy lights and music. If you're not familiar the base ride was like this Will Valleyfair get a new flat ride just to hold even or will they try for more shows as a replacement? -
By mtavenger55 · Posted
I went to the park for the second time this year (1st was season pass preview). I work 6a-2p so got to the park around 3. It was packed with spring break goers. I got on Nitro, Mine Train, & Flash! -
By mikeykaise · Posted
Typically at opening the front half of the park can be busy as people stop and ride rides killing time until the WP opens, and when it does the lines disappear and typically are decent until the WP closes and then they can get long until closing. One year me and my sons skipped the waterpark and just did the dry side and we rode the whitewater rapids ride and I rode the rollercoasters probably 10+ times. Everything was almost a walk on once the crowd migrated to the waterpark. -
By CoasterDrac · Posted
Last year was the first year I went to Valleyfair and did more family focused stuff and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of small scale shows they have through out the day. That being said they need at least 1 or 2 indoor shows since there's no other options to really get out of the sun or rain, and they have 2 locations currently sitting vacant/unused that they could work with. I think the large outdoor ampatheater could just be removed in its current state. The only way I would like to see it stay is if they redid the whole place and created covered seating and blended the area in with some theming, something like the bird show stage at the zoo. It's just an eyesore right now. -
Great park! I am sure Herschend will keep it the way it should. And thanks to the Norton family for creating this wonderful amusement park. -
By Swishtime101 · Posted
Thank you for providing context. Honestly, I think one of the untapped potentials Valleyfair was sitting on was its entertainment options for guests. Ten years ago, they made a big deal about rebuilding the stadium by the entrance and even put in a decent show there, but for the past eight years, it's just been sitting empty. Personally, I'd tear it down and use that as a turnaround for a Gatekeeper-style coaster (ha, that'll never happen). Enchanted has the opportunity to succeed where Cedar Fair / Six Flags has failed us, and I wouldn't be surprised if, when scouting prospects of parks to buy, they noticed all the entertainment potential available now in the park. On that note, Enchanted has access to the following in their lineup of future entertainment options: – The former All Wheels Extreme Show amphitheater at the front of the park – The shaded pavilion or concrete plot of land where the scrambler used to sit across from North Star and the fudge shop. – The new stage by the Monster and High Roller turnaround. – The Planet Snoopy stage located by the indoor ball factory play place. – The Galaxy Theater AND the stage across the way with the umbrellas in front of it. – Renegade Smokehouse's empty stage/ space under where the TVs are inside. – The small stage inside the waterpark near the bar and Beach Bites. Now, if I'm missing anything, let me know. But, one of the disappointing things (among many) with Valleyfair in recent history was that they had all these locations and never used some of them. Does it make sense to use every single one in a given year? Maybe not, but it would be nice to at least see them get some attention in the future years of Enchanted's operation of Valleyfair. What do the other thoosies out there think that Enchanted's future holds for entertainment in the park? Will these continue sitting empty, begging to be used? Should rides be placed where they currently sit unused? I'm curious to hear what everyone has to say. -
By Swishtime101 · Posted
You make an excellent point, and I think I should clarify what I was trying to say— having the kids lagoon IS a good addition. I just wouldn't have personally chosen to have the same 4 slides on each side. Kiddie versions of the tornado and toilet bowl exist that take away the fear of the large scale versions and actually in fact help introduce younger audiences to the more thrilling slides. But again, I'm no theme park planner. Attached is an image of what I was talking about for reference. At the top partially cut off are some smaller slides that slowly work up to the tornado and wall boomerang slides on the bottom of the image. -
In the 1980's it was the Red Garter Saloon, just like at Cedar Point. Yes, it had live entertainment onstage back then. It was a big deal to have air conditioned place too. It was a good stage show, if I remember correctly. That was back when Valleyfair had the band shell, dolphin and the high dive shows too.
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By prozach626 · Posted
Everything will be walk-on if you get there at opening. Start at Raven and make your way one at a time to Thunderbird. The lines also die down during peak water park times. I'm not sure about the rest of the day. -
By prozach626 · Posted
Yeah. I saw that after going back and rereading it. I just didn't update my post. -
By prozach626 · Posted
Yeaaaahhhh, but you're thinking more about this from a Roller Coaster Tycoon aspect on sandbox mode. In reality, they're going to take into consideration things like existing infrastructure for electricity, water lines, and other logistics we're not aware of. I'm not sure if you have kids, but being the father of a not-so-brave kindergartener, I can attest that small slides cater to a larger age range of kids who get bored quickly in lines rather than something like a more thrilling tornado. It doesn't take much more than a few slides for them to have a blast. Meanwhile, while the kids run around the adults can lounge around and slightly relax with a watchful eye nearby. -
By Swishtime101 · Posted
Yeah, let me rephrase that, walking tacos aren't an example of a high quality good dining option. Rather like you said, a cheap to make option that allows Enchanted to pocket extra cash. I'd love it if this was just a temporary option and Enchanted uses this space the year after to bring some entertainment options into the venue. It has space where what looks like a stage used to sit. I haven't been a passholder long enough to remember, but did there ever exist live entertainment on stage here before? Any old enough thoosies to remember that far back? After all this thread has been around since 2006. **Insert joke about how time flies and makes us only continue to get older and suffer as enthuiasts of VF.😂 -
By throatytoast · Posted
I'm going to Holiday World for the first time on June 1, which is a Monday. I picked that day because I assumed it won't be too busy. Anybody have an idea of how long the lines will be on the rollercoasters? I'll probably get there right at opening just to be safe haha, but just wondering. -
By jedimaster1227 · Posted
Herschend has sent us a press release confirming the completion of their acquisition of Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park! (Photo courtesy of Silverwood Theme Park) Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, has completed its acquisition of Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park (“Silverwood”) from Silverwood, Inc. This follows the signing of an exclusive terms sheet announced in November 2025. Silverwood has been operated by the Norton family since 1988. Today, the 400-acre property features more than 70 rides, attractions, and shows — including Boulder Beach Water Park — and draws hundreds of thousands of guests annually from across the Pacific Northwest. “Herschend was the only choice for us,” said Paul Norton, Silverwood Executive Director. “As a family business, they understand what it means to build something by hand, with your whole heart — and the deep responsibility that comes with serving families and communities. I trust them to carry our legacy forward with the same care and commitment my family has.” Herschend’s 22,000 hosts serve nearly 20 million people annually across its more than 40 North American family entertainment brands. Herschend approaches each experience it operates with a long-term mindset and a commitment to preserving the distinct identity of every property. Although each brand is unique, they are united by a singular purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. “Silverwood is the result of decades of heart, vision, and hands-on dedication,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “The team has built more than a theme park — they’ve built a place that brings people together, creates joy, and strengthens the community around it. Being entrusted with that legacy is an incredible honor, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our role is to shepherd what’s been built and support the team so Silverwood can continue creating memories — and thriving — for generations to come.” “As a family-held company, we’re not driven by quarterly earnings or short-term trends; we have the responsibility and privilege of thinking generationally,” said Chris Herschend, Herschend’s Board Chairman. “That long-term view guides how we invest in our people, our brands, and the communities we serve — which now includes the incredible Silverwood team and the guests who have cherished this property for nearly four decades.” This season will be all about listening, learning, and building relationships. Important details regarding the acquisition are as follows: Silverwood will remain Silverwood. The 2026 season, which begins May 2, will offer the same beloved experiences guests know and expect, including Night of the Stars, Coaster Classic, and Scarywood. For a full calendar of events, visit https://www.silverwoodthemepark.com/events/. Silverwood will continue to operate with its existing identity and team.Herschend is committed to open, transparent communication with hosts, guests, and the local community as the transition moves forward. Herschend is focused on supporting hosts and empowering them to deliver exceptional guest experiences. About Herschend Our story began over 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with 22,000 hosts and a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands. While each brand offers something unique, they’re all united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our 22,000 passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality™—the intersection of heart and hospitality. Together, we love in all we do, every day—caring for one another, welcoming our guests with warmth, and making a positive difference in our communities. For more information, visit www.herschend.com. About Silverwood Located in the scenic panhandle of North Idaho, Silverwood is the Northwest’s largest theme park, dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families. From its carefully designed courtyards to the quality of its food, every detail is crafted to enhance the guest experience. With over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions—including world-class coasters and a vintage 1915 steam engine train—Silverwood offers something for everyone. Visitors can also cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park, featuring wave pools, thrilling slides, and a relaxing lazy river. For more information, visit www.silverwoodthemepark.com.
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