Looty

I wouldn't rule out Gerstlauer just because CF has never purchased one before. VF has many 'first' attractions purchased by CF (Wild Thing, Renegade, Xtreme Swing, perhaps even Mad Mouse). Also, I believe CF still owned Camp Snoopy when Timberland Twister (another first!) was purchased. I think a launched Gerstlauer with inversions would be a great fit at Valleyfair. With that said, I'm still hoping for a B&M. Also, for what it's worth, the GM of VF used to be the GM of NickU, so I tend to believe he has a positive relationship with Gerstlauer as three major attractions at NickU were manufactured by Gerstlauer. But, perhaps his push isn't as significant now at a more corporate amusement park.

They're probably removing Opa because it occupies prime real estate for a new hotel. When I say 'new,' I really mean an existing 35 year old Red Roof Inn down the road being relocated.

POV! (not the best quality, though) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s9gvUhyRIE

Any info on when the other rides are expected to open?

Wow...I live in Seoul now and I had no idea this was happening. Thanks for the update!

How's the public transportation to get to the park?

Excellent video! I think the new format is fantastic. I thought the old format was fine...but this new format is more captivating. As far as what question was best, I think the HRP question was fantastic. As a marketing guy, I loved listening to the industry experts share their two cents on a recent failure.

Looks fantastic! I absolutely love Gerstlauer...one of the better value options for a small park looking to make a major addition.

I certainly can't think of a better place to drive around in a Ferrari than in the Wisconsin Dells!...It's like the 'Miami' of the midwest! In all seriousness, what the man chooses to do with his money is his business. With that said, a part of me feels jibbed knowing that a small amount of my money went towards 'those' (open to interpretation)

Yes. It must've been fun installing all that netting, and considering that you have to remove everything from your pockets before riding, it seems a bit excessive. (At least, I assume they still have an empty-pockets policy for that ride.) Yes, they make you remove EVERYTHING! I even had to take off my Tobu Zoo ride wristband from earlier in the day.

^Better?

I visited Tokyo this past weekend and (just in case you needed further proof) Thunder Dolphin is open again. The ride now has netting underneath the entire course of the track. Also, you get a great view of the Tokyo Skytree from the top of the building.

Mt. Olympus is essentially a glorified carnival! Each time I visit the park, something is always broken and appears to have been fixed by an amateur Jiffy Lube mechanic. I've seen duct tape and bungy cables on more than 1 coaster...and plenty of tape on the go karts. Also, Opa cars that are swinging back and forth going up the lift (while the others are not). I've exited Zeus and had the seat come up with me. Not to mention the ride ops having to push the train out of the station on Zeus (before promptly returning to their stool to continue their text message). It's a shame because I also rode Hades back in 2005 and it was easily a top 5 wooden coaster at the time. But, with that said, I can't say that I'm suprised it's not getting the care that it needs & deserves.

Mt. Olympus!!

These photos make the park look like a filthy garage in desperate need of a garage sale. Crap sitting everywhere!!

MT. OLYMPUS!!!!!!! Sorry to yell...

Hey man! I actually live in Seoul right now (about 15 minutes from Everland). I can tell you that lines should be ok at the parks. You are coming at a pretty good time. Next week is a Korean holiday but it ends on Wednesday, so you should be fine after that. Also, a lot of the kids have their midterm exams right now so they are studying and preparing. I would definitely suggest checking out Seoul. Seoul is beautiful and has a lot of charm, in my opinion. If you are interested in checking out a palace, I would suggest Gyeonbokgung. Definitely take in the view from Namsan park (where the tower sits) as well. You should just jump on Trip Advisor and see what there is to do that might interest you. Enjoy Seoul!

I'm assuming that you just happened to had been in a car that hasn't been fixed properly. It is seriously hard for me to see Mt. Olympus TR's and not become cynical because I truly think this is the worst amusement park in the country when it comes to service and safety. I can't think of a visit I've had there where I didn't see or hear something appalling in terms of service or safety. I haven't been to the park since 2009 (and honestly have no desire to return)....and I'm shocked that there hasn't been a death or serious accident to make the news since my initial visit in 2005. Oh and I believe general admission is somewhere around $50 as well....NUTS!!! However, despite everything I just said, I'm glad you had a positive experience

And the award for worst paint job on a coaster goes to......

88 Train at Children's Grand Park in Seoul, South Korea...about 3 hours ago. In fact, I am popping advil at this very moment

I hate to sound like a fanboy as well...but if CF were to try the wingrider model, then I could very much see them putting one at VF. For starters, the park is WAY overdue for a major high-thrill attraction (I think this is the longest streak without a new coaster since 1989-1996). Also, the size of the current wingriders, and what we have seen them do thus far, would make a perfect coaster at a smaller park like VF. Whether this is for VF or not (and at this point, I try not to get my hopes up), I would certainly hope we will be seeing a modern looping coaster at the park within the next two years.

^Haha...beat me to it! Should be an interesting ride experience for sure!

Gorgeous pics. Thanks for posting this! I am moving to Seoul in 2 months and look forward to visiting this place a lot.

Thanks for the update! I don't know if it has been mentioned, but that construction over by Spongebob is for a new slide that is being built as a part of the ropes course. I guess it will be an option to get back down for people who get to the top of the ropes course. Also, the new Gerstlauer flat is being touted by park management as the most themed ride in the park. I also heard a chirp about Danny Phantom and Tumbler not having much time left at the park. They both are high-maintenance rides and together they occupy a rather large footprint.

So the expansion will create 200 more jobs? Does that mean 200 more people will be dancing out of sync in their next awesome commercial??? Fun Spot...IT'S HUGE!