Drbcoaster

Dave Frazier is leaving!!! Brad Marcy, from DP and Carowinds, is the new VP & GM. At least, that's according to this news article: Valleyfair Names new VP & GM - SW News Media

Yes. According to VF, North Star is 230 feet tall, where as Power Tower is 275 feet tall.

This must be a screenshot of the VF recreation someone is making with NoLimits 2. I like it.

Prior to Wild Thing's opening, there were TONS of musical acts using the Amphitheater - everything from school choirs to rock concerts. I recall that the year Wild Thing opened that 2 acts specifically cut their runs short due to the noise of the mcbr (All the Pretty Horses was one of them). There was a noticeable decline in the number of acts and the quality after Wild Thing came along. I've been to Knotts, and the Wild West Stunt Show is a louder and more raucous show than anything VF has done. They couldn't do a country western music show in that theater with Silver Bullet rolling by, sand-filled supports or not. I was just expressing an opinion. No need to get judgy or rude.

Loads of speculation and naivety among the VF fans here. I count myself among them. A part of me would LOVE this to be a prelude to a new coaster announcement for 2017, but my rational mind says it will likely be a flat ride that takes Enterprise's place. I think this for 2 reasons: 1. I believe we would've seen more construction markers by now if it were a coaster - and possibly even seen track pieces arrive already. That hasn't happened. 2. After refurbishing the amphitheater, I doubt they would put a new coaster so close to it. One of the main reasons the amphitheater has been under-utilized is due to the noise of Wild Thing's mcbr. Adding another coaster so close (especially a B&M with its characteristic 'roar') would add insult to injury - eliminating any possibility of a more traditional show for the theater. Why refurbish it if it becomes unusuable for multiple types of shows? In any event, I'm betting we'll be waiting another year or two for a new coaster. In the meantime, has there been any movement on the Soak City expansion/second gate rumor as of late?

That is a great ride! I almost think it's too good for VF. If/when we do get that desperately wished for B&M invert, it'll likely be much smaller than that (Talon, Patriot, Flight Deck CGA). Tell Tim (WolfRaging95) he did a great job!

Some opening day pictures.

Sorry, I wasn't aware the article was password protected. No need to be snarky about it.

Valleyfair got a mention in a Seeking Alpha article about Cedar Fair. Specifically, it is noted for being one of the next parks slated for major investment after Carowinds (the other is CGA). The overall article is pretty interesting, even if you're not an investor.

You must live on a weird street. Scream! is just a mirror image of Bizarro at SFGAd, and both are very enjoyable rides. I've been on Talon and Patriot, and while enjoyable, neither ride 'WOWed' me. At WoF, I found Mamba to be much more exciting. I miss the Orient Express. Though somewhat rough, there was more of a thrill factor (imo) with that ride than with Patriot. At Dorney, Talon's location at the front of the park makes it look more exciting than it is. It seems more forceful than Patriot, but again, that may just be perception due to its location. Hydra is a much more exciting ride (imo), though not as exciting as its predecessor, Hercules. I worry about a mediocre coaster being added at VF because we already have several mediocre coasters. The last time that a coaster truly "WOWed" me at VF was the addition of Wild Thing in 1996. It'll be 20 years old next season; and while Steel Venom, Mad Mouse, and Renegade are fun, it would be a stretch to say they "WOWed" people. I would be shocked if CF invested in a Banshee-priced attraction at VF. Given the current costs of large B&M inverts these days, I've looked elsewhere for dreams and inspiration. I'd argue that if VF does get another epic coaster, it could end up being another 1st for CF. Wild Thing was the first Morgan coaster for CF, followed up with Steel Force ('97) and Mamba ('98). Renegade was the first GCI coaster for CF, followed up by Prowler ('09) and Gold Striker ('13). Maybe the first RMC for CF? The first Mack launch coaster? Both can be built larger and cheaper than a B&M.

Yes, it would be wonderful if VF got a new coaster next year, but they're not. Maybe the year after? Maybe the year after that? But whining about 'when & what' shouldn't keep us from getting out there and experiencing other parks. Nor should bashing anyone who has hopes and dreams for VF. In 1995, only 4 roller coasters IN THE WORLD exceeded 200 feet in height. I never dreamed that the 5th one would come to VF - before any of the Six Flags parks, the Busch Gardens parks, Disney, Universal, etc. Stranger things have happened. In the meantime, I suggest VF fans look elsewhere for new coaster thrills. New coasters are opening next year at Adventureland, Cedar Point, Kentucky Kingdom, and Dollywood - all within a day's drive.

Not sure exactly what you mean by "what do you think would work the best," but I'm assuming you're asking either what type of coaster I would like to see or what other additions I'd like to see. For coasters, personally, I'd like to see a custom RMC coaster - along the lines of Outlaw Run at SDC or the upcoming Wildfire at Kolmården. I'm not as married to the idea of a B&M Invert as the majority of VF fans seem to be. If it is to be a B&M - I'd prefer a good floorless coaster over an invert. I fear that if it is a B&M invert, we'll get something along the lines of Talon at DP or Patriot at WoF. They're decent rides, but pretty low on the excitement spectrum. For the same price as a Patriot or a Talon today, we could get a Scream!-sized B&M floorless, or a large custom RMC. Unless CF is willing to invest in a MAJOR B&M for VF - along the lines of Banshee at KI or GateKeeper at CP, I'd rather have a high quality cheap roller coaster than a boring expensive one. As far as other additions, I agree with the masses that VF needs a giant frisbee. Either from Huss, a Zamperla Giant Discovery, or the Mondial Revolution would be fine. We need a new water ride of some kind, since we've lost the Hydroblaster and The Flume. The Wave is kinda dull. RipTide is fun, but I hate always getting water up my nose. Thunder Canyon needs a makeover - with more waterfall elements and rapids. I'm not sure what a good fit would be (Shoot The Rapids at CP is fun, but loooong). I'd also like to see some more basic carnival-style rides, like a Huss Booster. VF also needs a 2nd kiddie/family coaster. One could count Mad Mouse, but since the minimum height is still 48" unaccompanied, a 2nd option for the younger set would be nice. I'd like to see a Vekoma suspended family coaster for this.

Rumors are rumors. I take a wait-and-see approach, without expectations. Frankly, I am more interested to get down to Adventureland to try out The Monster. Is it sad that Adventureland will have a new looping coaster before Valleyfair (said with appropriate snark)? I renewed my CF pass (added season-long dining this year) and am continuing my SF membership, regardless of VF's 2017 and beyond plans because there are more parks than just this one. Statistically, VF will get a new coaster eventually. Weather its 2017 or 2018 or 2045 - it will happen.

Folks on social media have been HARSH about the 2016 plans. I'm underwhelmed, sure, but some of the comments on the VF Facebook page have been vicious! Before the season began, I was hopeful for a coaster since Wild Thing came on the park's 20th Anniversary. And while I like the Flyers, a thrill ride would've been nice. Overall, I'm keeping my Platinum Pass, but I expect I'll be visiting CP and WoF more often than I visit VF, despite the closer proximity. Just 4th of July and The Haunt for VF.

We'll know when we'll know. Patience.

Supercat (when it still had the canopy) is the best flat ride ever made. Where do people think VF will locate the new Mondial Frisbee? And where will the Larson Flyers go?

I get that. I am excited for a new thrill ride. I'm just wondering how much longer we have to wait for a new coaster. Not counting the Planet Snoopy kiddie coaster, VF hasn't gotten a new coaster since 2007. We're almost certainly not getting one next year. If 2017 is all about the water park, then 2018 is the earliest we'll get one - 11 YEARS since our last coaster. That's a bit much.

If Screamscape and others on this forum are fairly convinced we're getting Larson Flyers and a Mondial frisbee, I am somewhat disappointed. Sure, we haven't had a new thrill ride installed since Xtreme Swing, so the frisbee is needed, but with the likelyhood of a large water park expansion in 2017 once Excalibur is removed, when will we see a new coaster?

I know I'm in the minority here, but I LOVE Excalibur and will be very sad to see it go, if the SC parking lot plan comes to fruition. Even if VF gets a kick-ass B&M, I will still miss Excalibur. It is a one of a kind ride.

For their 30th Anniversary, the park had cotton candy priced at 50 cents - the same price it was when the park opened - all season. They also did various food and drink specials (Corn Dogs for $1, a burger & fries for $2, small soda for 25 cents) throughout the season. I'd guess they'd do something similar for the 40th Anniversary. As far as the speculation of when VF will announce it's 2016 plans, it seems like most people posting here have completely written off the possibility of a coaster for 2016. While I'd guess we would've seen more signs by now if they were planning to build something major, that doesn't mean something major won't be announced. Remember, VF didn't announce Renegade until late September 2006 (Press Release, dated Sept. 21st, 2006). There's still plenty of time for things to happen.

It depends. If Cedar Fair goes BIG with VF for its investment (a similar $40-60 million over 3 years like they did with Carowinds), then a large B&M could most definitely be in VF's future. If Cedar Fair goes more conservatively with VF and does a smaller investment, then we could end up with a Talon or Patriot-sized ride and some infrastructure improvements. Either way, VF is due for some love. I'm surprised that they're keeping the original slide complex... and aren't also adding a flat ride for 2015. Oh well.

Looks pretty good.

Number 3.

As I've been following this forum and reading/speculating with the rest of you what VF has in store for us in 2015 and beyond - a lot of which revolves around the rumor that VF is scheduled to get a similar multi-year investment like Carowinds is getting - I've noticed that not much has been discussed about the "other" stuff. By "other" I mean Carowinds revamping of its food and entertainment programs - focusing on more local options to give the park a more unique feel. I think that could be very exciting for Valleyfair - especially for the food. Imagine if they ditched Ben & Jerry's and brought in Izzy's or Sebastian Joe's ice cream. They could get rid of Cinnabon and bring in Tobies Bakery. The pizza could be provided by Pizza Luce, etc. Granted, it would probably all be expensive, but it would be a welcome change from the current crop of national chains that include $8 six-inch subs.

I'm going to go ahead and say it: I like Excalibur. It's quick, intense, and rough - all the things a unique coaster should be. I will be sad if it is removed for something else, though I think Excalibur is staying put for a while. If VF gets a new marquee attraction in 2016/17, my guess is that it will be placed near the front of the park.