
RollerColester
Members-
Posts
127 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by RollerColester
-
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
A new parking lot and water park entrance.. We have an army corp proposal, a super recent Shakopee city council proposal, reported flags and markers on Excalibur, and now reported heavy equipment hanging out and beginning work on said area...I mean do people really need any other sign? We basically have everything, but an announcement! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
We're not going to get boomerang from Knotts or the SLC from Canada's Wonderland. Slim to none for chances of that happening. The lazy river can be re-routed to account for any new layout they'd like to create, so I think that would stay. I could also see Hurricane Falls and Raging Rapids just because it is essentially directly under Hurricane Falls. Other than those three attractions, demo the rest of the old side. I'd bet money on the new road/entrance and water park renovations happening all in the same year, 2018. It is a super large project, but 9-10 months is more than enough time if they get started soon. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I would look to Cedar Points and Carowinds water park renovations for clues as to what ours could all entail. My guess would be a cafe or restaurant of some sort. I think an area like Lakeside Landing would be a great addition. And perhaps another slide complex. I feel that the water park just overall needs more attractions to handle a higher capacity on super warm days. I'm curious as to how much, if any, of the old side of the water park will be saved? About the only thing I would say would be worth saving is Hurricane Falls. In my opinion the old multi slide complex should get the ax. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I can't imagine why!! Just tear it down already.. I don't mind the coaster at all, but I know what I'm getting into when I decide to take a spin. I appreciate the uniqueness and the rarity of the type of coaster, but it's the least popular coaster in the park by far. It's located in the way back of the park and will never pull its own weight in getting crowds to travel back that far. It's outlived its useful life and I'm excited for the future possibilities removing it will present! If this project is a go for 2018, I'd expect to see land clearing (tree removal, dirt moving, etc.) starting in July sometime, if not June. Carowind's Carolina Harbor started land clearing in August, but they have way better weather and what seemed like an easier terrain to work with. Valleyfair's water park project would also have a road and decent sized parking lot being constructed. Looking forward to hearing updates from all of you that live way closer to the park than I do!! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
There will be some sort of water park new attraction with the opening of the new entrance/parking lot. There has to be something to market to the public to try and get a return on the investment. I'd look at Carowind's and Cedar Point's recent water park overhaul as sort of a guide of what Valleyfair's will more than likely be like. Looks like there is not much to their entrances, so that shouldn't cost a whole lot. I'd probably expect another restaurant and shop with the overhaul. And then perhaps a small kiddie slide complex and some sort of slide complex for older guests. I'd like them to demo the entire section of the older water park, except for Hurricane Falls, and completely re-do that older area with this project. I've been told by a civil engineer friend that a mile stretch of road costs approximately $1,000,000. So I'd throw $2 million or so at the addition of the road. Probably another $3-$4 million for the parking lots (guest and staff). Then $10-12 million for water park renovations (new entrance, shops, slides, etc.) My complete GUESS would be around $15-20 million for the water park project. About the same as a new smaller, compact B&M coaster nowadays. Just my two cents.. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I know what I would bet my money on for 2018. I find it hard to believe they wouldn't have some sort of soak city expansion to go with opening a new entrance back there. I would think by the end of July there would have to be some start to construction. They need to tear down Excalibur, then pack and level land to proposed elevation heights, pour concrete or tar parking lot and roads, remove trees, construct entrance, construct new shops and slides, etc. Not a small project on any scale, plus deal with delays due to Minnesota weather. Valleyfair seems to try to get ahead on projects recently and one would think you'd really want to get ahead on this giant one! Good find! Exciting times for our park. A coaster should finally follow a few years after this. Maybe sooner if returns on this investment go well! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Great news! Hope it's true. Would be a good first step in the Army Corp proposal moving forward. That project would be fairly large and require construction to start mid-summer. So timing of the flags/markers would be somewhat right on schedule. Hope to see more activity concerning Excalibur as the early summer progresses. I'd welcome the back entrance and water park additions with open arms. Would really transform the park as a whole and lead to growth potential and another coaster eventually. On a side note: How awesome would an RMC Excalibur transformation be though!!! I think they'd have to expand the length somehow, but they could come up with a pretty funky transformation. It will never happen, but it's fun to imagine! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I'm guessing that is probably where the entrance plaza will be. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
$100 this Jordanwilcox guy is the same whiner who said "Matt Disney Ouimet" 1000x a post a few months ago and was banned.. I didn't check this thread for a week, I was actually excited to see there were about 6-7 new pages to read..thought something interesting happened or was being discussed..I should have known better.. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I'm very curious about the reasoning behind the early construction and ride testing.. Can one of you who are Dave Frazier's friend, neighbor, financial advisor, cousin twice-removed, whatever the case may be, possibly get some insight as to why the early completion? Didn't Xtreme Swing go up pretty early as well if I remember correctly? I would venture to guess they probably don't want to leave the ride being ready for opening day up to chance due to Minnesota's unpredictable winter weather. If a ride needs any more than 8ish weeks to complete, that means your starting construction in late February/early March and you'd still be in the middle of blizzard season.. Mystery more-than-likely solved. Nevermind, we can leave Dave alone on this one.. Love the look of the ride so far! Great location as well! I still wonder if maybe North Star was part of the 2016 plans of renovating the entire Amphitheater area with Flying Eagles and the bike show. But then 2017 was slated as an off year, so they delayed the addition for one year. Now that may be a Dave question people.. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I see on the website that Valleyfair is doing the Pre-K pass next year as well for 3-5 year olds. Kind of strange how Worlds of Fun teased that announcement, while Valleyfair just quietly put it up on their website. I think the Pre-K pass is a great idea and I'm glad Valleyfair is participating in it year 1. I assume this will be a chain-wide deal after this year.. Love the North Star webcam! There is a lot of prep work left as well as laying the foundation, but hopefully there is some vertical construction by the start of October. It is a great marketing strategy to have a new ride under construction while Valleyscare is going on. Especially one as tall as North Star. Should get a lot of people to remember to come back next season! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Agree with your first statement. Attendance has steadily increased over the last 10 years despite not receiving a new coaster, so if anything that shows the company that major investments in roller coasters aren't needed to steadily increase business. Probably why they aren't in a huge hurry to put one in. Do I think a major coaster would help attendance? Absolutely, but what do i know! I also agree with you saying that Dave Frazier doesn't have the final say on capital improvements, but calling him a babysitter might be an over exaggeration. There is no way he doesn't have a say or a chance to have input in capital improvement conversations. Now how much of a say is the real question. But if your not going to listen to the general managers of your parks, then the Cedar Fair big shots aren't very great business people. After all, who knows the individual parks better than the general managers. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I think Garyman is referring to the banner or the dark photo where North Star is the only ride in color. There seems to always be inaccuracies in these banners that parks make. I wouldn't read into it at all... Seems like Valleyfair's season passes are always on the cheaper end compared to other parks in the chain. Probably due to the lack of an excellent water park and a smaller footprint. Always found that interesting as that is a major factor in Valleyfair being second/third to last in revenues in the chain. Building the water park up to respectable standards would help a lot in being able to charge more for season passes and tickets, as well as market the whole 2 parks for the prices of 1 more effectively. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
2018: Water Park Renovation (New back Entrance/Parking Lot) 2019: Return of Enterprise/General Improvements 2020*: B&M Invert or Wing in place of Dinos *World ends the day before opening day 2020 as God refuses to let Valleyfair fans get their long awaited B&M... -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I thought some parks complete construction before year end so it can be considered on the prior years budget. So North Star would technically be included in the 2016 budget. Don't quote me on that though. Wish they would have completed North Star for 2016 since they added Flying Eagles and the Amphitheater revamp in the same area anyway. Cedar Fair has made some interesting announcements today. Doesn't seem like a ton of investment dollars are being made compared to prior years. I don't really count Cedar Point as they are just on their own playing field. Cost concious flat rides for all in 2017!! Makes me think the debt due in the near future has a lot to do with the conservative approach. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
The idea of relocating Excalibur is borderline insanity... -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Good to know. I'll take your word for it as it seems like a logical chain of events. So we're stuck with these coaster area hoggin' machine things for at least 3 more seasons... It seems like almost every one of these attractions at their respective parks sits on prime potential coaster real estate. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Enthusiasts have a bad habit of once a rumor gets repeated 10+ times, it all of a sudden becomes talked about as a fact. Maybe it is a fact, but I'd like to see some actual proof before we etch it in stone! I hope after 7 years it's gone cause that more than likely means coaster for 2020! Still 4 off seasons away! Can you imagine how f'n insane most of you will be by then still waiting for a new coaster... Just playing, love you all! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
I wouldn't be surprised if they are like a 5 year minimum lease with park options for the following years after if they are still performing well. Dorney's would be a good indicator to look at as far as a removal timeline for other parks since they added theirs first, but each attraction may perform differently at each park. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Where do you suggest they put one? The DInos aren't going anywhere until the contract is up As far as we know, the permit to toothpick Excalibur and fill in the swamp in the back hasn't been approved The aren't going to spend a zillion dollars to move a zillion things around inside the park when these locations will become available in a few years. Exactly. The Dinos will more than likely become a "Deckerated" coaster as Matt Ouimet has called recent front gate coasters after VP of Design Rob Decker, but that will not happen until the Dino's useful life is complete. Who knows how long that will be. People have mentioned that they are 7 year leases, which means they will be around until at least 2019, making 2020 the earliest year that land is available for re-development. I don't know if anybody has ever offered up any proof as to the length of the lease though, so it could be 10 years...who knows!! As long they keep making respectable profits, they could be around for forever!! I made it to the park last Saturday night for my first and probably only visit this season. The park was actually not as busy as I thought it would be for a Saturday night in early August. I took advantage of the starlight admission and was at the park from about 4:30 to 10:30. The park looked great!! Everything was super clean and operations seemed to be running very efficient. I rode Renegade 4-5 times (2 night rides), Wild Thing 3-4 times, and the following once: Power Tower (red), Xtreme Swing, High Roller, Corkscrew, Mad Mouse, Enterprise, Steel Venom, Northern Lights, Excalibur, and the Bumper Cars. Having done all that in a little under 6 hours, I can honestly say I was ready to leave. In my opinion the park has a great collections of rides and has almost every category covered, but it is obviously missing a modern steel looping coaster and an extra thrill ride or two. Next year should take care of the thrill ride, so hopefully the modern looping coaster isn't far behind! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
He was the one who first mentioned the enterprise rehab about a month ago. Nailed that one. Let's treat him like every other source and realize sometimes they are spot on, sometimes they are close, and sometimes they are misinformed. Take the information provided for what it is and use your professional skepticism to come to a logical conclusion. CaptainUnknown seems like one of the better sources we have on this thread and I believe works at the park. He seems to do a good job of pointing out when he's telling you what he's heard from a source vs. an idea or opinion he has. Now please don't make me look dumb for defending you! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
^Exactly. I'll be even more shocked of it being a used version than I will if it turns out being the Mondial version. Both seem slim to no chance. I'd expect it fall in between that 250-275 foot range, about the same height as Power Tower. If it turns out that end of the park has a little higher of a height restriction --> B&M Giga that goes out to the employee dorms and back please!! -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Yes, issues with their Mondial version. This is a Funtime version. -
Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread
RollerColester replied to the_rock401's topic in Theme Parks, Roller Coasters, & Donkeys!
Agreed. If it says Star Flyer ride, I'm going to put two and two together and say its a Funtime Star Flyer. Never been on one, but I don't like the idea of being held up by nothing but chains 300 feet in the air. Looking at the ones at SFOT and SFNE, they sure do look impressive. I think it will be in a perfect location in the park drawing in guests right as they enter. Nice addition. I'm guessing we'll probably see most of the parks without Windseekers add these in the near future (DP, CGA, KBF).