Valleyfair (VF) Discussion Thread

[VF15]

^

This is great news! This is making me look forward to Saturday that much more. It's good that the queue TVs won't be blasting ads at you all the time like at Six Flags parks. The weather and wait times will definitely be very helpful. Sounds like I was right about Steel Venom's queue line being shortened. Not sure why they need two more picnic pavilions, but I guess they will be nice additions.

[RCjunkie]

O.K.

So yesterday I was able to have a visit with Dave Frazier, Valleyfair's GM. I was able to tour the park and it looks fantastic! I'm not kidding when I say it almost feels like a new park. There were numerous changes throughout the park! Route 76 will be the place that makes everyone say "Wow". Scrambler and Tilter look like brand new rides. Not only did they get new lights and paint but many mechanical upgrades as well such as new motors. Also, they build two new picnic point pavilions and have beefed up their corporate marking staff to keep this are filled during the summer. The cue line for Steel Venom is much shorter than before. Oh, the new cue line entertainment systems are really cool. They are not planning on using these as advertising but rather on entertainment while you wait. It will also have wait times and weather radar to keep you updated on incoming storms. Valleyfair also upgraded the parks sound system, they had it playing and it sounded awesome. There is much more to report but I don't want this post to be too long.

 

If you have new factual information like this then no post can be too long. Go ahead and tell us about all the changes, I am really curious now about the new sound system you mention. Nobody will mind a long post if it is all new information.

[Mossed]

O.K.

So yesterday I was able to have a visit with Dave Frazier, Valleyfair's GM. I was able to tour the park and it looks fantastic! I'm not kidding when I say it almost feels like a new park. There were numerous changes throughout the park! Route 76 will be the place that makes everyone say "Wow". Scrambler and Tilter look like brand new rides. Not only did they get new lights and paint but many mechanical upgrades as well such as new motors. Also, they build two new picnic point pavilions and have beefed up their corporate marking staff to keep this are filled during the summer. The cue line for Steel Venom is much shorter than before. Oh, the new cue line entertainment systems are really cool. They are not planning on using these as advertising but rather on entertainment while you wait. It will also have wait times and weather radar to keep you updated on incoming storms. Valleyfair also upgraded the parks sound system, they had it playing and it sounded awesome. There is much more to report but I don't want this post to be too long.

 

Feel free to post any and all of the other changes, we promise not to complain about the length of your post!

[garyman6]

^

This is great news! This is making me look forward to Saturday that much more. It's good that the queue TVs won't be blasting ads at you all the time like at Six Flags parks. The weather and wait times will definitely be very helpful. Sounds like I was right about Steel Venom's queue line being shortened. Not sure why they need two more picnic pavilions, but I guess they will be nice additions.

The new pavilions are there to handle the expected growth of corporate events. I was told the new kitchen can put out 3000 meals an hour. I did see the new kitchen and it was massive. The head cook was taking pics of a meal for promotions. As for the sound I was only told that the parks sound system had been upgraded but it sounded pretty sweet.

There was still quit a bit of work to do before Friday's opening. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few areas of landscaping not complete. They will be fine if the weather holds out so we will see. Some really good news for High Roller and Renegade fans, Maintenance crews spent quite a bit of time and effort doing track work on both coasters plus one of Renegades trains has been outfitted with new cushioned seats as a trial run. Both of these improvements are in response to feedback from all of you that the ride quality has been in decline and needed some improvements. Mr. Frazier asked me to give my feedback after I had a chance to ride Renegade and tell him what my thoughts are. Everyone needs to know that Mr. Frazier reads all comments on fb and twitter and anything else he can find. He is the perfect GM for Valleyfair! I have more news but I want to see what you all think so far.

[VF15]

^

It's great to hear that they are working to make the woodies smoother. Even though Renegade isn't "death machine" rough, the rattle it has developed lately can get annoying, as I would get a minor headache after a few rides. Even though I'm glad they're making High Roller smoother, the thing I'd like to see the most is lightening up on the trim brakes because those bunny hop hills do have airtime, but it's so light that some people might not even notice. It would have been nice to hear about improvements for Excalibur, but if it's on it's way out in a few years, then it probably wouldn't be worth it.

[garyman6]

I did learn some interesting facts. I asked how much Valleyfair spent this year on improvements, Route 76, etc. It was about 3 million which is kinda where I thought it would be. That may sound like a lot but really it isn't when you consider all things. Valleyfair spent about 3 million on Dinosaurs Alive and they spent about 9 million on planet Snoopy. So, in my thinking that bodes well for major expansion in the next couple of years because they have kept capital improvement costs down for the last two years. Second bit of info that was really intriguing. According to Mr. Frazier Kings Island is located in a very similar market to Valleyfair (Cincinnati and Minneapolis/St. Paul). But we all know that Kings Island is a larger park with more attractions and higher attendance. Why? Valleyfair is looking real close at what KI does really well and will try to bring those ideas to VF. Does that mean a 28 million coaster? Maybe not but over the next few years I see some REAL growth for VF. Third bit of info. Mr. Frazier is in agreement with all of you that if we can't have a 28 million coaster at least we should be able to get something unique. He is pushing that idea with corporate. So let's keep our fingers crossed and we will see.

Yes, I still have more but that will come later.

[RCjunkie]

^

It's great to hear that they are working to make the woodies smoother. Even though Renegade isn't "death machine" rough, the rattle it has developed lately can get annoying, as I would get a minor headache after a few rides. Even though I'm glad they're making High Roller smoother, the thing I'd like to see the most is lightening up on the trim brakes because those bunny hop hills do have airtime, but it's so light that some people might not even notice.

 

Thought it was just me but that is how I felt about Renegade last year, I could only ride it three or four times before I would get a minor headache. Just two years ago I could ride it a dozen times in a row and not even think about it. I agree on High Roller, hopefully the off season work on the structure will allow them to relax the turn around trim so those bunny hills can give the air that they can give.

[valleyfairfanatic]

O.K.

So yesterday I was able to have a visit with Dave Frazier, Valleyfair's GM. I was able to tour the park and it looks fantastic! I'm not kidding when I say it almost feels like a new park. There were numerous changes throughout the park! Route 76 will be the place that makes everyone say "Wow". Scrambler and Tilter look like brand new rides. Not only did they get new lights and paint but many mechanical upgrades as well such as new motors. Also, they build two new picnic point pavilions and have beefed up their corporate marking staff to keep this are filled during the summer. The cue line for Steel Venom is much shorter than before. Oh, the new cue line entertainment systems are really cool. They are not planning on using these as advertising but rather on entertainment while you wait. It will also have wait times and weather radar to keep you updated on incoming storms. Valleyfair also upgraded the parks sound system, they had it playing and it sounded awesome. There is much more to report but I don't want this post to be too long.

 

This is all great news, I had a couple Ideas for renegade as well that I might submit to Mr. Frazier, By the way, how were you able to tour the park, I'd love to meet mr. frazier? I think the improvements to renegade will be fantastic because it does give me headaches periodically and sometimes I skip riding renegade all together. Is it me, or when I go on renegade the edge of the lap bar sticks into my side when I go over the airtime hills, and it is somewhat painful and I have side pain after the ride, Is that happening to you also? I'm just a little concerned about it.

[garyman6]

O.K.

So yesterday I was able to have a visit with Dave Frazier, Valleyfair's GM. I was able to tour the park and it looks fantastic! I'm not kidding when I say it almost feels like a new park. There were numerous changes throughout the park! Route 76 will be the place that makes everyone say "Wow". Scrambler and Tilter look like brand new rides. Not only did they get new lights and paint but many mechanical upgrades as well such as new motors. Also, they build two new picnic point pavilions and have beefed up their corporate marking staff to keep this are filled during the summer. The cue line for Steel Venom is much shorter than before. Oh, the new cue line entertainment systems are really cool. They are not planning on using these as advertising but rather on entertainment while you wait. It will also have wait times and weather radar to keep you updated on incoming storms. Valleyfair also upgraded the parks sound system, they had it playing and it sounded awesome. There is much more to report but I don't want this post to be too long.

 

This is all great news, I had a couple Ideas for renegade as well that I might submit to Mr. Frazier, By the way, how were you able to tour the park, I'd love to meet mr. frazier? I think the improvements to renegade will be fantastic because it does give me headaches periodically and sometimes I skip riding renegade all together. Is it me, or when I go on renegade the edge of the lap bar sticks into my side when I go over the airtime hills, and it is somewhat painful and I have side pain after the ride, Is that happening to you also? I'm just a little concerned about it.

 

Its a long story about how I met Mr. Frazier but basically I wrote an e-mail to Cedar Fair about ideas that I had for Valleyfair and the historical importance that Valleyfair has to Cedar Fair. They must have liked what they saw and forwarded my e-mail to Mr. Frazier. He contacted me and invited me for a personal walk through the park last October during ValleyScare. This was the second time that we met. It was really interesting to see behind the scenes and to see the preparations for the upcoming season.

 

We talked quite a bit about Soak City. The removal of IMAX is very dramatic! They have a lot of work left there. The idea of opening this area up is two fold. We all know there will be waterpark expansion. Don't know what or when but it will happen. The other goal is to open up more space for people to just move around. There will be new lounging areas as well as new pathway's to get around. The volleyball courts will not cost anything extra! No ball fee either! Just sign out a court for an hour, that's it! Also, the lockers have gone electronic. No longer will you have to pay multiple times per day to use a locker. One price per day! I asked if the "looping Starship" can be relocated to make even more room. Mr. Frazier said that anything is possible! It all comes down to cost and what makes sense. I also asked about Hydroblaster, whether or not it will return as part of the waterpark. He was not at liberty to say yes or no but did say that the operating cost was pretty high compared to the number of riders. So let's just say the jury is still out on whether Hydroblaster will make a return or not. Right now the area is just a grassy field. Mr. Frazier did say he may have plans for this site yet this year but he did not elaborate.

 

A few last bits of info that I can remember. There is a new store called "Sweet" located on your right as you walk through the entrance headed toward the carousel. It has been completely remodeled and looks great. Mr. Frazier has really put an emphasis on looking professional. The area where "Scrambler" was located has a new concrete pad and will be used for performances of all kinds. The backdrop will be awesome. It's actually a pretty nice place located right near the front gate. There will be a new acapella singing group roaming the park grounds. I wish I could remember the name but you will all just have to see them for yourselves. All in all the park looks great! For those of you who think Valleyfair can't grow because they have no more room. Not true! They have developed only about half the land they own. Now they do have restrictions because of flood plains and wet lands but they can expand. The big issue is in order to expand there would be a lot of extra improvements that would have to happen first. They would also like to address the parking lot in a big way but like with everything else it costs money.

Feel free to ask questions, I will answer as best as I can. I wish I could tell you all when a new coaster is coming, but that information is confidential until the corp. is ready to release it. Believe me, I do ask!

[valleyfairfanatic]

I caught scrambler with its light display going, It looks fantastic!

[Lightning9SX]

According to Mr. Frazier Kings Island is located in a very similar market to Valleyfair (Cincinnati and Minneapolis/St. Paul). But we all know that Kings Island is a larger park with more attractions and higher attendance. Why?

 

Because the population within a 2-3 hour drive of KI is far greater than that of Valleyfair. Ohio has 6 million more people than MN. Indy, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington all within a 2 hour drive of KI.

 

Route 76 is looking great. Can't wait to spend an evening out there with all of the new LEDs around the park.

[Diamondbacker27]

According to Mr. Frazier Kings Island is located in a very similar market to Valleyfair (Cincinnati and Minneapolis/St. Paul). But we all know that Kings Island is a larger park with more attractions and higher attendance. Why?

 

Because the population within a 2-3 hour drive of KI is far greater than that of Valleyfair. Ohio has 6 million more people than MN. Indy, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington all within a 2 hour drive of KI.

 

Route 76 is looking great. Can't wait to spend an evening out there with all of the new LEDs around the park.

On spot. There are people that drive 5-6 hours to visit KI. I doubt they would drive four to visit VF. It isn't worth it. IMO (Unless, you've never been there)

[garyman6]

According to Mr. Frazier Kings Island is located in a very similar market to Valleyfair (Cincinnati and Minneapolis/St. Paul). But we all know that Kings Island is a larger park with more attractions and higher attendance. Why?

 

Because the population within a 2-3 hour drive of KI is far greater than that of Valleyfair. Ohio has 6 million more people than MN. Indy, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington all within a 2 hour drive of KI.

 

Route 76 is looking great. Can't wait to spend an evening out there with all of the new LEDs around the park.

On spot. There are people that drive 5-6 hours to visit KI. I doubt they would drive four to visit VF. It isn't worth it. IMO (Unless, you've never been there)

Both True but Ohio also has Kings Dominion and of course Cedar Point! So if you spread the population among all three parks then it even's out. Yes, people don't travel far to visit Valleyfair but I think they would if the park were attractive enough. I'm thinking that Cedar Fair knows this already. Otherwise why would they mark Valleyfair as one 3 parks in the chain for significant growth?

[G$ Kurt]

^ I think you are confused on where Kings Dominion is. Try Virginia my friend.

[VF15]

Saw on Dave Frazier's Twitter that Xtreme Swing has both sides working, which is nice. Both swings running makes the line move faster, and is much more visually appealing. Looking forward to lots of on it this year.

[valleyfairfanatic]

Yeah I asked him that question, Its going to be interesting this year, Last year they only had one swing running, anyone know why?

[VF15]

^

I asked the same question several pages back. I'm not certain of this, but I think it was because a cable snapped on Cedar Point's Skyhawk, and Valleyfair wanted to play things safe. It could have been something else though.

[DanTheBooker]

^ I think you are confused on where Kings Dominion is. Try Virginia my friend.

My thoughts exactly. But throw Holiday World, Beech Bend, Indiana Beach, KK into the mix and it might even things out...

[garyman6]

^ I think you are confused on where Kings Dominion is. Try Virginia my friend.

My thoughts exactly. But throw Holiday World, Beech Bend, Indiana Beach, KK into the mix and it might even things out...

 

Sorry, My bad! Just now, I was looking at information located at Cedarfair.com and found that the population market for KI is 15 million and for Valleyfair 9 million. Canada's Wonderland is also 9 million. Valleyfair should have an attraction line up similar to CW. CW has several more roller coasters than Valleyfair. What I'm trying to say is that I see many of you putting limits on what Valleyfair could become. I not gonna go there, I think Valleyfair has huge growth potential. Look, the more input Cedar Fair hears from all of you the more they are gonna say to themselves, we need to do more with Valleyfair.

[dippindotsguy8]

Something to keep in mind is that while the park hasn't necessarily been adding huge attractions the past few seasons, it has been making major infrastructure upgrades that would be greatly needed if the park were to grow substantially. Legitimate kids/family areas, higher-capacity locations for group meals and events, etc. were needed for the park to be able to handle bigger crowds. I don't know what Cedar Fair has in mind for the park long-term, but I certainly am keeping an open mind, especially having seen how the park has changed the last couple of years.

[G$ Kurt]

Now you are talking international markets which is a whole different game. And Indiana Beach and those parks, if you reach that far on your population circumference you're starting to talk about Nashville, St Louis even Chicago. Point is, Valleyfair is a great little park in a great but little market. And that CW is a freak of nature that you shouldn't compare to lol

[Diamondbacker27]

Yes, Kings Island does have a large market. But they have to compete with Kentucky Kingdom, Holiday World, Indiana Beach, and a couple other small parks. ValleyFair doesn't have as much to compete against.

[valleyfairfanatic]

Yes, valleyfair's only competition is Nickelodeon universe, but that is a very small park. I could see major growth going to valleyfair but we seriously need to give some feedback to cedar fair. I know, valleyfair doesn't have much of a market but I think cedar fair could send some rides to us hopefully in the near future.

[Diamondbacker27]

If they don't have much competition what is the point of a major upgrade? Their guests will not drive 6 or so hours to visit a decent park when they have one near them that has a decent line up of rides. IMO. A new coaster would be nice, but they only will add what they need. When they need it.

[VF15]

Yes, valleyfair's only competition is Nickelodeon universe, but that is a very small park. I could see major growth going to valleyfair but we seriously need to give some feedback to cedar fair. I know, valleyfair doesn't have much of a market but I think cedar fair could send some rides to us hopefully in the near future.

 

I'd say that Valleyfair has some more competition than just NU, including Mt. Olympus, Adventureland, and to some extent Six Flags Great America. The reason I say Six Flags Great America is because some people have said that they would rather take one trip a year to SFGAm than have a season pass to Valleyfair. While SFGAm is definitely a better park, I won't go as far as saying I'd rather go there once than go to Valleyfair multiple times.