Photo TR: Valleyfair Opening Day

[the_rock401]

SATURDAY, MAY 13

VALLEYFAIR FAMILY AMUSEMENT PARK

SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA

 

This particular day didn't even dawn. The sun wasn't seen until much later in the day. It was cold, drizzling, windy, and rainy. In other words, it was usual weather for Opening Day at Valleyfair.

 

I arrived a little after 9:30 AM to get my pass processed. This was the first time since I've bought my pass that I've been able to get out to Shakopee. I purchased a parking upgrade, but they hadn't brought the logs to write down who bought parking. I waited in the office until after the national anthem, and then iI just asked for a pass so I could get riding. They told me to come back to the GR office later in the day to get the parking endorsement.

 

I went back to the new Xtreme Swing. Both VF and Cedar Point got S&S swings for this season. It initially looked like the a slightly larger version of the one at Knotts, except with a bigger capacity. My initial inclination was immediately crushed on my first ride. This thing packs a punch! Also, they were taking a LONG time to cycle it. I attribute this to the "new ride" factor. Once they figure out the operations, Xtreme Swing will be a line eater.

 

I met Jerry Dorf after he got off the Swing, and we met Cedar Fair CEO Dick Kinzel. Seemed like a nice guy, and I was a bit surprised to see someone of that stature out at our little corner of the Cedar Fair empire.

 

I went with Jerry and Tim up to the front up for them to fly the Skyscraper and Skycoaster. While they were on the Skycoaster, I got my first cycle on Steel Venom. It was COLD out there in the open.

 

We then headed back to Wild Thing. The train before has had been stopped on the lift for no apparent reason, and after someone had walked up the hill, the train went though. We got on the next train, and when we hit where the mid-course brakes usually are, we heard the clacking, but didn't feel any pinch on the brakes. As a result, the bunny hops on the way back were gloriously filled with airtime. This was the closest thing outside of Coaster Craze that the mid-course brakes have been disarmed.

 

Back to Excalibur. Excalibur was it's normal self, and it further justifies my belief that Excalibue is a sleeper coaster. Very underrated. A couple of poor blokes came off Thunder Canyon absolutely SOAKED! I felt bad for them, never mind the fact that they knew good and well they were going to get soaked.

 

High time for High Roller. This thing was squeaking like mad, but on the way back from the turn, there was actually nice airtime! I didn't feel much of the trims at the start of the run back, which meant by the time we hit that last bunny hop going into the station, there was quite a kick of airtime. This is the best High Roller has run since I started riding it.

 

By this time, it was about 12:30. Jerry headed out of the park to get ready for his trip to Holiday World by way of Mt. O, SF Chicago, and other places. I went with Tim to ride Corkscrew, then found Cameron and the Park at MOA gang. We caroused around Valleyfair for the rest of the day, and I left around 4:30 PM.

 

Paul "A long hot shower is calling my name" Miller

The crew from the Park at MOA

Getting a hug from Colonel Oompahpah

SAMPLE? SAMPLE?

Jerry and Tim getting winched into the Skyscraper

Swing at the full wingspan.

VF's 30th birthday present

Ain't that a purty sight...

The weather when I left my apartment this morning.

Jerry and Tim flying the Skycoaster

[MrMorgan]

Hey, thanks for the PTR. I was born and raised in MN, so I technically still consider VF my "home park". Can't wait to ride the new swing this summer when I visit my family. Sounds like a fun ride!

[jerryd]

Screamin Swing is definatly one ride that actully has more bite than its bark! Having experenced Knots afew times during solace last year, I knew it would be a good ride for VF.

 

First ride was surprising and more height and power than I was expecting.

 

More importantly the GP seemed to eat it up!

 

Opening day was on the cool side, sitting at the top of the skyscraper while the crew got the other side loaded was probley the coldest ride at the park.

 

VF offered upgrades to season pass holders for Challenge Park activities from 10am to noon. One tier includes Skyscraper and Skycoaster the next includes mini golf, gokarts and bumper boats. They also put the parking on the season pass this year.

 

Jerry

[steel]

I'm still in love with VF!'s RipCord.

Thanks for the Photo TR. I've been rather VF!-sick lately.