originally posted on 5/6/2024
All Photos: HaeKyung Thompson. View full-sized image.
ACEers were grateful that Valleyfair (Shakopee, Minnesota) invited club members to its second annual Spring Thaw event. It was a fun day, filled with special treats and information about the park’s upcoming season.
ACEers were extended an invitation to Valleyfair’s second Spring Thaw, which provided an opportunity to preview the park’s upcoming 2024 season.
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View full-sized image.
As most have probably heard by now, ValleyScare is making its return to the park this fall with a new storyline at the Chateau, a new maze experience at Blood on the Boundary Waters, all new entertainment in four staging areas and of course more night rides on the coasters enthusiasts love so much! Just a heads up — be on the lookout in June for the reveal of the new maze.
New merchandise accompanies 2024’s return of the popular ValleyScare fall event.
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The return of ValleyScare also means new merchandise opportunities. The initial launch of items for the event is ideal for its triumphant return to the park. This is only the beginning, as more new options will be available in the fall with the approach of haunt season. In the meantime, Valleyfair has also introduced two new Nano coasters, one ParkScape model and one of Excalibur, which many had the opportunity to get last season.
Attendees sampled new meals that will be available at Valleyfair’s two new dining facilities — Lucky Loon and Renegade Smokehouse.
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With so much information to absorb, it became time to sample a tasting of the new foods coming to Valleyfair. Chef Slaughter has helped to create a delicious start to the year and will continue to highlight new foods throughout, which will include new vegetarian and gluten-free options for park guests. The new foods highlighted two new dining facilities — Lucky Loon and Renegade Smokehouse. Lucky Loon will feature the new grilled chicken quarters and macaroni and cheese, while the Renegade Smokehouse will be serving up some great barbeque options.
The park’s GCII Renegade was partially retracked during the offseason, while some flat rides like Balloon Racer received extra attention by the maintenance team.
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Concerning the park’s rides, Renegade received a partial retrack over the winter months, and guests can look forward to some smoother rides this season. Along with Renegade, several other rides received rebuilds, such as Balloon Race, Linus Launcher and the Ferris Wheel. Attendees were surprised to learn that the Ferris Wheel is subjected to a complete tear down and rebuild every 10 years to fix the axle and change bulbs and that it has a hydraulic system that results in a balancing act performed by ride operators during loading/unloading.
A close look at Valleyfair’s iconic Ferris wheel was part of the event, and welcomed by those in attendance.
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ACE members have always appreciated the experiences that Valleyfair offers not only to the organization but also to all park guests throughout the years. ACE hopes to see many members at the park this season as well as on Saturday, July 27, for the ACE North Central Valleyfair Rodeo.
— HaeKyung Thompson
#ACENews