Valleyfair Amusement Park: What's new for 2009

June 1, 8:39 AMMinneapolis City Guide ExaminerLori Wilson

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 Valleyfair

Backyard barbeques, bike rides and park picnics are quintessential to picture-perfect summers in Minnesota. One way to beat the summer heat is a day trip to Minnesota's Valleyfair, a family-friendly amusement park with over 75 rides and attractions, eight roller coaster rides, a water park, and live entertainment. To celebrate their 33rd season, Valleyfair introduces a brand-new 350,000 gallon wave pool, complete with private cabanas for a total blissed-out summer day. 

1) Breakers Bay is a 34,000 square foot addition to the 3.5 acre Soak City Waterpark. This zero entry wave pool includes brand-new changing facilities, food and merchandise areas, and shaded Cabanas. The 24 Soak City Cabanas are located around the Breakers Bay pool in a secluded area with member access only. The cabanas are semi-private covered areas with two chaise lounges, a dining table, umbrella, flat screen cable-ready television and food/beverage walk-up service. Full-day private cabanas must be reserved 24-hours in advance with Guest Services at 952-445-6500 (Monday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m).

See the Breakers Bay Opening Ceremony, held on May 23, 2009.

*The cheapest rate for cabana rental is through June 26. 

2) Valleyfair also announces several new programs for their 2009 season line-up. Every year, Valleyfair showcases an exciting new adventure from around the world on the park's large-screen IMAX theatre. This year you can explore ice caves in Greenland, underwater caves in Mexico, rappel down lush jagged mountain peaks and navigate down roaring rapids. "Journey Into Amazing Caves" will air every day and is included with admission cost.

3) Another new addition to the park this season is Rudy Coby, the "Coolest Magician on Planet Earth". Rudy has appeared on MTV, Entertainment Tonight, and his own magic specials on FOX. He is known for his wild, eclectic and original comedic performances on stage. Rudy's show begins June 13 in the Galaxy Theatre.

4) The food at Valleyfair is almost just as talked-about as their rides are. For the first time, park-goers can nosh on fresh cinnamon buns from Cinnabon, located near the park's main entrance.

5) Valleyfairians will notice several Wish Fountains on the park grounds when they visit the park this season. The new fountains are located near the Front Gate and Ferris Wheel and all coins collected will go toward the "Make-a-Wish" foundation of Minnesota.

While Valleyfair may not necessarily be known as a national "coaster park", this amusement park is a popular summer trip for out-of-state visitors and state residents. In addition to the rollercoasters, Valleyfair has a Challenge Park with four different attractions: RipCord, Adventure Golf, Go-Karts and Bumper Boats. Challenge Park is a separate charge attraction located on the southeast corner of the park. Valleyfair also has the Soak City Water Park and a variety of live performance shows to enjoy at the Amphitheatre and Galaxy Theatre.    

Like going upside down? Check out the Corkscrew rollercoaster ride.

Experience the Renegade rollercoaster from a front row point-of-view.

Valleyfair has ongoing events seven days a week. Check out the website's "Today In The Park," section: your guide to current weather conditions, closed attractions and food stands, show schedules, and more. Purchase your 2009 tickets today and read about group discounts and other special offers.

Valleyfair is located 25 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities on County Road 101, just east of Shakopee, Minn.

From the NORTH:

From the North take interstate 35W South to the Shakopee or Hwy 13 exit. Follow Hwy 13 until you reach county road 101, continue north on 101 to Valleyfair. Or you may take 169 south to the Shakopee or Country Road 101 exit. Follow 101 for approximately 3 miles to Valleyfair.

From the EAST:

From the East take 494 West to 169 South. Take the Shakopee or County Road 101 Exit. Valleyfair is just 3 miles West of intersection 169 and County Road 101. Follow County Road 101 for approximately 3 miles to Valleyfair.

From the WEST:

From the West take interstate 494 South to 169 South. Take the Shakopee or County Road 101 exit. Follow County Road 101 for approximately 3 miles to Valleyfair.

From the SOUTH:

From the South take interstate 35W North to the Shakopee or Hwy 13 South exit. Follow Hwy 13 until you reach county road 101 and continue north on 101.  Or, you can take 169 North to the Canterbury Road exit. Follow Canterbury Road North for about 2 miles and take a right onto County Road 101.  Follow County Road 101 for approximately 3 miles to Valleyfair.
 

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