Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (12102 S 180th St, Gretna)

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue May 01, 2018 12:40 pm

Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (12102 S 180th St, Gretna)

When I was driving back from Lincoln, it looked like a major building going up on Vala's property. As best as I could tell if it's part of Vala's it would be on the NW end of the property.

Greg

Silverspoon · Post by **Silverspoon** » Tue May 01, 2018 4:50 pm

Probably an expansion on the mansion...

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Tue May 01, 2018 5:09 pm

I believe they are supposed to open an apple orchard this year. Maybe the new structure has something to do with that?

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Wed May 02, 2018 5:44 pm

I have lived in Omaha a total of around 30 years of my life and I still have not set foot there. Lol. I feel like the only soul in Omaha...

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Thu May 03, 2018 6:13 am

RockHarbor wrote: Wed May 02, 2018 5:44 pm I have lived in Omaha a total of around 30 years of my life and I still have not set foot there. Lol. I feel like the only soul in Omaha...

Right there with you. Maybe we should form a club?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu May 03, 2018 12:16 pm

bigredmed1 wrote: Thu May 03, 2018 6:13 am
RockHarbor wrote: Wed May 02, 2018 5:44 pm I have lived in Omaha a total of around 30 years of my life and I still have not set foot there. Lol. I feel like the only soul in Omaha...
Right there with you. Maybe we should form a club?

You guys aren’t the only ones, lol.. I’m not against the place by any means.. I’ve just never had the time nor an enhanced interest in going...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Thu May 03, 2018 4:01 pm

If you have kids, you should definitely go. I think the place is fantastic.

When my wife and I moved to Omaha in 2011, we heard a lot about Vala's but never went, despite having three young kids. We had a pumpkin patch in California we loved to go to and figured Vala's would pale in comparison. Which is funny, because my wife and I are totally not the "We lived in California so everything else is blase" kind of people. We had a fourth kid in 2013 and some time after that (maybe 2014) we took them to Vala's -- and were absolutely blown away by the size and quality of it. We've bought a family pass every year since then. It can definitely be expensive for a one time visit. But, if you've got little kids, buy a season pass and use the heck out of it. We take our kids there about 3 days a week for the 6-week season and they never get tired of it. Each day seems different because of the sheer volume of things to do.

If you don't have kids, it's still worth checking out at least once (go in September when the weather is dependable and the crowds are smaller). One time is probably enough to get a sense of the place. But you can end up shelling out quite a bit of cash. Just bear that in mind before you go -- head out early and stay all day -- you'll end up having a blast.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Thu May 03, 2018 7:23 pm

Lol you guys! I'm glad I'm not the only one. Gosh, Edsas....you've made me realize I really have been missing something. Your description makes the place sound like an absolute blast. (I know people I went to school with growing up that now have kids, and they love going, too. Everybody always talks so highly of it.)

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu May 03, 2018 8:48 pm

I haven't been there for years, but the pig races were legendary and the pumpkin trébuchets were a hit with teenagers. As edsas said... I wonder if the new building has to do with the opening of the 30,000 apple tree orchard where you can press your own cider...:

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Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu May 03, 2018 9:09 pm

It's highly kid oriented. Me and my friends have gone yearly, mainly for the pumpkin ride, turkey legs, funny goats and the cheap fun games. There are many things there that once you do them once and have a memory with, you just feel a draw to get that feeling again. I personally love an uncomfortably cold night pumpkin ride and warming back up with a turkey leg. That's just a fond memory/feeling I get around fall and that's what brings me back. I wouldn't say it's particularly "fun" for an adult, it's just something I've done a lot, kinda makes you feel like a kid for a few hours.

edsas · Post by **edsas** » Thu May 03, 2018 11:44 pm

I will say this about the Vala family, they invest a lot back into the farm every single year so that there is always something new to come back to. I was talking to an employee last year about that and he claimed that the Vala's clear about $2 million every season and put nearly half of it into developing new attractions. I don't know how accurate that statement is, but it certainly appears that they spend about $1 million (if not more) on yearly additions. Some of their projects are massive.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri May 04, 2018 8:42 am

I love Vala's. I first went there with my mom's work when I was about 5. I am now 35. Back then, there wasn't much there except for the Harvest Barn, Spook Shed, a few bonfire pits and of course the pumpkins. I went annually for about 10 years and then didn't go until I was 25. I have been there every year since and it truly is amazing to see the growth that they have had. I think Omaha should feel blessed to have a family that cares deeply about the community and family roots. I can't imagine it ever being taken over with corporate sponsors. Like some have previously mentioned, going to Vala's makes you feel like a kid again, even if only for a few hours. I now have 2 young children of my own and they look forward to going to Vala's every single year. Sure, Vala's can get really, really busy on the weekend in October, but it still has an amazing homey feel to it. We have visited several other pumpkin patches, and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses, but nothing compares to Vala's. I hear people complain all the time about the price, and while I don't necessarily like that they increase admission by $1 each year, there is so much to do there that the cost is well worth the memories that you make.

One other quick story. This past fall we were the 2nd to the last hayrack to go out. Our driver stopped suddenly when he noticed a cellphone on the road in the pumpkin patch. He brought it back to the hayrack entrance and found the owner. Sure, the phone had been driven over by a tractor, but at least they were able to get there memory card out with all their pictures on it. I have had some many good experiences here, that I would love to keep coming back.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri May 04, 2018 12:38 pm

I’ll say this, after reading all the positive responses in this thread, I visited Vala’s web site and I have became interested.. there is definitely more going on there than simply a “Pumpkin Patch” only. Now if they brewed their own specialty Pumpkin Beer, then I’m 100% in

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 12:21 pm

It appears that Vala's raised their prices by $3 this year. It is now $21.95 for weekend in October (or $19.95 if bought online).

They are having their annual sale a little early this year. Today until 6 pm tomorrow you can buy them for $16.95 + tax.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 12:41 pm

Wowzers. That’s getting a bit pricey. One thing I recall about Vala’s, is they’ve seemingly been raising their prices pretty steadily over the past 15-20 years.. But people still like to frequent the place.. I suspect they’ll keep raising their prices until people start speaking to them through their wallets...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:02 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Aug 09, 2018 12:41 pm Wowzers. That’s getting a bit pricey. One thing I recall about Vala’s, is they’ve seemingly been raising their prices pretty steadily over the past 15-20 years.. But people still like to frequent the place.. I suspect they’ll keep raising their prices until people start speaking to them through their wallets...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

They have added a lot too. THe value if you are going to go even twice is to buy the season pass.

I would speculate here a bit but I bet they would prefer to push people to an annual pass. This way they come back for multiple days and in the end spend more on the grounds than at the gate.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:16 pm

I just bought weekend passes for September on their sale. With tax and such still came in under $60 for a family of four.

Greg

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 6:24 am

This October weather so far had had to really put a dent in the people through the gates at Vala's and the other area pumpkin patches.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 8:31 am

nebugeater wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 6:24 am This October weather so far had had to really put a dent in the people through the gates at Vala's and the other area pumpkin patches.

A week like this should hopefully help to boost those numbers some.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 9:40 am

skinzfan23 wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 8:31 am
nebugeater wrote: Mon Oct 15, 2018 6:24 am This October weather so far had had to really put a dent in the people through the gates at Vala's and the other area pumpkin patches.
A week like this should hopefully help to boost those numbers some.

I, for one, will be taking my family to Vala's this Thursday. Should be fair weather, and hopefully the grounds will not be that muddy since it should be dry until then.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 10:09 am

We went first thing Saturday morning hoping the crowds would be less with the cool morning and the Husker game. Wasn't too bad at first but as it warmed up, the crowd picked up fast. The parking lot was a swamp with all the rain, but the inside wasn't bad if you watched where you walked. There was some mud bu easy to navigate around.

That't quite the park they have built out there.

milesej05 · Post by **milesej05** » Mon Oct 15, 2018 11:57 am

Vala's actually closed yesterday due to safety reasons.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 12:32 pm

I wonder how the attendance will be this year. I still love this place, but on a sour note, they did raise admission prices again: ($25.95, if purchased at the gate)

For a comparison, here are prices for previous seasons (over a 52% increase in the past 6 years) I know that they do reinvest a lot of the profit, but that is getting pretty expensive for a family of 4 and this is isn't even counting food or drinks) :

2015 $ 16.99
2016 $ 17.99
2017 $ 18.95
2018 $ 21.95
2019 $ 23.95
2020 $ 25.95

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 12:52 pm

We go every year but I didn’t even notice the price increase because we do those deals they have. They need to be careful they don’t price themselves out of a lot of their market, which $25.95 is pretty close to doing. They have reinvested in stuff but they appear to be pretty close if not over the threshold of it not being worth it.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 1:27 pm

Vala's is PACKED (well, most years - I'm not sure how 2020 is looking for them). Especially on October weekends. Supply and demand and whatnot. Considering they let you bring in outside food and drink and don't make you purchase theirs instead, then the price isn't all bad. It seems steep but is probably comparable to what your pay for admission at other theme parks you may only visit once per year.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 1:52 pm

We went last weekend and they seemed to be doing great. We do it every year with a group and rent a campsite. I'm glad they don't charge for parking.

We always buy online and in advance so maybe that's why it was cheaper for us. I think it was just under $18 a person on Saturday.

Greg

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 2:39 pm

Yes, the prices for the weekdays and for September are cheaper. It is also $2 per person cheaper online as well. We normally go in the middle of October on a Saturday, but it is usually very crowded. With Covid and the price being much lower in September, I am thinking we may go on Sunday after it cools down and isn't in the 90's like Saturday. We just like to have some hot cider and chili, and I don't think I would crave either of those much if its 90.

WBR_Tom · Post by **WBR_Tom** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:38 am

We took the afternoon off last Friday and went; the daily admission is steep if you pay full price at the gate but if you plan in advance and buy online, or snag one of the deals they run on various sites or social media, you can almost always get in for a lot less per person.

COVID didn't seem to be affecting them much at all. If anything, it was busier than we expected it to be on a school day.

jessep28 · Post by **jessep28** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:15 pm

I haven't gone in years since I moved away from Omaha, so it might not be a valid shortcut anymore with development and stuff. You used to be able to take 168th St. South, and that would curve over to Schram Rd. and take you right to the gate. The traffic on 180th and even had to yield to you. It might be worth trying out if you're forced to go on a busy weekend.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:20 pm

WBR_Tom wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 11:38 am COVID didn't seem to be affecting them much at all. If anything, it was busier than we expected it to be on a school day.

I don't know about other districts, but Millard had a day off on Friday. That probably explains the crowds.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:26 pm

jessep28 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:15 pm I haven't gone in years since I moved away from Omaha, so it might not be a valid shortcut anymore with development and stuff. You used to be able to take 168th St. South, and that would curve over to Schram Rd. and take you right to the gate. The traffic on 180th and even had to yield to you. It might be worth trying out if you're forced to go on a busy weekend.

I've taken that route before, its clutch, and I hate using that word.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:29 pm

Haha, Imagine making all the money you ever need on two months of business. Its gotta be great.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:45 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:29 pm Haha, Imagine making all the money you ever need on two months of business. Its gotta be great.

Similar to CWS businesses making most of theirs in 1 week.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:47 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:29 pm Haha, Imagine making all the money you ever need on two months of business. Its gotta be great.

It is a 12 Month job with expenses all the time and revenue in two months. Also impacted by weather. Don't take it wrong, I am sure they make a great profit but it is not a two-month job.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:08 pm

nebugeater wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:47 pm It is a 12 Month job with expenses all the time and revenue in two months. Also impacted by weather. Don't take it wrong, I am sure they make a great profit but it is not a two-month job.

Yes, why I said two months of business. I understand they probably have work to do all year, but to make that kind of profit in two months time has to be great. Imagine how many heads walk through their doors in that period, at ~$20 a piece, gotta be worth all the work in the winter and spring.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:20 pm

Yes, but also risky, as mentioned earlier, weather is also a factor. Thankfully this is usually a great time of year weather wise but if every weekend the weather were bad it could really put a dent in business.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:23 pm

I did end up going yesterday and it turned out to be a really great day. It was pretty steady but definitely not as busy as the middle of October on a Saturday when we usually go. I really love Valas, and am amazed at how they continue to get better every year. They still manage to keep all of the original attractions, but add new things each year as well. This year one of the additions is a Zinia flower field. A great back drop if you love to take pictures with the sunset in the background.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:37 pm

Nothing wrong with it. Whoever the owner is probably nets several million per year, so no wonder it works. I mean, I've been there a few times between my late teens and early 20's, had a few really good times. Never was taken there as a kid... But now that I'm older and with no kids, not a whole lot of draw for me. It is a fun place, but not really much to do for the adult. Add in a roller coaster and some go-karts, then we'll talk.

WBR_Tom · Post by **WBR_Tom** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 3:09 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:26 pm
jessep28 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 1:15 pm I haven't gone in years since I moved away from Omaha, so it might not be a valid shortcut anymore with development and stuff. You used to be able to take 168th St. South, and that would curve over to Schram Rd. and take you right to the gate. The traffic on 180th and even had to yield to you. It might be worth trying out if you're forced to go on a busy weekend.
I've taken that route before, its clutch, and I hate using that word.

Definitely still a valid shortcut. That's how we almost always go.

168th becomes gravel a few hundred feet south of 370, whereas 180th is paved almost the entire way to the gate, but you're generally one of a dozen or so cars on the road while 180th is backed up clear to 370. There's another little gravel road that goes over I-80 that connects to Schram that is also a good shortcut if you're driving from the south -- no idea what the name of that road is, though.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 3:12 pm

WBR_Tom wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 3:09 pm There's another little gravel road that goes over I-80 that connects to Schram that is also a good shortcut if you're driving from the south -- no idea what the name of that road is, though.

Its a continuation of Schram road/168th.