djc311 wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:47 am
I DO get it... but you don't see everything that a consumer has to buy going up by 25%... sure, some things do, some go up more, some go up less. Do you think Adventureland and Worlds of Fun bounced their prices 25% up this season?
Adventure Land/WOF open in May I would assume, Valas in September. I'm guessing you will see a jump on their prices in the spring. And hasn't WOF had to close a few days a week this year because of staffing?
djc311 wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:47 am
I get it, it's all relative. They have a controlled market and extremely little competition. And they're not in business to lose money. But IF they continued this 25% rate hike for the next few years in a row, you'll be paying as much to visit Vala's as you would to go to Universal or Disneyland. OK, so that's extreme, but you get what I'm saying.
If prices keep going like they are now, nobody is going anywhere in two years...
I would guess most of it is Labor. It would be bad if a tourist business, which is only open 2 months a year, has to close for a day here and there because they are short staffed. While there aren't the highest paying jobs out there, they have a lot of staff during those two months.
As far as the diesel price, Omaha diesels prices were $3.05 last year and $5.25 this year, that's a 72% increase.
Last time I went there was 2012 I think. I remember it being like $12. Okay, that's understandable for what it is. I never went there as a kid, but pretty much all my friends did, and they've continued to go there yearly as a group despite not having any kids and being in their 30's (kinda weird if you ask me). I went with them twice, and I just didn't see what was so great about it. I liked the ambiance of it the first time, and that's about it. I can see how not going as a kid knocks off all the nostalgia aspect of it for me. So no way in heck I'd pay $40, and I wouldn't even feel inclined to take my kids when I have any. Wouldn't be missing much.
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:06 pm
And the $39.99 is only for Saturday's and Sunday's. It's only $19.99 Monday-Thursday, $33.99 on Fridays.....and discounts if you buy on-line.
And Monday thru Thursday is 235% more enjoyable than the weekends out there....
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:06 pm
And the $39.99 is only for Saturday's and Sunday's. It's only $19.99 Monday-Thursday, $33.99 on Fridays.....and discounts if you buy on-line.
And Monday thru Thursday is 235% more enjoyable than the weekends out there....
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:06 pm
And the $39.99 is only for Saturday's and Sunday's. It's only $19.99 Monday-Thursday, $33.99 on Fridays.....and discounts if you buy on-line.
And Monday thru Thursday is 235% more enjoyable than the weekends out there....
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:17 am
Vala's also has a 72 hour period in August where you can buy cheaper day passes and season tickets. I will try and post on here when it happens. You can monitor it yourself by liking their Facebook page. That's when we buy our tickets every year. Usually a good discount off the full price.
According to this, the sale will be August 4th and August 5th.
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:06 pm
And the $39.99 is only for Saturday's and Sunday's. It's only $19.99 Monday-Thursday, $33.99 on Fridays.....and discounts if you buy on-line.
Unfortunately, the offerings aren't the same on weekdays as they are on weekends. We went out there on a Tuesday a couple of years back and there was specific food stand my wife wanted to eat at. We get to it and it's closed. So, we asked a nearby employee and she said, "That one is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays." Seems that's true of several food options there. So, yes, weekdays are cheaper but you're getting less too.
Last edited by ChadJK on Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:58 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:17 am
Vala's also has a 72 hour period in August where you can buy cheaper day passes and season tickets. I will try and post on here when it happens. You can monitor it yourself by liking their Facebook page. That's when we buy our tickets every year. Usually a good discount off the full price.
According to this, the sale will be August 4th and August 5th.
Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 12:06 pm
And the $39.99 is only for Saturday's and Sunday's. It's only $19.99 Monday-Thursday, $33.99 on Fridays.....and discounts if you buy on-line.
Unfortunately, the offerings aren't the same on weekdays as they are weekends. We went out there on a Tuesday a couple of years back and there was specific food stand my wife wanted to eat it. We get to it and it's closed. So, we asked a nearby employee and she said, "That one is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays." Seems that true of several food options there. So, yes, weekdays are cheaper but you're getting less too.
Well that's a bummer all the way around! I mean it makes sense due to staff shortages and so forth that they may not have all of the same things open. In this case they're actually taking away an avenue that generates revenue... not sure it classifies as removing an attraction since you have to spend $$$ to receive any type of benefit from the food stand anyway. But I do get your point.
Now if they start blocking off some of the entertainment attractions such as the giant jump pillows, dirty corn playground, etc then you will be losing out on some of the few "freebies" or included features during those less expensive days.
I know there is always a hubbub about yearly admission price hikes, and I am one to join the party, but in addition to inflation affecting costs of running business, according to an MBJ article:
Fong [one of the co-owners] charaterized 2022 as the "largest reinvestment year" Vala's has ever had as delayed and previously planned projects converge. After five years of planning, the team is opening up a new apple- and cider-themed area of the farm, adding two new rides and a BBQ restaurant, Ethan's Applewood Smokehouse, which is a call-out to Fong's son. Its centerpiece will be the expansive Cider Mill, where Fong said guests can watch as cider is pressed.
"We're serving hard cider, sweet cider and artisan, apple-themed treats," she noted.
Vala's hired a videographer to document this journey, which can be view on YouTube.
I actually quite enjoyed the video's they posted. It gives a behind the scenes look at the projects mentioned above and what it takes to run the place.
Same here, I complain about the increase in prices, but there is no doubt that Vala's has to be one of the top run pumpkin patches in the entire country. Every year they expand and bring in something new, not to mention the foods that they have. I always explain it to people that have never been that its a pumpkin patch on "steroids". It is almost more similar to an amusement park with all the activities that are going on along with the food options. As for admission price, I believe that they are reaching a boiling point to where they probably aren't going to be able to keep increasing it at the rate they have been the past few years.
Overall, we are lucky to have such a great family-run operation in the Omaha area.
I agree on the kudos for Vala’s. For me, there are two important points about the price increase:
1. It IS a jarring increase, so I understand the concerns.
But 2. It has to be justified with the new attractions mentioned. It can’t be a big jump with some new aesthetics and a C-level addition. It’s really got to be a few game changers if we are now going to be paying about the same price to go to Adventureland or something.
As they sort of slid their season up and are open "Festival Weekends" in early September they are now more affected by Summer heat. Unfortunately, none of the buildings are air conditioned and very few even have fans. So, if their first weekend open to the public is unseasonably hot, then it's just plain miserable to be there. It would be silly to put A/C in all of the buildings for a primarily Autumn seasonal business, but I don't think fans are a big ask. Private companies rent out Vala's as early as the last weekend in August for corporate family events and the place (especially indoors) can be a sauna.
Last edited by ChadJK on Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
ChadJK wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 2:17 pm
As they sort of slid their season up and are open "Festival Weekends" in early September they are now more affected by Summer heat. Unfortunately, none of the buildings are air conditioned and very few even have fans. So, if their first weekend open to the public is unseasonably hot, then it's just plain miserable to be there. It would be silly to put A/C in all of the buildings for a primarily Autumn seasonal business, but I don't think fans are a big ask. Private companies rent out Vala's as early as the last weekend in August for corporate family events and the place (especially indoors) can be a sauna.
You don't have to go during the day, they are open until 9pm or 10pm depending on the day. There will be some beautiful evening to get out there even on hot days and the humidity starts to drop throughout September.
NEDodger wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 2:14 pm
I agree on the kudos for Vala’s. For me, there are two important points about the price increase:
1. It IS a jarring increase, so I understand the concerns.
But 2. It has to be justified with the new attractions mentioned. It can’t be a big jump with some new aesthetics and a C-level addition. It’s really got to be a few game changers if we are now going to be paying about the same price to go to Adventureland or something.
And furthermore...
Brad mentioned it earlier in the thread but I think the fact that this is an entertainment business that's only opened two months out of the year can't be overstated when considering prices. Then consider Covid economics/supply chain issues and the fact that literally everything has gone up in price...especially in the last six months.
It may be more than some want to spend for family entertainment but then how does it compare to a night out at the Chi-Link-Qwest Whatever Mouthful Name Center to see your favorite(*insert pop/country star*)performer after tickets, drinks and likely preceding dinner out?
NEDodger wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 2:14 pm
I agree on the kudos for Vala’s. For me, there are two important points about the price increase:
1. It IS a jarring increase, so I understand the concerns.
But 2. It has to be justified with the new attractions mentioned. It can’t be a big jump with some new aesthetics and a C-level addition. It’s really got to be a few game changers if we are now going to be paying about the same price to go to Adventureland or something.
And furthermore...
Brad mentioned it earlier in the thread but I think the fact that this is an entertainment business that's only opened two months out of the year can't be overstated when considering prices. Then consider Covid economics/supply chain issues and the fact that literally everything has gone up in price...especially in the last six months.
It may be more than some want to spend for family entertainment but then how does it compare to a night out at the Chi-Link-Qwest Whatever Mouthful Name Center to see your favorite(*insert pop/country star*)performer after tickets, drinks and likely preceding dinner out?
Supply chain issues shouldn't affect admission prices, though - that's just the ticket to get in. Food/nick-nack's....sure. But for the right to just walk around? Ehh....that's a hard sell to me.
NEDodger wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 11:59 pm
Supply chain issues shouldn't affect admission prices, though - that's just the ticket to get in. Food/nick-nack's....sure. But for the right to just walk around? Ehh....that's a hard sell to me.
I tend to be more in agreement with you. It doesn't seem like that's all $40 should get you, when the food prices and the pumpkins are also pretty steep. Although, at the same time, paying the employees costs more, the food production, pumpkin production, and driving the tractor around. I can see why they can't afford to charge $15 anymore for people mostly just to walk around, but I also can't see why anybody would pay $40 just to get in, when they will probably buy a $10 turkey leg, a $6 funnel cake, a $20 pumpkin, an $8 caramel apple, and a $10 bag of popcorn. I'm just assuming those are roughly the prices anymore, could be low, could be high. But that's pretty much what I got the few times I went. So we're talking roughly $100 a head if you get everything you want (or need to make it feel worth it).
$40 the the top end. Plenty of Regular Season opportunities to get in for $18 and $29.
September Festival Days | $28.99*/person (Save $5 per person by buying online!)
Regular Season - Monday through Thursday | $19.99*/person (Save $2 per person by buying online!)
Regular Season - Fridays | $33.99*/person (Save $5 per person by buying online!)
Regular Season - Saturday & Sunday | $39.99*/person (Save $5 per person by buying online!)
NEDodger wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 11:59 pm
Supply chain issues shouldn't affect admission prices, though - that's just the ticket to get in. Food/nick-nack's....sure. But for the right to just walk around? Ehh....that's a hard sell to me.
I tend to be more in agreement with you. It doesn't seem like that's all $40 should get you, when the food prices and the pumpkins are also pretty steep. Although, at the same time, paying the employees costs more, the food production, pumpkin production, and driving the tractor around. I can see why they can't afford to charge $15 anymore for people mostly just to walk around, but I also can't see why anybody would pay $40 just to get in, when they will probably buy a $10 turkey leg, a $6 funnel cake, a $20 pumpkin, an $8 caramel apple, and a $10 bag of popcorn. I'm just assuming those are roughly the prices anymore, could be low, could be high. But that's pretty much what I got the few times I went. So we're talking roughly $100 a head if you get everything you want (or need to make it feel worth it).
If you're paying full price admission on a weekend and not taking advantage of any discounts, and you plan to just walk around, then yeah, it's disappointing. If you like doing the activities they offer and/or have kids that do, the price of admission is fair. My wife and I like Vala's because there is a lot of stuff to do for our kids, some stuff we really like doing with them. And it's only once, maybe twice during the season that we go. And usually we'll bring in food and drinks to avoid paying for stuff (well, except for the pies, gotta have some pie).
NEDodger wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 11:59 pm
Supply chain issues shouldn't affect admission prices, though - that's just the ticket to get in. Food/nick-nack's....sure. But for the right to just walk around? Ehh....that's a hard sell to me.
I tend to be more in agreement with you. It doesn't seem like that's all $40 should get you, when the food prices and the pumpkins are also pretty steep. Although, at the same time, paying the employees costs more, the food production, pumpkin production, and driving the tractor around. I can see why they can't afford to charge $15 anymore for people mostly just to walk around, but I also can't see why anybody would pay $40 just to get in, when they will probably buy a $10 turkey leg, a $6 funnel cake, a $20 pumpkin, an $8 caramel apple, and a $10 bag of popcorn. I'm just assuming those are roughly the prices anymore, could be low, could be high. But that's pretty much what I got the few times I went. So we're talking roughly $100 a head if you get everything you want (or need to make it feel worth it).
If you're paying full price admission on a weekend and not taking advantage of any discounts, and you plan to just walk around, then yeah, it's disappointing. If you like doing the activities they offer and/or have kids that do, the price of admission is fair. My wife and I like Vala's because there is a lot of stuff to do for our kids, some stuff we really like doing with them. And it's only once, maybe twice during the season that we go. And usually we'll bring in food and drinks to avoid paying for stuff (well, except for the pies, gotta have some pie).
This is my thought too. We have started renting a campfire sits with friends. That way we can bring in a lot of food and drinks, and split the cost on the campfire. I really love just walking around Vala's. It's a beautiful place and the best pumpkin patch I have been too. We've been to ones in Minneapolis and KC and Vala's is just flat out better than any I have seen.
One thing we've learned is that the crowds are so much smaller in September. That's when we go now.
So IF someone like probably the majority pays full price for a weekend ticket that’s say is $40, what is included? You don’t get to ride rides for free, correct (and I’m referring to things such as the train or another better attraction). You don’t get any food or drink tickets or discounts. You don’t get a pumpkin or any freebie souvenirs.
The attractions on the main path have been the same for about 10 years or more. Having a new cider joint is awesome, but if a beer is $8.50 and they don’t give you any bbq what’s the benefit of it? You can go to all sorts of restaurants to see beer made.
Obviously it’s the atmosphere - I do get, I have kids that love the place. I just think it’s ridick to pay the same price to enter Vala’s as it costs to ride rides all day at Worlds of Fun or Adventureland. heck, for double the price you’re in Disney World (minus travel and such).
It’s just an expensive place to go to when it’s the best, most convenient time to go with kids.
Hey, I do congratulate them on their success… I’d love to do millions in business over a 45-60 day window.
djc311 wrote: Fri Sep 02, 2022 3:51 pm
So IF someone like probably the majority pays full price for a weekend ticket that’s say is $40, what is included? You don’t get to ride rides for free, correct (and I’m referring to things such as the train or another better attraction). You don’t get any food or drink tickets or discounts. You don’t get a pumpkin or any freebie souvenirs.
The attractions on the main path have been the same for about 10 years or more. Having a new cider joint is awesome, but if a beer is $8.50 and they don’t give you any bbq what’s the benefit of it? You can go to all sorts of restaurants to see beer made.
Obviously it’s the atmosphere - I do get, I have kids that love the place. I just think it’s ridick to pay the same price to enter Vala’s as it costs to ride rides all day at Worlds of Fun or Adventureland. heck, for double the price you’re in Disney World (minus travel and such).
It’s just an expensive place to go to when it’s the best, most convenient time to go with kids.
Hey, I do congratulate them on their success… I’d love to do millions in business over a 45-60 day window.
I can’t emphasize this enough. Buy your tickets when they have their annual 38 hour sale in August. Been doing it for years and save 25-30 percent.
So what is the new attraction/ride? Been looking at their website and map and don’t see it. Might be coming back in October on fall break with my family. Would like to know more.
CBJason wrote: Sat Sep 03, 2022 10:44 am
So what is the new attraction/ride? Been looking at their website and map and don’t see it. Might be coming back in October on fall break with my family. Would like to know more.
There’s a whole new area in the northwest corner of the park. The big ride in there is a model t driving track, “Stefan’s country drive”, similar to the one at worlds of fun. Looks like it’s item 9 on the map.
Fall favorite Vala's Pumpkin Patch kicks off season on Labor Day weekend KMTV 3 News Now
Vala's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard opened to the general public this Labor Day weekend. Loyal patrons shared their favorite attractions as staff shared new ones for guests this year.
I was gonna say, that car ride is actually pretty cool. Something a legit park would have. Anybody who's played Rollercoaster Tycoon, this looks much like the "car ride" that you see in that game. Plus the Carousel... I think it would be really cool if Vala's were to become an amusement park. Add a rollercoaster or two and a few other rides, but keep the fall theme and the pumpkins.
Went over the weekend. The new car attraction is pretty cool for kids, they get to control the gas pedal and steer. The new Cider Mill is an incredible building, had to be extremely expensive. The new bbq setup looks very cool, huge commercial grade smokers and the pulled pork was some of the best I’ve had in Omaha.
Price is still pretty steep in my opinion but the new additions definitely do not suck.
Linkin5 wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 6:33 pm
Went over the weekend. The new car attraction is pretty cool for kids, they get to control the gas pedal and steer.
It looks to be the same as the "Le TaxiTour" at worlds of fun which was one of my favorites as a kid.
Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 4:46 pmI think it would be really cool if Vala's were to become an amusement park.
Plot twist: Vala's becomes the amusement park we all wanted, but never expected; an entertainment dark horse along I-80. A couple roller coasters get added, punkin-chunkin themed human slingshot ride, Viking Voyager Apple Cart ride. Gets named Pumpkin Park, becomes regional fall mecca for fall-themed thrill rides, giant pumpkin contest with dusk screenings of The Great Pumpkin.
Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 4:46 pmI think it would be really cool if Vala's were to become an amusement park.
Plot twist: Vala's becomes the amusement park we all wanted, but never expected; an entertainment dark horse along I-80. A couple roller coasters get added, punkin-chunkin themed human slingshot ride, Viking Voyager Apple Cart ride. Gets named Pumpkin Park, becomes regional fall mecca for fall-themed thrill rides, giant pumpkin contest with dusk screenings of The Great Pumpkin.
Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 4:46 pmI think it would be really cool if Vala's were to become an amusement park.
Plot twist: Vala's becomes the amusement park we all wanted, but never expected; an entertainment dark horse along I-80. A couple roller coasters get added, punkin-chunkin themed human slingshot ride, Viking Voyager Apple Cart ride. Gets named Pumpkin Park, becomes regional fall mecca for fall-themed thrill rides, giant pumpkin contest with dusk screenings of The Great Pumpkin.
See now then it would be worth it... Price of admission: $200.
Lol, now I want to play Rollercoaster Tycoon and make that happen.
Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Sep 05, 2022 4:46 pm
I was gonna say, that car ride is actually pretty cool. Something a legit park would have. Anybody who's played Rollercoaster Tycoon, this looks much like the "car ride" that you see in that game. Plus the Carousel... I think it would be really cool if Vala's were to become an amusement park. Add a rollercoaster or two and a few other rides, but keep the fall theme and the pumpkins.
That's right! I spent many hours on PC playing the original Rollercoaster Tycoon, probably too many hours cleaning up pukes and trash.
