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

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sun Jul 12, 2026 3:21 pm

They'd have to go full on Knotts Berry Farm to get me to go back there for that price. Shouldn't adults with children get in for free anyway? Lol, I mean, we're mainly just an accessory to the child tailored experience.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Jul 12, 2026 4:32 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Jul 12, 2026 3:21 pm They'd have to go full on Knotts Berry Farm to get me to go back there for that price. Shouldn't adults with children get in for free anyway? Lol, I mean, we're mainly just an accessory to the child tailored experience.

Knotts Berry Farm is $65 on select days when you order online in advance, otherwise is $110 at the gate.

Worlds of Fun is $44.99 when you buy in advance, $65 at the gate. Military members get in for $35.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sun Jul 12, 2026 4:53 pm

Brad wrote: Sun Jul 12, 2026 4:32 pm
Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Jul 12, 2026 3:21 pm They'd have to go full on Knotts Berry Farm to get me to go back there for that price. Shouldn't adults with children get in for free anyway? Lol, I mean, we're mainly just an accessory to the child tailored experience.
Knotts Berry Farm is $65 on select days when you order online in advance, otherwise is $110 at the gate.

Worlds of Fun is $44.99 when you buy in advance, $65 at the gate. Military members get in for $35.

Good lord. I guess that says something about the lack of those types of entertainment options in Omaha based on what Vala’s is getting away with here.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sun Jul 12, 2026 5:04 pm

I more meant like Knotts Berry Farm in that it started as a berry farm and is now an amusement park, and Vala's starting as a pumpkin patch.

Per my admission, I haven't been there since tickets were 12 bucks. But from the sound of it, it's still mostly kid oriented, i.e. not many rides an adult could enjoy.

I actually hope they do end up becoming a real amusement park, but at their rate, tickets will be $200 if that ever does happen.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 3:04 am

I think just about every new ride in the last 5-10 years is for adults as well.

JDirte · Post by **JDirte** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 6:40 am

Vala's charges less during the week. For the weekend, honestly Vala's should charge more, there is a billion people there on the weekend. I don't even try to go there on the weekend anymore unless my work gives free passes.

Either way, I still really like it. They have really upped there game in the past 10 years IMO. I cant imagine there are too may similar places within the MIdwest. Ive wondered if they would ever consider adding rollercoasters and extend the season to early summer. Would be a big capital investment

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 8:34 am

Sure, the place has gotten "better" but to realistically be able to go during the week doesn't work for everyone. Therefore, if you figure worst-case scenario and you have to spend $46 to get in the gate, it's a ripoff. Not sure if they've even added another ride for this year, but the roller coaster is a joke.

Omaha/Lincoln deserve a "real" amusement park and if Des Moines can support Adventure Land, I'd argue the Omaha metro could support something similar to that or Worlds of Fun.

IMO, FunPlex is way over priced as well... but they can charge what they do because they have zero competition.

Thankfully our youngest turned 14 this year and we only went last year because one of our daughters worked there.

A pint of beer is almost $10... their food isn't great... for $50, it's just not worth it.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 8:51 am

djc311 wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2026 8:34 am Therefore, if you figure worst-case scenario and you have to spend $46 to get in the gate, it's a ripoff.

It's not a rip-off compared to any other entertainment option, and the crowds suggest there's robust demand, so they'd never lower ticket prices. Many people buy a pass also, so the cost per visit is less, and they do a ton of corporate and school events, so many kids get in free.

I like Vala's just for their cider and walking around. It's a pleasant environment for a fall day. Their newer spaces are great, and you can see how much potential it still has. Can be a great asset for Omaha. But I'll caution: if they go amusement park with more rides, you can expect the price to go up alongside.

WBR_Tom · Post by **WBR_Tom** » Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:30 am

We're going to do the M-F pass again, which comes out to just over $63 apiece with the early bird sale if I figured the math right. We'll go 4-5 times after school for a few hours, mostly on Friday nights. We bring our own food/drinks in a backpack cooler, and have clearly established ground rules with our six-year old -- we each get to pick out one food item to buy there every time we go, and that's it. At least for us with those rules, it's not that expensive relatively speaking. We look forward to it.

I'm glad there's other options for people that think Vala's is overpriced -- but those are more than Vala's was 5-6 years ago, too (like everything else). Skinny Bones is $29.99 per person on October weekends (and $23.99 in September). Bellevue Berry Farm is $20... unless you want to do the nighttime stuff, and then it's $32.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 7:05 am

It looks like Vala's must be adding a mini golf attraction. Have not seen anything about this, but I may have missed something

This came through my Facebook feed from a place called Imagination Corporation. At first I thought it was some sort of fake thing, but it referenced Vala's, and the first post I saw didn't look at all like anything I tie to Vala's

I went to their page, saw multiple posts, and then found this post with a reply from Vala's actual Facebook page. This is dated July 13

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181aykQtzA/

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 7:08 am

They are a candian copany and most of the clients they referance are in Canada but Vala's in Gretna makes the list

https://www.imaginationcorporation.com/ ... YriWx8I8Sg

https://www.imaginationcorporation.com/

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 7:41 am

Looks like one of those Sea Dragon rides as well. That will be a nice addition. I wonder if this is going just East of the carousel, it looked like they were working on something there last year.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 8:33 am

I hope they double down on the fall/halloween theme with these new attractions. A putt putt course is a great opportunity to do some creative design.

WBR_Tom · Post by **WBR_Tom** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 9:25 am

Apologies for adding this many photos at once. Pretty cool stuff though. Looks like the course will be named "Shipwreck Cove."

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 9:28 am

here's my two cents:

As it exists, Vala's isn't meant to be an amusement park like what you'd see at Adventureland or worlds of fun. At its core, it's a pumpkin patch, but they have added things to it over the years to separate themselves from the rest of the pumpkin patches around here. And for that I give them credit- they are a small business that has a good product and if you go to do all the things they have to offer, you're getting closer to your money's worth. If you are looking to go for an hour or two, Vala's isn't your pumpkin patch. There are other places you can go if that's more your style, but you absolutely will not have nearly as many options. Also, it's not like there's some investment group footing the bill, either. It's them doing it and financing it, so naturally the finance model is different. They are also only open for what, 7 weeks a season? Amusement parks have a much longer run time, so it's not apples-to-apples. Think of it like eating at a local place, or a chain restaurant. And face it: we in the Omaha area are not going to get an amusement park anytime soon (or ever), and that's not what Vala's is trying to be (they are agri-tourism). At the end of the day, if you find it too expensive, go somewhere else- you will still have a good time enjoying the weather and all, but when you compare the offerings, calling Vala's a 'rip off' is extreme.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 6:50 am

Photo posted yesterday by Imagination Corporation

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HCaJcBwZD/

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 12:49 pm

I think we are pretty lucky to have a place like Vala's. Say want you want about the prices, but it just offers so much more than the others locally. It's grown so much since I first started going in the late 80's or early 90's. I had great memories from then. Even better when my boys were of the perfect age. As I have traveled around the Midwest I just haven't come across another that is comparable.

I have relatives that now bring their kids from out of town just to go here.

Love how they keep adding new attractions and such.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 1:56 pm

Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2026 12:49 pm I think we are pretty lucky to have a place like Vala's. Say want you want about the prices, but it just offers so much more than the others locally. It's grown so much since I first started going in the late 80's or early 90's. I had great memories from then. Even better when my boys were of the perfect age. As I have traveled around the Midwest I just haven't come across another that is comparable.

I have relatives that now bring their kids from out of town just to go here.

Love how they keep adding new attractions and such.

Agree

They cannot be compared to other pumpkin patches and have it done fairly. They, as well as the others in the area, fill a separate category. The great thing is that you have an option and can go to what fits your needs at the moment.

When it comes to the variables, they are not the same, whether you are looking at cost, number of things to do, or hours you want to spend there at a single visit.

Nothing is cheap anymore, but do not think that Vala's has priced itself out of their value, especially with their different options. There is a lot to do there, too, without added cost. It will be interesting to see what this new attraction costs or if it is included. I would assume there will be some cost just to control demand, since it will have a limited number of people able to use it at a time. Not like the barn where people can come and go and shoot the balls with MANY people in there at once.

.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 6:49 pm

So are they adding a ride called the Pony Express and opening the new putt putt course this fall?

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 10:54 am

Dusty wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:05 am I always thought it would be cool if they open a winter themed section. Valas Winterland. Build a ton of cottages or gingerbread style houses. It would be Santa's Village, Elf workshops, etc. As for the agritourism status we can say they are growing candy canes and gumdrops. (Wink, Wink) LOL!

I brought this up a few years' aga. Based on all the rides and recent additions, a Winter Wonderland seems a natural progression for them. Based on the 2026 map, there is not of empty space left to fill in for the "Harvest Theme Park."

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 11:00 am

Dusty wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 10:54 am
Dusty wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:05 am I always thought it would be cool if they open a winter themed section. Valas Winterland. Build a ton of cottages or gingerbread style houses. It would be Santa's Village, Elf workshops, etc. As for the agritourism status we can say they are growing candy canes and gumdrops. (Wink, Wink) LOL!
I brought this up a few years' aga. Based on all the rides and recent additions, a Winter Wonderland seems a natural progression for them. Based on the 2026 map, there is not of empty space left to fill in for the "Harvest Theme Park."

Is that feasible? The grounds don't seem the best for snow and ice, but the bigger pitcher, not sure how much of it can be used in winter? Thinking freezing pipes and such.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 12:27 pm

A few years ago, I understood part of the issue with expanding their season was the number of days they could operate given the way they were currently permitted/licensed to do business. At that time, I was under the impression from someone who should have known that the cost of doing what was needed to expand days was prohibitive unless it was going to be year-round. Things could have changed, and the info I had may not have been accurate, but I trusted my source.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 1:30 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 11:00 am Is that feasible? The grounds don't seem the best for snow and ice, but the bigger pitcher, not sure how much of it can be used in winter? Thinking freezing pipes and such.

It's certainly tricky, because we still do have plenty of nice days through the end of December, they're just a bit hit or miss, and occasionally some deeply cold days. So you'd still need full protection against winter, and you'd probably need to close some days.

Plus, the retheming / switchover to a Winter Wonderland would be pretty extensive. Hard to make tombs and haunted houses not feel Halloweeny, even if you put a Santa hat on things.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 2:30 pm

riceweb wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 1:30 pm
Greg S wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 11:00 am Is that feasible? The grounds don't seem the best for snow and ice, but the bigger pitcher, not sure how much of it can be used in winter? Thinking freezing pipes and such.
It's certainly tricky, because we still do have plenty of nice days through the end of December, they're just a bit hit or miss, and occasionally some deeply cold days. So you'd still need full protection against winter, and you'd probably need to close some days.

Plus, the retheming / switchover to a Winter Wonderland would be pretty extensive. Hard to make tombs and haunted houses not feel Halloweeny, even if you put a Santa hat on things.

Plus really hard to schedule staff when you are so susceptible to unpredictable weather.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 3:33 pm

heck, it's hard to create a winter wonderland when we don't really have much for winters anymore.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jul 22, 2026 4:13 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 3:33 pm heck, it's hard to create a winter wonderland when we don't really have much for winters anymore.

Thats what I was gonna say, is it really a concern anymore. Probably a pretty solid chance you get to Christmas without a major event anymore.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Thu Jul 23, 2026 8:26 am

almighty_tuna wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2026 3:33 pm heck, it's hard to create a winter wonderland when we don't really have much for winters anymore.

Hasn't stopped Disney World

I actually think it's a big benefit that our winters haven't been too harsh, because a longer temperate season means more days that the average person is willing to come out (and not just because of weather, but also because mud would probably be a significant problem with constant snow melt)

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Thu Jul 23, 2026 8:57 am

From a theming perspective, I get going the Christmas route. I just don’t think it’s doable because of the potential for bad weather and being forced to close to re-theme. Even if re-theming took only a week, that’s not leaving much time considering you’re talking about extending between basically November 4 and December 25.

I think the more realistic move would be opening more during the summer. You may not get the re-theming aspect but it’s MUCH easier to get seasonal workers when you have students on summer break as opposed to getting ~1,000 people to stay on for 8 more weeks.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Thu Jul 23, 2026 5:33 pm

I wasn't suggesting an overlay of the current pumpkin patch. So no throwing sheets over Halloween decorations to convert them as X-mas decor. LOL! That would be kind of sad and pathetic.

Valas's owns a ton of land here. The pumpkin patch and Orchard only take up a segment of it. I'm suggesting they convert some of the farmland into a Winter Theme section that is individually ran. It would be much smaller in scale with potential to grow. It would have its own entrance and admission prices. It would not have the rugged farm vibe....unless they wanted to incorporate a reindeer barn. They could build most of it indoors with outside attractions open weather permitting.

It all could start with a warehouse with walk-through displays, lights, and concessions. They can add on as needed. The pumpkin patch would close end of October as it always does. Then they shift operations over to Wonderland on the other side of Vala's property. Since its smaller scale, they would only keep on a fraction of the staff for the remainder of the year.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Aug 05, 2026 9:56 am

Saw this photo on Facebook today from the Imagination Corporation.

“imagination corporation” wrote:
IMG_0535.jpeg

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Aug 05, 2026 10:00 am

Yes, I saw that too. That will look pretty impressive once complete. It will be nice for Omaha to have a mini-golf with some nice features. Boulder Creek was ok, but it definitely needed attention last time we went.

I wonder if this would ever be open outside of their normal season.

MahaBman · Post by **MahaBman** » Thu Aug 06, 2026 10:58 am

So in addition to the swinging ship and mini-golf, it looks like Vala's added a new coaster this year called Pony Express. Hopefully it will be a lot bigger and more thrilling than the one they added a few years ago. I know a lot of people consider Vala's overrated and too expensive, but I always have a great time and can't wait to go again in October.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Aug 06, 2026 1:00 pm

Where did you hear about another roller coaster? I did pull up their website and it does have 2 new rides for 2026 but they haven't revealed it yet.

Edit: nvm I see the mention of it on the post you shared.

WBR_Tom · Post by **WBR_Tom** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 8:27 am

Here's the video announcing the coaster. It doesn't look much bigger/taller than the first one to me, but the cars spin 360 degrees independent of each other as they go along the track, which they claim will make every ride unique. Looks fun. Can't wait to try it out in a couple weeks.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 10:07 am

Thanks for the updates! I love Vala's. Yes, the sticker shock, particularly for the weekend is real. But, for my family, it's a tradition to splurge and go at least once.

I just perused the Imagination Corporation's blog posts on their websites. From what I can tell, they have been involved in design and construction of Vala's signage and theming since 2019. This company is really behind the more cohesive and unique identity that Vala's has cultivated recently. Really cool to see how they design and construct everything for Vala's.

https://www.imaginationcorporation.com/ ... mkin+Patch

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 11:04 am

Agree, I have been following them as well. It has been a nice "marriage" between them. The signage alone is pretty impressive.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 11:30 am

MahaBman wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2026 10:58 am So in addition to the swinging ship and mini-golf, it looks like Vala's added a new coaster this year called Pony Express. Hopefully it will be a lot bigger and more thrilling than the one they added a few years ago. I know a lot of people consider Vala's overrated and too expensive, but I always have a great time and can't wait to go again in October.

Yeah we go once a year as well. I love how they are always adding.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 11:42 am

I'm assuming with a track length so short, you get multiple laps per ride?

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 12:09 pm

looks like it. I think the new food option of chicken bites and tater bites with the same logo as the coaster looks good too

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Fri Aug 14, 2026 12:23 pm

also, for the people who may complain about the pricing...

They now have a full pumpkin patch that's better than any around, an orchard, cider mill, a real train, huge carnival type area, putt-putt, two 'coasters,' a scrambler ride, and the boat swing. I think it's safe to say that you're getting a better value at this pumpkin patch than anywhere around. It's one of the top patches in the country (but don't take *my* word for it...)