I decided to make the most of my Dorney Park season pass by visiting VF for the first time on it's last weekend of the season. After picking up a rental car at MSP airport, I made the easy, 20 minute journey to Shakopee, MN. It's cool how you can see the lift hill of Wild Thing from miles away. RT. 13 literally passes right by the entire ride, giving an execellent view for coaster nuts. This park doesn't get a whole lotta attention among coaster buffs, so I really didn't know what to expect.

The morning was crisp when I arrived there just after 10AM. Heck, isn't it about wintertime for all you Minnesotans? Anyways, the park was extremely dead when I arrived. In fact, I think there were more employees in the park than patrons at that time.

First stop was the green monster Morgan coaster, Wild Thing. You could sit anywhere you wanted, because there were about 3 other riders in the station beside myself. I chose the back first. Got some good air over the first drop despite a light train. Ride felt very similar to Steel Force as far as the amount of G's and airtime received. The track layout in the back of the ride is somewhat different from SF's. The lateral G's on the back layout are not as intense as SF's, but Wild Thing's tunnel is superior. Since WT's tunnel is enclosed more, you are in complete darkness, unlike SF's. The airtime hits you with a surprise because you are unable to see a thing. After my first ride, I rode it 2 more times, hitting the front and middle. Still liked the back more, though. Wild Thing was a good ride, despite having some rough spots. SF has the same problem. I guess Morgan must of hired some of Arrow's finest from the 70's and 80's to design coasters. Still a decent ride.

Next up was Corkscrew. Nothing unusual here. This ride is nearly identical to CP's ride of the same name. About the only difference I found was the corkscrew loops take place over water. Though, I did not encounter nearly as much headbanging as I had expected on the corkers.

A woodie was in my future next by the name of High Roller Coaster. There is nothing too high about this coaster, but it's a nice family coaster. Found myself out of my seat briefly a couple of times.

Next up was another Arrow product in the back of the park known as Excalibur. This was a woodie frame with steel rails. I didn't enjoy this ride at all. At one time, this ride may have been smooth, but not now. The laterals are extreme on this ride, and I would have enjoyed them had the ride not been so rough. Even the trim brakes did little to ease the pain. I can see why it is called Excalibur, because when you get off the ride, it feels as if a sword has been thrust in your back.

The only other coaster in the park was Mad Mouse, which I did not ride. It looked like standard fare, so I chose not to ride. Besides, it was about the only ride in the park that kind of had a line.

I did ride the Power Tower, which is almost identical to CP's. About the only difference is that 2 of the towers have a turbo drop, and only one has a space shot(versus 2+2 for CP's).

VF had the usual mix of flat rides and water rides found at most parks. About the only unusual ride I found was the Looping Starship, similar to BGT's Phoenix.

They also have an IMAX theater, which is something I wish Dorney had and wish CP had not removed. I saw an incredible film on California.

All in all, I had a good day until I went to start my rental car. Not realizing they had turned the lights on with the ignition at the airport, my car was a boat anchor in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. However, the staff at customer relations was awesome and they got me jumpstarted and out of there in just a few minutes.

If you are ever near Minnesota when it is not tundra season, you might want to make a journey to Valleyfair. They look to have an even better selection of iron next year with the addition of Steel Venom. I also found the staff to be very courteous, helpful, and efficient. The Mall of America is also very close for all those who like to shop(personally, I hate it). But, it helps to please the females if you are going out of your way just to ride some coasters.

where are you saying steel force is rough i think it is on of the smoothest coasters out there.

__________________
Warning!!! Going to Six Flags may cause: headaches, anxiety, rage, nausea, dizzyness, fatigue, dementia, confusion, nightmares, severe mental illness and or death. Please contact your local branch of Cedar Fair before attempting to waste your time. "Did I check the seatbelts?" -Disgruntled Six Flags Ride-Op.

WT defenantly looks better then SF.The turnaround looks way better.

I guess you haven't ridden too many Intamin or B&M hypers then. Actually, SF is not that rough. I just think for a 5 year old coaster, it is not aging too well.