If you’ve been wondering what’s going on with Valleyfair this year—you’re not alone. Between new ownership, construction, and all the rumors floating around, it’s been a little confusing.
But now that more details are out, here’s the real story—in plain, parent-to-parent terms.
So…what actually changed?
Valleyfair is now owned by Enchanted Parks (they took over from Six Flags), and it looks like they’re not just sitting back—they’re already putting money into the park.
The biggest sign of that? A huge waterpark expansion right in time for the park’s 50th anniversary.
So yes, things are changing—but in a way that actually feels pretty promising.
The Waterpark Is Basically Brand New
The old waterpark, previously called Soak City, is now called Superior Shores Waterpark, and this is not just a name change.
They added:
- 13 new slides and attractions
- Bringing the total to 24 water experiences
That’s honestly a big upgrade—especially if you’ve been before and felt like the waterpark was a little limited.
Also important: It’s still included with your regular admission (so no extra ticket needed)
What’s New (and Who It’s Good For)
Lighthouse Landing (for the big kids…or brave parents)
This is the new tall slide tower with:
- Fast tube slides
- A racing slide
- The kind of drops your kids will beg to try
If you’ve got teens (or kids who think they’re teens), this is probably where they’ll spend most of their time.
Minnow Bay (finally something for the little kids)
This is the part I think a lot of parents will appreciate most:
- 8 smaller slides
- Shallow water
- Splashy interactive stuff
Basically, a space where younger kids can actually play without you hovering every second. Huge win.
It’s Not Just Slides
A couple smaller updates that actually matter:
- There’s a new entrance to the waterpark, which should (hopefully) help with crowd flow
- The usual favorites are still there (wave pool, lazy river, etc.)
- More spots to sit, eat, and just take a break
So it feels less like “run in, do a few slides, leave” and more like you could actually spend the day there.
Dates to Know
- Season pass preview day: May 9
- Park opens: May 10
- Waterpark fully opens: May 23
So if you go right at opening weekend, just know the waterpark won’t be fully ready yet.
Passes & Kid Stuff (the important part)
A few things parents usually care about:
- Season passes are still pretty affordable (starting around $65.99)
- They include parking and early entry, which adds up fast
- And YES—Pre-K passes for 2026 will still be honored. They announced it here!
That last one is honestly a relief if you already signed up. On their website they state “Previously registered Pre-K
Check out their FAQ page for more details.
Important Update: Dining Plans Are Changing
Okay, this is the part a lot of people are talking about—and honestly, it’s a pretty big change.
With the switch to Enchanted Parks, Valleyfair is no longer offering a dining plan program.
So if you were planning on using one this summer (or already bought one), here’s what you need to know:
If you already purchased a 2026 dining plan before April 6:
You’ve got three options:
1. Get a full refund
You can request a full refund for what you paid for the dining plan.
→ This removes the plan completely.
2. Trade it for a gift card (with a bonus)
You can exchange your dining plan for an Enchanted Parks e-gift card + 20% extra value
→ Example: $100 dining plan = $120 gift card
→ Can be used on food, merch, or anything in the park
3. Do nothing
You can keep your dining plan—but here’s the catch:
→ It will NOT work at Valleyfair anymore
→ It will only be valid at Six Flags parks in 2026
Real Talk (Parent Perspective)
If you’re local and mostly go to Valleyfair, the dining plan change is definitely something to think about when budgeting for the summer.
The gift card option is probably the closest replacement if you were counting on using that money for food anyway—but it’s not quite the same as having meals already “covered.”
Bottom Line
- No more dining plans at Valleyfair going forward
- If you already bought one, you’ll need to choose what to do with it
- This is one of the biggest practical changes for families this year
For any other questions about the dining plan, passes you already purchased, or anything else, their FAQ page is helpful.
Real Talk: It’s a Transition Year
I’m going to say this gently—because it’s just realistic:
With new ownership + big construction, there might be a few bumps early in the season. That’s pretty normal.
But at the same time, this is the most investment the park has seen in a while, and it actually feels like they’re trying to make it better for families—not just thrill rides.
Bye Bye, Soak City – Hello, Superior Shores!
We had fun at Soak City but are excited about the changes!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the fence about going this year, here’s my take:
- If your kids love water → this is a big upgrade
- If you have younger kids → Minnow Bay alone might make it worth it
- If you go every year → expect it to feel a little different, but in a good way
It really does feel like Valleyfair is trying to reset a bit—and 2026 might be the start of something better.
And honestly? Anything that keeps the kids busy and happy for a full day in the summer… I’m in.
Of course, if I find any discounts I’ll be sure to share them!
If you want to read about our previous visits to Valleyfair throughout the years (for nostalgia!) go here.
Want more summer fun?
Free Summer Fun for Twin Cities Kids & Families 2026
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