LilyBiggs

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch has become the crown jewel of fall bucket lists throughout the Omaha metro. Almost everyone you ask has been there at some point or another. However, prices have recently soared, and it begs one important question: is it even worth it to go anymore?

Vala’s was founded by Tim Vala in 1985 with the help of his wife, Jan Vala. Originally, the idea was just to start a farm, but over time they developed into the attraction-based pumpkin patch that it is today. Vala’s is located at 12102 S. 180th St. in Gretna.

When you go to Vala’s, you’ll get pretty much the same experience every time. It basically entails waiting in a long line for parking and checking tickets, getting some sweet treats, going to the same dusty walk-through attractions (that seemingly haven’t been cleaned in years), and buying an overpriced pumpkin. 

Realistically, Vala’s puts in little to no effort into getting customers to return the next year. My younger self can never forget the sight of a decomposing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs dolls while walking through the fairy tale stories attraction. Vala’s doesn’t care enough to build innovative rides or expansions since they know people will always come back the next year regardless.

I’m betting what keeps Vala’s in business is the nostalgia factor. We all have fond memories of going with family, friends, and other loved ones. Going back to Vala’s each year can refuel those memories of when life was simpler, and can allow us to create some new ones.

Vala’s is extremely predictable. The experience last year is going to be the same one this year. The friends you invite may change, but you can guarantee that the activities you will do with them will be the same.

In Vala’s defense, they do add a few attractions every year. This year, they added an apple-themed section towards the upper right-hand corner of the park. However, it mainly consists of stores and attractions that were moved to the section, like the Apple Blasters. Stephen’s Country Drive, a driving-based attraction similar to the Family Country Crusin’ Carts pedal-style car attraction, seems to be the main pull of the new section.

My main bone to pick with the pumpkin patch this year, though, is the dramatic $7 hike in ticket prices. This year, ticket prices are $21.99 per person plus tax Monday through Thursday, and $43.99 plus tax Friday through Sunday. Vala’s attempts to make it mildly more affordable by offering a 15% discount if you order tickets online.

Normally, this would be completely understandable had they raised employee wages or had significantly reworked the majority of the pumpkin patch. However, this is not the case. The starting pay for Vala’s workers is $12 per hour. Not terrible, but it’s not high enough to justify the new ticket prices.

There is no good way to spin this: the rise in ticket prices is completely absurd. Getting a ticket for you and a friend on a Friday is almost the equivalent of getting a “four park one day” ticket to Disney World.

I have no idea what makes Vala’s think that the experience is worth this much, but the rise in ticket prices is insane. It makes me seriously question if the place I used to love as a child was always this greedy to the point where it openly exploits its consumers.

This is just the beginning of it. With almost every attraction and item you buy, the price is significantly gauged higher to increase profits. If you plan on buying a ticket, dinner, a pumpkin and a caramel apple, plan on bringing at least $100. I have come to learn that you will almost always see a dollar sign while walking inside the pumpkin patch.

So, is Vala’s worth it anymore? In my opinion, it depends on your situation. If you have the money, then go ahead. It could be worth getting some classic Vala’s memories, especially if you may not have the opportunity to do so while in college. Whatever you do though, do not go on a Friday or the weekend.

However, if you don’t want to spend money and have been there before, I advise you not to go. Vala’s will do whatever it takes to exploit your wallet. Instead of spending money at a pumpkin patch meant for children, you can carve pumpkins, make cookies, or have a horror movie marathon with your friends. It will be just as fun as Vala’s while being significantly cheaper.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Vala’s will always hold a special place in my heart, but the new focus on making money rather than creating a fun time for the family will always make me leave the pumpkin patch feeling disappointed.