$9 million Planet Snoopy is coming to Valleyfair

Zach Donaghy probably figured it was way too early in the year to stumble upon the Great Pumpkin.

But the father of two brought his family out to Valleyfair on Friday in search of something almost as elusive in the Twin Cities area: the "Peanuts" gang.

"I had a sneaking suspicion Snoopy was coming," the Fridley resident said.

Donaghy was right.

Valleyfair officials announced plans Friday for Planet Snoopy, a $9 million project that will bring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of the crew to Shakopee next year.

"With Snoopy, we have a great foundation and great icon," said park spokesman Thomas Memmen. "It's a character that kids go nuts over."

When Donaghy's 2-year-old son, Joseph, angled in for a handshake after the announcement, he grabbed Snoopy's furry paw, glanced back at Dad and grinned from ear to ear.

A licensing dispute yanked Camp Snoopy from the Mall of America in early 2006, leaving the creations of cartoonist and St. Paul native Charles Schulz without much presence in the region where his comic strip began.

"It is a very exciting time ... as Snoopy and his friends make our park their new home," said Larry MacKenzie, Valleyfair's vice president and general manager.

Planet Snoopy will replace the current KidWorks area, providing more options and space for families with smaller children. Construction will begin after Labor Day in preparation for a spring 2011 opening.

The upgrades will bring a "Peanuts"-themed shop, amphitheater and inflatable bounce feature, along with an assortment of rides similar to those at Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.-owned Planet Snoopy locations elsewhere in the United States and Canada.

Officials plan to replace the Mild Thing kiddie coaster with an unnamed aerial helicopter ride. The Frog Hopper ride will morph into a Kite-Eating Tree, a frequent Charlie Brown nemesis. New themes are also planned for the park's flying trapeze, balloon race, seaplanes, and train rides.

"We're working toward a fresh look, visually and aesthetically," Memmen said. "It'll give the park a theme. There's the chance to enjoy some of that classic stuff that people grew up on."

For the past 15 years, Donaghy's summer hasn't been complete without a trip or two to Valleyfair. Snoopy's arrival just gave him a reason to renew his season passes and keep the streak going.

"We'll be here," said his wife, Amanda. "This will provide a good family atmosphere with more for the kids."

Even the big ones.