Worlds of Fun: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Theme Park in Kansas City, Missouri}} |
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{{Infobox Amusement park |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} |
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| name =Worlds of Fun |
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{{Infobox amusement park |
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| image=[[Image:2006 038.JPG|300px|center]] |
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| |
| name = Worlds of Fun |
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| logo = WFOF-Logo-Hero.png |
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| location = 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue • <p> [[Kansas City, Missouri]] 64161 {{flagicon|USA}} |
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| logo_size = 250px |
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| area = 235 acres <span style="white-space: nowrap">(~0.90 km²)</span> |
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| image = Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Aerial (52469718251).jpg |
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| opening_date = [[May 26]] [[1973]] |
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| caption = Aerial view of the Worlds of Fun and [[Oceans of Fun]] parks (Worlds of Fun is the upper one) |
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| season = April through October |
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| location = [[Kansas City, Missouri]], U.S. |
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| coordinates = {{coord|39|10|38.4|N|94|29|20.5|W|display=title,inline}} |
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| homepage = {{URL|https://www.worldsoffun.com}} |
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| theme = Jules Verne's novel "[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]" |
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| owner = [[Six Flags]] |
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| general_manager = Rick Fiedler |
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| opening_date = {{Start date|1973|05|26}} |
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| season = April through November |
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| area = More than {{convert|235|acre|km2}} <span style="white-space: nowrap">(~0.90 km²)</span> |
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| rides = 43 |
| rides = 43 |
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| coasters = |
| coasters = 8 |
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| water_rides = |
| water_rides = 4 |
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| slogan = It's Amazing in Here |
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| owner = Cedar Fair Entertainment Company |
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| status = Operating |
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| homepage = http://www.worldsoffun.com |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Worlds of Fun''' (WOF) is an amusement park in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], [[United States]]. The park opened in 1973 and was originally built by [[Lamar Hunt]] and [[Jack Steadman]]. In 1995 [[Hunt-Midwest]] sold Worlds of Fun to [[Cedar Fair|Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.]], who currently owns the park. Worlds of Fun has an attached water park called [[Oceans of Fun]]. |
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'''Worlds of Fun''', is a {{convert|235|acre|adj=on}} [[theme park]] located in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], United States. Owned and operated by [[Six Flags|Six Flags Entertainment Corporation]], it was founded by American businessmen [[Lamar Hunt]] and [[Jack Steadman (American football executive)|Jack Steadman]] under the ownership of Hunt's company, Mid-America Enterprises in 1973. [[Oceans of Fun]] is a water park that opened in 1982 and is next to the amusement park. Admission to Oceans of Fun is included with the price of admission to Worlds of Fun. Mid-America Enterprises sold both parks to [[Cedar Fair]] (now Six Flags) in 1995 for $40 million. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Texas and Arkansas native [[Lamar Hunt]] brought the Dallas Texans [[NFL]] team, which he owned, to [[Kansas City, Missouri]], in 1963, renaming the franchise the [[Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref name="Hunt - KC Star">{{cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |title=KC embraced big-league businessman |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/article295303.html |access-date=May 22, 2021 |work=The Kansas City Star |date=December 17, 2006}}</ref> He founded an operating company in the region called Mid-America Enterprises, which focused on real estate, mining, and entertainment.<ref name="Hunt Midwest Company Info">{{cite web |title=Hunt Midwest - About Us |date=August 6, 2018 |url=https://huntmidwest.com/about-hunt-midwest-2/ |publisher=Hunt Midwest |access-date=May 22, 2021}}</ref> Worlds of Fun was conceptualized and developed by Hunt, his business partner [[Jack Steadman (American football executive)|Jack Steadman]], and theme park designer [[Randall Duell]]. Construction on the park began in November 1971 and was completed over 17 months at an estimated cost of $20 million. The park opened on May 26, 1973.<ref name="WoF 10 Facts">{{cite web |last1=Foshee |first1=Chris |title=Worlds of Fun Grand Opening 1973: 10 Fun Facts |url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/blog/2018/worlds-of-fun-history-grand-opening |publisher=Worlds of Fun |access-date=May 22, 2021 |date=May 25, 2018}}</ref><ref name="WoF Breaking Ground">{{cite web |last=Foshee |first=Chris |title=Breaking Ground on Worlds of Fun 50 Years Ago |website=Worlds of Fun |date=January 15, 2021 |url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/blog/2021/breaking-ground-on-worlds-of-fun-50-years-ago |access-date=December 22, 2023}}</ref> It is located at the northern edge of a vast industrial complex in the bluffs above the [[Missouri River]] in [[Clay County, Missouri]]. At the time it opened, numerous projects across Kansas City were being built, including [[Kansas City International Airport]], [[Kemper Arena]] (now called Hy-Vee Arena), and the [[Truman Sports Complex]]. The park was originally planned to complement a {{convert|500|acre|km2|adj=on}} hotel and entertainment complex, but a lagging economy during the park's early years derailed the idea. |
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Worlds of Fun opened on [[May 26]], [[1973]], at a cost of 25 million dollars. It was situated at the northern edge of a vast industrial complex developed by Hunt in the bluffs above the [[Missouri River]] in [[Clay County, Missouri]]. Immediately south of the park is Hunt's [[SubTropolis]] underground business complex. |
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In 1974, the first addition to Worlds of Fun was the 4,000-seat Forum Amphitheater, which opened in the Europa section of the park. In 1976, a new section opened in honor of the [[United States Bicentennial]] – the 200th anniversary of the signing of the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]]–and was named Bicentennial Square. The new section included the debut of [[Extremeroller|Screamroller]] from [[Arrow Dynamics]], which was a replica of the first modern looping roller coaster, [[Corkscrew (Silverwood)|Corkscrew]], that opened a year earlier at [[Knott's Berry Farm]]. |
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At the time, numerous modernization projects were transforming Kansas City including the opening of [[Kansas City International Airport]], [[Bartle Hall]] and [[Kemper Arena]]. In 1976, a new section opened for America's Bicentennial called Bicentennial Square. Three mascots also accompanied Worlds of Fun in the early days: Sam Panda, Grrrtrude the Lovable Gorilla, and Dan'l Coon. |
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In 1982, Oceans of Fun opened next door as the largest water park in the world. In the same year, a sub-world named "River City" was opened in Americana, adjacent to the East Asia section (then referred to as the Orient section). Screamroller was transformed into Extremeroller the following year, which featured stand-up trains instead of the original sit-down models, making it the first looping, stand-up roller coaster in North America.<ref>{{cite RCDB|coaster_name=Extremeroller|location=Worlds of Fun|rcdb_number=496|accessdate=September 10, 2014}}</ref> Several years later, in 1989, Worlds of Fun ended the decade with the addition of [[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]], a [[wooden roller coaster]] that initially ranked high in several national polls.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stason.org/TULARC/entertainment/roller-coaster/3-4-Inside-Track-Top-Coasters-Readers-Survey.html |title=Inside Track "Top Coasters" Readers Survey |publisher= Roller Coaster FAQ |access-date=September 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=8th Annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey|publisher=National Amusement Park Historical Association}}</ref> |
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In 1982, ten years after Worlds of Fun's opening, [[Oceans of Fun]] (at the time the largest water park in the world) opened next door. However, it would take another ten years before the two parks were linked. |
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[[Cedar Fair|Cedar Fair LP]] purchased Worlds of Fun in 1995 for $40 million.<ref name="Cedar Fair sale - KC Star">{{cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |title=Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun up for sale |url=https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/top_stories/worlds-of-fun-oceans-of-fun-up-for-sale/article_4fd49e1a-cad6-5f12-a7e4-66498112dde5.html |access-date=May 22, 2021 |work=The Kansas City Star |date=March 10, 2009}}</ref> The new owners invested $10 million with the addition of [[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]], a [[D.H. Morgan Manufacturing]] steel [[hypercoaster]], to the park's attraction lineup in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoffun.org/|title=Timeline section}}</ref> |
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== Park layout == |
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[[Image:2006 002.jpg|thumb|right|The Detonator ride in Americana.]] |
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The park is themed around the [[Jules Verne]] book, [[Around the World in Eighty Days]]. Worlds of Fun is divided into five major sections (Scandinavia, Africa, Europa, the Orient, and Americana). Rides, attractions, shops, shows, and restaurants are named according to the area theme. Within Americana, Camp Snoopy (the area of the park specifically for young children), could be considered the sixth major section. Originally added as an expansion of Americana, over the years the ground currently occupied by Camp Snoopy has changed its identity several times. Initially it was called "Aerodrome" (1978-86) with futuristic rides for adults, it then became a children's area called "Pandamonium!" (1987-97), then "[[Berenstain Bears|Berenstain Bear]] Country" (1997-2000), and currently "Camp Snoopy" (2001-present)). |
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On July 1, 2024, a [[merger of equals]] between [[Cedar Fair]] and [[Six Flags]] was completed, creating Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger of Equals Successfully Completed, Creating a Leading Amusement Park Operator |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cedar-fair-six-flags-merger-200500080.html |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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There is no part of the park themed for Oceania, or Australia, so two Australian-themed rides are fit into other sections. They are [[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]] in Africa, and Bounce-A-Roos in Europa. |
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===Other notable additions=== |
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==Worlds of Fun Village== |
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* 2006: Patriot opens as the longest, tallest, and fastest full-circuit inverted roller coaster in the region. It was the park's largest capital investment on a single attraction at $14 million. |
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In 2005 Worlds of Fun opened the first on site resort. The camp ground is adjacent to the park, and is located "behind" the Mamba. The Village has 22 cabins and 20 cottages and 82 sites for RVs, complete with electric and TV cable hook ups. Each cabin or cottage can fit from 6-8 people. |
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* 2008: For their 35th anniversary, Worlds of Fun added a festival called Oktoberfest. |
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* 2009: A new wooden coaster, Prowler, is added to the Africa section of the park. It receives the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride of 2009" by ''[[Amusement Today]]'' magazine. |
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* 2010: Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights, a $1 million immersive light and sound experience, opens in the Europa and Africa sections of the park. [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] opens at Oceans of Fun. |
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* 2011: Planet Snoopy, an $8-million children's themed area, is added to Worlds of Fun, featuring over 20 rides and attractions. An [[Marcus Illions|Illions]] [[carousel]] called The Grand Carousel was added to the Scandinavia section of the park. |
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* 2012: A premium line queue system called "[[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]]" is introduced. |
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* 2013: Oceans of Fun receives full integration with Worlds of Fun, allowing visitors to access both parks with a single admission ticket. |
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* 2014: WindSeeker – a {{Convert|301|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]] swing ride at [[Knott's Berry Farm]] – was renamed SteelHawk and relocated to Worlds of Fun for the 2014 season. |
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* 2016: Planet Snoopy receives upgrades, including five new rides added to the children's area, with the removal of two former attractions. |
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* 2017: Mustang Runner (HUSS Troika), Falcon's Flight (HUSS Condor) is added to the Americana section of the park. A newly remodeled entrance is introduced, and Winterfest is introduced in November. |
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* 2018: Nordic Chaser (Mack SeaStorm) is added to the Scandinavia section of the park. [[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]] replaced their helix with a new seventy-degree back turn. [[Great Coasters International]] constructed the new element. |
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* 2019: Worlds of Fun added a new flagship restaurant, Cotton Blossom BBQ. It is 9,000 square feet and seats more than 300 guests. |
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* 2020: Riptide Raceway, the world's longest mat racing slide,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/blog/2019/new-oceans-of-fun-slide-to-set-world-record|title=New Oceans of Fun Slide to Set World Record - Worlds of Fun|website=www.worldsoffun.com}}</ref> was to have opened to the public, but deferred to 2021 on grounds of [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. |
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* 2023: [[Zambezi Zinger (2023)|Zambezi Zinger]], located in the African section of the park, is added as the world's first ground-up GCI Titan Track wooden coaster. It is named after a [[Montaña Rusa (Parque del Café)|former coaster that once operated there]]. |
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== |
==Areas and attractions== |
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The park takes its theme from the [[Jules Verne]] book, ''[[Around the World in Eighty Days (novel)|Around the World in Eighty Days]]''. Worlds of Fun is divided into eight major sections (Gateway Gardens, East Asia, Americana, Wild West, Europa, Africa, Scandinavia, and Planet Snoopy). Rides, attractions, shops, shows, and restaurants are named according to the area theme. Guests enter the park at International Plaza. In 1997, the Americana "main entrance" was closed for the creation of Grand Prix, so the "back gate" has been the "main gate" ever since. The next world to the left is Scandinavia, then Africa, continuing in a clockwise rotation, guests would then enter the Wild West section, then the Americana section, followed by East Asia. The Europa section is located in the approximate center of the circle. |
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Behind the Wild West section lies the section of Planet Snoopy (the area of the park specifically for young children). Originally added in 1978 as an expansion of Americana, over the years the grounds have changed its identity several times. Initially it was called "Aerodrome" (1978–86) with futuristic rides for adults, it then became a children's area called "Pandamonium!" (1987–97), then "[[Berenstain Bears|Berenstain Bear]] Country" (1997–2000), and "Camp Snoopy" (2001–2010), and is currently "Planet Snoopy", new to the 2011 season. Past sub-sections have also included Bicentennial Square, River City, and Beat Street, which have all been absorbed back into Americana. |
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=== Roller coasters === |
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Although there is no Australian/Oceanic section in the park, there is an Australian-themed [[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]] roller coaster in the Africa section. |
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* '''[[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]]''' (1989), a classic [[wooden roller coaster]] with a 95-foot drop and an upward-spiraling 560° helix. Voted world's best coaster in 1991 by Inside Track magazine. Made by Dinn Corporation. |
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* '''[[Wacky Worm (roller coaster)|Wacky Worm]]''' (1993), a coaster for kids. Made by Preston. |
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* '''[[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]]''' (1998), a 205-foot-tall [[hypercoaster]]. Made by [[Chance Morgan|D.H. Morgan Manufacturing]] |
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* '''[[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]]''' (2000), a [[shuttle roller coaster]]. Made by [[Vekoma]]. |
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* '''[[Spinning Dragons (roller coaster)|Spinning Dragons]]''' (2004), a dragon-themed [[spinning roller coaster]], the second of its kind in the world. Made by [[Gerstlauer]]. |
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* '''[[Patriot (Worlds of Fun)|Patriot]]''' (2006), an [[inverted roller coaster]]. Made by [[Bolliger & Mabillard]]. |
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=== |
===Roller coasters=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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* '''Viking Voyager''' (1973), a classic [[Log flume (attraction)|log-flume ride]], but themed with Viking-style boats. |
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|- |
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* '''Fury of the Nile''' (1984), the first and only [[river rafting ride]] that isn't drained every night. It also was the first to have a turnstile-type loading dock. For Halloweekends in October, the water is dyed blood red. |
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!Ride name |
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* '''[[Detonator (Worlds of Fun)|Detonator]]''' (1996), the first [[space shot]] in the United States and the first in the world to have twin towers. |
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!Picture |
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* '''RipCord''' (1996), a 190-foot-tall [[Skycoaster]]. |
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!width=50|Year opened |
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* '''[[Thunderhawk (Worlds of Fun)|Thunderhawk]]''' (2002), a [[Top Spin (ride)|Top Spin]] ride with fountains that spray on the riders when the weather is warm. The fountains are not operating for the 2007 season. |
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!Manufacturer |
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!Current location |
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As of 2006, only 12 of the park's original rides have weathered each season since opening in 1973, most notably the '''Viking Voyager''', '''Finnish Fling''', '''Le TaxiTour''' and the '''Flying Dutchman''' (which park founder [[Lamar Hunt]] once said was his favorite<ref>[http://www.worldsoffun.org/explore/Rides.asp?ID=3&ParkID=1 Flying Dutchman]</ref>). |
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!Description |
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|- |
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=== Complete list === |
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| [[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]] |
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List of rides as of 2007<ref>[http://www.worldsoffun.com/public/inside_park/rides/ Worlds of Fun: Inside the Park - Rides]</ref> |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:Boomerang (Worlds of Fun) 1.jpg|100px]] |
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| align="center" |2000 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[Vekoma]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |Africa |
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|It opened in the vacancy left by the original [[Zambezi Zinger (1973)|Zambezi Zinger]]'s departure in 1997 and used Zambezi's line queue. Since 2005, the line queue and signage has moved. |
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|- |
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|| [[Cosmic Coaster (Worlds of Fun)|Cosmic Coaster]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:CosmicCoasterWorldsofFun.jpg|100px]] |
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| align="center" |1993 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[Preston & Barbieri]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |Planet Snoopy |
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|A junior [[roller coaster]] that is [[Snoopy]]-themed. |
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|- |
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|| [[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:MambaLiftHillWOF.jpg|100px]] |
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| align="center" |1998 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |Africa |
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|The tallest coaster in the park. It is classified as a [[hypercoaster]], which is any coaster that exceeds 200 feet (61 m) in height or drop length. |
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|- |
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| [[Patriot (Worlds of Fun)|Patriot]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:PatriotWOF23.jpg|100px]] |
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| align="center" |2006 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |Americana |
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|An [[inverted roller coaster]] that features four inversions, a height of 149 feet (45 m), and a track length of 3,081 feet (939 m). |
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|- |
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|| [[Prowler (roller coaster)|Prowler]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:WOF-Prowler2.JPG|100px]] |
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| align="center" |2009 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[Great Coasters International]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |Africa |
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|Prowler was voted [[Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride|Best New Ride]] of 2009 - Amusement Park in [[Amusement Today]]'s Golden Ticket Awards. |
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|- |
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| [[Spinning Dragons]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:SpinningDragonsWOF.JPG|100px]] |
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| align="center" |2004 |
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| style="text-align:center" |[[Gerstlauer]] |
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| style="text-align:center" |East Asia |
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|A [[spinning roller coaster]], it was the second ride of its kind in the world after the [[Fairly Odd Coaster (Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America)|Fairly Odd Coaster]]. The ride was built in the East Asia area of the park in 2004 following the retirement of the ''[[Orient Express (Worlds of Fun)|Orient Express]]'' |
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|- |
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|| [[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:Timber Wolf Worlds Of Fun.jpg|100px]] |
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| align="center" |1989 |
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|style="text-align:center"|[[Dinn Corporation]] |
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|style="text-align:center"|Wild West |
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|Timber Wolf was voted the world's top roller coaster in the 1991 Inside Track readers survey, and was rated the number one favorite wooden coaster in the 1992 NAPHA survey. |
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|- |
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|| [[Zambezi Zinger (2023)|Zambezi Zinger]] |
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|{{N/A|}} [[File:Zambezi Zinger first drop (September 20223).png|100px]] |
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| align="center" |2023 |
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|style="text-align:center"|Great Coasters International |
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|style="text-align:center"|Africa |
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|Named after a former coaster that operated at Worlds of Fun under the same name, the first ground-up GCI Titan Track wooden coaster. |
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|- |
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|} |
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===Africa=== |
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{| class=wikitable |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
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!Ride |
!Ride |
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!Year Opened |
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!Ride Manufacturer and Type |
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!Ride Manufacturer |
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! Type |
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!Height Requirement |
!Height Requirement |
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!Rating<ref name="Rating">Ratings assigned per Worlds of Fun's own system, where "1" is the least intense and "5" is the most. See their {{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoffun.com/images/uploads/file/WF12-036%20rider%20safety%20guide_web.pdf|title=Guest Assistance Guide|publisher=Worlds of Fun|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-date=August 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818025820/http://www.worldsoffun.com/images/uploads/file/WF12-036%20rider%20safety%20guide_web.pdf|url-status=dead}} for more specific details.</ref> |
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!Location |
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!Thrill level |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]] |
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|Autobahn |
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|2000 |
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|[[Arrow Dynamics]] [[bumper car]] ride |
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|[[Vekoma]] |
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|Over 48" or with adult |
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|[[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang roller coaster]] |
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|Europa |
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|Over 48" |
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|High |
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|5 |
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|- |
|- |
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|Fury of the Nile |
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|Bamboozler |
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|1984 |
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|Hrubetz [[Round Up (amusement ride)|Round Up]] |
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|[[Intamin]] |
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|[[River rafting ride]] |
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|Over 46" |
|Over 46" |
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|4 |
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|Orient |
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|Moderate |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ |
|[[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]] |
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|1998 |
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|[[Vekoma]] [[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang]] |
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|[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]] |
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|[[Steel roller coaster|Steel]] [[hypercoaster]] |
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|Over 48" |
|Over 48" |
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|5 |
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|Africa |
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|Aggressive |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[Prowler (roller coaster)|Prowler]] |
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|Bounce-A-Roos |
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|2009 |
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| |
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|[[Great Coasters International]] |
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|Under 54" |
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|[[Wooden coaster]] |
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|Europa |
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|Over 48" |
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|Mild |
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|4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[Zambezi Zinger (2023)|Zambezi Zinger]] |
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|Camp Bus |
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|2023* |
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| |
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|[[Great Coasters International]] and [[Skyline Attractions]] |
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|42" or with adult |
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|[[Steel roller coaster|Steel and]] [[Wooden coaster]] Hybrid |
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|Camp Snoopy |
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|Over 48" or 40" with an adult |
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|Moderate |
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|4 |
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|- |
|- |
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|Zulu |
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|Charlie Brown's Windup |
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|1979 |
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| |
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|[[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] |
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|Under 54" |
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|[[Enterprise (ride)|Enterprise]] |
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|Camp Snoopy |
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|Over 54" |
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|Mild |
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|4 |
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|} |
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===Americana=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
|- |
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!Ride |
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|Cyclone Sam's |
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!Year Opened |
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|[[Chance Morgan]] [[Wipeout/Trabant (Ride)|Wipeout]] |
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!Ride Manufacturer |
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|Over 48" |
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!Type |
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|Americana |
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!Height Requirement |
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|Aggressive |
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!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
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|- |
|- |
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|[[ |
|[[Patriot (Worlds of Fun)|Patriot]] |
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|2006 |
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|[[S&S Power|S&S]] [[Space Shot]] |
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|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] |
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|[[Inverted roller coaster]] |
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|Over 54" |
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|5 |
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|- |
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|RipCord |
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|1996 |
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|Sky Fun 1 |
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|[[Skycoaster]] |
|||
|Over 42" |
|||
|5 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Skyliner |
|||
|1991 |
|||
|[[Eli Bridge]] |
|||
|[[Ferris wheel]] |
|||
|Over 48" or 36" with adult |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Windseeker|SteelHawk]] |
|||
|2014 |
|||
|[[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]] |
|||
|[[Windseeker]] |
|||
|Over 52" |
|Over 52" |
||
|5 |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|} |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
===Europa=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
!Ride |
|||
|Finnish Fling |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
|[[Chance Morgan]] [[Rotor (ride)|Rotor]] |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
|Over 46" or with adult |
|||
!Type |
|||
|Scandinavia |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
|High |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Autobahn |
|||
|Fjörd Fjärlane |
|||
|1973 |
|||
|[[Huss Rides|Huss]] Swing Around |
|||
|[[Reverchon]] |
|||
|[[Bumper Cars]] ride |
|||
|Over 48" |
|Over 48" |
||
|4 |
|||
|Scandinavia |
|||
|Moderate |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Flying Dutchman |
|Flying Dutchman |
||
|1973 |
|||
|[[Intamin AG|Intamin]] Flying Dutchman |
|||
|[[Intamin]] |
|||
|Over 46" |
|||
|Flying Dutchman |
|||
|Europa |
|||
|Over 46" or with adult |
|||
|Mild |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Le Taxi Tour |
|||
|Fury of the Nile |
|||
|1973 |
|||
|[[Intamin AG|Intamin]] [[river rafting ride]] |
|||
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] |
|||
|Over 46" |
|||
|Track car ride |
|||
|Africa |
|||
|Over 48" or with adult |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|2 |
|||
|} |
|||
===Gateway Gardens=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
!Ride |
|||
|Grand Prix Raceway + |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
| |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
|Over 58" |
|||
!Type |
|||
|Americana |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
|High |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|The Grand Carrousel |
|||
|Head Over Wheels |
|||
|2011 |
|||
| |
|||
|1926 M.C. Illions |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|Supreme Carousel |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Over 46" or with adult |
|||
|Mild |
|||
|2 |
|||
|} |
|||
===East Asia=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
!Ride |
|||
|Krazy Kars |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
| |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
!Type |
|||
|Americana |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
|Mild |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Bamboozler |
|||
|Le Carrousel |
|||
|1977 |
|||
| |
|||
|Hrubetz |
|||
|[[Round Up (ride)|Round Up]] |
|||
|Over 46" |
|Over 46" |
||
|3 |
|||
|Europa |
|||
|Mild |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Spinning Dragons]] |
|||
|Le TaxiTour |
|||
|2004 |
|||
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] track car ride |
|||
|[[Gerstlauer]] |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
|[[Spinning roller coaster]] |
|||
|Europa |
|||
|Over 48" or 42" with adult |
|||
|Moderate |
|||
|5 |
|||
|} |
|||
===Planet Snoopy=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
!Ride |
|||
|Linus' Beetle Bugs |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
| |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
!Type |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
|Mild |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Beagle Brigade Airfield |
|||
|[[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]] |
|||
|2016 |
|||
|[[Chance Morgan]] [[hypercoaster]] |
|||
|Zamperla |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
|Flying Tigers |
|||
|Africa |
|||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Camp Bus |
|||
|Monsoon |
|||
|2001 |
|||
|[[Intamin AG|Intamin]] [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] ride |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
|Crazy Bus |
|||
|Africa |
|||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|High |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Charlie Brown's Windup |
|||
|Octopus |
|||
|1987 |
|||
|Eyerly [[Octopus (ride)|Octopus]] |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Over 48" or with adult |
|||
|Lolly Swing |
|||
|Scandinavia |
|||
|Between 36" and 54" |
|||
|Moderate |
|||
|1 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[ |
|[[Cosmic Coaster (Worlds of Fun)|Cosmic Coaster]] |
||
|1993 |
|||
|[[Bolliger & Mabillard]] [[Inverted roller coaster|inverted coaster]] |
|||
|[[Preston and Barbieri]] |
|||
|Over 54" |
|||
|Wacky Worm |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|Over 42" |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Flying Ace Balloon Race |
|||
|Peanunts™ Playhouse |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|[[Balloon Race (ride)|Balloon Race]] |
|||
|Over 42" or with adult |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Kite Eating Tree |
|||
|2001 |
|||
|[[S&S Worldwide]] |
|||
|Kite Flyer |
|||
|Over 36" |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Linus' Launcher |
|||
|2016 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Kite Flyer |
|||
|Over 42" or 36" with adult |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Lucy's Tugboat |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Tugboat |
|||
|Over 42" or with adult |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Peanuts 500 |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Speedway |
|||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Pigpen's Petting Farm |
|||
|2019 |
|||
|Koala Play |
|||
| |
| |
||
|None |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|1 |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Low |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Peanuts Road Rally |
|||
|Peanunts™ Yacht Club |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|1 |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Low |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Sally's Swing Set |
|||
|Pony Promenade |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Happy Swing |
|||
|Between 36" and 73" |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Snoopy Junction |
|||
|2016 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|1 |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Low |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Red Baron |
|Snoopy vs. Red Baron |
||
|1974 |
|||
|Herschell |
|||
| |
| |
||
| |
|Between 36" and 54" |
||
|2 |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Mild |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Snoopy's Rocket Express |
|||
|RipCord + |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Skycoaster]] |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
| |
|||
|Orient |
|||
|Over 42" or with adult |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|2 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Snoopy's Space Buggies |
|||
|Road Rally |
|||
|2016 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|2 |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
| |
|- |
||
|Woodstock Gliders |
|||
|2016 |
|||
|Larson |
|||
|Flying Scooter |
|||
|Over 44" or 36" with adult |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Woodstock Whirlybirds |
|||
|2011 |
|||
|[[Zamperla]] |
|||
| |
|||
|Over 36" or with adult |
|||
|2 |
|||
|} |
|||
===Scandinavia=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|||
!Ride |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
!Type |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|||
|Fjörd Fjärlane |
|||
|1981 |
|||
|[[Sanoyas Hishino Meisho|Meisho Rides]] |
|||
|[[Swing Around]] |
|||
|Over 46" or with adult |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Nordic Chaser |
|||
|2018 |
|||
|[[Mack Rides|Mack]] |
|||
|Seastorm |
|||
|Over 48" or 40" with adult |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Scrambler |
|Scrambler |
||
|2015 (originally 1973) |
|||
|[[Eli Bridge]] [[Twist (ride)|Scrambler]] |
|||
|[[Eli Bridge]] |
|||
|Over 48" or with adult |
|||
|[[Twist (ride)|Scrambler]] |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|Over 48" or 36" with adult |
|||
|Moderate |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Sea Dragon |
|Sea Dragon |
||
|1994 |
|||
|[[Chance Morgan]] Sea Dragon |
|||
|[[Chance Morgan]] |
|||
|[[Pirate ship (ride)|Pirate ship]] |
|||
|Over 48" or with adult |
|Over 48" or with adult |
||
|3 |
|||
|Scandinavia |
|||
|Moderate |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Viking Voyager |
|||
|Skyliner |
|||
|1973 |
|||
|Watkins aerial chairlift |
|||
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] |
|||
|Over 36" |
|||
|[[Log flume (ride)|Log flume]] |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|Over 46" or 36" with adult |
|||
|Mild |
|||
|4 |
|||
|} |
|||
===Wild West=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
!Ride |
|||
|Snoopy Bounce |
|||
!Year Opened |
|||
| |
|||
!Ride Manufacturer |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
!Type |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
!Height Requirement |
|||
|Mild |
|||
!Rating<ref name=Rating/> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Cyclone Sam's]] |
|||
|[[Spinning Dragons (roller coaster)|Spinning Dragons]] |
|||
|1995 |
|||
|[[Gerstlauer]] [[Spinning roller coaster|spinning coaster]] |
|||
|[[Chance Rides]] |
|||
|At least 42" |
|||
|[[Wipeout (ride)|Wipeout]] |
|||
|Orient |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
|High |
|||
|5 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Detonator (Worlds of Fun)|Detonator]] |
|||
|The Rock + |
|||
|1996 |
|||
|Rockwall |
|||
|[[S&S Worldwide]] |
|||
|Over 36" |
|||
|[[Space Shot (ride)|Space shot]] |
|||
|Orient |
|||
|Over 48" |
|||
|High |
|||
|5 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Mustang Runner |
|||
|[[Thunderhawk (Worlds of Fun)|Thunderhawk]] |
|||
|2017 |
|||
|[[Huss]] [[Top Spin (ride)|Top Spin]] |
|||
|[[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] |
|||
|Between 55" and 77" |
|||
|[[Troika (ride)|Troika]] |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|Over 50" or 42" with adult |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|3 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]] |
|[[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]] |
||
|1989 |
|||
|Dinn Corporation wooden twister |
|||
|[[Dinn Corporation]] |
|||
|[[Wooden roller coaster]] |
|||
|Over 48" |
|Over 48" |
||
|5 |
|||
|Americana |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|Worlds of Fun Railroad |
|||
|Turntyke |
|||
|1973 |
|||
| |
|||
|[[Crown Metal Products]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/rides/Family-Rides/Worlds-of-Fun-Railroad|title=Worlds of Fun Railroad - Worlds of Fun}}</ref> |
|||
|Under 54" |
|||
|{{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]] railroad |
|||
|Camp Snoopy |
|||
|Low |
|||
|- |
|||
|Viking Voyager |
|||
|[[Arrow Dynamics]] [[Log flume (attraction)|log flume]] |
|||
|Over 46" or with adult |
|Over 46" or with adult |
||
|2 |
|||
|Scandinavia |
|||
|} |
|||
|Aggressive |
|||
* + Denotes an extra cost for the ride or attraction. |
|||
* * On August 11, 2022, Worlds of Fun announced the [[Zambezi Zinger (2023)|Zambezi Zinger]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=New Roller Coaster {{!}} Kansas City, MO {{!}} Worlds of Fun |url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/new-in-2023/z |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=www.worldsoffun.com |language=en}}</ref> - a new wooden roller coaster named after [[Zambezi Zinger (1973)|the original Zambezi Zinger]], scheduled to open during the 2023 season. |
|||
==Former rides and attractions== |
|||
{{see also|Closed rides and attractions#Worlds of Fun}} |
|||
=== Roller coasters === |
|||
* '''Schussboomer''', (1973–1984), a ski-themed steel roller coaster with ten separate 4-passenger cars. |
|||
* '''Screamroller/[[Extremeroller(EXT)|Extremeroller]]''', (1976–1988), the first [[stand-up roller coaster]] in the Western Hemisphere. Its only season as a stand-up coaster was in 1983, after which it was reverted to the original sit-down style. |
|||
* '''[[Zambezi Zinger (1973)|Zambezi Zinger]]''', (1973–1997), a steel Speedracer model roller coaster (one of only two in existence) with an electric spiral lift and a fast-paced ride through the woods. Moved to [[Parque del Café]] in [[Colombia]], reopening as [[Montaña Rusa (Parque del Café)|Montaña Rusa]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcdb.com/id23.htm|title=Zambezi Zinger - Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri, USA)}}</ref> |
|||
* '''[[Orient Express (Worlds of Fun)|Orient Express]]''', (1980–2003), the first roller coaster in the world to feature a [[Roller coaster elements#Batwing|batwing]] (then known as a "Kamikaze Curve"), now a common element in thrill rides. Also, it was the second roller coaster in the world to have two interlocking loops. |
|||
* '''Silly Serpent/Funicular''', (1973–1987) An Allan Herschell Company Little Dipper. The children's coaster was originally located in the Europa section of the park as "Funicular" and moved to the Africa section where it operated as "Silly Serpent" until it was removed in 1987. |
|||
=== Flat rides/attractions === |
|||
* '''Barnstormer''', (1978–1983), a 100-foot tall spinning airplane ride manufactured by Bradley & Kaye. Added with the opening of the Aerodrome area. Retired in part due to frequent shutdowns due to high winds.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://unwof.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-for-aerodrome.html|title=A is for Aerodrome|last=Lovsee-Mast|first=Jennifer|date=January 10, 2011|website=Worlds of Fun.Org|access-date=April 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> |
|||
* '''Incred-O-Dome''', (1981–1997), an [[IMAX#Dome and Omnimax|OMNIMAX]]-style theater where viewers could go on a virtual ride of, among other things, the ''Orient Express'' coaster. This appealed to visitors who did not want to wait in line or experience the real ride, as well as those with physical conditions which would prevent them from riding at all. The show was presented less than {{convert|200|yd}} away from the actual ride. |
|||
* '''Omegatron''', (1986–2001), a six-story Vekoma [[Sky Flyer]] ride, replaced by Thunderhawk. |
|||
* '''Python Plunge''', (1988–1999) a water-slide type ride where the riders would carry the raft up to the top themselves. There were two types of slides. One slide was open aired and went straight down, the other was a twisting tube. |
|||
* '''Grand Prix Raceway''', (1997–2014), [[go-kart]] racing, replaced by the [[WindSeeker|SteelHawk]]. |
|||
* '''Octopus''', (1973–2014) an [[Eyerly Aircraft Company|Eyerly]] Monster [[Octopus (ride)|octopus]], replaced by the Scandi Scrambler. |
|||
* '''Thunderhawk''', (2002–2015) a HUSS Top Spin ride that flipped riders several times and took riders to a height of 60 feet. |
|||
* '''Krazy Kars''', (1973–2015) a children's bumper car ride removed for Mustang Runner. |
|||
* '''Le Carousel''', (1979–2016) 3 across horse merry-go-round replaced by [[Falcons Flight]] |
|||
* '''Finnish Fling''', (1973–2017) a [[Chance Rides]] [[Rotor (ride)|Rotor]], believed to have been one of fewer than six operating Rotors in North America.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kctv5.com/story/36631064/worlds-of-fun-announces-closing-of-finnish-fling|title=Worlds of Fun announces closing of Finnish Fling|last=Sloan|first=Nick|date=October 18, 2017|work=KCTV 5 News|access-date=April 30, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldsoffun.org/history/defunctattractions.html|title=Worlds of Fun Gone but Not Forgotten|website=www.worldsoffun.org|access-date=April 30, 2018}}</ref> It was replaced by Nordic Chaser. |
|||
* '''Diamond Head''', (1982–2019) a water slide complex at Oceans of Fun consisting of three body slides (Honolulu Lulu, Maui Wowie, and Waikiki Wipeout). Replaced by Riptide Raceway. |
|||
* '''Ski Heis/Sky Hi''', (1973–1987) a [[Von Roll Holding|Von Roll]] Skyride |
|||
* '''Wobble Wheel''', (1977–1993) a Chance Rides Trabant. The Wobble Wheel, an outdoor ride, was enclosed and rebranded as Cyclone Sam's in 1995. |
|||
* '''Falcon's Flight''', (2017–2022) a [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] [[Condor (ride)|Condor]]. |
|||
==Oceans of Fun== |
|||
{{Main|Oceans of Fun}} |
|||
'''Oceans of Fun''' is Worlds of Fun's water park. It opened in 1982 as the world's largest water park. It is included with admission to Worlds of Fun, beginning in the 2013 season. |
|||
==Fast Lane== |
|||
{{Further|List of Fast Lane attractions#Worlds of Fun}} |
|||
[[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|Fast Lane]] is Worlds of Fun's "two line" system introduced in 2012. For an increased cost (in addition to normal admission charges), visitors receive a wrist band that enables them to bypass the standby line and enter the "Fast Lane" line to significantly reduce their wait time. Fast Lane Plus gets access to select rides not included in basic Fast Lane. |
|||
During Halloween Haunt, a similar system named "Fright Lane" is sold. Serving the same purpose as Fast Lane, it significantly reduces the wait times at select haunted attractions. "Fright Lane+" includes a "Skeleton Key", a key that grants holders special access to secret, intense rooms in six of the eight haunted houses. In addition, holders receive special seating for Ed Alonzo's Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem. "Fright Lane Max" is a VIP system that allows holders seating at Overlord's Awakening, a meal, and limited edition Haunt T-shirts, in addition to all the perks listed above. |
|||
==Worlds of Fun Village== |
|||
In 2005, Worlds of Fun opened the first on-site resort. The campground is adjacent to the park, and is located "behind" Mamba. The Village has 22 cabins, 20 cottages, and 82 RV sites, complete with electric and TV cable hookups. Each cabin or cottage can fit 6–8 people. |
|||
==Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights== |
|||
"Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights", which debuted in 2010, was an immersive light and sound experience starring the [[Peanuts]] characters. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights features over 2 million [[LED]] lights and a variety of audio soundtracks through the Africa and Europa sections of the park. Along the walkway there were replicas of [[Snoopy]] and other characters for guests to view. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights was a one million dollar investment that used special effects and sound design, custom designed for Worlds of Fun by [[Emmy Award]]-Winning [[RWS and Associates]]. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights opened for its original run on June 4 and ran through September 5, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldsoffun.com/public/news/whatsnew.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503153931/http://www.worldsoffun.com/public/news/whatsnew.cfm |archive-date=May 3, 2010 |title=Kansas City Amusement Park - Ride On & Slide On! - Worlds of Fun |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
|||
==Halloween Haunt== |
|||
[[File:Halloween Haunt logo.gif|right|200px]] |
|||
Halloween Haunt is a [[Halloween]] event that takes place during the Halloween season. It is included in the price of admission. |
|||
===Current attractions=== |
|||
{{As of|2023}}, it features 9 Extreme Haunts, including seven mazes and two scare zones, along with four live shows.<ref name="Haunt attractions">{{cite web|title=Halloween Haunt rides and attractions|url=https://www.worldsoffun.com/haunt/rides-attractions|publisher=Worlds of Fun|access-date=September 14, 2013}}</ref> |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! style="width:60%;"|Attraction |
|||
|[[Wacky Worm (roller coaster)|Wacky Worm]] |
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! style="width:7%;"|Type |
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|[[Zamperla]] kiddie coaster |
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! style="width:7%;"|Opened |
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|Over 42" |
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! style="width:7%;"|Location |
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|Camp Snoopy |
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! style="width:7%;"|Theme |
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|Moderate |
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|- |
|- |
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|BloodShed |
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|Woodstock's Airmail |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|[[S&S Power|S&S]] Frog Hopper |
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|style="text-align:center"|2007 |
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|Over 36" but under 54" |
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|style="text-align:center"|Americana |
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|Camp Snoopy |
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|style="text-align:center"|Slaughterhouse |
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|Mild |
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|- |
|- |
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|CornStalkers |
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|Woodstock Express |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|Custom kiddie train |
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|style="text-align:center"|2010 |
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|Under 54" |
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|style="text-align:center"|Africa |
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|Camp Snoopy |
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|style="text-align:center"|Cornfield |
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|Low |
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|- |
|- |
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|Ripper Alley |
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|World's of Fun Railroad |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|Custom steam train |
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|style="text-align:center"|2017 |
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|Over 46" or with adult |
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|Americana |
|style="text-align:center"| Americana |
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|style="text-align:center"|Victorian London |
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|Mild |
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|- |
|- |
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|Lore of the Vampire |
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|Zulu |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|[[Huss]] [[Enterprise (ride)|Enterprise]] |
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|style="text-align:center"|2004 |
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|Over 54" |
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|style="text-align:center"|East Asia |
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|Africa |
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|style="text-align:center"|Vampires |
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|Aggressive |
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|- |
|- |
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|Blood on the Bayou |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|style="text-align:center"|2015 |
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|style="text-align:center"| Americana |
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|style="text-align:center"|Voodoo Spirits |
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|- |
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|Zombie High |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|style="text-align:center"|2012 |
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|style="text-align:center"|Africa |
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|style="text-align:center"|Zombies |
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|- |
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|Pumpkin Eater: Dead Harvest |
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|style="text-align:center"|Maze |
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|style="text-align:center"|2023 |
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|style="text-align:center"|Africa |
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|style="text-align:center"|Pumpkin Patch |
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|- |
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|Outlaw's Revenge |
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|style="text-align:center"|Zone |
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|style="text-align:center"|2008 |
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|style="text-align:center"|Wild West |
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|style="text-align:center"|Cowboys |
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|- |
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|Malice in Wonderland |
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|style="text-align:center"|Zone |
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|style="text-align:center"|2022 |
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|style="text-align:center"|Europa |
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|style="text-align:center"|Alice in Wonderland |
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|} |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
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! style="width:20%;"|Show |
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! style="width:7%;"|Type |
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! style="width:7%;"|Location |
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|- |
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|style="text-align:center"|Overlord's Awakening |
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|style="text-align:center"|Monologue/Parade |
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|style="text-align:center"|International Plaza |
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|- |
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|style="text-align:center"|Haunted Homecoming |
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|style="text-align:center"|Music Performance |
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|style="text-align:center"|Moulin Rouge Hall |
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|- |
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|style="text-align:center"|Conjure The Night |
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|style="text-align:center"|Music Performance |
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|style="text-align:center"|International Plaza |
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|- |
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|style="text-align:center"|Ringmasters Last Laff |
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|style="text-align:center"|Dance Performance |
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|style="text-align:center"|Near Tivoli Music Hall |
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|} |
|} |
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* + Denotes an extra cost for the ride or attraction. |
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== |
===Former Haunt attractions=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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{{seealso|Closed rides and attractions#Worlds of Fun}} |
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|- |
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* '''Schussboomer''', (1973-1984), a ski-themed steel roller coaster with ten separate 4-passenger cars. |
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!Attraction Name |
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* '''Screamroller/Extremeroller(EXT)''', (1976-1988), the first [[stand-up roller coaster]] in the Western Hemisphere. Its only season as a stand-up coaster was in 1983, after which it was reverted back to the original sit-down style. |
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!Replaced By |
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* '''[[Zambezi Zinger]]''', (1973-1997), a steel "Speedracer"-type roller coaster (one of only two in existence at the time of its removal) with an electric spiral lift and a fast-paced ride through the woods. Currently in operation at the National Theme Park of [[Colombia]], [[South America]]. |
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!Year closed |
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* '''Incred-O-Dome''', (1981-1997), an [[IMAX#IMAX_Dome.2FOMNIMAX|OMNIMAX]]-style theater where viewers could go on a virtual ride of, among other things, the ''Orient Express'' coaster. This appealed to visitors who did not want to wait in line or experience the real ride, as well as those with physical conditions which would prevent them from riding at all. The show was presented less than 200 yards away from the actual ride. |
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|- |
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* '''Omegatron''', (1986-2001), a six-story, upside-down thrill ride. |
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|Camp Gonnagitcha Wichahatchet |
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* '''[[Orient Express (Worlds of Fun)|Orient Express]]''', (1980-2003), the first roller coaster in to world to feature a [[Roller coaster elements#Batwing|batwing]] (then known as a "Kamikaze Kurve"), now a common element in thrill rides. Also, it was the second roller coaster in the world to have two interlocking loops. |
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|CornStalkers |
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|2009 |
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|- |
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|Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns |
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|CarnEvil |
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|2006 |
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|- |
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|Dominion of Doom |
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|London Terror |
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|2010 |
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|- |
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|Master McCarthy's Doll Factory |
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|Miss Lizzie's Chamber of Horrors |
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|2012 |
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|- |
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|Fright Zone |
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|The Boneyard |
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|2014 |
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|- |
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|Club Blood |
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|Lore of the Vampire expansion |
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|2015 |
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|- |
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|Asylum Island |
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|Urgent Scare |
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|2017 |
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|- |
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|London Terror |
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|Ripper Alley |
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|2017 |
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|- |
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|CarnEvil |
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|Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater |
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|2018 |
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|- |
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|Urgent Scare |
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|Khaos Unleashed |
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|2019 |
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|- |
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|Khaos Unleashed |
|||
|N/A |
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|2021 |
|||
|} |
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== |
==Games== |
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Cole Lindbergh, former manager of the park's games department, was featured in a 2011 episode of [[Public Radio International]]'s ''[[This American Life]]'', "Amusement Park."<ref name="TAL">{{cite web |url=http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/443/amusement-park | title="Amusement Park," ''This American Life'', Aug. 12, 2011 | date=August 12, 2011 }}</ref> In the nine-minute prologue,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/443/amusement-park?act=0 | title=Prologue| date=August 12, 2011}}</ref> host [[Ira Glass]] interviews Lindbergh about his management philosophy and plays segments from several [[YouTube]] videos he made to promote the park's games.<ref name="TAL"/> |
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==Gallery== |
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Every year the park is transformed during the "Halloween Haunt". During the day the park is a friendly "Halloween Town" filled with pumpkins and seasonal decorations but as night approaches fog fills the park and characters roam around. The tagline for the Halloween Haunt is "Extreme Haunts by Night, Scare Free Fun by Day!" The "Extreme Haunts" are unlimitedly accessed by your regular admission price ticket. The park boasts "For the low price of one addmission ticket" Roller Coasters & Thrill Rides, Scare-Free Daytime Family Fun, Spooky Shows at the "Moulin Rouge Theatre" as well as many kid friendly events inside Camp Snoopy. Also seven haunted houses dot the map of Worlds Of Fun: |
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<gallery widths="240px" heights="100px"> |
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Image:FinishFling.JPG| Finnish Fling and Octopus rides. |
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Image:LeTaxiTour2.JPG| Le Taxi Tour's line queue in Europa. |
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Image:LeTaxiTour1.JPG| Le Taxi Tour in action. |
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Image:WOF-SeaDragon.JPG|The Sea Dragon in Scandinavia |
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Image:WOF-FlyingDutchman.JPG|The Flying Dutchman is reported to be founder Lamar Hunt's favorite ride. |
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Image:WOF 08 014.JPG|Zulu at night |
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Image:WOF 08 009.JPG|Thunderhawk |
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File:Skyliner (Worlds of Fun).JPG| The Skyliner Ferris wheel at Worlds of Fun. |
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Image:RipcordWOF1.JPG| Nighttime at Worlds of Fun. |
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Image:WOF-Boomerang1.JPG|Boomerang's full profile |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Prowler5.JPG|Prowler voted 'Best New Ride' --> |
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Image:WOF-Prowler1.JPG |Prowler's main drop. |
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Image:WOF-ProwlerQue.JPG|Prowler's queue line. |
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Image:Naz Night 08 007.JPG|Mamba and Timber Wolf. |
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Image:WOF 08 012.JPG|Coaster's Diner near Mamba. |
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Image:WOF-Prowler2.JPG|Prowler's train ascending the lift hill. |
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Image:FuryoftheNile2.JPG| Fury of the Nile in action. |
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File:Fury of the Nile's turnstile dock.jpg|Fury of the Nile's signature ''turnstile'' dock. |
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</gallery> |
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== Incidents == |
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Two new "Extreme Haunts" were added at the start of the Halloween Haunt of 2007. |
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=== Barnstormer === |
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*BloodShed - An evil meat processing plant. |
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* In July 1978, during the ride's first season of operation, a malfunction of the 100-foot-tall Barnstormer caused the spinning planes carrying riders to descend rapidly, hitting each other on the way down. Some riders were also sprayed with [[hydraulic fluid]]. In total, 20 riders suffered minor injuries.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6393970/|title=20 injured when ride goes haywire at Worlds of Fun|date=July 2, 1978|work=Salina (Kansas) Journal|access-date=April 30, 2018|agency=UPI|page=2|language=en}}</ref> |
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*CarnEvil - A twisted sideshow filled with freaks and evil clowns. |
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=== Oceans of Fun === |
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As well as the usual favorites: |
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* On August 24, 2019, Trey Wallace, a 14-year-old boy, drowned in the wave pool.<ref>{{cite web |last=Porter |first=Regan |title='I Just Reacted': Strangers' Quick Actions Save Boy Who Nearly Drown at Oceans of Fun Wave Pool |url=https://fox4kc.com/2019/08/26/i-just-reacted-strangers-quick-actions-save-boy-who-nearly-drown-at-oceans-of-fun-wave-pool/ |work=FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV |date=August 26, 2019 |access-date=May 11, 2023 }}</ref> The boy died in the hospital after being taken off life support due to loss of brain function.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ford |first=Ashonti |title=Boy who nearly drowned at Oceans of Fun taken off of life support; family planning to donate organs |url=https://fox4kc.com/2019/08/31/boy-who-nearly-drowned-at-oceans-of-fun-loses-brain-function-family-planning-to-donate-organs/ |work=FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV {{!}} News, Weather, Sports |date=August 31, 2019}}</ref> |
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=== Orient Express === |
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*Asylum Island - A haunted mental hospital for the criminally insane. |
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{{Main|Orient Express (Worlds of Fun)}} |
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*Dominion of Doom - A ghostly gothic cemetery. |
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* On June 14, 1987, a train that was pulling into the loading station malfunctioned and slammed into the rear of the other train inside of the roller coaster station. A total of 56 passengers were involved in the accident, but only 8 were taken to the hospital for injuries.<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/06/15/Investigation-of-roller-coaster-mishap-begins/9050550728000/ "Investigation of roller coaster mishap begins"] ''Archived from UPI.com'', June 15, 1987</ref> |
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*Lore of the Vampire - An ancient catacomb inhabited by vampires. |
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* On July 17, 1999, two cars of a seven-car train derailed due to severe internal metal fatigue in a support post, stranding 18 people. Two were immediately taken to a hospital, and six went later. None of the injuries were life-threatening.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20031129073932/http://www.morningsun.net/stories/111799/kan_1117990020.shtml "Officials find cause of July derailment of roller coaster"], ''Archived from MorningSun.net'', November 17, 1999</ref> |
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*Camp Gonnagitcha Witchahatchet - A summer camp gone terribly wrong. |
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*The Fright Zone - A walkway where characters lurk in the shadows. |
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=== Screamroller === |
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==References== |
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* On May 18, 1976, Robbie M. Meyers, an 8-year-old boy, was struck and seriously injured by the Screamroller after entering a restricted area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4800130/the_kansas_city_times/|title=Added safety for ride|last=Nolan|first=Mary Lou|date=June 26, 1976|work=The Kansas City Times|access-date=April 30, 2018|page=4|language=en}}</ref> In 1977, Meyers was awarded ${{format price|1390000}} (equivalent to ${{format price|{{Inflation|US|1390000|1977}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}) in a lawsuit finding Mid-America Enterprises responsible for his injuries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/salina-journal-dec-30-1977-p-11/|title=Youth wins suit against KC amusement park|date=December 30, 1977|work=Salina (Kansas) Journal|access-date=April 30, 2018|agency=UPI|page=11|language=en}}</ref><ref name="KC Times 1978">{{cite news |title=Worlds of Fun Won't Appeal |work=Kansas City Times |date=January 14, 1978 |page=24}}</ref> Worlds of Fun did not appeal the decision.<ref name="KC Times 1978"/> |
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<references/> |
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=== Timber Wolf === |
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{{Main|Timber Wolf (roller coaster)}} |
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* On March 31, 1990, two trains collided just short of the loading platform, injuring 35 people.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB3CB1B16F0B5&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=35 Injured at Worlds of Fun |newspaper=The Wichita Eagle |date=April 1, 1990 }}</ref> The control system had malfunctioned and was unable to control two trains at once. The ride reopened with a single train until the control system was fixed to handle two.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=WE&s_site=kansas&p_multi=WE&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADB3C94BB9A6B9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Coaster To Run Again"], ''The Wichita Eagle'', April 25, 1990</ref> |
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* On June 30, 1995, Ryan Bielby, a 14-year-old girl, fell from her seat on the roller coaster and died.<ref name="O'Brien 2016">{{cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Shannon |title=Mom of girl who died at Worlds of Fun in 1995 empathizes with family of boy killed at Schlitterbahn |website=FOX 4 Kansas City |date=August 10, 2016 |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/mom-of-girl-who-died-at-worlds-of-fun-in-1995-empathizes-with-family-of-boy-killed-at-schlitterbahn/ |access-date=May 16, 2024}}</ref> The park owner at the time, Hunt-Midwest Entertainment Inc., and the ride manufacturer, [[Dinn Corporation]], claimed that she was switching seats when the accident occurred. A riding companion and Biebly's family claimed that safety restraints (a lap bar and seat belt) had come undone on a sharp turn at the top of one of the ride's hills. In contrast, officials from Worlds of Fun claimed that witnesses had seen her removing her restraints and attempting to switch seats, and that there had been no malfunction. The ride was temporarily closed for an investigation of its safety features, which led to the installation of new lap bars. Hunt-Midwest Entertainment Inc. and Dinn Corporation settled with the family for $200,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/99b8860b504cbae36e630510fce6d730 |title=Girl Dies in Fall from Roller Coaster |date=July 1, 1995 |agency=Associated Press |author=Scott Bekker |access-date=May 20, 2016 }}</ref> This makes the Timber Wolf the only ride so far at Worlds of Fun with a fatality. |
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==In popular culture== |
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Worlds of Fun was used as the setting for a skit in a 2021 episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''. The skit opens with a still photo of the park's iconic hot-air balloon sign and then cuts to the cast getting ready to ride Viking Voyager. The park's logo can be seen in the sketch and other rides such as Mamba and Zulu are referenced as well.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/mS7Ew5RBS3Y Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210228185946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS7Ew5RBS3Y Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS7Ew5RBS3Y&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive| title = Amusement Park - SNL | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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It also appears in the [[HBO]] series ''[[The Last of Us (TV series)|The Last of Us]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kctv5.com/2022/10/04/delays-i-435-due-filming-hbos-last-us/ |title=Delays on I-435 due to filming for HBO's 'The Last of Us' |last1=Brown |first1=Zoe |last2=Hurrelbrink |first2=Bill |publisher=[[KCTV]] |date=October 4, 2022 |accessdate=October 9, 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005024140/https://www.kctv5.com/2022/10/04/delays-i-435-due-filming-hbos-last-us/ |archivedate=October 5, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|Trains|United States}} |
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*[[Incidents at Cedar Fair parks]] |
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* [[Closed rides and attractions#Worlds of Fun|Closed rides and attractions at Worlds of Fun]] |
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* [[Incidents at Six Flags parks#Worlds of Fun|Incidents at Worlds of Fun]] |
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==References== |
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== External links == |
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<references /> |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.worldsoffun.com Worlds of Fun official website] |
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{{commons category}} |
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*[http://www.worldsoffun.org Unofficial Worlds of Fun website] |
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*[ |
* [https://www.worldsoffun.com/ Worlds of Fun official website] |
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* {{RCDB|4533}} |
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*[http://www.rcdb.com/pd5.htm Worlds Of Fun page on the Roller Coaster Database] |
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{{ |
{{Six Flags}} |
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{{ |
{{Worlds of Fun}} |
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{{Kansas City, Missouri}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Worlds of Fun| ]] |
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[[Category:Amusement parks in Missouri]] |
[[Category:Amusement parks in Missouri]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Six Flags amusement parks]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1973 establishments in Missouri]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kansas City, Missouri]] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kansas City, Missouri]] |
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[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1973]] |
Latest revision as of 02:24, 29 October 2024
Location | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
---|---|
Coordinates | 39°10′38.4″N 94°29′20.5″W / 39.177333°N 94.489028°W |
Status | Operating |
Opened | May 26, 1973 |
Owner | Six Flags |
General manager | Rick Fiedler |
Theme | Jules Verne's novel "Around the World in Eighty Days" |
Slogan | It's Amazing in Here |
Operating season | April through November |
Area | More than 235 acres (0.95 km2) (~0.90 km²) |
Attractions | |
Total | 43 |
Roller coasters | 8 |
Water rides | 4 |
Website | www |
Worlds of Fun, is a 235-acre (95 ha) theme park located in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Owned and operated by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, it was founded by American businessmen Lamar Hunt and Jack Steadman under the ownership of Hunt's company, Mid-America Enterprises in 1973. Oceans of Fun is a water park that opened in 1982 and is next to the amusement park. Admission to Oceans of Fun is included with the price of admission to Worlds of Fun. Mid-America Enterprises sold both parks to Cedar Fair (now Six Flags) in 1995 for $40 million.
History
[edit]Texas and Arkansas native Lamar Hunt brought the Dallas Texans NFL team, which he owned, to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1963, renaming the franchise the Kansas City Chiefs.[1] He founded an operating company in the region called Mid-America Enterprises, which focused on real estate, mining, and entertainment.[2] Worlds of Fun was conceptualized and developed by Hunt, his business partner Jack Steadman, and theme park designer Randall Duell. Construction on the park began in November 1971 and was completed over 17 months at an estimated cost of $20 million. The park opened on May 26, 1973.[3][4] It is located at the northern edge of a vast industrial complex in the bluffs above the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri. At the time it opened, numerous projects across Kansas City were being built, including Kansas City International Airport, Kemper Arena (now called Hy-Vee Arena), and the Truman Sports Complex. The park was originally planned to complement a 500-acre (2.0 km2) hotel and entertainment complex, but a lagging economy during the park's early years derailed the idea.
In 1974, the first addition to Worlds of Fun was the 4,000-seat Forum Amphitheater, which opened in the Europa section of the park. In 1976, a new section opened in honor of the United States Bicentennial – the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence–and was named Bicentennial Square. The new section included the debut of Screamroller from Arrow Dynamics, which was a replica of the first modern looping roller coaster, Corkscrew, that opened a year earlier at Knott's Berry Farm.
In 1982, Oceans of Fun opened next door as the largest water park in the world. In the same year, a sub-world named "River City" was opened in Americana, adjacent to the East Asia section (then referred to as the Orient section). Screamroller was transformed into Extremeroller the following year, which featured stand-up trains instead of the original sit-down models, making it the first looping, stand-up roller coaster in North America.[5] Several years later, in 1989, Worlds of Fun ended the decade with the addition of Timber Wolf, a wooden roller coaster that initially ranked high in several national polls.[6][7]
Cedar Fair LP purchased Worlds of Fun in 1995 for $40 million.[8] The new owners invested $10 million with the addition of Mamba, a D.H. Morgan Manufacturing steel hypercoaster, to the park's attraction lineup in 1998.[9]
On July 1, 2024, a merger of equals between Cedar Fair and Six Flags was completed, creating Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.[10]
Other notable additions
[edit]- 2006: Patriot opens as the longest, tallest, and fastest full-circuit inverted roller coaster in the region. It was the park's largest capital investment on a single attraction at $14 million.
- 2008: For their 35th anniversary, Worlds of Fun added a festival called Oktoberfest.
- 2009: A new wooden coaster, Prowler, is added to the Africa section of the park. It receives the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride of 2009" by Amusement Today magazine.
- 2010: Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights, a $1 million immersive light and sound experience, opens in the Europa and Africa sections of the park. Subway opens at Oceans of Fun.
- 2011: Planet Snoopy, an $8-million children's themed area, is added to Worlds of Fun, featuring over 20 rides and attractions. An Illions carousel called The Grand Carousel was added to the Scandinavia section of the park.
- 2012: A premium line queue system called "Fast Lane" is introduced.
- 2013: Oceans of Fun receives full integration with Worlds of Fun, allowing visitors to access both parks with a single admission ticket.
- 2014: WindSeeker – a 301-foot (92 m) Mondial swing ride at Knott's Berry Farm – was renamed SteelHawk and relocated to Worlds of Fun for the 2014 season.
- 2016: Planet Snoopy receives upgrades, including five new rides added to the children's area, with the removal of two former attractions.
- 2017: Mustang Runner (HUSS Troika), Falcon's Flight (HUSS Condor) is added to the Americana section of the park. A newly remodeled entrance is introduced, and Winterfest is introduced in November.
- 2018: Nordic Chaser (Mack SeaStorm) is added to the Scandinavia section of the park. Timber Wolf replaced their helix with a new seventy-degree back turn. Great Coasters International constructed the new element.
- 2019: Worlds of Fun added a new flagship restaurant, Cotton Blossom BBQ. It is 9,000 square feet and seats more than 300 guests.
- 2020: Riptide Raceway, the world's longest mat racing slide,[11] was to have opened to the public, but deferred to 2021 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Zambezi Zinger, located in the African section of the park, is added as the world's first ground-up GCI Titan Track wooden coaster. It is named after a former coaster that once operated there.
Areas and attractions
[edit]The park takes its theme from the Jules Verne book, Around the World in Eighty Days. Worlds of Fun is divided into eight major sections (Gateway Gardens, East Asia, Americana, Wild West, Europa, Africa, Scandinavia, and Planet Snoopy). Rides, attractions, shops, shows, and restaurants are named according to the area theme. Guests enter the park at International Plaza. In 1997, the Americana "main entrance" was closed for the creation of Grand Prix, so the "back gate" has been the "main gate" ever since. The next world to the left is Scandinavia, then Africa, continuing in a clockwise rotation, guests would then enter the Wild West section, then the Americana section, followed by East Asia. The Europa section is located in the approximate center of the circle.
Behind the Wild West section lies the section of Planet Snoopy (the area of the park specifically for young children). Originally added in 1978 as an expansion of Americana, over the years the grounds have changed its identity several times. Initially it was called "Aerodrome" (1978–86) with futuristic rides for adults, it then became a children's area called "Pandamonium!" (1987–97), then "Berenstain Bear Country" (1997–2000), and "Camp Snoopy" (2001–2010), and is currently "Planet Snoopy", new to the 2011 season. Past sub-sections have also included Bicentennial Square, River City, and Beat Street, which have all been absorbed back into Americana.
Although there is no Australian/Oceanic section in the park, there is an Australian-themed Boomerang roller coaster in the Africa section.
Roller coasters
[edit]Ride name | Picture | Year opened | Manufacturer | Current location | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boomerang | 2000 | Vekoma | Africa | It opened in the vacancy left by the original Zambezi Zinger's departure in 1997 and used Zambezi's line queue. Since 2005, the line queue and signage has moved. | |
Cosmic Coaster | 1993 | Preston & Barbieri | Planet Snoopy | A junior roller coaster that is Snoopy-themed. | |
Mamba | 1998 | Morgan | Africa | The tallest coaster in the park. It is classified as a hypercoaster, which is any coaster that exceeds 200 feet (61 m) in height or drop length. | |
Patriot | 2006 | Bolliger & Mabillard | Americana | An inverted roller coaster that features four inversions, a height of 149 feet (45 m), and a track length of 3,081 feet (939 m). | |
Prowler | 2009 | Great Coasters International | Africa | Prowler was voted Best New Ride of 2009 - Amusement Park in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. | |
Spinning Dragons | 2004 | Gerstlauer | East Asia | A spinning roller coaster, it was the second ride of its kind in the world after the Fairly Odd Coaster. The ride was built in the East Asia area of the park in 2004 following the retirement of the Orient Express | |
Timber Wolf | 1989 | Dinn Corporation | Wild West | Timber Wolf was voted the world's top roller coaster in the 1991 Inside Track readers survey, and was rated the number one favorite wooden coaster in the 1992 NAPHA survey. | |
Zambezi Zinger | 2023 | Great Coasters International | Africa | Named after a former coaster that operated at Worlds of Fun under the same name, the first ground-up GCI Titan Track wooden coaster. |
Africa
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boomerang | 2000 | Vekoma | Boomerang roller coaster | Over 48" | 5 |
Fury of the Nile | 1984 | Intamin | River rafting ride | Over 46" | 4 |
Mamba | 1998 | Morgan | Steel hypercoaster | Over 48" | 5 |
Prowler | 2009 | Great Coasters International | Wooden coaster | Over 48" | 4 |
Zambezi Zinger | 2023* | Great Coasters International and Skyline Attractions | Steel and Wooden coaster Hybrid | Over 48" or 40" with an adult | 4 |
Zulu | 1979 | HUSS | Enterprise | Over 54" | 4 |
Americana
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patriot | 2006 | Bolliger & Mabillard | Inverted roller coaster | Over 54" | 5 |
RipCord | 1996 | Sky Fun 1 | Skycoaster | Over 42" | 5 |
Skyliner | 1991 | Eli Bridge | Ferris wheel | Over 48" or 36" with adult | 2 |
SteelHawk | 2014 | Mondial | Windseeker | Over 52" | 5 |
Europa
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Autobahn | 1973 | Reverchon | Bumper Cars ride | Over 48" | 4 |
Flying Dutchman | 1973 | Intamin | Flying Dutchman | Over 46" or with adult | 2 |
Le Taxi Tour | 1973 | Arrow Dynamics | Track car ride | Over 48" or with adult | 2 |
Gateway Gardens
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Grand Carrousel | 2011 | 1926 M.C. Illions | Supreme Carousel | Over 46" or with adult | 2 |
East Asia
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bamboozler | 1977 | Hrubetz | Round Up | Over 46" | 3 |
Spinning Dragons | 2004 | Gerstlauer | Spinning roller coaster | Over 48" or 42" with adult | 5 |
Planet Snoopy
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beagle Brigade Airfield | 2016 | Zamperla | Flying Tigers | Over 36" or with adult | 2 |
Camp Bus | 2001 | Zamperla | Crazy Bus | Over 36" or with adult | 2 |
Charlie Brown's Windup | 1987 | Zamperla | Lolly Swing | Between 36" and 54" | 1 |
Cosmic Coaster | 1993 | Preston and Barbieri | Wacky Worm | Over 42" | 3 |
Flying Ace Balloon Race | 2011 | Zamperla | Balloon Race | Over 42" or with adult | 2 |
Kite Eating Tree | 2001 | S&S Worldwide | Kite Flyer | Over 36" | 2 |
Linus' Launcher | 2016 | Zamperla | Kite Flyer | Over 42" or 36" with adult | 3 |
Lucy's Tugboat | 2011 | Zamperla | Tugboat | Over 42" or with adult | 2 |
Peanuts 500 | 2011 | Zamperla | Speedway | Over 36" or with adult | 2 |
Pigpen's Petting Farm | 2019 | Koala Play | None | 1 | |
Peanuts Road Rally | 2011 | Zamperla | Over 36" or with adult | 1 | |
Sally's Swing Set | 2011 | Zamperla | Happy Swing | Between 36" and 73" | 2 |
Snoopy Junction | 2016 | Zamperla | Over 36" or with adult | 1 | |
Snoopy vs. Red Baron | 1974 | Herschell | Between 36" and 54" | 2 | |
Snoopy's Rocket Express | 2011 | Zamperla | Over 42" or with adult | 2 | |
Snoopy's Space Buggies | 2016 | Zamperla | Over 36" or with adult | 2 | |
Woodstock Gliders | 2016 | Larson | Flying Scooter | Over 44" or 36" with adult | 3 |
Woodstock Whirlybirds | 2011 | Zamperla | Over 36" or with adult | 2 |
Scandinavia
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fjörd Fjärlane | 1981 | Meisho Rides | Swing Around | Over 46" or with adult | 3 |
Nordic Chaser | 2018 | Mack | Seastorm | Over 48" or 40" with adult | 3 |
Scrambler | 2015 (originally 1973) | Eli Bridge | Scrambler | Over 48" or 36" with adult | 3 |
Sea Dragon | 1994 | Chance Morgan | Pirate ship | Over 48" or with adult | 3 |
Viking Voyager | 1973 | Arrow Dynamics | Log flume | Over 46" or 36" with adult | 4 |
Wild West
[edit]Ride | Year Opened | Ride Manufacturer | Type | Height Requirement | Rating[12] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cyclone Sam's | 1995 | Chance Rides | Wipeout | Over 48" | 5 |
Detonator | 1996 | S&S Worldwide | Space shot | Over 48" | 5 |
Mustang Runner | 2017 | HUSS | Troika | Over 50" or 42" with adult | 3 |
Timber Wolf | 1989 | Dinn Corporation | Wooden roller coaster | Over 48" | 5 |
Worlds of Fun Railroad | 1973 | Crown Metal Products[13] | 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railroad | Over 46" or with adult | 2 |
- + Denotes an extra cost for the ride or attraction.
- * On August 11, 2022, Worlds of Fun announced the Zambezi Zinger[14] - a new wooden roller coaster named after the original Zambezi Zinger, scheduled to open during the 2023 season.
Former rides and attractions
[edit]Roller coasters
[edit]- Schussboomer, (1973–1984), a ski-themed steel roller coaster with ten separate 4-passenger cars.
- Screamroller/Extremeroller, (1976–1988), the first stand-up roller coaster in the Western Hemisphere. Its only season as a stand-up coaster was in 1983, after which it was reverted to the original sit-down style.
- Zambezi Zinger, (1973–1997), a steel Speedracer model roller coaster (one of only two in existence) with an electric spiral lift and a fast-paced ride through the woods. Moved to Parque del Café in Colombia, reopening as Montaña Rusa in 1999.[15]
- Orient Express, (1980–2003), the first roller coaster in the world to feature a batwing (then known as a "Kamikaze Curve"), now a common element in thrill rides. Also, it was the second roller coaster in the world to have two interlocking loops.
- Silly Serpent/Funicular, (1973–1987) An Allan Herschell Company Little Dipper. The children's coaster was originally located in the Europa section of the park as "Funicular" and moved to the Africa section where it operated as "Silly Serpent" until it was removed in 1987.
Flat rides/attractions
[edit]- Barnstormer, (1978–1983), a 100-foot tall spinning airplane ride manufactured by Bradley & Kaye. Added with the opening of the Aerodrome area. Retired in part due to frequent shutdowns due to high winds.[16][17][18]
- Incred-O-Dome, (1981–1997), an OMNIMAX-style theater where viewers could go on a virtual ride of, among other things, the Orient Express coaster. This appealed to visitors who did not want to wait in line or experience the real ride, as well as those with physical conditions which would prevent them from riding at all. The show was presented less than 200 yards (180 m) away from the actual ride.
- Omegatron, (1986–2001), a six-story Vekoma Sky Flyer ride, replaced by Thunderhawk.
- Python Plunge, (1988–1999) a water-slide type ride where the riders would carry the raft up to the top themselves. There were two types of slides. One slide was open aired and went straight down, the other was a twisting tube.
- Grand Prix Raceway, (1997–2014), go-kart racing, replaced by the SteelHawk.
- Octopus, (1973–2014) an Eyerly Monster octopus, replaced by the Scandi Scrambler.
- Thunderhawk, (2002–2015) a HUSS Top Spin ride that flipped riders several times and took riders to a height of 60 feet.
- Krazy Kars, (1973–2015) a children's bumper car ride removed for Mustang Runner.
- Le Carousel, (1979–2016) 3 across horse merry-go-round replaced by Falcons Flight
- Finnish Fling, (1973–2017) a Chance Rides Rotor, believed to have been one of fewer than six operating Rotors in North America.[19][16] It was replaced by Nordic Chaser.
- Diamond Head, (1982–2019) a water slide complex at Oceans of Fun consisting of three body slides (Honolulu Lulu, Maui Wowie, and Waikiki Wipeout). Replaced by Riptide Raceway.
- Ski Heis/Sky Hi, (1973–1987) a Von Roll Skyride
- Wobble Wheel, (1977–1993) a Chance Rides Trabant. The Wobble Wheel, an outdoor ride, was enclosed and rebranded as Cyclone Sam's in 1995.
- Falcon's Flight, (2017–2022) a HUSS Condor.
Oceans of Fun
[edit]Oceans of Fun is Worlds of Fun's water park. It opened in 1982 as the world's largest water park. It is included with admission to Worlds of Fun, beginning in the 2013 season.
Fast Lane
[edit]Fast Lane is Worlds of Fun's "two line" system introduced in 2012. For an increased cost (in addition to normal admission charges), visitors receive a wrist band that enables them to bypass the standby line and enter the "Fast Lane" line to significantly reduce their wait time. Fast Lane Plus gets access to select rides not included in basic Fast Lane.
During Halloween Haunt, a similar system named "Fright Lane" is sold. Serving the same purpose as Fast Lane, it significantly reduces the wait times at select haunted attractions. "Fright Lane+" includes a "Skeleton Key", a key that grants holders special access to secret, intense rooms in six of the eight haunted houses. In addition, holders receive special seating for Ed Alonzo's Psycho Circus of Magic and Mayhem. "Fright Lane Max" is a VIP system that allows holders seating at Overlord's Awakening, a meal, and limited edition Haunt T-shirts, in addition to all the perks listed above.
Worlds of Fun Village
[edit]In 2005, Worlds of Fun opened the first on-site resort. The campground is adjacent to the park, and is located "behind" Mamba. The Village has 22 cabins, 20 cottages, and 82 RV sites, complete with electric and TV cable hookups. Each cabin or cottage can fit 6–8 people.
Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights
[edit]"Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights", which debuted in 2010, was an immersive light and sound experience starring the Peanuts characters. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights features over 2 million LED lights and a variety of audio soundtracks through the Africa and Europa sections of the park. Along the walkway there were replicas of Snoopy and other characters for guests to view. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights was a one million dollar investment that used special effects and sound design, custom designed for Worlds of Fun by Emmy Award-Winning RWS and Associates. Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights opened for its original run on June 4 and ran through September 5, 2010.[20]
Halloween Haunt
[edit]Halloween Haunt is a Halloween event that takes place during the Halloween season. It is included in the price of admission.
Current attractions
[edit]As of 2023[update], it features 9 Extreme Haunts, including seven mazes and two scare zones, along with four live shows.[21]
Attraction | Type | Opened | Location | Theme |
---|---|---|---|---|
BloodShed | Maze | 2007 | Americana | Slaughterhouse |
CornStalkers | Maze | 2010 | Africa | Cornfield |
Ripper Alley | Maze | 2017 | Americana | Victorian London |
Lore of the Vampire | Maze | 2004 | East Asia | Vampires |
Blood on the Bayou | Maze | 2015 | Americana | Voodoo Spirits |
Zombie High | Maze | 2012 | Africa | Zombies |
Pumpkin Eater: Dead Harvest | Maze | 2023 | Africa | Pumpkin Patch |
Outlaw's Revenge | Zone | 2008 | Wild West | Cowboys |
Malice in Wonderland | Zone | 2022 | Europa | Alice in Wonderland |
Show | Type | Location |
---|---|---|
Overlord's Awakening | Monologue/Parade | International Plaza |
Haunted Homecoming | Music Performance | Moulin Rouge Hall |
Conjure The Night | Music Performance | International Plaza |
Ringmasters Last Laff | Dance Performance | Near Tivoli Music Hall |
Former Haunt attractions
[edit]Attraction Name | Replaced By | Year closed |
---|---|---|
Camp Gonnagitcha Wichahatchet | CornStalkers | 2009 |
Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns | CarnEvil | 2006 |
Dominion of Doom | London Terror | 2010 |
Master McCarthy's Doll Factory | Miss Lizzie's Chamber of Horrors | 2012 |
Fright Zone | The Boneyard | 2014 |
Club Blood | Lore of the Vampire expansion | 2015 |
Asylum Island | Urgent Scare | 2017 |
London Terror | Ripper Alley | 2017 |
CarnEvil | Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater | 2018 |
Urgent Scare | Khaos Unleashed | 2019 |
Khaos Unleashed | N/A | 2021 |
Games
[edit]Cole Lindbergh, former manager of the park's games department, was featured in a 2011 episode of Public Radio International's This American Life, "Amusement Park."[22] In the nine-minute prologue,[23] host Ira Glass interviews Lindbergh about his management philosophy and plays segments from several YouTube videos he made to promote the park's games.[22]
Gallery
[edit]-
Finnish Fling and Octopus rides.
-
Le Taxi Tour's line queue in Europa.
-
Le Taxi Tour in action.
-
The Sea Dragon in Scandinavia
-
The Flying Dutchman is reported to be founder Lamar Hunt's favorite ride.
-
Zulu at night
-
Thunderhawk
-
The Skyliner Ferris wheel at Worlds of Fun.
-
Nighttime at Worlds of Fun.
-
Boomerang's full profile
-
Prowler's main drop.
-
Prowler's queue line.
-
Mamba and Timber Wolf.
-
Coaster's Diner near Mamba.
-
Prowler's train ascending the lift hill.
-
Fury of the Nile in action.
-
Fury of the Nile's signature turnstile dock.
Incidents
[edit]Barnstormer
[edit]- In July 1978, during the ride's first season of operation, a malfunction of the 100-foot-tall Barnstormer caused the spinning planes carrying riders to descend rapidly, hitting each other on the way down. Some riders were also sprayed with hydraulic fluid. In total, 20 riders suffered minor injuries.[18]
Oceans of Fun
[edit]- On August 24, 2019, Trey Wallace, a 14-year-old boy, drowned in the wave pool.[24] The boy died in the hospital after being taken off life support due to loss of brain function.[25]
Orient Express
[edit]- On June 14, 1987, a train that was pulling into the loading station malfunctioned and slammed into the rear of the other train inside of the roller coaster station. A total of 56 passengers were involved in the accident, but only 8 were taken to the hospital for injuries.[26]
- On July 17, 1999, two cars of a seven-car train derailed due to severe internal metal fatigue in a support post, stranding 18 people. Two were immediately taken to a hospital, and six went later. None of the injuries were life-threatening.[27]
Screamroller
[edit]- On May 18, 1976, Robbie M. Meyers, an 8-year-old boy, was struck and seriously injured by the Screamroller after entering a restricted area.[28] In 1977, Meyers was awarded $1.39 million (equivalent to $6.99 million in 2023[29]) in a lawsuit finding Mid-America Enterprises responsible for his injuries.[30][31] Worlds of Fun did not appeal the decision.[31]
Timber Wolf
[edit]- On March 31, 1990, two trains collided just short of the loading platform, injuring 35 people.[32] The control system had malfunctioned and was unable to control two trains at once. The ride reopened with a single train until the control system was fixed to handle two.[33]
- On June 30, 1995, Ryan Bielby, a 14-year-old girl, fell from her seat on the roller coaster and died.[34] The park owner at the time, Hunt-Midwest Entertainment Inc., and the ride manufacturer, Dinn Corporation, claimed that she was switching seats when the accident occurred. A riding companion and Biebly's family claimed that safety restraints (a lap bar and seat belt) had come undone on a sharp turn at the top of one of the ride's hills. In contrast, officials from Worlds of Fun claimed that witnesses had seen her removing her restraints and attempting to switch seats, and that there had been no malfunction. The ride was temporarily closed for an investigation of its safety features, which led to the installation of new lap bars. Hunt-Midwest Entertainment Inc. and Dinn Corporation settled with the family for $200,000.[35] This makes the Timber Wolf the only ride so far at Worlds of Fun with a fatality.
In popular culture
[edit]Worlds of Fun was used as the setting for a skit in a 2021 episode of Saturday Night Live. The skit opens with a still photo of the park's iconic hot-air balloon sign and then cuts to the cast getting ready to ride Viking Voyager. The park's logo can be seen in the sketch and other rides such as Mamba and Zulu are referenced as well.[36]
It also appears in the HBO series The Last of Us.[37]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Alm, Rick (December 17, 2006). "KC embraced big-league businessman". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ "Hunt Midwest - About Us". Hunt Midwest. August 6, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ Foshee, Chris (May 25, 2018). "Worlds of Fun Grand Opening 1973: 10 Fun Facts". Worlds of Fun. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ Foshee, Chris (January 15, 2021). "Breaking Ground on Worlds of Fun 50 Years Ago". Worlds of Fun. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
- ^ Marden, Duane. "Extremeroller (Worlds of Fun)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
- ^ "Inside Track "Top Coasters" Readers Survey". Roller Coaster FAQ. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
- ^ "8th Annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey". National Amusement Park Historical Association.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ Alm, Rick (March 10, 2009). "Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun up for sale". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
- ^ "Timeline section".
- ^ "Cedar Fair and Six Flags Merger of Equals Successfully Completed, Creating a Leading Amusement Park Operator". Yahoo Finance. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "New Oceans of Fun Slide to Set World Record - Worlds of Fun". www.worldsoffun.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Ratings assigned per Worlds of Fun's own system, where "1" is the least intense and "5" is the most. See their "Guest Assistance Guide" (PDF). Worlds of Fun. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 18, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012. for more specific details.
- ^ "Worlds of Fun Railroad - Worlds of Fun".
- ^ "New Roller Coaster | Kansas City, MO | Worlds of Fun". www.worldsoffun.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Zambezi Zinger - Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri, USA)".
- ^ a b "Worlds of Fun Gone but Not Forgotten". www.worldsoffun.org. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ Lovsee-Mast, Jennifer (January 10, 2011). "A is for Aerodrome". Worlds of Fun.Org. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "20 injured when ride goes haywire at Worlds of Fun". Salina (Kansas) Journal. UPI. July 2, 1978. p. 2. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ Sloan, Nick (October 18, 2017). "Worlds of Fun announces closing of Finnish Fling". KCTV 5 News. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ "Kansas City Amusement Park - Ride On & Slide On! - Worlds of Fun". Archived from the original on May 3, 2010.
- ^ "Halloween Haunt rides and attractions". Worlds of Fun. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
- ^ a b ""Amusement Park," This American Life, Aug. 12, 2011". August 12, 2011.
- ^ "Prologue". August 12, 2011.
- ^ Porter, Regan (August 26, 2019). "'I Just Reacted': Strangers' Quick Actions Save Boy Who Nearly Drown at Oceans of Fun Wave Pool". FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ Ford, Ashonti (August 31, 2019). "Boy who nearly drowned at Oceans of Fun taken off of life support; family planning to donate organs". FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
- ^ "Investigation of roller coaster mishap begins" Archived from UPI.com, June 15, 1987
- ^ "Officials find cause of July derailment of roller coaster", Archived from MorningSun.net, November 17, 1999
- ^ Nolan, Mary Lou (June 26, 1976). "Added safety for ride". The Kansas City Times. p. 4. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ "Youth wins suit against KC amusement park". Salina (Kansas) Journal. UPI. December 30, 1977. p. 11. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- ^ a b "Worlds of Fun Won't Appeal". Kansas City Times. January 14, 1978. p. 24.
- ^ "35 Injured at Worlds of Fun". The Wichita Eagle. April 1, 1990.
- ^ "Coaster To Run Again", The Wichita Eagle, April 25, 1990
- ^ O'Brien, Shannon (August 10, 2016). "Mom of girl who died at Worlds of Fun in 1995 empathizes with family of boy killed at Schlitterbahn". FOX 4 Kansas City. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
- ^ Scott Bekker (July 1, 1995). "Girl Dies in Fall from Roller Coaster". Associated Press. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Amusement Park - SNL". YouTube.
- ^ Brown, Zoe; Hurrelbrink, Bill (October 4, 2022). "Delays on I-435 due to filming for HBO's 'The Last of Us'". KCTV. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.