View source for Worlds of Fun

{{Short description|Theme park in Kansas City, Missouri}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Worlds of Fun
| logo = WFOF-Logo-Hero.png
| logo_size = 250px
| image = Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Aerial (52469718251).jpg
| caption = Aerial view of the Worlds of Fun and [[Oceans of Fun]] parks (Worlds of Fun is the upper one)
| location = [[Kansas City, Missouri]], U.S.
| coordinates = {{coord|39|10|38.4|N|94|29|20.5|W|display=title,inline}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.worldsoffun.com}}
| theme = Jules Verne's novel "[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]"
| owner = [[Six Flags]]
| general_manager = Rick Fiedler
| opened1 = {{Start date|1973|05|26}}
| season = May through November
| area = More than {{convert|235|acre|km2}} <span style="white-space: nowrap">(~0.90 km²)</span>
| rides = 43
| coasters = 8
| water_rides = 11
| slogan = It's Amazing in Here
| status = Operating
}}

'''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.

==History==
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.

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]].

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>

[[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>

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=July 1, 2024 |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=July 1, 2024 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Other notable additions===
* 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 (restaurant)|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 [[Marcus Illions|Illions]] [[carousel]] called The Grand Carrousel was added to the Scandinavia section of the park.
* 2012: A premium line queue system called "[[Fast Lane (Cedar Fair)|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&nbsp;– a {{Convert|301|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]] swing ride at [[Knott's Berry Farm]]&nbsp;– 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 (roller coaster)|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,<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]].
* 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]].

==Areas and attractions==
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.

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.

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.

===Roller coasters===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride name
!Picture
!width=50|Year opened
!Manufacturer
!Current location
!Description
|-
| [[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Boomerang (Worlds of Fun) 1.jpg|100px]]
| align="center" |2000
| style="text-align:center" |[[Vekoma]]
| style="text-align:center" |Africa
|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.
|-
|| [[Cosmic Coaster (Worlds of Fun)|Cosmic Coaster]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:CosmicCoasterWorldsofFun.jpg|100px]]
| align="center" |1993
| style="text-align:center" |[[Preston & Barbieri]]
| style="text-align:center" |Planet Snoopy
|A junior wacky worm style [[roller coaster]] that is loosely [[Snoopy]]-themed.
|-
|| [[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:MambaLiftHillWOF.jpg|100px]]
| align="center" |1998
| style="text-align:center" |[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]]
| style="text-align:center" |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 (Worlds of Fun)|Patriot]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:PatriotWOF23.jpg|100px]]
| align="center" |2006
| style="text-align:center" |[[Bolliger & Mabillard]]
| style="text-align:center" |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 (roller coaster)|Prowler]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:WOF-Prowler2.JPG|100px]]
| align="center" |2009
| style="text-align:center" |[[Great Coasters International]]
| style="text-align:center" |Africa
|A twister wooden coaster. Prowler was voted [[Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride|Best New Ride]] of 2009 - Amusement Park in [[Amusement Today]]'s Golden Ticket Awards.
|-
| [[Spinning Dragons]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:SpinningDragonsWOF.JPG|100px]]
| align="center" |2004
| style="text-align:center" |[[Gerstlauer]]
| style="text-align:center" |East Asia
|A [[spinning roller coaster]], it was the second ride of its kind in the world after [[Fairly Odd Coaster (Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America)|Fairly Odd Coaster]] at [[Mall of America]] (which [[Cedar Fair]] still had partial ownership of at the time). 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]]''
|-
|| [[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Timber Wolf Worlds Of Fun.jpg|100px]]
| align="center" |1989
|style="text-align:center"|[[Dinn Corporation]]
|style="text-align:center"|Wild West
|A classic twister wooden coaster. 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)|Zambezi Zinger]]
|{{N/A|}} [[File:Zambezi Zinger first drop (September 2023).png|100px]]
| align="center" |2023
|style="text-align:center"|Great Coasters International
|style="text-align:center"|Africa
|Named after a former coaster that operated at Worlds of Fun under the same name, the first ground-up GCI Titan Track hybrid coaster.
|}

===Africa===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
! Type
!Height Requirement
!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>
|-
|[[Boomerang (Worlds of Fun)|Boomerang]]
|2000
|[[Vekoma]]
|[[Boomerang (roller coaster)|Boomerang roller coaster]]
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|[[Fury of the Nile]]
|1984
|[[Intamin]]
|[[River rafting ride]]
|Over 46"
|4
|-
|[[Mamba (roller coaster)|Mamba]]
|1998
|[[D. H. Morgan Manufacturing|Morgan]]
|[[Steel roller coaster|Steel]] [[hypercoaster]]
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|[[Prowler (roller coaster)|Prowler]]
|2009
|[[Great Coasters International]]
|[[Wooden coaster]]
|Over 48"
|4
|-
|[[Zambezi Zinger (2023)|Zambezi Zinger]]
|2023
|[[Great Coasters International]] and [[Skyline Attractions]]
|[[Steel roller coaster|Steel and]] [[Wooden coaster]] Hybrid
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|Zulu
|1979
|[[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]]
|[[Enterprise (ride)|Enterprise]]
|Over 54"
|4
|}

===Americana===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|[[Patriot (Worlds of Fun)|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
|-
| [[Windseeker|SteelHawk]]
|2014
|[[Mondial (amusement ride manufacturer)|Mondial]]
|[[Windseeker]]
|Over 52"
|4
|}

===Europa===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|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===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|The Grand Carrousel
|2011
|1926 M.C. Illions
|[[Carousel]]
|Over 42" or with adult
|2
|}

===East Asia===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|Bamboozler
|1977
|Hrubetz
|[[Round Up (ride)|Round Up]]
|Over 46"
|3
|-
|[[Spinning Dragons]]
|2004
|[[Gerstlauer]]
|[[Spinning roller coaster]]
|Over 48" or 42" with adult
|5
|}

===Planet Snoopy===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|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 (Worlds of Fun)|Cosmic Coaster]]
|1993
|[[Preston and Barbieri]]
|Wacky Worm
|Over 42" or with adult
|3
|-
|Flying Ace Balloon Race
|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
|-
|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===
{| 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
|2015 (originally 1973)
|Eli Bridge
|[[Twist (ride)|Scrambler]]
|Over 48" or 36" with adult
|3
|-
|Sea Dragon
|1994
|[[Chance Morgan]]
|[[Pirate ship (ride)|Pirate ship]]
|Over 48" or with adult
|3
|-
|[[Viking Voyager]]
|1973
|[[Arrow Dynamics]]
|[[Log flume (ride)|Log flume]]
|Over 46" or 36" with adult
|4
|}

===Wild West===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Ride
!Year Opened
!Ride Manufacturer
!Type
!Height Requirement
!Rating<ref name=Rating/>
|-
|[[Cyclone Sam's]]
|1995
|[[Chance Rides]]
|[[Wipeout (ride)|Wipeout]]
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|[[Detonator (Worlds of Fun)|Detonator]]
|1996
|[[S&S Worldwide]]
|[[Space Shot (ride)|Space shot]]
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|Mustang Runner
|2017
|[[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]]
|[[Troika (ride)|Troika]]
|Over 54" or 42" with adult
|3
|-
|[[Timber Wolf (roller coaster)|Timber Wolf]]
|1989
|[[Dinn Corporation]]
|[[Wooden roller coaster]]
|Over 48"
|5
|-
|Worlds of Fun Railroad
|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>
|{{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow gauge railways|narrow gauge]] railroad
|Over 42" or with adult
|2
|}
* + Denotes an extra cost for the ride or attraction.

==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]]''', (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 [[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 replaced by the indoor Cyclone Sam's in 1995.
* '''Falcon's Flight''', (2017–2022) a [[HUSS Park Attractions|HUSS]] [[Condor (ride)|Condor]].
* '''Monsoon''', (1992-2022) a 55ft [[Shoot the chute|Shoot-the-Chute]] water ride.

==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|2024}}, it features 12 Extreme Haunts, including seven mazes and five scare zones, along with five 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
! style="width:7%;"|Type
! style="width:7%;"|Opened
! style="width:7%;"|Location
! style="width:7%;"|Theme
|-
|BloodShed
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2007
|style="text-align:center"|Americana
|style="text-align:center"|Slaughterhouse
|-
|CornStalkers
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2010
|style="text-align:center"|Africa
|style="text-align:center"|Cornfield
|-
|Ripper Alley
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2017
|style="text-align:center"| Americana
|style="text-align:center"|Victorian London
|-
|Lore of the Vampire
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2004
|style="text-align:center"|East Asia
|style="text-align:center"|Vampires
|-
|Blood on the Bayou
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2015
|style="text-align:center"| Americana
|style="text-align:center"|Voodoo Spirits
|-
|Zombie High
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2012
|style="text-align:center"|Africa
|style="text-align:center"|Zombies
|-
|Pumpkin Eater: Dead Harvest
|style="text-align:center"|Maze
|style="text-align:center"|2023
|style="text-align:center"|Africa
|style="text-align:center"|Pumpkin Patch
|-
|Outlaw's Revenge
|style="text-align:center"|Zone
|style="text-align:center"|2008
|style="text-align:center"|Wild West
|style="text-align:center"|Cowboys
|-
|Mad Hatter's Tea Party
|style="text-align:center"|Zone
|style="text-align:center"|2024
|style="text-align:center"|Europa
|style="text-align:center"|Alice in Wonderland
|-
|Abyss
|style="text-align:center"|Zone
|style="text-align:center"|2024
|style="text-align:center"|Africa
|style="text-align:center"|Jungle
|-
|Ghost Train
|style="text-align:center"|Zone
|style="text-align:center"|2024
|style="text-align:center"|Heart of America BLVD
|style="text-align:center"|Railroad Train
|-
|Shadowmoor Cemetery
|style="text-align:center"|Zone
|style="text-align:center"|2024
|style="text-align:center"|East Asia
|style="text-align:center"|Vampires
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="width:20%;"|Show
! style="width:7%;"|Type
! style="width:7%;"|Location
|-
|style="text-align:center"|Overlord's Awakening
|style="text-align:center"|Monologue/Parade
|style="text-align:center"|International Plaza
|-
|style="text-align:center"|Haunted Homecoming
|style="text-align:center"|Music Performance
|style="text-align:center"|Moulin Rouge Hall
|-
|style="text-align:center"|Hexed
|style="text-align:center"|Music Performance
|style="text-align:center"|International Plaza
|-
|style="text-align:center"|Conjure The Night
|style="text-align:center"|Music Performance
|style="text-align:center"|International Plaza
|-
|style="text-align:center"|Ringmasters Last Laff
|style="text-align:center"|Dance Performance
|style="text-align:center"|Near Tivoli Music Hall
|}

===Former Haunt attractions===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!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
|2019
|-
|Urgent Scare
|Khaos Unleashed
|2018
|-
|Miss Lizzie's Chamber of Horrors
|Chamber of Horrors: Condemned
|2018
|-
|Khaos Unleashed
|N/A
|2021
|-
|The Boneyard
|Fright Zone (Reimagined)
|2021
|-
|Feargrounds
|N/A
|2023
|-
|Chamber of Horrors: Condemned
|N/A
|2022
|-
|Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater
|Pumpkin Eater: Dead Harvest
|2023
|-
|Fright Zone (Reimagined)
|Abyss
|2023
|-
|Malice in Wonderland
|Mad Hatter's Tea Party
|2024
|}

==Games==
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"/>

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="240px" heights="100px">
Image:FinishFling.JPG| Finnish Fling and Octopus rides.
Image:LeTaxiTour2.JPG| Le Taxi Tour's line queue in Europa.
Image:LeTaxiTour1.JPG| Le Taxi Tour in action.
Image:WOF-SeaDragon.JPG|The Sea Dragon in Scandinavia
Image:WOF-FlyingDutchman.JPG|The Flying Dutchman is reported to be founder Lamar Hunt's favorite ride.
Image:WOF 08 014.JPG|Zulu at night
Image:WOF 08 009.JPG|Thunderhawk
File:Skyliner (Worlds of Fun).JPG| The Skyliner Ferris wheel at Worlds of Fun.
Image:RipcordWOF1.JPG| Nighttime at Worlds of Fun.
Image:WOF-Boomerang1.JPG|Boomerang's full profile
<!-- Deleted image removed: Image:Prowler5.JPG|Prowler voted 'Best New Ride' -->
Image:WOF-Prowler1.JPG |Prowler's main drop.
Image:WOF-ProwlerQue.JPG|Prowler's queue line.
Image:Naz Night 08 007.JPG|Mamba and Timber Wolf.
Image:WOF 08 012.JPG|Coaster's Diner near Mamba.
Image:WOF-Prowler2.JPG|Prowler's train ascending the lift hill.
Image:FuryoftheNile2.JPG| Fury of the Nile in action.
File:Fury of the Nile's turnstile dock.jpg|Fury of the Nile's signature ''turnstile'' dock.
</gallery>

== Incidents ==

=== Barnstormer ===
* 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>

=== Oceans of Fun ===
* 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>

=== Orient Express ===
{{Main|Orient Express (Worlds of Fun)}}
* 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>
* 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>

=== Screamroller ===
* 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"/>

=== Timber Wolf ===
{{Main|Timber Wolf (roller coaster)}}
* 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>
* 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 |work=Associated Press News |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.

==In popular culture==
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]]| date = February 27, 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The park also appears in the [[HBO]] series ''[[The Last of Us (TV series)|The Last of Us]]'' in which Mamba was featured.<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>

==See also==
{{Portal|Trains|United States}}
* [[Closed rides and attractions#Worlds of Fun|Closed rides and attractions at Worlds of Fun]]
* [[Incidents at Six Flags parks#Worlds of Fun|Incidents at Worlds of Fun]]

==References==
<references />

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.worldsoffun.com/ Worlds of Fun official website]
* {{RCDB|4533}}
* [http://www.worldsoffun.org Worlds of Fun.org] Historical Fan Site

{{Six Flags}}
{{Worlds of Fun}}
{{Kansas City, Missouri}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Worlds of Fun| ]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Missouri]]
[[Category:Six Flags amusement parks]]
[[Category:1973 establishments in Missouri]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kansas City, Missouri]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kansas City, Missouri]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1973]]