Theme Park Insider

Worlds of Fun reviews

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Posted: September 8, 2011

Location: Worlds of Fun is located off Interstate 435 in Kansas City, Missouri.

History: Worlds of Fun opened on May 26, 1973, at a cost of 25 million dollars. Loosely themed around the Jules Verne book, Around the World in Eighty Days, the park was founded by Kansas City visionaries Lamar Hunt and Jack Steadman of Hunt Midwest Enterprises, Inc., and designed by Randall Duell.

In 1982, Hunt Midwest introduced an adjacent waterpark, Oceans of Fun.

In 1995 Hunt Midwest sold Worlds of Fun to Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., who currently owns the park.

Hours: http://www.worldsoffun.com. Worlds of Fun is open from April through Halloween.

Tickets: Buy and print online. Always try to buy your tickets in advance, to save time when you get to the park.

Reservations: Worlds of Fun does not offer any type of Fastpass or ride reservation system.

Strategy: As with any amusement park, arrive early (at least :30 minutes before opening) and hit the headliner attractions first (usually roller coasters).

Voted one of the top new coasters of 2009, WOF's Prowler is the hottest attraction in the park. However, it needs a little time to warm up, if you ask me. Instead of making a beeline for Prowler, head to the Patriot first (front row only). Following Patriot, head next door and hit Spinning Dragons, then work your way back to the Prowler. After riding the Prowler, there is only one marquee coaster left, Mamba. Hit it next. If the park is not very crowded you can ride Boomerang (perhaps you are one of the few who have not had a chance to ride one of the 50+ Vekoma Boomerangs operating in the world today?) on the way to Mamba. After riding Mamba (a couple times) head back to Americana for a ride on the old and painful Timber Wolf (if you don't mind the chiropractor bills).

Once your coaster circuit is complete you can back track hitting the midway attractions you like most. Some rides that stand out a little bit are Cyclone Sams (just because it is in an air conditioned building), Fury of the Nile, Thunderhawk, Zulu, and The Grand Carrousel (a beautifully restored 1926 M.C. Illions carousel).

Plan on re-riding your favorite coasters again after dark as several of them (Prowler, Spinning Dragons, and Mamba in particular) offer excellent night rides.

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Readers' Tips for Visiting Worlds of Fun

Readers' reviews:

Attractions
Africa(Rating)(Height)
Prowler948
Mamba948
Monsoon746
Fury of the Nile746
Boomerang648
Zulu654
Americana(Rating)(Height)
Patriot954
Cyclone Sam's848
Thunderhawk854
Worlds of Fun Railroad7
The Grand Carrousel7
Detonator748
Scrambler736
Timber Wolf548
Skyliner536
Krazy Kars4
Europa(Rating)(Height)
Snoopy's Hot Summer Lights7
Flying Dutchman7
Le Taxitour6
Le Carrousel5
Autobahn548
Bounce-A-Roos1
Orient(Rating)(Height)
Spinning Dragons843
Bamboozler746
Planet Snoopy(Rating)(Height)
Flying Ace Balloon Race7
Peanut's Playhouse7
Lucy's Tugboat5
Peanuts 5004
Woodstock's Airmail436
Snoopy's Rocket Express436
Woodstock Whirlybirds4
Red Baron4
Road Rally4
Snoopy Bounce436
Camp Bus4
Charlie Brown's Windup4
Sally's Swing Set336
Wacky Worm3
Woodstock Express2
Linus' Beetle Bugs2
Turntyke2
Peanuts Yacht Club2
Pony Promenade2
Head Over Wheels1
Scandinavia(Rating)(Height)
Sea Dragon7
Finnish Fling7
Octopus7
Viking Voyager636
Fjord Fjarlane5

[Add a missing attraction]

Dining
Africa(Rating)
Junkyard Burgers & Fries5
Coasters Drive-In4
Americana(Rating)
Subway8
Vittle Griddle7
Battle Creek BBQ7
Gyro Express5
Pizza Pier5
Europa(Rating)
Bonici Brothers6
Orient(Rating)
Panda Express8
Scandinavia(Rating)
All Stars Grill6
Tyke Town Cafe5
Pizzo Pizza5
Nordic Nook4

[Add a missing restaurant]

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