Worlds of Fun opened Saturday for the summer. Here are some changes guests will see
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City’s 51-year-old theme park is ready for yet another season.
Worlds of Fun opened on Saturday morning to crowds of guests at its front gates.
The amusement park thinks thrill seekers will immediately notice the changes to some of the most popular rides.
ZAMBEZI ZINGER
The company that owns Worlds of Fun said it invested in the Africa-themed section of the park during the winter.
Work to transform the Zambezi Zinger is underway with crews enclosing the lift hill. That’s the part of the rollercoaster that takes riders seven stories high. The ride then shifts into high gear with speeds reaching 45 mph.
Worlds of Fun said the change will make the ride more efficient while also adding to the thrill for visitors.
PROWLER
Visitors who are “prowling” for some excitement can head to another roller coaster in the park.
Crews have been busy replacing and upgrading the Prowler’s track, according to the theme park.
REFRESHED RIDES
Mamba and Zulu are also ready for a new season with a refreshed look.
Crews painted Mamba a vibrant green to help it fit into the landscape around the roller coaster.
Zulu has been treating visitors to thrills for decades at Worlds of Fun. Until now it’s been yellow. This season Zulu is showing its festive side with new shades of green, orange, redwood and yellow.
Paradise Falls at Oceans of Fun is also being repainted ahead of opening day.
MORE SHADE
Fury of the Nile, Boomerang, and Spinning Dragons may end up being the most popular rides when the summer heat arrives. Worlds of fun installed a new shade structure to queue lines at all three rides.
The shade will help make park visits a little more tolerable when the temperatures spike.
FOOD UPGRADES
In addition to rides, the two parks are also adding to food and beverage options this season.
Calypso Cafe at Worlds of Fun was renovated in 2024. It will debut this season to offer treats to hungry park visitors.
Oceans of Fun will also be even cooler for adults to visit this summer. Visitors will be able to buy new frozen alcoholic beverages. The new beverage options will be available in the waterpark’s former Subway building.
SUMMER EVENTS
The park also unveiled a number of special summer events planned.
- Worlds of Fun Season Passholder Preview Day
- Sunday, April 27
- Worlds of Fun 2025 Silver and Gold Season Passholders, will get a special preview of the upcoming season before the park officially opens to the public.
- KidZfest: Saturdays and Sundays
- May 31 – June 15
- It’s all about the kids during the first two weeks in June. Guests can attend dance parties, eat delicious treats, enjoy kid-friendly rides and interactive games and activities. There is also live entertainment.
- Star Spangled Night
- Friday, July 4
- Gaze to the sky with a spectacular display synchronized to patriotic music. The park will remain open until 9:30 p.m. for the holiday event.
- KC Nights: Saturdays and Sundays
- July 12 – 27
- There will be live entertainment, new food and drinks, and fun experiences reflecting Kansas City’s culture.
Oceans of Fun is slated to open May 25.
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