Our Worlds of Fun adventure was sponsored by Worlds of Fun through Blog Meets Brand. All opinions are mine alone but you can visit the park to create your own Worlds of Fun adventure and enjoy the new updates coming in 2017! #WOFFirstTimer #WOF2017 #WinterFest
I was thrilled to take my kids to Worlds of Fun for their very first visit. Honestly, I was excited because my husband had never been here either, and I’ve only visited once in my life, over thirty years ago when I was about four years old. Basically, this was a first time visit for everyone since I don’t really have too many memories of Worlds of Fun, plus, over thirty years I’m sure there were a lot of changes.
Since we are from the Omaha area, and I knew this was going to be an all day event I didn’t want us to arrive in Kansas City tired from the drive, so we spent the night at a hotel in the area. Had we prepared ourselves, we could have stayed the night at the park at Worlds of Fun Village! We would have been right next to both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. By the way, did you know your Worlds of Fun ticket will also get you into Oceans of Fun! I had no idea, but next time we’ll wear our suits so we can hit up both parks.
The Adventure Begins
We arrived at the park right at opening time, ten in the morning. There were lines of cars to get into the park, yet I was impressed at how fast they moved. The Worlds of Fun parking staff was efficient, and extremely friendly too. Questions about where we needed to go and advice on parking were answered clearly and with a smile. Actually, we didn’t meet anyone at the park who wasn’t friendly. I was impressed with everyone there. Smiles, conversational, welcoming, professional, and safe. The staff in all areas was fantastic, and I could tell safety and guest experience were top on their priority lists.
After we made it through the ticket lines we were at a crossroads. Do we go left or right? On a whim we turned right and found the Grand Carousel. The kids were excited to start their Worlds of Fun adventure off with a ride that was somewhat familiar with them. My husband rode along next to Lena to make sure she didn’t slide off the seat since she’s a fidgeter while I stayed back to take some pictures.
While I waited for them to exit after the ride I found a sign that told the story of the Grand Carousel and wow does it have an impressive history. It’s traveled all around the United States, it was handcrafted by Marcus C. Illoins, and of the 5 original carousels, it is 1 of 2 still operating. There’s more detail on the sign, so make sure you stop by and check it out when you visit.
First Worlds of Fun Roller Coaster Experience
Charlie was thrilled that the next ride we found was a roller coaster. It’s not just any roller coaster though. On Spinning Dragons, not only do you go fast around a curved track, but the car you’re riding in also spins! This multiplies the effect of the curves and makes it a whole lot more fun. Charlie enjoyed this ride thoroughly, Lena liked it, but decided it was a bit much for her.
Fast Lane Passes
It was while we stood in line for this ride that we learned you can purchase Fast Lane passes. These passes allow you to bypass the long lines on some rides. We didn’t have these passes, but you can be sure we’ll be getting them in the future so we can hit up even more of our favorite rides, and even ride them multiple times! With that said, the lines were longer on some rides, but they did move at a decent speed. Again, this is where their efficient staff comes in handy.
Worlds of Fun Maps
Before I get too far into our adventure, I suppose I should mention the need for a map if you’ve never been here before. It was easy to get turned around and deciding where we wanted to go next really did depend on having a map handy. We didn’t have a paper copy of the Worlds of Fun map, but there were several maps posted throughout the park.
While you’re there you’ll notice Worlds of Fun really is a true theme park with different themes throughout the park. You’ll find the Orient, Americana, Scandinavia, Europa and Africa. Each area has rides that are designed in someway around these themes. Here the girls found Americana. Possum Trot doesn’t appear to be too safe of a place with that dropping population.
Luckily we didn’t run into any dangerous varmints. Lena did find herself in a bit of trouble there for a minute or so, but we got it all sorted out. The smile never left her face!
Favorite Rides
Fury of the Nile
Our adventure continued with ride after ride. I had a lot of opposition to my desire to ride the Fury of the Nile, with both girls telling me they didn’t want to ride it. I still don’t know why, but once we got in our “boat,” strapped in, and started sailing down the “river” they quickly changed their mind! They got wet, they got bounced around on the rapids and we bumped into the walls a few times. The girls giggled and screamed and smiled the whole ride. Fury of the Nile ranked as my favorite ride for the entire park.
Scrambler
Lena’s favorite ride was the Scrambler. She loved it because she got to ride with me while Charlie rode with Dad. Lena got to sit next to me and squish me. Of course I made a bigger deal of it than I needed too because the entire time we were at Worlds of Fun she told me she wanted to ride a ride where she could squish me. Many giggles were had on this ride and it earned it’s number one place on Lena’s favorites list.
Boomerang
Charlie’s favorite ride was the Boomerang. It’s pictured in the title image at the top of the post. It goes upside down and she loved it. Lena was too short to ride it, plus if she thought Spinning Dragons was too much for her, I didn’t think she’d like Boomerang. She was just feeling a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) so we headed to Planet Snoopy while Charlie rode her ride. I figured Planet Snoopy would be more Lena’s speed.
We all met back up at Planet Snoopy and I was informed that as soon as Charlie got secured in her seat she turned to her dad and told him she was getting a bit nervous about the ride. When it was finished she jumped out and declared “THAT WAS AWESOME!” A clear winner in her book.
Planet Snoopy
It was at Planet Snoopy the girls discovered the Linus Launcher. A ride, just for kids, where they get to ride on their bellies! They felt like they were flying. While Charlie wasn’t as impressed because she’s more of a thrill ride child, Lena loved it. These rides were the perfect amount of excitement for her.
Overall it was a fantastic trip. We had a ton of fun, learned a lot about how we want to manage our next visit, we got a lot of pictures, plus we left with smiles.
2017 Updates
I’m excited for our next visit because in 2017 there will be two new rides! Falcon’s Flight and Mustang Runner. Both of these rides will add a new element of excitement to the park.
Falcon’s Flight is a hair-raising thrill at nearly 100 feet above the ground. This ride spins and rises at the same time and holds more than 50 riders at a time.
Mustang Runner has three arms with seven gondolas per arm turn one way while the base of the ride spins the other direction.
In addition to these two new rides, 2017 is bringing on WinterFest! This winter wonderland will showcase sixteen holiday favorite characters, there will be a spectacular light displays, ice skating, and festive live entertainment. You can enjoy this celebration for six weeks beginning November 24, 2017. Best of all, WinterFest is included with the purchase of a 2017 Gold Season Pass. The 2017 passes are now on sale and will include one 2016 visit. That’s not bad!
We had so much fun on our Worlds of Fun visit that I’m kicking myself for not bringing the family sooner! I can’t wait to visit again next year. We’re excited to ride our favorite rides again and try out the new 2017 rides.
Don’t wait any longer! Hurry up and visit Worlds of Fun, you’ll be glad you did. It’s an amazing place for family fun.
What’s your favorite attraction at theme parks? Rides? Food? Games? Entertainment? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Wow! Fun place!
I love the Worlds of Fun adventure!
The entertainment there is filled with great fun Going there to playing on the carousels, roller coasters, Ferris wheel and other rides must be an unforgettable memory!
Thanks for your great sharing!
Worlds of Fun is really the world of fun!
It is the paradise the for both kids and adults!
There are so many types of amusement park rides there each of the entertainment is very interesting!
Thanks for your great share! 🙂
Worlds of Fun is really attractive! There are so many interesting rides there, especially the thrill rides!
Thanks for your great share!
It is very hot in the summer and does the park have some inflatable water rides?
If so, it will be cool!!! 🙂
There are some water rides at Worlds of Fun, your best bet is to pick up a Fast Pass so you don’t need to wait in lines. The best thing if you’re looking for water is to head over to Oceans of Fun! I believe you get both parks in one ticket! That’s where all the water slides and main water attractions are.
Hello, Mary !
Glad to read your post!
from your article, I know much more information about the Spinning Dragons and I am fairly willing to visit the park one day to experience these rides.
I love the feeling of riding on the amusement park rides!