The Story of Worlds of Fun

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This week, we're celebrating 52 years of Worlds of Fun, originally opening on May 26, 1973 🎢

Worlds of Fun was created by Kansas City businessmen Lamar Hunt and Jack Steadman. Hunt, known for moving the Dallas Texans NFL team to Kansas City and renaming them the Chiefs, wanted to establish a major entertainment venue for the region.

The park’s concept was inspired by the novel Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. It featured themed areas representing different global regions, including Scandinavia, Africa, Europa, East Asia, and Americana. Construction began in November 1971 with JE Dunn as general contractor and Burns & McDonnell handling architecture and engineering.

The design was led by Randall Duell, a former MGM art director turned theme park designer. Worlds of Fun opened in 1973 with a $20 million investment, 60 buildings, and 20 rides.

Early Years and Expansion

In its first season, Worlds of Fun became a popular attraction. Key features included the Henrietta steamboat, modeled after the vessel in Around the World in Eighty Days, and the Cotton Blossom riverboat from the film Showboat, located in the Americana section. A hot air balloon logo symbolized the park’s theme of travel and adventure.

In 1974, the park added the Forum Amphitheater in the Europa section, seating 4,000 guests. In 1976, Bicentennial Square was introduced to mark the U.S. Bicentennial, featuring the Screamroller, a steel looping coaster from Arrow Dynamics.

In 1982, Worlds of Fun opened Oceans of Fun, which was the world’s largest water park at the time. That same year, the Americana section expanded with the River City area. The Screamroller was later converted into the Extremeroller, North America's first stand-up looping coaster. In 1989, the Timber Wolf wooden coaster was introduced and gained national recognition.

Acquisition by Cedar Fair and Continued Growth

In 1995, Cedar Fair LP purchased Worlds of Fun for $40 million. The new ownership brought significant investment and new attractions. In 1998, the park added the Mamba, a steel hypercoaster built by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing. In 2006, it introduced the Patriot, an inverted roller coaster that set regional records for height, speed, and length.

The park expanded again in 2011 with the debut of Planet Snoopy, an $8 million children’s area with over 20 rides and attractions.

In 2013, Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun were fully integrated into one admission. The SteelHawk, a 301-foot swing ride relocated from Knott’s Berry Farm, was added in 2014. In 2021, the Riptide Raceway—billed as the world’s longest mat racing slide—was introduced.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, the park reintroduced the Zambezi Zinger as a modern wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster, honoring one of its original rides.

Click here to see more historic photos from Worlds of Fun over the years.

Worlds of Fun History 🎥

70 Years of Corinth Square 🎉

Since 1955, Corinth Square has been a staple of Prairie Village at Mission Road and 83rd Street. Once a horse track and field, it became a shopping hub with early tenants like Pay-Less, which opened in 1962.

You're invited to celebrate Corinth’s 70th birthday this Saturday (5/24) from 10am to noon! Enjoy cookies, family-friendly entertainment, and special appearances by Sluggerrr, The Bubble Guy, KC Hula Hoop Girl, and more.

Explore more event details here. See you Saturday!

70 Years of Corinth Square 🎉

Sponsored by Corinth Square