13 replies to this topic

[RCTSam]

Alright, so there is this big stir brewing about Worlds of Fun and its 2013 future. A lot of us Kansas Citians are hoping for something big and exciting, while lots of other coaster geeks are saying it'll just be another Windseeker replica and Dinosaurs Alive.

It's been 3 years since Worlds of Fun has opened a coaster, let alone a ride. Ever since then it has been little updates throughout the park. That being said, it is time for something brand new!

As said above, many say it will be nothing more than a Windseeker and Dino Alive. I think wrong. In fact, a rumor has been going around on All-American Thrills about Cedar Fair purchasing 7 or 8 new coasters for 2013- are one of these for WOF? I'd say yes as it has been 3 years since their last coaster.

So what do you guys think? Will it just be another Dinosaurs Alive and Windseeker? Or will Worlds of Fun say hi to a new coaster?

[Daniel Westfall]

I think Dinos and Windseeker. I see Cedar Fair trying something big/new at their Flagship parks (Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Point, Kings Island, Knott's Berry Farm, and maybe Kings Dominion belongs there too). I see Cedar Fair playing it safe with Worlds of Fun, Dorney, and Carowinds for now and adding the types of rides and attractions that worked well at their big parks---i.e. Windseeker and Dinosaurs Alive.

If they don't get these I'd be scared, as every other park has gotten them, and it might be a sign of impending doom for the park.

I'll let you hold out hope for a megacoaster though! I just hope they don't try and give you Son of Beast

[Ryan Shrout]

This is pure speculation, but I would like to see more parks, especially smaller ones like WoF, get in on the new model Euro-fighters. I think something like Dare Devil Dive at SFoG would be a great, and cost effective addition there.

[The BeastFan]

With the smaller parks in the Cedar Fair chain, I don't see the dinosaurs working out as well. Parks like WoF, Valleyfair and MiA don't have the attendance to see the cash flow that parks like KI or CP have (we'll see how that works with Dinos now at Dorney).

[biZarRo]

I think a nice new thrilling steel coaster would really help round out the park. They already have Patriot and Mamba, so a mega and an invert are out of the question, so maybe a small Intamin accelerator, like Rita? I think that could really fit in at the park.

[RCTSam]

What interests me are some of these questions asked and answered on this blog post. Check them out!

http://www.worldsoff...aking-Questions

Notice that he says there are "projects" and not just one project. He also says something about an exciting capital plan.

[Vater]

I wonder if the exciting capital plan includes a 27 year old used bobsled coaster.

[Ryan Shrout]

Actually, I think Disaster Transport would be a nice addition to WoF if they leave it outdoors.Bobsleds serve a great niche age and provide a unique ride experience.

[Thunderhead]

I just hope they don't try and give you Son of Beast

I'd like to get #SOB4WOF trending on twitter.

[drachenfirebgw]

I thought the joke was that Disaster Transport was going to Dorney Park.

Anyways, I would agree that Disaster Transport would be a nice addition except for the fact that it is an incredibly rough ride, and in my opinion would be a horrible ride to dub as a "new" addition.

Interesting thoughts regarding Dinosaurs Alive. I do see the trend that they have only been implemented at the larger CF parks, minus Dorney Park, which is probably the most successful of the smaller parks. I suppose it could be serving as a test for the smaller parks in the future.

I realize it's amateur and childish to think up ideas in the amusement industry that would never happen, but wouldn't a B&M Sit-Down with interlocking loops (smaller loops of course) named the Orient Express and painted bright red make for a beautiful addition. It could even reside in the old Arrow's former station.

Anyways, I do envision this park seeing a fairly significant invest soon, but not for a couple years. Maybe we see a Windseeker-like addition replacing the Thunderhawk, which has been a maintenance nightmare, and then eventually a larger steel roller coaster addition. I also wouldn't be surprised if my thought is blown up, and they get a relocated roller coaster instead (not Disaster Transport though).

Edit... post above mine. Epic.

[Bretten Bailey]

With the smaller parks in the Cedar Fair chain, I don't see the dinosaurs working out as well. Parks like WoF, Valleyfair and MiA don't have the attendance to see the cash flow that parks like KI or CP have (we'll see how that works with Dinos now at Dorney).

Not entirely true....but I can see where your concern comes from. If this was the mid to late 90's and the Jurassic Park films were still being made, any park could have Dinosaur's Alive, and it would last. Granted kids still have a high interest in dinosaurs, but back when the technology was "newer" it would be more of a hit. Don't get me wrong, I actually love Dinosaur's Alive and what it's doing for the chain is amazing. Both Cedar Fair & Dinosaurs Unearthed are benefiting from the attractions. Going on from there, I think Dinosaur's Alive would do fine at the smaller parks, but in turn, the Dinosaurs Alive attraction would have to be much smaller. You can cater a Dinosaur's Alive attraction to fit any area at any price and people will still do it. Back in the 90s (granted, once again, this was back when Dinosaurs were all the rage), there was a mall in my area that had DU come in and do an exhibit (still $5 back then). It got so packed in there that they had to start taking reservations for those who wanted to see the attraction (this attraction shares a market with Michigan's Adventure may I add). It made great money for the mall, but due to competition from other malls, it still wasn't enough and the mall eventually closed. I guess what I'm getting at is, a smaller investment in a smaller Dinosaur's Alive would still work (especially at Michigan's Adventure with there being nothing like that in the area). Looking at some other parks, you'd have to be more careful because they have a lot more competition, but DA has been doing fine at Dorney Park and I believe it would elsewhere.

Anyway, moving on, from what I've heard from my sources, the announcement for the new "Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun" attraction will be at 10 AM Central/11 AM Eastern on FRIDAY morning. It is said to be a major waterpark announcement.

MidwestInfoGuide also seems to have heard the same information, so that makes two of us with it out there. Just a few more days and we'll all know I guess.

Edited by CFguy, 29 August 2012 - 10:43 AM.

[Bretten Bailey]

Some information from this mornings announcement (it was a wet one due to Hurricane Isaac's rain, so everything was moved indoors).

Anyway

-Worlds of Fun will be celebrating 40 years next year, so the commemorative logo was unveiled.
-Oceans of Fun will be COMPLETELY renovated for 2013, complete with updated food items, cabanas and a new front entrance.
-The expansion will come complete with a NEW 65 foot tall slide complex, including slides never before seen in the region.
-3 Aqua Drops
-A Constrictor Slide
-And two other slides.
-Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun will no longer have separate admission starting in 2013 (another "two parks, one price" tagline).

http://www.worldsoff...RPARK-EXPANSION

Edited by CFguy, 31 August 2012 - 12:02 PM.

[Ryan Shrout]

Great move. I really feel like most theme parks should include their waterpark with admission. Also, the additions look great. That'll really bump up the wet side of the park.

[Bretten Bailey]

Here's some coverage of the announcement- http://midwestinfogu...com/new/oceans/

From what I hear, this isn't the only announcement on additions for the park this year. They didn't want to hype this one up too much and they didn't want to include so much in one release. So things may get interesting for the park once again.