It's All About First Appearances: A look back at Worlds of Fun costuming in its early years.

 A few days ago a poster asked about all the old themed costumes. My original plan was to post a couple photos to Facebook but then I found SO many I thought to do a quick blog. So here we are.

For those unaware Worlds of Fun Ambassadors wore themed costumes until approximately 1992-1993 when they were slowly phased out. They were completely gone by the time I was a rides ambassador in 1994, at that point everyone wore the Americana ride shirt/bandana costume. For many though, including myself, the themed costumes are a vivid part of early Worlds of Fun memories. Not surprising many changed over the years, but some were relatively resilient and changed very little. 

I will use color photos when they are available, otherwise I will supplement with black and white when that's all I have.  Photos are supplied by Jeff Mast and Debbie Reasoner. For those wondering why there are not more, and are under 30, please remember that when ambassadors wore costumes cameras also ONLY used film. Meaning photos, especially color photos, are much more rare for this time period.

Thanks to Debbie Reasoner we have several color photos of the old gate costumes.  When guests arrived at the park this is how they were greeted, remembering that guests passed over the Henrietta upon arrival! 

Scattered through the park guests would find these lovely balloon girls...

The Orient would be the first stop of many outside of Americana and it's one section we know changed color drastically over the years.  The costumes started out orange, and became turquoise by the late 1980's

At the Oriental Octopus two male ambassadors load and unload the cars. An important detail to note is that until polo shirts took over all male ambassadors wore pants and women always wore shorts.  This was true even in 1994 when individually themed costumes had been phased out.

An early woman's costume from the Orient, standing in front of the original Rickshaw Richards.

A photo by Jeff Mast from the late 80's shows the newer woman's costume.  You can't tell in this photo but it's turquoise.  Another detail to easily tell age of a ambassador photo is by their name badge.  If you compare the name badge in this photo with the one proceeding it, the rectangular badges were from the 1980's while the smaller badges with the round logo on top were from the 1970's.

The men's version, also turquoise. 

Moving onto to Scandinavia, we have ride ambassadors for Viking Voyager lined up in front of the old Norseman's Nicities sign. There were different costumes not only for men and women, but for different departments too. 

A photo by Jeff Mast shows the actual colors of these costumes.  This photo is from Voyager unload.

I believe these were Scandinavian retail costumes.

And Scandinavian food service. Notice the 1970's name badges.  These last two photos are by Debbie Reasoner.

Moving onto Africa, and we find the panel operator not so busy in the Zinger station.  African ambassadors wore khaki safari costumes. I have also been told that when Fury of the Nile first opened the costume included a safari helmet too but it didn't last long as they were incredibly hot.

A close up look at the Africa men's costume.

And women's in front of Smor Bord. Notice again how women were always wearing shorts.

Moving up the hill to Europa, I don't have many photos of the Europa costume but I do have this one by Jeff Mast.  Notice the Europa scarf that was often used for completely unintended purposes...

The Aerodrome and Barnstormer had it's version of the aeronautical costume complete with captain bars on the shoulders. 

As areas of the park were expanded they too received their own costumes.  These were the Pandamonium costumes, which were quite plain but very colorful (the stripes were various bright colors).

EXT or Extremeroller probably had my absolute favorite ambassador costume, the "Buck Rogers" costume as I like to call it. It was updated in 1986 with the addition of Omegatron.  

This is only a small taste of the various costumes park ambassadors would wear over the first twenty years of the park's operation.  It's amazing to think that these polyester nightmares existed for not even half of the park's operational years, yet are still so memorable and integral to many's early memories of the park.  

No blog on park costuming would be complete without mentioning the group of dedicated seamstresses and costumers responsible for creating these multitude of outfits.  Let's not forget Worlds of Fun employees even to this day thousands of seasonal ambassadors every year! They then as now all need something to wear!  To this day, costuming at Worlds of Fun still is running full steam ahead and creates costumes not just for Worlds of Fun but many other Cedar Fair parks as well! 

2022: A New Year with New Anniversaries!

10 Years of Making' Magic logo from 1982. 

 Another year gone, and though 2021 wasn’t all we dreamed of after 2020, at least Worlds of Fun seemed to have a somewhat more normal season, Worlds of Fun-lightish. 2022 is here, and 2023 is right around the corner and with it some of the biggest anniversaries we will ever have, the 50th of Worlds of Fun and the 25th of Mamba just to cover the shortlist. But we aren’t there yet. 2022 has plenty to keep us all occupied.  

Putting up the original Oceans of Fun sign

The biggest anniversary of them all is Oceans of Fun which will turn 40 years old in 2022, but in a very strange twist, also celebrates its 40th season the same year. Keeping in mind with anniversaries there is no year ZERO, but there is a season ONE. Thanks to dear COVID Oceans didn’t open at all in 2020 so we went from Season 38 in 2019 to Season 39 in 2021.  

The 25th Anniversary celebrated in 1997. 

This brings us to the next item. Oceans of Fun along with the Worlds of Fun additions of River City Rampage (Fjörd Fjärlene) and Country Junction were added for the park’s 10th anniversary in 1982 (10 Years of Makin’ Magic). If the 10th anniversary was in 1982 why isn’t the 50th in 2022? We can’t blame COVID this time. The truth is far more fascinating, and it goes back to who is running the show. When Mid-America Enterprises/Hunt Midwest owned the park they celebrated most anniversaries on the season number. So, the 10th anniversary was 1982, the 15th anniversary was 1987, the 20th was 1992, and so on. When Cedar Fair took over in 1995 they continued that making the 25th anniversary 1997, and the 30th in 2002. Then they changed everything in 2007. There was no 35th in 2007, the 35th anniversary was celebrated in 2008! On the year number instead of season number. That’s how we ended up with 2023 being the 50th anniversary and NOT 2022. Of course, we could always do what Disney does and celebrate it BOTH years.18-month celebration! Drinks at Belly Up Bar for everyone!

Speaking of Belly Up Bar. Let’s take a look at our ride anniversaries for 2022:

2017: 5th Anniversary: Falcon’s Flight/Mustang Runner/New Gate

2012: 10th Anniversary: Zombie High opens during Halloween Haunt

2007: 15th Anniversary: Bloodshed opens during Halloween Haunt

2002: 20th Anniversary: ThunderHawk

1997: 25th Anniversary: Bearenstain Bear Country/Summer Spectacular

1992: 30th Anniversary: Monsoon/Same Day Gateway/Coconut Cove

1987: 35th Anniversary: Pandamonium/Caribbean Cooler

1982: 40th Anniversary: River City Rampage/Oceans of Fun/Country Junction Theater

1977: 45th Anniversary: Singapore Sling/Wobble Wheel/Bounce a Roos/Half Pint’s Peak/Micro Moto Bahn/Floral Clock

1977: 45th Anniversary: Bamboozler

After the park would open in 1973 several new attractions would be welcomed to the park over the following years. One of the earliest additions that is still in operation today is Bamboozler. In 2022 Bamboozler turns 45 years old. Bamboozler, or as it was known in 1977, Singapore Sling was one of five major additions to the park, one in each themed area. Singapore Sling went to the Orient, while Wobble Wheel went to Americana, (removed in 1993), Bounce a Roos to Europa (removed in 2010), Half Pint’s Peak (removed in 1986), and the Floral Clock and Nairobi Nigel’s Pygmy Playhouse in Africa.  

Singapore Sling in 1977, using the same queue entrance that would be re-used by Orient Express in 1980.

Bamboozler today. 

While Singapore Sling was added in the Orient, it wasn’t in the same place that it is today, as Octopus was there until 1983. Instead, it was located about where Spinning Dragon’s exit is today, or where the entrance to Orient Express was previously. In fact, Orient Express would re-use the queue line from Singapore Sling in 1980! Also in 1980, Singapore Sling would be moved to Americana and become Whirligig up in the old Bicentennial Square (where Thunderhawk was most recently). Like many rides in that corner of the park it was affected by high winds and wouldn’t operate frequently, so when Octopus was moved out of the Orient, the newly re-named (AGAIN!) Bamboozler was moved into its place. And it’s there today.

The original Surf City Wave Pool in 1982.

The Oceans of Fun gate in 1987.

Belly Up Bar in 1982

1982: 40th Anniversary: Oceans of Fun, River City Rampage, and Country Junction

When a park celebrates a big anniversary you expect big things. Worlds of Fun delivered for its 10th anniversary! It not only added several new attractions to Worlds of Fun, but it also added a whole new park, Oceans of Fun! Oceans of Fun was built as the world’s largest water park, spread over 60 acres which advertised 30 different attractions! Though the park has changed over its 40 years, it is still home to two original attractions the Surf City Wave Pool and Castaway Cove/Belly Up Bar. In recent years Oceans of Fun has become synonymous with Worlds of Fun since they are a single admission today. However, back in 1982 that was not the case, guests had to physically drive and park at both parks separately. That’s an important point to remember.

River City Rampage in 1982

Fjörd Fjärlane today. 

At Worlds, things weren’t stagnant either. The new River City area would be an expansion of the Americana section of the park, an area that today is known as Patriot’s Landing. River City would be composed of wharf-themed shops and the River City Rampage, a ride that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Today River City Rampage is known as Fjörd Fjärlane. In 1991 it was moved to Scandinavia and re-named to make way for the “new” Rockin’ Reeler and Beat Street re-theme. Fjärlane is still a very popular ride but is often confused for a Huss Swing Around, when it is a knock-off by Japanese manufacturing company Meisho, today known as Sanoyas Rides.

Construction of Country Junction and River City

Concept art for River City and Country Junction. 

As if a new thrill ride, new area, and whole new water park were not enough for the 10th anniversary of the park, Worlds of Fun added a new theater in 1982 too! Country Junction, located next to the train depot would premier for the 1982 season with a Nashville-themed variety show featuring an 11-performer cast.  

Concept art for Caribbean Cooler.

Caribbean Cooler when it first opened in 1987, 35 years ago

1987: 35th Anniversary: Caribbean Cooler and Pandamonium!

For the park’s 15th anniversary the attention would again be turned to Oceans of Fun, with the addition of the Caribbean Cooler an 810-foot long lazy river. Today it's nearly impossible to imagine an Oceans of Fun without it, but it and its memorable bright green astroturf that surrounded it was the first big expansion at the park since 1983. Designed by Burns and McDonnell, Caribbean Cooler is still as popular today as it was 35 years ago. 

 

Turntyke turns 35 years old.

So does Swing a Ling. 

Like 1982, Worlds of Fun also saw a new addition too with Pandamonium. Though Pandamonium no longer exists, the area where it was located is still a kid’s area, today known as Planet Snoopy. Two of the four rides introduced for Pandamonium still exist too! TurnTyke (Peanut’s Turntyke) and Swing a Ling (Charlie Brown’s Wind-up) both still operate.

Same Day Gateway booth that existed from 1992 until 2012. 

Monsoon with its infamous "border wall".  One side was Worlds of Fun and one side was Oceans of Fun.

1992: 30th Anniversary: Monsoon, Coconut Cove, and Same Day Gateway

The trend for Oceans of Fun expansions on park anniversaries continued with 1992. Monsoon, today is just known as an Oceans of Fun attraction opened originally as a shared attraction between Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. Not entirely technologically innovative, Monsoon was manufactured by Intamin Rides, the same company that built Fury of the Nile. What made Monsoon different was its unique joining of the two parks. Before 1992, both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun were completely separate, to move between the two parks you had to physically drive between the two parking lots and enter each of the separate gates. With Monsoon came the Same Day Gateway. While both parks would remain separate admissions until 2013, with the Same Day Gateway guests could now walk between the two parks. The fact that both parks were separate admissions created a bizarre yet very real “border wall” at the Monsoon exit, and many Monsoon ambassadors jokingly referred to themselves as the “border protection agents”. The wall finally came down in 2013 when both parks were joined together as part of one admission price.

The original Neptune's Lagoon.

And it's 1992 replacement, Coconut Cove.  Definitely an upgrade!

Nearby to Monsoon is Coconut Cove, described by Hunt Midwest as 20,000 square foot super pool. Filled with play toys, small slides, and in 1993 Aruba Tuba, Coconut Cove replaced the original, Neptune’s Lagoon. 

Bloodshed turns 15 years old in 2022.

2007 & 2012: 15th and 10th anniversary: Bloodshed and Zombie High

In the past few years, I haven’t included any of the Haunts, but someone mentioned how Haunt coming back in 2021 was one of their favorite memories… and how can haunt be a favorite memory if it isn’t at least an attraction? In 2007 the park introduced its first haunt specifically built to be a haunt, Bloodshed. 2007 was also the first year that the park changed the name of the event from Halloweekends to Haunt. In much the same way Zombie High was also a completely independent structure built specifically for a Haunt.  Zombie High will be celebrating 10 years this year as it opened in 2012. 

Mustang Runner turns five years old in 2022.

Proving that it really has operated in prior years...

2017: 5th Anniversary: Mustang Runner, Falcon’s Flight, and Park Gate

Five years ago Worlds of Fun not only introduced Mustang Runner and Falcon’s Flight but also replaced the old Scandinavian back gate with the new main gate we enjoy today! It’s surprising to realize that all occurred five years ago as it feels like in many ways it was only a year or two ago. 

Then There are the Rest...

A few attractions that should be celebrating anniversaries this year but can't because they no longer exist.  

Bearenstain Bear Country was introduced in 1997 and was one of the shortest lived attractions lasting only until 2000.  It would have been 25 years old this year. 

Thunderhawk was Worlds of Fun's lawn ornament  before Falcon's Flight, but it operated for several years before it obtained that status.  Funny enough they are both Huss rides.  Thunderhawk was introduced in 2002 and would be 20 years old this year.

From Foam Mountains to Outer Space: An evolution of Worlds of Fun's children's areas Part II

 We left off in our last episode in 1986, with Scandinavia still being the home to about half of the park’s children's rides and several popular children’s attractions such as Half Pint’s Peak and Humpty’s Haven.  (read more in Part 1 of the series here: https://unwof.blogspot.com/2021/10/foam-mountains-to-outer-space-evolution.html)

1987 Souvenir Map

Multiple changes were afoot in 1987 though. First, Silly Serpent (originally Funicular) would be permanently removed after the 1986 season. Also, the park would replace Aerodrome with the first planned, centrally located children’s area, Pandamonium!

A look at the Aerodrome just prior to its conversion to Pandamonium. Photo is shot from Screamroller's lift hill by Jeff Mast. 

Aerodrome opened as a park expansion in 1978 and was themed to flight, from the thrilling Barnstormer a 100-foot-tall biplane ride, to Lucky Lindy’s Lunch Counter. Aerodrome wasn’t designed as a kid's area, but it did have a children's ride, with the 1974 Red Baron being relocated from its original location in Scandinavia. Today, nearly 45 years later Red Baron is still located in the same spot it was relocated to in 1978! 

Red Baron in the Aerodrome

PandAm Airlines in Pandamonium.  It is the same exact ride, in the same exact location, and in this case shot from nearly the same angle.  

It might seem odd for a kid’s ride to be mixed in with a thrill ride, but at this point, Hunt was still following its original plan to distribute children’s rides through the park instead of having them in one single kiddie area like so many parks did. That all changed with Pandamonium. The big question though is why Hunt didn’t instead expand on their already existing pseudo-kiddie area, Half Pint’s Peak and Humpty’s Haven in Scandinavia? I think there are several possibilities for that. One, there was already kid-friendly entertainment at the old Flying Circus Theater. Also, there were two kids’ rides already in the area that didn’t need to be moved (Crashem Bashem and Red Baron). And last, the Aerodrome area offered I believe more room for expansion in the future.  

Rainbow Brite at the Rainbow Pavilion (Flying Circus Theater), in 1986. Photo by Debbie Reasoner. 

One of the most memorable additions to Pandamonium was the introduction of a whole new themed character, P.J. Panda. Worlds of Fun had introduced Sam Panda back in 1975 but P.J. was intended to be the smaller, more kid-sized version and would become so iconic for kids that P.J. was virtually synonymous for an entire generation.  

P.J. Panda was introduced with Pandamonium.  You can see Flying Circus Theater and Screamroller in the background.

 Along with P.J. came four new rides, Either Oar a small canoe ride, Swing-a-Ling a circular swing ride, Too Too Train a small kiddie train ride, and Turntyke a small circular kiddie car ride. Two new climbing and activity areas were added too including HabiTot, and Kiddie-opolis (which lasted only until 1992). 

Kiddie-opolis play area (those big red balls were a pain to try to walk across!).

Press release for Pandamonium's announcement.

In addition to new rides, several attractions were re-themed and re-painted to fit with a more kid-centric area. Lucky Lyndy’s Lunch Counter became Kid’s Stuff, Cockpit Coolers became Soda Sipper, and even Red Baron received its first-ever (but far from last) re-name PandAm Airlines, a tribute to Pan Am Airlines.

 

 

The Tomato-Plant Octopus ride.  You can see the tower for Kid's Stuff (old Lucky Lyndy's Lunch Counter) in the background.

Pandamonium looking from the back of the area towards Either Oar on the left side, with the entrance to Octopus on the right. 

Then there was Octopus. Octopus would replace the thrilling Barnstormer in the then Aerodrome in 1984 and be re-named Tailspinner.  When Aerodrome transitioned to Pandamonium one would think the thrill ride Octopus would be moved out too. Nope. Octopus stayed exactly where it was and was re-named back to Octopus. An interesting personal story is that I first rode Octopus in Pandamonium, in 1987 the year Pandamonium opened. I had a brave moment, for a 9-year-old me. Suffice to say it was the first and last brave moment not only of that day, or that season but probably for the next decade. It terrified me.  

A lot of places have changed appearances drastically over the years, but none more than this view. Today, Detonator is located where Head over Wheels (kiddie Ferris wheel) is in this photo.

Turntyke along with Swing a Ling is one of two Pandamonium expansion rides still in operation today.

Another attraction that received the “new paint new theme” treatment was Flying Circus Theater, in actuality though the changes with it had already been coming for several years. In 1983 it became Treehouse Hollow for the ShirtTales, and in 1986 became the Rainbow Pavilion when the park welcomed Rainbow Brite. 

Wacky Worm was part of the 1993 Pandamonium expansion.  An interesting point is that in early photos Screamroller in in the background, but 1993 it's Timber Wolf.  Also of note, the colored light blocks out in front of Wacky Worm spelled out "A.C.E' for the American Coaster Enthusiasts. 

Either Oar was one of four rides introduced with Pandamonium.  It would last until 2000, and would be replaced by Woodstock's Airmail in 2001.  (Today's Kite Eating Tree)

Pandamonium with its block-colored lights and colors would stay around for the next decade. Changes would come in 1993 which would see the re-addition of Tot’s Yachts (from Scandinavia), as well as the addition of a new kiddie coaster, Wacky Worm. 1993 would also see the introduction of the park’s bird show, Rainforest Follies to the Flying Circus Theater r-named again to Panda Pavilion. It like so many other park attractions would meet its end with Cedar Fair and Berenstain Bears in 1997, sort of, as we will look at in our next blog.

The most fascinating detail about this photo is the date, March 23, 1996.  This is the latest documented appearance of P.J.  By the 1996 season the Bearenstain Bears would begin appearing in the park. 

Pandamonium though is an interesting expansion to consider when looking at the last years of Hunt Midwest and Worlds of Fun. It in many ways symbolizes the shift, Hunt Midwest continued to operate kids rides OUTSIDE Pandamonium but would never again add a kids' ride outside of it as they had in prior years. Hunt Midwest was just beginning to follow the trend of other parks, instead of doing what they always did best, their own thing. For this reason, Pandamonium is in many ways not only a major turning point for park kid’s areas but also for the park as a whole in itself too.