Grand Carnivale Review July 20th and 21st 2019

Welcome to Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun!

Jeff and I just returned from Kansas City. Our plan for the past few months had always been to fly out to Kansas City for Grand Carnivale, but as the staffing situation at my job continued to deteriorate, I wasn’t so much worried about the cost but actually getting anytime off to actually go to Kansas City.  Thankfully, I was able to get three days off in a row, Saturday through Monday the third weekend of July, and we quickly made plans to travel to Kansas City Saturday morning and flying back Monday.  For anyone interested we flew Spirit Airlines round trip, this was either our 3rd or 4th trip flying Spirit and have so far had very good experiences with them.

Showtimes for many Grand Carnivale Shows can be found around International Plaza

Pretty Flowers!

Torii Gate!  Hey, its the first time I got to see it in person!

We arrived in Kansas City about 11:30 am, picked up our rental car and headed over to Jeff’s mom's house to visit for a bit.  We headed out to Worlds of Fun around 2:30 pm, and arrived around 3:00 pm.  The day was sunny and HOT, I believe it was already in the upper 90’s by the time we arrived and it only got hotter.  Crowds were light at Worlds of Fun itself but I was pretty impressed by the overall Grand Carnivale decor, and of course, this was my first time seeing the Torii gate in person!  I LOVED the landscaping, especially the various flower blocks in the Scandinavia/International Plaza beds.  

Germany, between Festhaus and the Grand Carrousel.

We went around and took a look at all the different international kiosks. I had read that they were all tent-like structures, but they weren’t all that detracting, I will review some of the food options later. 

Germany is the first one we came in contact with, it's located right next to Grand Carrousel, and is very apparent with the two German flags, with the food tent actually closer to Festhaus.  I was incredibly surprised that it was located directly in front of Festhaus but didn’t actually use the structure.  

The New Scandi Candy across from Viking Voyager

Free Fudge Samples!

Several updates had occurred around the park and I knew a couple I immediately wanted to check out.  One was the new candy shop, located where The Lift, and prior to that Norseman’s Niceties was located.  I loved it and noticed far more people in and out of the shop than in any of its previous incarnations.  The park had set up cushioned seats around the Scandinavian section for Grand Carnivale entertainment and there was a nice set up right outside of the candy shop that would occasionally have the AC from the shop blow directly on… a nice spot on an incredibly hot day! 

Italy is located right next to Viking Voyager!

We tried both, photos are later on!

I also checked the trees in front of Viking Voyager, four years ago the old island trees had been pulled out and new trees planted, and they appear to actually be providing some decent shade.  A couple more years and I bet they will provide decent shade to the entire walkway there.  Italy is currently set up directly in front of those trees right now with seating in an adjacent covered (tent) area.

France is in front of the Tivoli Music Hall

We also tried both of the crepes, which my favorite item that we tried at Grand Carnivale!

France is located right in front of Tivoli, right across from Scandi Candy, again with lots of shade (provided mostly by trees in the area), as well as several tables and seating.

India, located on the old patio of Nordic Nook, across from Nordic Chaser.

We tried the Chicken Tandoori Tacos which were quite good, photos are below.

India is set up not in the old Nordic Nook as I originally thought but under the covered patio seating area directly next to the steps.  There was quite a bit of seating for eating and watching entertainment, I mentioned the cushioned chairs, but numerous tables had been set up around the area too.  

Hanging Baskets...

More hanging baskets...

And even more hanging baskets (these are the helicopter plant variety)

Funny thing is I read on Facebook on the Local Kansas City history page that someone was lamenting the “old hanging baskets” the park used to have.  Ironically… there were tons in the park currently, probably more than I have seen in years, if ever, all over the place.  The old standby airplane plants, staghorn ferns were all there, but there were several new ones filled with annuals.  

Africa with the floral clock in the background.

One question I have received numerous times over the past few months was about Oceans original 1982 Diamondhead waterslides and their lack of operation, or so I had been told, so I wanted to check it out for myself.  To do so we had to head to Oceans, and I was pretty sure it was going to be busy.  I did get to check out the new floral clock in all its glory (keeping in mind last I had seen it it was filled with annuals),  Before heading to Oceans I filled the water bottles we had brought with us at the Boomerang bathroom fountain.  Fascinating, twenty years ago this fountain was the coldest fountain in the park, it still is.  I was told by Jeff that the bathrooms had been re-done and looked nice.

Headed over to Oceans of Fun to check out Diamondhead.

The right slide was operational.

Coconut Cove

Oceans was an absolute madhouse, but I rather expected that with the heat, sun, and it being Saturday.  The park had lounge chairs set up pretty much in every area that would accommodate a chair, they were all full, and then people were still sitting in towels around them.  I was able to confirm that one slide (the one on the far right looking at it from the splashdown pool), was in operation.  I also took a look at Coconut Cove, and it was packed, before heading back to Worlds of Fun.

We stopped at Coasters to get Jeff Coke for his refillable bottle that we had brought with us. I refilled mine with ice water, and though it was busy it only took a few minutes to do so. I wasn’t questioned (or charged for)  filling my bottle with ice water, something I would continue throughout the day without any problems.  At some point this season, Coasters has introduced the “Mamba Burger” inside a '50’s style diner in an area of the park that continues to have identity issues   (Africa? Americana? Afrmericana?)  I LOVED the nod to theming.  It's served with Mamba venom sauce.  Not enough time or I would have tried it.

Yet ANOTHER hanging basket on the shade structures on Forum Road.

Lots of guests were already making use of the shade provided...

We checked out Forum Road and the new shade structures which looked beautiful and were definitely being used!  Around Americana we checked out the Timber Wolf queue line and area around the depot, making sure all the old Screamroller and Ski Hi footers were where we remembered them to be.  And before anyone asks why that would change… the park took out the old Ski Hi footer by Autobahn about two decades ago for no apparent reason.  

A mustang topiary in front of Mustang Runner

Liberty Bell Topiary!

Several topiaries have appeared around Americana, the liberty bell is back once again, and this year has annuals all around it, looking spectacular.  There are several mustang topiaries around Blue Bronco (Prospectors), and of course, the topiary cacti are back around Depot.

Charlie Hustle retro-t's at Front Street

France's String Trio

A terrific French mime

It was getting extremely hot by now so we decided to stop in at Front Street to also check out merchandise (and air conditioning). I noticed that several of the new retro-line of shirts by Charlie Hustle were available for purchase, and several of the older retro shirts were also still available.  Since it was nearing 5:00 pm, and that was the official starting time for Grand Carnivale we hustled through Orient, though we did stop at Rickshaws and I found that awesome Apollo 11 tribute shirt (which I later bought).  We made it to International Plaza just a bit after 5:00 pm and missed the intro show, but it seemed to have been greatly shortened, due to the heat. (it was 100 degrees for real at this point).  

Some balloon dragon art in the Orient.

China booth, in .... The Orient.

My original plan was to buy the $30 tasting card, but I will be honest, I was so hot I did not at all feel hungry.  We stopped by Scandi Candy and stopped at some seats and watched the French string trio,  which was entertaining, but probably due to the heat, a little out of tune.  Honestly, it's a tribute to the musicians that they were even playing at all!   I ran over to Norma’s funnel cakes and refilled both refillable bottles with ice water (again no cost, no problems), and I headed down towards the gypsy wagon.  This small plaza area is filled with four different shows that rotate by time.  Two are actually at the gypsy wagon, Topsy Turvy and The Amazing Chicken Parmesan/Mesner Puppet Theater.  A couple of comments first on the Gypsy Wagon, I was in love the moment someone sent me a photo.  There was a bit of confusion on whether it was a remake or update of the original when I originally heard about it.  I did find out that this one is a new build, built by Worlds of Fun, specifically based on the original gypsy wagon.  That was in Scandinavia.  That had a puppet show.  Yeah. LOVE.

The new gypsy wagon!

First up is the fabulously funny Topsy Turvy Duo.

Not to be overshadowed by the Mesner Puppet Theater and the famous Chicken Parmesean.

Onto the shows themselves. Spectacular. Topsy Turvy is a comedic/acrobatic show featuring two local ladies, Amanda and Lily.  Chicken Parmesan is a comedic puppet show set to music, and while the puppeteer has no lines it's easy to follow along, and it's both adorable and hilarious.  That poor chicken though.  The puppeteer was obviously sweating and hot, but he never let it affect his performance, same with the Topsy Turvy performers.  Amazing job! 

Aisha, the Belly Dancer

And I apologize, I didn't get the contortionist's name...

Right across from the gypsy wagon are Tivoli and the old Copenhagen Nogginvear store (dating myself, I know).  That is where the second stage is set up for the Aisha the belly dancer and the contortionist.  Both stages are so close you can literally stand in one spot and see all four shows by simply turning around, but they are staggered so no one show competes with the others.  I also watched most of both of these shows (I arrived about halfway through one) and was also greatly impressed both at the skill and the simple fact that they show went on, despite the weather.  I feel comfortable saying if you miss them you are missing a big chunk of the Grand Carnivale experience. 

Tandoori Chicken Taco from India.

German duet in Scandinavia.

About halfway through the shows, I was starting to feel a little hungry and decided to try out India, and the Tandoori Chicken Tacos, which were quite good.  At this point the park was picking up in foot traffic, probably Oceans of Fun guests flooding into Worlds. I really started to notice when we headed back to International Plaza for the Hot Summer Nights show which was canceled due to heat.  Around 7:00 pm the German band came out to play and they were fabulous, I loved not only hearing German music in Scandinavia once again but how they interacted with the guests.  It was a riot.  I am not sure how much time we spent staking out a spot for the parade,  but I am pretty sure we decided to head towards Americana Front Street around 7:45 or so.  We had been told to get a spot near the yellow dashes on the ground since that is where the floats stop for a brief show.  

Grand Carnival Parade at 8:30 every night until August 4th!

The parade itself was well worth the wait, and one of those things you do not want to miss.  The detail is astounding, and so is the talent.  A friend of mine mentioned it was right up there with Disney quality… and I would happen to agree with him on that.  After the parade, you can either follow the crowd back up to International Plaza, or head around the park the longway, towards Africa. A friend of mine who had seen it the week before recommended NOT following the parade since it can be a monstrous, slow-moving crowd.  

The Europa Topiary returns for the second season.

Crane from the Fury of the Nile queue line.

We headed back to Africa via Europa instead, and surprisingly it was our first time heading through Europa this trip. Falcon’s Flight was closed, but all the other rides were open, and the landscaping looked beautiful with the return of the Europa topiary sign from last year.  We also stopped by and rode Nile, which was the first time for Jeff probably in decades.  

Strawberry and Nutella Crepe from France

DJ Street Party !

We headed back to Scandinavia, it's here it would have been beneficial to actually be able to come back another day, and I hope those reading this can benefit from our inexperience.  So once the parade terminates at International Plaza it turns into a dance party.  ALL of the characters from the parade, along with the floats.  Makes for a lot of fun and great photo opportunity.  If I had known that in retrospect I would have headed right back to Scandinavia.  We did come back the next day with that in mind, but the weather (rain and storms) pretty much canceled most of the Grand Carnivale events.  I cannot even begin to expound on the quality of the floats, costumes, entertainment, etc.  It’s awesome!

DJ Street Party and 10 pm fireworks!

The fireworks were at 10:00 pm, and are in conjunction with the show and dance party, though the fireworks are short, about five minutes total, the overall experience is well done.  Just prior to the fireworks I had bought a crepe, the strawberry/Nutella one and it was amazing, probably one of my favorite snacks of the entire visit.  At this point, it was about 10:30 pm and with the heat, we were exhausted and thinking we were coming back the next day….

Meatballs from Italy

Roman Suplii from Italy

Berry Citrus Twist

We made it back on Sunday around 3:00 pm, the weather was much improved, with temperatures hovering around 88-89 F, instead of 98-100 F the day before.  It was rather cloudy all day and threatened rain.  We conducted our planned history tour, which ended up taking four hours instead of the expected 1-2 hours!  Around 7:00 pm, right as we finished the tour it began sprinkling, and we headed back to Scandinavia to get something to eat. We stopped at Italy and Jeff bought the meatballs, and I had the Roman Suppli with the Berry Citrus Twist served in the light-up cup. The only negative thing I can say… I was not all that impressed with the Citrus Twist.  I, later on, went ahead and purchased the ham and cheese crepe, It was mind-blowing AWESOME.   About this time the wind had picked up and I believe it was also the time the park made the call to cancel the parade, there were several public messages to that regard.  They did attempt to put on the Hot Rhythm Nights show, but when it started raining consistently it led to that being canceled too.  It turned out to probably be a good decision weather-wise, as on the way back to the house it started downpouring and I can’t help but remember seeing “Annie” at Starlight when I was 8 and it began pouring in the middle of the show… the pour lady tried to continue… but I can’t even imagine even attempting to perform outside in the pouring rain.  We ended up leaving right around 8:30-9:00 pm.  Of course, we would wake up the next morning, Monday to perfect temperatures and bright blue sky… to have to fly back home.  Figures.

So final thoughts, we had a great time, and though I had already watched the parade on YouTube from Kings Island it was still better than I expected, I was honestly blown away with the quality.  Food was very good, pricing wasn’t ridiculous and portion sizes were decent, especially when you compare it to the utterly ridiculous pricing and portion sizes at EPCOT Food &Wine Festival.  Entertainment was numerous and all very good.  In fact, we spent so much time focused on the entertainment we barely rode one ride.  And that wasn’t because they weren’t operating.  The only thing I found confusing about the whole experience was the lack of communication regarding the start times of some of the activities, though some shows had individual signs with showtimes posted.  A basic A-frame sign or update on the app with a complete times guide would have been helpful.  

 Overall though, I was blown away, so much so that I didn't even realize until after the fact that the hot air balloon I was so looking forward to seeing wasn't even there.  I am glad that even despite the weather, and canceled activities that I took the effort to make it back to Kansas City for Grand Carnivale, it was WELL WORTH IT, and I can't wait for next year.  

Grand Carnivale Runs until August 4th every night!

Zinger Lives! And My journey to finally ride it!

Note: I hand wrote this on the night after we visited Parque del Cafe.  I have typed it out exactly how I wrote it with no changes.  This means it will be a little disjointed as all my original un-edited writings are.  It’s literally me writing what I think as I think it.  But in this case, I think it needs to be exactly that way.

I’m sitting here in our lodging writing this still in Montenegro, Colombia. I have to get these thoughts down or I will forget I’m sure. Two weeks ago, or so, I first wrote down my thoughts about coming here, riding Zinger, overcoming regrets, fears, etc. it’s right here: https://jeffreyjennifer.blogspot.com/2019/05/pre-colombia-trip-thoughts.html?m=1

All I can say, it was worth it a million times over.  It’s more amazing then I could have ever imagined.  Everything.

For 20 plus years I had heard and read it all.  The electric lift hum, soaring through the trees, sitting on the lap of your boyfriend, father, significant other, the tunnel, jumping off and sprinting right back in line to ride again.

For years I tried everything to experience what I had never experienced. Riding Whizzer, Shockwave at Six Flags over Georgia, every single Schwartzkopf I could ride.  Every article I could read.  I thought I understood.  All that was left was to actually ride it.

There was so much more.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said?  I understand finally.  Worlds of Fun doesn’t have the one coaster that everyone loves, that everyone can’t wait to ride again and again and again.  To not only tell stories about but to also share with their family and friends.

Colombia does.  And they know they do.  We spoke with the head of ride operations, every two to three months they are repairing the train bearings and motor.  They know its intensive, it's probably been that way for 20 years.  But guests love it.  They stated to us it was the guest's favorite ride, and you know what?  I think they love it too.  The expressions when I showed and gave them the photos of Zinger, of Jeff sharing his stories, you can’t fake that.  They love it, their guests love it, and because of that, it's worth operating a maintenance nightmare.

Yes, Zinger was a maintenance nightmare, no one is discounting that.  But sometimes… it's worth it.

I am a dialysis nurse and have been for five years.  That is without a question a nightmare for some, but it gives life so patients do it for as long as they can.

Zinger was the heart of the park, it gave the park life.  Cedar Fair obviously wasn’t aware of this when they removed it, or they would have never chosen to do so.

So many memories I hope I never forget.

The flight cancellation and rebooking was a headache.  The four-hour layover in Panama, the 11 o’clock pm arrival at Pereira, hoping our luggage made it, then having to struggle through translation with customs.

The roller coaster-like drive through the dark, washed out roads, that took about an hour but felt like an eternity.  (my stomach won’t let me forget).  Arriving at our lodging at midnight and feeling that deep rushing, sinking stomach when no one spoke any English and all I had was my faltering Spanish and google translate (thank god!).  I remember thinking, not for the first time, what have I done?!  Terrified that I had made a horrible mistake.

We got through it though.

On six hours of sleep, we woke up the next morning at 6:30 (only because I realized I told the employee/cook 7:00 for breakfast).  And it was a beautiful, sunny, morning.  Birds chirped by the dozens if not hundreds.  Oh, and there was no hot water.  I found out later that it took about 10 minutes to get hot water.

Breakfast was amazing, and we walked around the grounds admiring the plants, the view, and the birds.  Beautiful, the perfect day.  One time, years ago, at ACE Coaster Con a member had created a video set to “Perfect Day” and I felt I was living that at that moment.

The fears I had, will Zinger be operating?  Will it storm and shut it down?  No longer seemed to be as powerful.

The driver came and picked us up a little before 9:00, we were only about 2-3 miles from the park and we arrived around 9:00 for a 10:00 opening.

Since we had an organized trip, our wrist bands were already purchased and from 9:00 to 9:45 time almost seemed to stop.  At around 9:45 they opened the walkway down to the turnstiles.  I’m trying to remember how I felt at this point, Jeff seems to think I was anxious, pumped.  I do remember intently waiting for forward movement.

Now that I am writing this I remember thinking and speaking about how it felt like Christmas morning.  The presents are under the tree, and you’re waiting to find out what's inside those shiny packages.

Then the turnstiles open and all you want to do is run as if somehow if you don’t get there fast enough the coaster will go away.

Our plan of attack had already been planned.  Zinger was at the bottom of the park, the easiest way to get there was to ride the Von Roll Sky Ride down.

It’s like someone had planned it that way.

Of course, my best memory of Worlds of Fun and earliest is the Sky Hi (a Von Roll Sky Ride as well).  So it seemed so perfect.  An old favorite introducing me to a new favorite.  It was an awesome ride down, from the clunk-clunk out of the station, the Von Roll plaque on the car, like I said you couldn’t have written this any better.

Several hundred feet down, we landed in the back station (which I noticed had the old counterweight, just like Americana would have had).  After exiting, I was about as tunnel vision as you could get.  I did, however, notice the old firetruck, but it was a quick glance and then moving on.

Did I notice we had made it to the bottom in record time, or that we were the only ones headed towards Montana Rusa? No.

It wasn’t my idea for Facebook live, it was actually Jeff’s but I agreed to it.  My gosh, all those times dreaming about how I would feel, what my reaction would be… Well its there forever in vivid living color and I’m glad I recorded it.  It seemed like the walk took forever, everything in the park is very spread out.  Bridges, walkways, turns, and finally… the blue spiral lift of Zinger.

For a split second my heart stopped. We had seen it run from the Skyride, but there was not a peep from it now.  Oh God please let it be running today.

The line was open, we were the first ones there, it was quiet, not a sound at all. Enter that horrible sinking feeling…

But thankfully it didn’t last long.  A small group was behind us and once they showed up an employee popped his head out of the small hut centered in the middle of the lift hill and said 10 minutes!  In retrospect, I now understand Zinger was and still is not a morning coaster.  If you can imagine when you get up to your alarm clock after a night with not enough sleep thinking “do I have to….” That seems pretty much the story.  The employees were waiting for a full train of riders to show up to run it.

Still, even then there were water jugs in the 2nd and 3rd seats. As first arrivals, I was front seat all the way, and only made sense to ride with Jeff for the first go.

The ride itself was surreal. It’s a good thing I would ride it multiple more times! I recall thinking how long the lift hill was, of course, my only point of reference was Whizzer and Jet Stars which are at least one spiral shorter.  I recall being surprised by the three airtime moments, and how dark and amazing the final tunnel was.  I was a little surprised as to how pokey the overall ride was, there was more than one time I wasn’t entirely sure if we would make it over the next hill.

Of course, now I know why.  Remember the water jugs and waiting for a full train?

We rode it twice more in the morning, once immediately after and again an hour later.  Jeff and I spent time going around the ride, he videoing it to death, I spent time re-creating old photos I had brought with me.

For our third ride, it was just Matt and I (this was the ride the 360 was recorded on).  Jeff wanted to go ride Krater but we snuck off to ride.  By this time Zinger had picked up some kick and was running full trains (the water bottles had been removed).  And that high-speed turn was very much in pure Schwartzkopf fun, speedy and just a little thrilling fashion.

One moment I vividly recall was after we stopped in the brakes the riders behind us began yelling ‘otro veis” which in English translates to “again, again!” I heard that over and over again throughout the day.

Worth mentioning also is that this ride was also the only one with a significant line, we waited for about three trains to ride.  Doesn’t seem to much but compared to all the other rides in the park that were walk-ons it was definitely popular.

While waiting I spoke (or attempted to speak) with one of the ride operators as we had decided to wait for the front again.  I mentioned that the coaster actually came from where we were from and gave him one of the photos I had brought with me.  (since they were actually Walmart prints of the originals). When we came back around after riding I saw the same ride operator down at the ride exit showing the photo to a ride mechanic which made me smile.  But I didn’t think much of beyond that point.

Afterward with Jeff biting at the bit to ride the new thrill coaster Krater and Yipee both Gerstlauers (funny enough all the parks coasters were built in the same factory).  The landscaping around both was amazing, the rides were a lot of fun and Yippee had an amazing view as it was perched up on a mountainside.

Afterward, Jeff, Matt and I stopped at a snack stand and tried a Perro Caliente (Hot Dog), which was topped with a type of french fried topping.  It was awesome and of course, because of the conversion was dirt cheap.

At this point, we decided to head back to Zinger.  I believe this is when I tried Zinger in the backseat, which I ended up enjoying more than almost anywhere else.  It had definitely picked up some additional speed and had broken in well for the day.  We ended up riding twice this time (5 times for those keeping track) and after our second ride, we were stopped on exiting by a ride operator.  Though there was a language barrier (entirely my fault), I figured things out when he handed me the phone.

That little photo earlier, had made its way around.  At this point, I believe they thought the photo I had given them was one of a similar coaster.  We had been invited to the park operations office.  It took us a little bit to find it, along with the fact of our poor Spanish.  But find it we did and it was a fascinating experience.  Maria, who had originally called me (because she spoke English well), She brought out the head of ride operations who also spoke English well.  We were able to explain that their Montana Rusa was exactly the same coaster.  I e-mailed them a copy of the vertical profile blueprints we had and gave them a copy of the Great Times article about the old fire truck.  The operations manager mentioned how they continued to have problems with the drive motors (Zinger/Rusa have electric motors in each car which propels it up the lift hill).  Overall, they seemed appreciative and were extremely polite.  We ended up with some extra souvenirs from the experience as well as an interesting story!

After departing we headed to the train which, though it was a diesel, of course, Jeff wanted to ride.  The train departed on a schedule and since it was a warm day this offered a nice place in the shade to relax.  We actually met a couple there, the husband was originally from San Jose Ca. And had lived in Colombia off and on for several years.  We had a great conversation (always that look and smile when we tell people why we came…).  The train ride itself was fun, it actually had two stations. The most memorable was, no surprise, passing Zinger which was eerily similar to the train ride at Worlds of Fun.  So much so that I started up the train spiel that originally was for Zinger, that I had modified for Prowler when I was a conductor in 2009.

I forgot to mention between the office meeting and train we finally got our good look at the fire truck that was near the train depot.  Obviously, there is no way to know definitely if its WOF’s old fire truck, but I can’t imagine two 1923 LaFrance Brockway Torpedos out there… at the same park that also happens to have Zinger.

So back to the train.  It was about 4:00 when we got back around and I was itching to head back to Zinger and sit on the ride for about the last hour.  But Jeff, being Jeff wanted to check out a section of the park we hadn’t visited yet but saw on the train that happened to have an unusual Huss enterprise with double cabs.  I’ve never seen one like that and considering all the parks I’ve been to that's saying something.  About 4:30 we headed back to Zinger and got there around 4:45.  They make you go back around with each ride, we got about three rides in before 5:00 giving us a total of 8 rides for the day.  I have to say, though I knew we had to leave, it was depressing looking at the ride, possibly for the last time.  That it had taken me pretty much my whole 41 years to finally ride.  I wanted to go back and ride it again and again and realized I never might have that opportunity.  I finally understood.  Riding it was great, fun, amazing… losing it really knocked it all home.

But it’s not just the ride, not just the high-speed turn, or lift, its more than that.  Its the sound when the hum of the lift kicks on, the Schwartzkopf chug, chug, chug, sitting in a loved ones lap and in reality I'm not sure that can be duplicated in any way.  Maybe.

One thing is true, there is nothing like it at Worlds of Fun since 1997.  We headed to the Von Roll station and rode the Skyway back up, the same way we came.  I remember thinking and mentioned how it reminded me of a story I heard where guests would use the trams as “one last ride” to get their kids out of the park.  In the same way, the Von Roll was my last ride out of the park.  It softened the blow.

Overall, I was incredibly impressed with the park.  It compares highly to some of the nicest parts in the country (US).  The park was beautiful, well-maintained, clean, employees were helpful and friendly and the rides we experienced had minimal waits and were fun.  And then it had the Zinger too...

By Any Other Name: A brief history of Worlds of Fun dining locations

About a year ago, I spent a day going through all of our park maps, reviewing all the different food service and retail name changes over the years. Believe me, there have been quite a few.  I never thought it would be interesting as a blog, and at the time it was more of an attempt to catalog the information for future reference. When the 2019 announcement for Boathouse Grill (now Cotton Blossom BBQ) came along, along with the renaming of several existing dining locations and with the retirement of several more, I began thinking about writing a blog looking at some of the more interesting locations and the various options from past and present.  

A great view of the rear of Cotton Blossom at Worlds of Fun most likely from 1973.  You can see the Paddlewheel Cafe on the third floor clearly.  Photo by William Hoobing.

Paddlewheel Cafe Ambassadors from the 1978 yearbook

One of the first stories I ever heard regarding Worlds of Fun came from my dad, so I figured that would be a great place to start. He worked in 1973 as a food service ambassador aboard the Cotton Blossom at the Paddlewheel Cafe. Paddlewheel Cafe was an outdoor (covered) eatery on the third floor stern of the Cotton Blossom and operated until the 1987 season. He used to tell me how he could hear not the Americana music but the Orient music from on board and he always thought that peculiar. Recently, while digging around at the downtown public library, I found the old press releases from when the park opened, and one of them covered the actual menu options available. As you might imagine, everything was properly themed, the sandwiches at Paddlewheel were titled “Showboat” (submarine-style), “Captain’s Choice” (corned beef on rye), and “River Queen” (tuna salad). 

One of the many coupons printed in the KC Star & Times and other regional papers for discounted meals.  This one is for Le Poulet Bone in Europa.

Rangoon Refresher which was replaced by Panda Express in 2007.

Many restaurants, unlike Paddlewheel café, still exist but have been renamed. In some cases they’ve been numerous times over the years: in 1998, Nordic Nook became Chicken Patio, in  2007 Rangoon Refresher became Panda Express, and in 2019, Paisano’s in Europa became the new Let Them Eat Cake. As you might expect, that wasn’t originally named Paisano’s either.  Instead, in 1973 it was known as Le Poulet Bone Cafe and served “French-fried chicken” (yes, you read that right). Le Poulet Bone was re-named for the first time to International Cafe in 1978, Pizza Patio in 1996, Bonnici Bros. in 2004, and finally, Paisano’s in 2013. What truly fascinates me about this restaurant, though, is its hidden secret: it was built with a sunken patio. Guests would step down about three steps to a concrete patio overlooking the wooded area behind it. For at least the last three decades, it’s been fenced off, but you can still look through the fence and see the themed light pole and what is left of the metal table and seat supports.  

You can easily see the original La'Mars Libations at the very bottom of the photo, its dead center. 

The second iteration of Lamars probably just a few years after it changed names to Smoothie Company. 

Europa was home to another eatery, a small hexagonally-shaped snack stand, which was a feature shared by almost every other section of the park too, excluding Americana. In Europa, it was known originally as “La’Mars Libation” (made “European” by adding an apostrophe), named after park owner Lamar Hunt. I remember Lamar’s Libations, but I remember it as the box-shaped Coca-Cola refresh station that is there now. At some point in the 1980s, Europa’s little hex-stand was demolished and replaced. Today, all four of these little hexagonal stands are gone. However, most of them were rebuilt, and two of those new structures bear the same name as the original tiny stand even today. 

Big Jack's Ambassadors with the original Big Jack's behind them.  From the 1979 Ambassador yearbook.

So besides La’Mars, where were the other three? The first is also the last hexagonal stand removed, which was the Icicle located in Scandinavia right at the corner of the Tivoli and Tivoli East. It was removed after the 1997 season. I will always remember the old buttercream yellow and white Icicle as the first place I ever tried to confirm the existence of the long lost cable car system back in 1996.

Icicle from the 1979 Ambassador Yearbook.

The other two hexagonal stands may have new structures but still retain their original 1973 names. The first was built as Big Jack’s Jungle Juice in Africa. Once again, most recall the box-like structure that exists today, but it too was originally identical to the Icicle and La’Mars. Big Jack’s is named after Jack Steadman, the man behind the idea for Worlds of Fun. The other is one of the more fascinating drink stands (if a drink stand can be fascinating), and that is Pagoda Soda. As of today, Pagoda Soda has had three different structures, starting with its hexagonal structure in 1973 and replaced at some point in the early '90s with the box structure attached to the Aquatic Arena. When Aquatic Arena was bulldozed after the 2003 season, we figured that was the end of Pagoda Soda. Amazingly, at the beginning of the 2004 season, we found out Pagoda Soda wasn’t dead, it was reincarnated across the midway as the Pagoda Soda we know today. 

A view of the Orient in 1979, you can see the old Pagoda Soda in the background on the left.

The first Pagoda Soda, this photo was taken in 1989 for Orient Express 10th birthday party.

The second Pagoda Soda, this one lasted until 2003.

And the current Pagoda Soda.

Another unique name, and one that like so many old food locations was named after a member of the Hunt Midwest family that very recently made a physical move, was Norma’s Funnel Cakes. Norma’s Funnel Cakes, named after Lamar Hunt’s wife Norma Hunt, wasn’t an original 1973 location, but it was added to Baltic Bazaar in 1979. When Baltic Bazaar was finally retired in 2016 to make way for the new gate, I was pleasantly surprised that like Pagoda Soda, Norma’s would live on with name intact. This was especially surprising since so many locations named after a Hunt Midwest family member had already been removed or renamed. Lamar’s became Smoothie Company in 1999, Daniel’s Danish Deli (named after Lamar’s son Daniel) was re-named after 1995 to Just for Kids retail shop, Clark’s Wheelbarrow (also Lamar’s son) was entirely removed with the Americana gate after the 1998 season, Sharron’s Sweet Shop (Lamar’s daughter) lasted until 2001 and became Peppermint Patties, and even Rick’s Cafe in Africa (named after marketing director Rick Rau) was renamed King Tut’s in 2001.  

Daniel's Danish Deli in 1980 and Ambassadors.  You never forget that weird newsprint wallpaper...

Rick's Cafe, located where Auntie Anne's is in Africa today. (next to the floral clock)

Of course, it wasn’t all about soft drinks and funnel cakes. Worlds of Fun also offered a full-service restaurant back in the day, originally known as The Smorbord Cafeteria in Scandinavia, which today is named Chickie & Pete’s. It opened in 1973 and offered appropriately named menu items such as Potatisalad (Swedish Potato Salad), Biff Slottsstek (Beef Pot Roast) and Applentarts (apple pie). I imagine if I had trouble typing that out, it caused even more problems when it came to pronouncing them!  

A writer for the Kansas City Star, on a visit out to Worlds of Fun in 1977, commented on a visit to Smorbord Cafeteria, stating it was $2.99 for each adult and $1.99 for each child, allowing guests an all-you-can-eat-on-one-plate experience, with desserts and drinks extra (minimum wage was $2.30 an hour at the time). His specific opinion? “The food was overpriced, overcooked, and tasted as if it had come from a can.”  (Stein, 1977) 

Below the Smorbord until 1996 was the Ambassador break area (or Ambam), which, thanks to a dumbwaiter, served much of the same food and the restaurant above it! Jeff’s first managerial job at the park was as manager of the Ambam, and he recalls working hand in hand with the park’s chef. He would often order off-the-menu options for park ambassadors, including some rather unusual ICEE flavors. In 1985, Smorbord was switched to a full-service sit-down experience and re-named Inn of the Four Winds. Four Winds would remain until Cedar Fair completed the purchase of the park, and in 1997 was re-named to mimic the Cedar Point favorite “All Stars Grill.” Over the years it made the slow transition to the counter service option that it is today. In 2011. it made its final name change to Chickie and Pete’s.

Smorbord as a buffet in 1978, with ambassadors.  

All Stars Grill in 2000, previously Inn of the Four Winds, previously Smorbord.  Today, Chickie and Pete's.

Baltic Bazaar in the 1990's before the color change in 2000.  Norma's Funnel Cakes is located closest to the viewer.

2019 once again brings several changes to food service options – Cotton Blossom Barbecue, of course, but also several food service locations that are also being relegated to history, as well as one or two names being retired. Vittle Griddle, the park’s main counter service restaurant located in Americana, has been re-named for the first time in its 46-year existence to Gold Rush Pizza. Pizza Pier, first introduced in 1974 along with the entire Americana food court area, has been demolished. While necessary for expansion, and from first impression an overall positive change, it’s fascinating to realize that the Pizza Pier structure that housed probably every possible amusement park gastric delight over the last 46 years (and more name changes than you can shake a stick at) was an original structure to the park that opened with the Show Me Shop, Donut Whole, Fairmont Foods, and Dairy Dock.  

Pizza Pier from about 2003.  

One of the other major changes for 2019 comes to Battle Creek BBQ, which also receives a new name and somewhat new (or more accurately, rebooted) menu offering, Prospector’s Cantina serving a Tex Mex menu. The structure that is Prospectors was built in 1981 as Udder Delights Ice Cream Parlor. Many guests, including myself, remember stepping into Udder Delights, which to my memory was always massively crowded, and the first thing I recall was the vibrant tin ceilings which remain to this day. The other fascinating aspect of Udder Delights was that prior to its construction, Front Street was a breezeway and offered a direct walkway straight through to the Union Depot. In 1995, Udder Delights made its first transformation into, believe it or not, a Tex Mex restaurant that served freshly made tortillas (anyone remember the tortilla maker?) and named Blue Bronco. In 2005 it changed again to Zarda BBQ, with its final change coming in 2009 to Battle Creek BBQ. With Cotton Blossom BBQ now taking over the sweet hickory aroma, this two-story restaurant proves that what is old will eventually become new again.

You can plainly see the old breeze-thru where Peppermint Patties is today.  This walkway was closed up in 1981 when Udder Delights was added as well as a second ambassador break area, Ambam West.  The Ambam was removed sometime in the late '90s and you can now once again pass through from Front Street to the Depot.

The first thought I had when I considered doing a blog about food service restaurants was, “Who in their right mind would find this interesting?” But then I had a conversation with a friend of mine about Udder Delights and all my memories of it, and I recalled asking the Icicle Ambassador if they remember the old gondola ride, or how I would buy a sandwich for lunch from Daniel’s Danish Deli, or eat lunch in the old Ambam below Inn of the Four Winds. And I realized something very important – there is nothing that is really “unimportant” when it comes to memories, and sometimes it is the tiny details that really do matter.

Blue Bronco from 1995, I believe the patio area was added with the change from ice cream parlor to a restaurant.

References

Stein, S. (1977,  April 28), At Worlds of Fun, Dizzy is Chic, Stomach Weak, Food… Unique. The Kansas City Star, p. 5.

Special Thanks to Heith Carnahan for volunteering to proofread this story.