"It’s opening day again, what’s going to disappoint me this
year" That was my honest thought going into yesterday afternoon. I already knew
two rides for sure were not going to be in operation that day, Scrambler and
Timber Wolf, and I knew that was NEVER a good start. I have to say though, I was pleasantly
surprised and I am optimistic. In
writing opening day reviews, and attending opening days there have been years
where you could throw a rock down the midway and not hit anyone. Opening day's have also marked the beginning of
the Worlds of Fun Music Festival and the choir group members have often been the only
guests in the park! That was certainly
NOT true yesterday. While I would never
call yesterday a crowd, it was certainly significantly busy, and a good showing
for opening day. I also always pay
attention to the guests and their overall demeanor and generally everyone seemed
happy and having a good time, which is also a good sign.
So, let’s get to the review. We arrived around 2:30-3:00 pm
since both Jeff and I had ran the Rock the Parkway half marathon earlier that
morning. The first thing I noticed
was all the cars in the parking lot and the scrambler cars there too (sad
face). There was quite a substantial
line at one of the ticket booths, but we soon found out it was for season pass
processing, and all the other ticket booths appeared to be open as well with short lines. I always hate to see long lines when they are avoidable so I was happy about this. As we entered the park I noticed the sign
that displays the rides down for the day, and noticed in addition to Scrambler and Timber Wolf, Bamboozler and Boomerang were showing down as well. "Great, more rides down" you know me, always the eternal optimist. As we entered the park though I noticed how
busy it was, it felt like a normal summer day, certainly not opening day, my
parking pass worked, my season pass worked, cash registered were working, so
far so good. The grass is green; the sky is blue, happy thoughts. I did like
that the first thing I heard when I walked into the park was the carousel band
organ and not the modern pop music I have been hearing in Scandinavia
recently.
SO where to go, Orient or Scandinavia? I decided to check out Scandinavia first;
specifically Viking Voyager since I knew it had received some work over the off-season
and wanted to see if the updates had made any noticable difference. For those that missed my off season review
(how dare you?!) know that the Voyager splash down moat and lake had been
either patched or replaced, as well as the filtration system for Voyager had
been fixed. I did not realize that the
filtration system hadn’t been working, but after Jeff piped up and stated he
was thinking it hadn’t worked since the 1980’s I was surprised. I was even more surprised after seeing the
effects. WOW. Even if you don’t ride Voyager go take a
look, it looks pretty! No
flooding water out of the lake, no broken concrete, and the water is incredibly
clear. Even with the blue dye you can
see the bottom of the lake and the trough. I mean who knew?!
Worlds of Fun also added some theming to the ride, and I
have to say and I never thought I would ever say this… it's almost
overkill. Almost. I really like the new signage. (either that or I am not used to NEW theming). If this is starting a trend towards theming I am ALL FOR IT.
Probably the highlight of Voyager though has nothing to do
with the ride, or signage but instead the most important part of any park, it’s
employees. There are those that complain
about slow loading, stacked trains (the 2nd train on a coaster having to park
behind the 1st still in the station), etc. on opening days. Though I am often critical of these things
later in the season, and I firmly believe capacity is an important component of
a positive guest experience, I also believe in giving employees the benefit of
the doubt on opening day. This is
opening day, and though employees receive a great deal of training, NOTHING can
train someone for a multitude of guests streaming in, except the real
thing. So instead of being critical, I
will give a compliment. At one point
while watching Voyager operate, it stopped dispatching boats, and boats began
to back up behind the unload position. I
believe this was as they were trying to open up the second load/unload side of the
trough. The unload employee instead of following standard procedure, sent a
loaded boat up to the load position to unload the guests on board. He thought outside the box, and relieved the
line of backed up boats, which could have possibly caused a larger
problem. Great job, great critical
thinking displayed, especially on opening day.
The new Coke refresh station, and new signage in Scandinavia.
We made our way towards lower Scandinavia, the new Coke
Refresh station was not open, but looked like it was being finished up, and
looked nice. Also for those that
remember the Halloween Haunt signage, one of which is in near Finnish Fling,
has been changed out for the regular season to general park information
signage. There are four located
throughout the park that I noticed, which provide information on current
location, which major attractions are in which section of the park as well as the park's upcoming events schedule. Funny enough the label for the signage is
“Around the World in One Day”, which I am guessing the park has picked up as a slogan for
this 43rd season, and is appropriate considering the park is themed
after “Around the World in 80 Days”. My
favorite part, for me at least, is that the sign is appropriately themed to
it’s world location.
I also noticed Chicken Shack was open, and found most
counter service locations, except for Paisano’s in Europa open for guests,
which is a good sign, especially due how busy the park was that day.
The motor is in for Scrambler in Scandinavia, and the Octopus/Scrambler station with the Octopus sign still up.
Across from Chicken Patio was the old station for Octopus,
which will once again become the new/old home for the Scrambler, as Scrambler
started out in that location when the park opened in 1973. As a huge fan of Scrambler (it's one of the
first rides I rode at Worlds of Fun as a child and its one of the few that I
rode then that is still there), I am thrilled it is moving back to its rightful home
in Scandinavia. I really do like the new
colors they are painting the station, as they are more the warmer, earth tones
that the park was originally painted in.
The only comment I could make was I do wish they had removed the Octopus
sign, as it is more of a reminder that that ride is not there. I know of a good home for it… just saying.
Moving into Africa, I noticed the large signage on Big Game
Hunt from Snoopy’s Hot Summer Lights, in other parts of the park it appears
that the lights and signage is being removed.
Hot Summer Lights was wonderful when it debuted, but I think it has run
its course, and really should be removed.
New concrete pad at Congo Clearing/Gorilla Grill, as well as new tables.
We headed over to Prowler, and found it had a significant
line, it was also running two trains which was a good sign. Gorilla Grill was also open, and the new
patio and tables looked nice after being completely replaced during the off-season.
As we had noted on entering the park Boomerang was down for
the day. We had been told during the
off-season tour that it was receiving a new control system, which it had needed
for a few years, I am taking an educated guess but I a betting this was part of
the reason it was down.
Map case with the new map concept, this one was in Scandinavia.
Africa, near Moroccan Merchant, is host to a second of the
new park directional signs, and since we are talking about signs, I thought I
would bring up the map cases. The map
cases are all, (except the one by Nile) original to the park, and have always
been home to a larger, park map. This
year, while I love the creativity that went into designing the map case map, I,
and several others I spoke with dislike the fact that the map is only of the
section of the park the map case is located in.
What happens if someone is in Africa and wants to know how to get to
Patriot?
So moving onto Nile, it appeared to have a few updates that
may not be entirely noticeable but important.
Number one, the drive drums were both working and working the RIGHT
way. About half way through last year
one stopped working and never worked the rest of the season. Drive drums are located at the base of the boatlift,
and are used to prevent wedging of boats. In order to work properly drive drums have to spin separate
directions, one pushing a boat in, one pushing a boat out. For years, they have both been spinning inwards, so for the first time in awhile they are spinning the correct direction. So, a good sign. Thank you maintenance! Nile also appears to have a sound track for
the tunnel too, which is a nice addition.
Nile still needs work though, only three of the original eight geysers
were working (four in each lake), would love to see more!
Drink stand by Mamba with new thatching.
Moving on, Mamba was also running two trains, and also had
quite a bit of a line. We loved seeing
the drink stand up in mamba plaza with new thatching added to the roof. This would be a great way to fix the
Boomerang station too.
Next since we were up by Mamba we decided to head down Forum
Road/Heart of America Blvd towards Americana, and headed towards Planet
Snoopy. We wanted to stop and take a
look at the push motor that Cosmic Coaster had installed at the end of last
season. For those that don’t know since
it opened in 1993 operators have had to physically push the train out of the
station. Now with the push motor, operators no longer have to strain their back, guests may not
notice, but I can guarantee ride operators will!
"As Scheduled?"
We next headed over to Timber Wolf. First I know there is a lot of discussion
both online at and the park about Timber Wolf.
I saw some of it first hand in the park. I am not in the slightest bit
upset that Timber Wolf was closed on opening day. I can’t say why, but from what I have heard, it’s
for good reason. What I am disappointed
in is how it was handled by the park. I wish they would have advised their patrons on the fact ahead of time. Sincerely, I am of two minds on that, and I am sure they were too. If they say something, they attract bad PR, if they don't then their fans are upset. I completely get that, still I stand behind what I have said.
Thunder hawk no longer the world's largest lawn ornament. On the right are some "fake" skeeball machines, the look like they would be, but are not.
I have to say what surprised me the most though was not far
from Timber Wolf. It was the ride I have
nicknamed, the world’s largest lawn ornament in previous years. Did not apply to today, because Thunderhawk
was open! HAPPY DANCE! I honestly can’t remember an
opening day Thunderhawk has been open, so this is a good sign. We next decided to check out the old arcade,
Uncle Sam’s Skeeball Hall/Snoopy’s Arcade.
As most know this arcade has changed very little in the last almost
forty years. This year though, it
finally has no Skeeball games. Not a
single one. Very sad for me as I love
skeeball, so much I HAVE a skeeball machine in my garage. Last year we were told only three of the
about a dozen machines worked, now they have all been removed. A moment of silence…
New barrels to replace the one's that have been falling apart. New asphalt in Americana.
On a more positive note, more asphalt has been replaced in
the park. From the Europa/American bridge trestle, up
to Game Street USA and back towards Viddle Griddle all has been completely
replaced. It looks nice, and this
section really needed it. Theming wise
there were also a few old barrels that have been completely replaced as
well. Small detail, but nice to see.
Moving into the old main entrance square, its of worth to
mention the new in-park Guest relations now located in the Brims and Bonnets/Charlie's Caps store location. It is also sporting a new
version of the park logo. "Worlds of Fun" in the new Impact font (which I still
dislike) with the old-style balloon.
Ugh, if I have to deal with the Impact font I guess the balloon makes it
better… a little. I DO like the new
Guest Relations, they can do anything Guest Relations at the park gate can do,
and it’s a convenient centralized location. I have been told that later in the season Guest Relations will offer cell phone charging services as well.
This is a great point to discuss the new “Park Ambassador” position that Worlds of Fun has created this season. Park Ambassadors man this new Guest Relations location but they also are found wandering the park, they can answer questions, celebrate a birthday or anniversary with a special pin, and in general help guests. Great job.
This is a great point to discuss the new “Park Ambassador” position that Worlds of Fun has created this season. Park Ambassadors man this new Guest Relations location but they also are found wandering the park, they can answer questions, celebrate a birthday or anniversary with a special pin, and in general help guests. Great job.
Missing a few trees in Europa.
At this point we decided to head back to Europa. Europa this year has received a lot of
updates, mostly good, one sad one. First
the bad news. All the middle island
trees near Autobahn are gone. I am sure
the reasoning was to open up the midway a bit, in my drug-tripping, completely
irrational, moments I can dream that this is because they are planning on
adding a new ride to Europa (something that hasn’t happened since 1979!). To tell the total truth a lot of these trees
were damaged in a storm two years ago, and probably also by having hundreds of
lights stapled to them didn’t help either.
Jeff did remind me though and it’s a good point to all of my tree-loving
readers that Worlds of Fun didn’t open with a forest of almost fifty year old
trees, and that some removal to thin out the existing trees is to be
expected. Okay, fine.
Moving onto the good news.
Europa’s own Autobahn, neglected and unloved, has finally received some
love. It looks fabulous. New paint, new LED lights (they probably
didn’t think I would notice?), new shingles, and 12 WHOLE OPERATING cars! I almost had a coronary. Ok now in my dreams I would wish they would
open up the rest of the floor that has been now closed in, but I guess I can be
happy anyway.
Deja Vu with a new paint job and signage.
Of course the other update to Europa was the also long
neglected Déjà vu. Déjà vu’ first
received a new paint job, and like the “new” scrambler station it is also warm,
and earth tone retro. The inside of the shop of course is what everyone wants
me to talk about. It’s retro too, as in
Zambezi Zinger, Orient Express, “old” balloon logo retro. There are some I am sure that are thinking…
wasn’t this the company that took all these rides out? Why are they now trying
to make money on their “mistakes”. To
them I say, Worlds of Fun isn’t just one person making decisions. Déjà vu is one or two determined retail
folks, standing up and saying “this is our history, and we need to care about
it”. Good for you, and I applaud that
there is a small contingency at the park, actually employed there, that really
does care to remember. YEAH I am not alone in my craziness.
Zambezi Zinger shirt.
Still… and you have to know this was coming, I really wish
this hadn’t been a surprise. For example,
the balloon logo isn’t really retro, for me at least. There was the balloon logo with the “Worlds
of Fun” across the front of the balloon that was used from 1973 until
1997. then there was the Cedar Fair
balloon logo, were the “Worlds” was stacked on top of “of Fun” that was used
from 1997, until 2001. (when Snoopy came home, and they added the dog
dish). Me personally I see that logo and
I think… Zambezi Zinger, dolphin show, main gate, all gone that year. That’s when I started my first website that
would become worldsoffun.org, for all those reasons and more, in 1997. I also do like a few of the Zinger/Express
shirts, but overall they look retro, in that they are meant to look like a new
take on the old logo, instead of simply being the old logo. I would have preferred a shirt that looked
like a shirt that I could have bought in the 1980’s. Still, overall I admire the tenacity, and
give kudos to the concept, and will admit to wanting to buy at least a few
things… when I have money to do so. Ugh
the cost of gold passes…
Wow, two paragraphs on a SHOP, but one last thing before I
go on. Déjà vu is home to a nice model of the Zambezi Zinger, produced by a
friend of mine, Randal Strong-Wallace.
Its great, but I have my concerns as far as how long it will stay in
pristine shape. People were already
leaning on the wobbly plexi-glass, and trying to touch the thing, and this was
opening day.
Randal is in the process of opening a museum in Independence for his model roller coasters, check out his website for more information or to donate: http://www.rollercoastermodelmuseum.com
Not mentioned a bit, but something I at least want to tackle
is Moulin Rouge. No Moulin Rouge show
again. Until 2013, there was a Moulin
Rouge show that opened on opening day. Last
year I gave the park a pass with the renovation, this year… unless they are secretly
renovating the inside of Moulin Rouge, which if they are I promise to eat crow
happily, I am not amused. Not at
all. What would have happened if opening
day instead of being in the 70’s would have been in the 40’s? Yes, fewer
people, but I can guarantee there would have been someone complaining about no
shows… INSIDE.
That’s all I will say about that.
Bamboozler in pieces.
So our last section is the Orient. Not a whole lot going on there. Bamboozler was sitting unassembled (mostly)
in pieces, not super thrilled about that, but if I think about it, who really
comes to Worlds of Fun to ride Bamboozler?
I am sure it has its fans, but its not a huge loss. The bathrooms in the orient appear to be
boasting a new coat of green paint, and they look nice. Rickshaw Richards also has a new sign I
noticed, but again not a whole lot going on there. Remarking on the map case again, it was kind
of funny with the Orient considering just how small a section it is, how it
appeared all by itself on the map. Really
think this should be the entire park again.
Rickshaw Richard's new sign.
As we headed out about 8:30 that evening I noticed one other
small detail. The yogurt shop in
Scandinavia, its not the lemonade store anymore, it’s the “Yodeling Yogurt
Factory”, and the graphics are rather reminiscent of the old Worlds of Fun
Scandinavian motif. It’s also rather
adorable, in a small world kind of way (in a good Small World kind of way, not
a creepy, freakish, Brent Barr Small World kind of way)
So there you have it, six pages, but you have to give it to
me there was a lot to talk about. From
the off-season trip I really didn’t think that this day would have gone so
well, call me pessimistic. Yes, there
were a few rides down, that’s never a good thing, but its amazing how easy it
is to overlook things like that when there are not a million other negatives to
remind us, and other guests of them too.
Basically if guests are having a good time they are going to overlook a
lot more negatives than if they are having a bad time. Overall, a good start to Worlds of Fun’s 43rd
season. See you at the park!
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