Second Weekend Review
Usually, I do an opening day review, but since this year it was really up in the air on whether we could afford to fly back prior to our big international trip in May it was a very last minute decision. So forgive me if my opening day review has become this year a second-weekend review! We ended up visiting the park on all three days of the weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday (though our original plan was only Friday and Saturday), so this will cover some of the updates for 2019 season on all three days.
New Back Lot Planter
We parked in the front lots (D) on the first day, and back lots (H) on Saturday and Sunday, so we had the experience from both sides. Landscaping was absolutely beautiful from both directions, though some areas were still in the process of being planted, such as the new planter by lot B that was just dirt at the time. However, there are new apple trees that have been planted between the fence and administration building, new lily turf annuals have been added to the walkway and the existing trees were also in full bloom. From the back lots, the old 80’s style planters have been removed and a new landscaping brick planter/bench combination has been added in its place, which really updates the area.
Landscaping from C & D Lots.
The bathrooms, specifically the one between the front lots and the gate really needs a lot of work. I know they were updated only a few years ago, but it appears they have received a lot of abuse in that short span of time. I found a few dryers and sinks that didn’t work at all. (oh how I miss sinks you could turn on and paper towel holders… but that’s everywhere)
Easter Decor!
Once in the park, the first thing we saw was the new Easter decorations, the Easter Bunny was there off and on to meet guests, and the gigantic eggs were back again this year along with some oversized peeps that look like they may have been reused from Haunt. (or maybe they were made for easter and just used for haunt). Very cute no matter what.
On Friday I had accidentally left my season pass in my hoodie that I didn’t wear on Saturday, I realized this after we had gotten to the park on Saturday and that hoodie was 20 mins away at home! I thought my only option would be to pay to replace my season pass card (this wasn’t my first experience losing/forgetting my season pass…). Thankfully at Guest Relations, they printed off a temporary pass for no cost, which was a huge help…. We also decided on Saturday to buy the all-day dining pass, which is $29.99 per person and doesn’t include drinks so we also bought the refillable mug for $11.99 which gives you free refills on the day you buy it and $1 refills the rest of the season. As you might imagine then food will play a pretty big part in this review. While waiting in line I also noticed boxes of small pins sitting behind guest relations. I then noticed over the next few days that employees were wearing themed pins to the various sections they worked in, the girl at Autobahn wore a Europa pin, at Prowler an Africa one, and I especially loved the “Le Taxi Tour Student Driver” stickers. Neat little detail.
Week Two
Week Three (photo by Brad Green)
We headed towards the Orient to start checking out the new updates for 2019 and noticed lots of new Japanese Maples have been planted along the back of Rickshaw Richards. Also as you head into the Orient, the SO bridge looks like it’s been “invaded” by the Orient (its an inside joke between Jeff and me that different “worlds” like to invade and conquer new territory). Though it wasn’t completed when we were there, it has been at least partially completed as of the third weekend which is when you are reading this. The Orient was previously home to a much smaller Torii gate on the Orient/Americana boundary, that was removed after the 1998 season. The new Torii gate is very similar, if much larger and built to accommodate trucks that will be passing over the bridge during off hours, which was the problem with the original.
New grass!
Another minor landscaping change in The Orient was the change from mulch around the Spinning Dragons fountain, to grass. It is a relatively minor change but looks much more polished. Rickshaw Richards also had some new merchandise like many of the retail locations around the park and now features a variety of pop culture merchandise from Harry Potter to Mario Bros.
Cotton Blossom BBQ across the walkway from where Cotton Blossom originally was.
Right on the boundary of The Orient and Americana sections, Ripcord lake offers, and this is rather an odd deja vu moment for those that recall the similar view of the original Cotton Blossom, a great view of the new Cotton Blossom BBQ. Personally, when I first read about the announcement for the change from BoatHouse Grill to Cotton Blossom BBQ I wasn’t sure what to think of the name. I was honestly a little worried that it would be simply plastering a historic attraction name to a new cookie cutter restaurant. I am very happy to be very wrong. The signage is an almost perfect duplication of the original smokestacks and signage from the original Cotton Blossom. There are also numerous small touches to the original Cotton Blossom throughout the restaurant, the photos of course, but also the red, white and blue bunting so similar to what was on the Cotton Blossom, as well as the Dixieland music that plays around the restaurant itself. On Saturday, in an attempt to get our money’s worth out of the dining plan (you can eat every 90 mins), we ate there twice. Both Jeff and I had the chicken the first time with Mac and cheese, and on the second visit I had the chicken fingers and Jeff had the brisket with Brussel sprouts. The chicken was an absolute stand out, but everything was very good. I wasn’t a fan of the Brussel sprouts but that's probably explained by my aversion to anything green and healthy. Though the pickles were great, are pickles healthy?!
There has been a lot of discussion about seating. There is a fair amount of seating on both sides of the restaurant, and quite a bit of exterior table seating. There are both heaters and fans for different temperature extremes, and the eating areas have great views of either Patriot of Steelhawk. I do share some concern over the amount of seating if there really is enough for larger crowded days.
Another concern I had when the photos were posted by the park and it became obvious that Pizza Pier and surrounding food areas were demolished. After all, they were original structures. This was another pleasant surprise! I really like how the new placement of Cotton Blossom BBQ really opens up the entire area and gives it a new fresh appearance. Landscaping is beautiful, and several new trees were planted in the new areas while it appears as many mature trees as possible were left from the original design of the area.
A panoramic photo I took, while Steelhawk was running (hence the bizarre twist), that shows the overall layout with the new Cotton Blossom BBQ.
Jeff went to go ride Patriot after we made it thus far, I took some time to take some photos around the area. (For some reason looping coasters have started to really bother me in the last few years). Jeff noticed Patriot was running considerably smoother than in previous years and it was apparent that both of Patriot's trains have received more than standard TLC during the last offseason.
Our next ride was Timber Wolf since it has been re-tracked just slightly from the end of the new helix to the last 180-degree turn. While smooth, excepting for about the last 20% of the ride, I did find my ride somewhat dull, though admittedly it was early in the day, with the only significant airtime on the bump right after the new turn. I’ve heard from others it was running far better later on in the day and on Saturday, and I meant to come back and ride it again but never did. Like the end of last year, all of the old Bicentennial Square is closed off, so Timber Wolf now exits over by Planet Snoopy, and a new entrance to Planet Snoopy has been added down by Linus Launcher and the Snoopy Junction train ride.
Cylone Sams video shot by a friend of mine (the phone/camera was sat on the loose articles box), last weekend.
Wolf and Patriot weren’t alone in the rides getting updates over the offseason, in fact, MANY rides have received updates. Including the 24-year-old Cyclone Sams. It’s been quite a few years since I dared ride Sams so on Saturday night a friend of mine rode it and reported back. I did notice that the old pre-ride video is playing with the FunTV loop in the queue line area. His report back did mention the fog machine that others had mentioned, as well as the addition of a tornado siren at the beginning of the ride, but that there were more lights and it wasn’t as dark inside the ride as it had previously been. Also, he noticed the old screen effect on the ceiling has been removed too. However, it's great to see any old ride being updated, especially one that thrives as much on effects as it does on the basic ride experience.
Cyclone Sam himself telling us all about his Cloudpoofer 2000 contraption.
Another big change to food service options involves the previously named Vittle Griddle and Battlecreek BBQ (or as I always call it Blue Bronco). With the removal of Pizza Pier and addition of Cotton Blossom BBQ, food offerings had to be moved around a bit. It was sad to see Vittle Griddle renamed since it had held that name since the park opened in 1973, it has been renamed to Goldrush Pizza (at least appropriately thematically named), I am not a huge fan of the new sign either. Battle Creek BBQ has also been renamed and received a new menu, to Prospectors Burritos and Cantina, which now serves a menu somewhat similar to Chipotle, with build your own burritos and bowls. The building itself has also received a few updates, as well as new decking on the outside deck.
Using the all-day dining plan we also stopped to try both places out, I had the steak burrito from Prospectors which was … ok. The tortilla itself was very tough the inside filling was actually very good. Jeff had the new gold standard pizza, which is pizza with macaroni and cheese and French fries on top. Jeff liked it but said the French fries were a bit much, he ended up picking them off and eating them separately.
When the 2019 map came out a few days before opening one of the major changes noted was that Americana had been subdivided into two separate themed sections, with the “new” area named “Wild West”. This seems to have been well received, including by us for the simple fact that the Wild West area has always had a very separate theme then the more Victorian Front Street area has had. Making the name change more “re-naming something” that has always been that way anyway. We also loved seeing the new signage which was around the park identifying the different themed areas.
In Planet Snoopy there were a few minor changes. Peanut’s Playhouse is in the process of transforming to Pig Pen’s Petting Zoo. The Rockin’ Tug was down as we passed by but I am pretty sure all the other family/kids rides were in operation which compares well to some other parks, I won’t mention any names…. It also appears the Family Care Center (old Launchpad gifts) now has a safe sensory space for kids on the spectrum. Nice touch.
Next up is Europa, which believe it or not, has quite a bit for me to talk about. First, it like many of the other themed sections received new themed signs defining the themed area, with real bricks at both the entrance from Americana and after that long hill (which seems to be getting bigger as I get older), from Africa. Second, the old pizza place, Paisano’s is no more, it is now “Let Them Eat Cake” and it seems to focus primarily on funnel cakes. When it's open, which like Paisanos doesn’t seem all that often. In the three days we were there it was open once on Saturday. Falcon’s Flight also had its ups and downs though it was however more often open when we passed by... It also appears to have received more new lights, as the eyes on each Condor blink different colors, it looks great at night! I ended up riding Taxis and Autobahn during the weekend, Taxi’s had about a 45-minute wait, probably due to the fact that it was running only about 4-5 total cars. (?). I did notice while I was in line that I could not only see the Worlds of Fun Balloon on WOF Ave but actually see cars traveling down it. That is probably because a) its early spring and the trees are a bit behind on leaf quantities, and b) a lot of the trees have really been thinned out, which for overall appearances is actually a good thing. I also rode Autobahn which was running 10 cars, but they seemed to be running well, I got quite a few skidding turns which was awesome and reminded me of riding it when both it and I had quite a few fewer bumps and dings.
Deja Vu surprisingly enough was open Saturday and Sunday when we visited. For the past few years, it has been home to retro park merchandise, Zambezi Zinger, Orient Express, etc. With those items having found their way to Front Street Emporium, Deja Vu is now home to a new line of retro merchandise, retro toys including Lincoln Logs, and Lite Brites. It's pretty awesome actually. If I hadn’t had to worry about Spirit airlines checked bag fees that lite brite would have gone home with me. One comment and I get the name Deja Vu still fits, but you know with this kind of merchandise it could actually fit its original name, La Petite Toy Shoppe.
Jeff couldn't help playing with the toy coasters for sale at Deja Vu.
Going down the hill to Africa is the second year of the return of the floral clock. This year it's featuring a sun rays design which I really liked, and I am guessing the shrubbery words will return once the Missouri weather regulates like last year.
Second Week...
Third Week...
So like always there is the ten-ton elephant in the room, and when I was up at Guest Services on Saturday morning figuring out my pass and buying the all-day dining pass I noticed the two closed rides on their wipe board, WoF Railroad and Fury of the Nile. I will talk about the Nile in a minute. However, I learned from a brief discussion with another guest Saturday night that there is some confusion about ELI and the Worlds of Fun Railroad. As we all know ELI is temporarily “on vacation” off property probably for the first time since 1973. However, rest assured ELI will be back. The confusing part is that another guest I spoke with thought ELI was powered by propane, and seemed confused when I mentioned its boiler was being replaced. ELI DOES use Propane but it is not powered by Propane. instead, like the 19th and early 20th-century steam trains ELI uses Propane (instead of coal or wood), to heat the firebox, boil the water in the boiler, create steam, and that steam is literally the ONLY thing creating forward (and sometimes reverse) motion. If it makes it easier thinking of ELI as a gigantic 25-ton tea kettle, that’s actually fairly accurate. And yes folks rest easy, ELI will be back and better than before.
Nile on Friday.... This is how Nile stores water when the ride is not operating. it was then and still is now the only rapids ride designed to store water in its own trough (all others store them in a seperate pond). This feature was designed by Burnes & McDonnell.
The awesome new Tunnel decor.
The other attraction listed as “closed” was Fury of the Nile. On opening day it was reported that the trough was dry, on Friday it was full of water, and on Saturday… it was OPEN! I had heard it had received several updates to the tunnel and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved the Nile as a kid, it was my first “thrill ride” and there for many years, I rode it each and every time I went to the park which in 1994 was quite a few times! I remember the tunnel was always dark and foreboding, unlike the last few years when it has just become rather dull. It isn’t anymore, the park added a soundtrack, light effects, and fog. I definitely recommend riding at night when the effects are much more pronounced. The waterfall and geysers were not on, which was probably a good thing (it was in the 70s when I rode it). The only concern I have is the same concern as on other rides, the Nile was running 8 total boats, probably because it only had one person on the turntable doing load and unload, meaning I waited about 45 minutes to ride.
I got vetoed on my vote to ride Mamba (I KNOW!), but those with me agreed to ride Prowler instead. Prowler like all the roller coasters at the park was running BOTH trains which was awesome to see. The wait was short, and we rode in the second car. It was an enjoyable ride, lots of airtime, the only roughness I noticed was the turn at the far end, which did jackhammer you a bit. Otherwise, and I know Prowler of recent times has been having almost a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality when it comes to rider experiences, I had a great experience. Gorilla Grill was open also surprisingly on Saturday and Sunday, (I still call it Congo Clearing), we didn’t eat there but both Jeff and I noted that it still had its plexiglass coverings up from Winterfest, I don’t know if this is permanent or if it just left over from Winterfest (there were a few very minor items still up from Winterfest around the park).
Africa also had two “welcome to Africa” identifying signage both at the Scandi/Africa border and the Europa/Africa border that was awesome. Not big or expensive, but a nice atmosphere. I also noted that though some of the music had been changed it was still all appropriately themed, very nice.
I might add… I also noticed the Prowler operators wearing both the small “Africa” buttons but also “Prowler First Ride” stickers. Not realizing that they were first-ride stickers I asked where they got them from, and both employees (ambassadors… man I have gotten really out of practice on calling them that). Offered both myself and friend one. Definitely NOT my first ride on Prowler, but still awesome to have.
It was great to see Zulu In operation while there, especially since so many parks are removing their Huss Enterprise rides, its missing its ride sign, but since it's been there 40 years… I think we all know its the Zulu. One thing I also noticed by Zulu is actually right across from it, Big Jacks (which thankfully is STILL Big Jacks) on Friday the small patch of land next to it was barren, by Saturday there were palms there. I love that, literally, you visit one day, and then the next and there are already positive changes.
Moving into Scandinavia, I am happy to report that all rides operated in that section on all three days we visited and at no time when we were there were any of them down. In fact, I think of all the rides the only ones I ever saw down at any time were the Nile, WOFRR and Falcon’s Flight. (it's a Condor…. There is a reason they are rare). Since in the past I have absolutely crucified the park for having so many rides down weeks, if not months into the season… I have to applaud the park on getting almost everything operational, even water rides that most parks don’t open until summer, (Nile, Voyager), AND at least in the case of coasters, operating TWO trains.
So as mentioned Scrambler was operating as was Voyager, Scrambler received new cars for its 46th season, and they are in the traditional Scrambler stainless steel which I love, and you really don’t see much anymore. Nordic Chaser was running relatively line-less, but one thing I noticed is that the boat in the center is really getting beat up for only one-year-old. It couldn’t be because of the severe winter…. hmmm.
Nordic Nook/Chicken Shack, whatever flavor of the month name the restaurant by Sea Dragon has had, is completely shuttered, when I originally read about the new candy shop, Scandi Sweets I thought it was going here. Now it just looks rather sad. I am guessing it will be gone before too long. Scandi Sweets instead is going where the old Lift/Christmas Shop/Norseman’s Niceties was, its also shuttered but with signs announcing the new shop coming in May. One thing that is missing is the old hanging sign, which has been looking really bad the last few years since kids have been playing with it (which is one part annoying and one part sad). Not surprised its gone.
Back to International Plaza, the park is adding a new sound/light booth across from the stage. Most likely for the coming Grand Carnivale, but probably a great addition for the various International Plaza shows too. We walked out the park Saturday night around 10 pm (heard the closing spiel twice, once on the Nile and once when we walked by Scrambler) and all was quiet. In fact so much so that the only thing I really noticed was that the closing spiel had changed, just slightly. It now offers more of a nod to the world theming by calling guests “world travelers” and park tickets are once again “passports” it and also re-introduced the use of calling park employees “Ambassadors” which made me EXTREMELY happy. Even more so when I saw on the official website that employees are officially being recognized as Ambassadors even on job listings. I still remember as an Ambassador myself both reading in the old employee manual that read something like (and I am paraphrasing) “employees are called hosts or hostesses at all parks except at Worlds of Fun were they are referred to as “Ambassadors”, and two I also very vividly remember my dad asking me back about fifteen years ago if employees at Worlds of Fun were still called Ambassadors, himself having been an ambassador in 1973, and I responded at the time to the affirmative. It literally broke my heart when they changed it to Associate. So it might be completely pointless to Cedar Fair executives, and rather ridiculous to some to care what an employee is called… but for its part of the whole experience and though it may be just a small rather insignificant change… I am thrilled.
Dad… yes, they are STILL Ambassadors :)
Jeff pointed out that WOF finally has the drive drums on Nile running correctly... first time in many many years. They are supposed to run in opposite directions to help avoid boat wedges.
So overall… we had a great time. We paid for both the day dining plan and the drink mugs and found them both to be great deals. Definitely buy the dining package EARLY though because its a lot of food, and you have to eat at least twice to get the value out of it. I like to say that not only did we have so much fun we came back for an unheard of the third day in a row, (for us), Jeff actually used the word “amazing” in reference to Worlds of Fun not just once but TWICE, and last… Jeff actually was disappointed that he did not get to ride Fury of the Nile. (I honestly cannot recall one time that he has ridden it with me in the past 20+ years) Which he only decided to tell me after the fact. So I guess we have a reason to come back. As if I really need a reason. See you at the park!
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