Rookie Racer (SFSTL)

 

Since our last visit, footers have started to appear

This is where the station (the box) and the turn out of the station will be located

Here’s the foundation for the station being formed.

Still several footers that need to go in here as there’s a helix in this area of the layout 

One thing that we noticed is that the train tracks go right through these footers and that there’s not much clearance

These footers are still being formed. 

Yeah really going to be interesting what happens with the train tracks in that section

Zooming out you can get a pretty good view of most of the site

Some of the track has been moved around.  Not sure if this means they are organizing to get it ready for installation eventually

Some of the “train clearance” footers

Looking back at that hill, they’re going to have to put in some type of retaining wall still and there’s no supplies on site to even begin that process

I’m not convinced this won’t get pushed to a 2024 opening at this point.  

Park Update (SFSTL / HHSTL)

 

It is summer and Thunder River is finally open for business

So close to being ready ... 😂

The new Coca-Cola Gaming Lounge has gone in the unused former pizza restaurant between Boomerang and Catwoman

Now I am not a gamer myself, so I am not overly sure of the demand for gaming in an amusement park.  Hopefully it is successful for whatever reason this exists

Inside the main gate restrooms are still not done, but they do have a fence now

The restrooms outside the main gate are now open

The restroom has been completely redone with modern decor, a new sink style and setup 

(Restroom was completely empty other than myself when photo was taken)

So this is a thing if you are interested

This apparently is taking the place of the drop floor slides. I hope the demand for double decker cabanas is high to warrant a decrease in capacity for the water park

Zambezi Zinger - NOW OPEN (WOF)

 

Zambezi Zinger is NOW OPEN at Worlds of Fun

Entrance to the ride

The travel posters make reference to the 3 sub-sections of the Africa section of the park

Office in the queue line

Lots of Easter eggs on the bulletin board

themed crates in the queue area

Extended queue area

Seriously the nicest queue that WOF has ever built

The queue takes you on three sides of the spiral lift

The load building for the ride.  You exit on this side and load on the far side

The safari jeep themed train for Zambezi Zinger

Heading into the spiral lift

Round and Round it goes

Almost to the top

Plunging down the first drop

The first turn around

Running back towards the lift

Swooping curve around the lift structure

Getting ready to vault over the railroad tracks into the back section

The back section is absolutely nuts with quick directional changes while staying extremely low to the ground.  Fun things to look out for are three animals.  You can see the zebra here.  There is a rhino in the far curve

and finally there is a lion over by the fence.  These three animals came to the park from Kings Dominion

Zambezi Zinger is a great addition to the park, but don't be fooled by the name - this is definitely not a mild ride like the old Zinger.  It is also not that smooth in the back section, that was kind of a surprise.  Looking forward to some night rides as I am sure it will be nuts

World Update (WOF)

 

Work continues on the signature balloon at the entrance to the parking lots

A brand new 50th logo marquee has arrived just inside the front gate

More directional sign posts are appearing around the park

The section of Front Street that held the tavern last season is not being used this season

New sign for the Caricatures shop at Front Street

Palm trees were added to the Mamba plaza and they look amazing

More details are being added to the Morocco games area such as lights and awnings

Yes Falcon's Flight is still standing. 

The train now runs every 30 minutes

Love how festive it looks on this bridge with all of the decorations

That's all for this visit