Cotton Blossom BBQ - New for 2019 (WOF)

August 16, 2018

Worlds of Fun Announces Cotton Blossom Bar B Que - A New Dining Experience Coming Spring 2019 

Kansas City, Missouri -- Worlds of Fun is excited to announce the addition of Cotton Blossom Bar B Que, a brand-new dining concept coming in 2019. The restaurant will feature a bevy of new and improved food options that are sure to make the dining experience just as memorable as the rides.

The culinary team, led by our new executive chef Wesley Boston, is crafting a new menu that will include authentic Kansas City BBQ with homemade sauce, rotisserie chicken, home-style sides, desserts and more. Healthier options are also expected to be added.

The 9,036 square-foot restaurant will be conveniently located in the Americana section of the park and will feature porch style seating for up to 184 guests. Next door to Cotton Blossom Bar B Que and replacing Pizza Pier, an outdoor seating patio will be built to accommodate up to 132 guests. It will be the largest dining location at Worlds of Fun.

The theming, architecture and name of Cotton Blossom Bar B Que pay tribute to the early days of Worlds of Fun and the three historic boats that opened with the park in 1973 – Henrietta, Cotton Blossom and Victrix. The three boats were previously historic movie props that were purchased at MGM Studios in Hollywood. Henrietta, from the movie Around the World in 80 Days in which the park is themed after (or the novel at least), served as the former park entrance. Boathouse Grill will be located very closely to Henrietta’s former location.

Construction on the new restaurant is expected to start during the offseason. When it opens its doors in the spring of 2019, Cotton Blossom Bar B Que will be Worlds of Fun’s flagship dining location and will be included in the park’s dining plans.

City Changes (SDC)

Time for a quick update from the park.  Christmas lights are continuing to go up around the park.  Also notice there is a new sign on the side of Time Traders.

Another new sign on the side of the Christmas Shop

Another by the exit to Flooded Mine.  All these new signs are covering the WiFi locations around the park.  You have to admit that this option is much better than leaving them exposed like they were for quite awhile.

I don't know when they fixed this, but the leg is moving and the box is talking again.

Even more lights going up in Midtown.

We caught the park in one of those weird "non-festival" gaps and got to see The Magic of Chris Stanley at the Boatworks Theatre.

I always enjoyed his act when he was on the Showboat and he has added some new acts since the last time I had the pleasure of seeing his show.

He's a very talented and funny guy.  If you ever get the chance to see him, definitely take the time to do so.

Our day at the park ended earlier than we had planned.  A huge rainstorm moved through and it rained hard.  Luckily it calmed down after awhile and we were able to make it back to our car without getting completely soaked.

Worlds Changes (WOF)

Like at the Oceans of Fun entrance, a new billboard advertising Haunt has appeared at the entrance to Worlds of Fun.

The booth has changed again in International Plaza.  Now it is a Shaved Ice stand.

I don't think I have posted a photo of the new Kringle's Christmas House sign yet so here you go.

The plants continue to grow in at the Americana Star Fountain Plaza.

I seriously cannot remember the last time the landscaping at WOF looked as good as it does this season.

The Liberty Bell continues to grow and fill in.

With Timber Wolf using the alternate exit pathway (instead of emptying into the old Bicentennial Square it empties behind Cyclone Sams) the park decided to open the backgate fence to the lower part of Planet Snoopy to help with guest flow.  I think it was a great move.

Europa received some amazing landscaping with a topiary that reads WELCOME TO *EUROPA*

There is a topiary of a lady watering the plants here above the word *EUROPA*

The Floral Clock received an update that makes it look even more amazing

It now reads WORLDS OF FUN  EST. 1973

Mummy's Yummies has been transformed into The Oasis sponsored by Boulevard Brewery.  It does serve cold canned beer here, but it is not on the menu board yet.

The seating area near The Oasis has received a new treatment as well

Wheat and Barley decorations run around the deck.

The park finally completed the look of rod iron fence around the unused Heart of America/Forum Amphitheater.  For some reason they did not originally install fence at this corner due to a vending machine being located there.

Some utility markers have appeared near the Blood Shed building behind the stands of the Amphitheater 

They are in small clusters running the length of the hill.  We imagine that they are just for utility upgrades but we can always hope that they are for something more.

Beautiful sunset tonight at the park.

Shows (WOF)

Time to take one last look at the shows at WOF for this season.  We begin at Bow Wow Luau at the Country Junction Stage.

Most of the tricks performed in the show have been featured in years past, but I enjoyed the new theme layover for the show and I always enjoy watching doggos.

The All American Trolley performs in the Americana Fountain Plaza area.  This show features 8 performers who sing "war time" Americana classics.

It is a very enjoyable show and definitely worth watching.

The Americana 5 band performs in one of the gazebos in the former BiCentennial Square.  The instrumental group plays a wide variety of music.

Worlds of Fun added a main stage show this season in International Plaza.

The show, called "Don't Stop the Party", features a live band and multiple singers and dancers.

It is a great way to end the day at Worlds of Fun

Oceans Changes (OOF)

Just outside the front gate to Oceans of Fun, a new billboard advertising Haunt has appeared.

We are happy to announce that Honolulu Lulu has reopened at Diamond Head joining Maui Wowee.  Unfortunately it doesn't look like Waikiki Wipeout will open this season marking the 2nd season in a row that it has been standing but not operating.

Oceans of Fun has some live entertainment this year in the form of H2OH featuring the Water Boys.  The show utilizes buckets which the cast hit in different rhythmic cadences.

Skyscraper - New for 2019 (The Tracks)

 August 3, 2018
The Tracks Family Fun Parks Announce Plans to Add New Towering Thrill Ride for 2019

Branson, MO -- The Tracks Family Fun Parks recently announced plans to add a new towering thrill ride to their Track 3 Fun Park on 76 Country Music Blvd near the entrance to the Tanger Outlet Malls.  The $600,000 addition is to stand close to 160 feet tall in the air and reach speeds of 60mph.

Described as a "ferris wheel on steroids," the ride features two propeller arms that rotate up to 10 rotations per minute.  Riders will be seated in pairs at the ends of the arms and will then be rotated around the central axis at a diameter of about 160 feet at speeds reaching 60mph.

The new ride is set to begin construction in early January and will be placed inside the footprint of the already built "Rookie Track."  The park plans to have the ride ready for the Spring Break crowds in March.