Worlds of Fun Gone but Not Forgotten: The Defunct Rides & Attractions

Scandinavia

A compact coaster designed by Anton Schwartzkopf, and classified as a "Wildcat" style coaster. Schussboomer's name refers to the "Schuss" of a downhill skier. Schussboomer was bought by the park used, and was a portable, fair-style model (meaning it was meant to be able to be moved from place to place). Riders rode in small four-seat cars as opposed to the more common coaster train. It was removed after the 1984 season and its location is currently occupied by The Grand Carousel.


Ski Heis 1973-1987

An incredibly popular family ride, Ski Heis was the Scandinavian hub for this one-way aerial gondola ride. Manufactured by Von Roll of Switzerland, a company famous for manufacturing ski lift rides, Ski Heis operated with four-seat semi-enclosed cars. The motor for the Ski Heis was located in Scandinavia, while the counter-weight was located in Americana. The station for both hubs for this ride are currently still located in the park, Ski Heis station is currently used as a picnic facility, Tivoli East. Ski Heis, like most rides was inherently very safe, but was removed due to liability issues.


Victrix 1973-1993

Victrix was one of two full size ship models, and one of over a dozen items, purchased by Hunt Midwest from the MGM Backlot auction in 1971. This full-sized, four-masted schooner (think pirate ship) was used in many MGM films, but was most notably used for "All the Brothers Were Valiant" in 1953. When it came to Worlds of Fun it was used for many years as a man o' war firing range where guests could fire mini-cannons at floating targets. It was removed due to rotting and deterioration of the structure.


Finnish Fling 1973-2017

This small footprint of a ride also opened with the park on May 26, 1973. Fling was originally manufactured by Chance Rides of Wichita, Ks. and was known more universally by its model name "Rotor". At the time of it's removal following the 2017 season, it was the last Rotor operating in the Cedar Fair chain of parks. That wasn't always the case though, in the 1960's and 70's almost every park had a Rotor. The principle of the ride was very basic, riders board inside a cylindrical drum, and stand with their backs towards the wall. As the drum begins to spin it increased to a maximum speed of 33 RPM and the floor would drop out leaving riders "stuck" to the wall.


Oriental Octopus 1973 - (1984 Tailspinner/1998 Octopus) 2014

Along with Bamboozler, Octopus was one of the most moved and re-named attractions to be located at Worlds of Fun. Oriental Octopus opened with the park in 1973 and was painted all black. It was moved to the Aerodrome in 1984 to replace the Barnstormer which had been removed the prior year, in 1983. Once it was moved it was renamed "Tailspinner" and re-painted in the multi-color "balloon" paint scheme. When Pandamonium replaced Aerodrome in 1987 Tailspinner remained in the section (it was renamed Octopus) but was repainted a red "tomato-plant" color scheme". When Bearenstain Bear Country was added in 1997, Octopus was removed from the park for one season, but was re-added to Scandinavia in 1998 and was retained the name "Octopus", it also received new cars at this time that were painted lime green. It remained in Scandinavia until 2014 when it was removed permanently. Its parts are currently being used at the Monster at Valleyfair! in Minnesota.


Kopter 1973 - 1976

Kopter was one of Worlds of Fun's first children's rides, and consisted of small child-sized helicopters that circled a central hub. It was manufactured by Allan Hershchell of New York. With the introduction of Hampty's Haven in 1977 Kopter was removed. It was originally thought to have been modified into Bounce-A-Roo's, but it is believed now to have been swapped with King's Island for their Kikki Kangaroo ride instead.


Half Pint's Peak 1977 - 1986

In 1977 Scandinavia became home to the park's first area devoted to children, as part of this new development was half pint's peak, a foam yellow mountain that kids could climb and slide down. Half Pint's Peak also encompassed a small play area complete with ball pit, and foam punching bag maze. It was located approximately were Tivoli Central is today.


Micro Moto Bahn 1977 - (Road Rally) 2010

A small, circular children's ride manufactured by Hampton Rides, it was located in Scandinavia added to Humpty's Haven in 1977. Unlike the other Scandinavian children's rides it remained located in Scandinavia until 2001, it was located near Tivoli Central picnic facilities. It was finally moved to Camp Snoopy in 2001 and remained there until it was removed in 2010.


Humpty's Haven 1978-1986

Along with Half Pint's Peak was Humpty's Haven, which featured a small theater area, complete with marionette show, miniature rides, (Boat Tank still operates in Planet Snoopy), and various nursery rhyme statuary (Humpty was predominate).


Tot's Yachts 1978 - (Peanut's Yacht Club) - 2022

A long standing Worlds of Fun's children's ride first introduced in Scandinavia in 1978. Small children could ride in one of six four-seat boats that rotated around in a circle. Riders could also ring their individual boat's bell. Tot's Yachts was one of the first children's rides to be moved being relocated in 1991 to Pandamonium to make way for Fjord Fjarlane. It was re-named to Peanut's Yacht Club in 2001 with the addition of Camp Snoopy.


Viking Vheel 1982 - (Head over Wheels) 2010

A small children's ferris wheel manufactured by the Theel company, it was originally located as part of Humpty's Haven children's area in Scandinavia. It was moved in the mid-80's to Americana and located where Detonator is today until 1995, when it was moved to it's final location as part of Pandamonium/Camp Snoopy until its removal in 2010.


Gypsy Wagon 1973-1995

The Gypsy Wagon located in Scandinavia was a fixture at the park for years, most notably as the frequent home to DoLores Hadley and her marionette show, La Famille (The Family) from 1973 until 1977 and from 1985 until it was discontinued following the 1995 season. She not only self-produced the shows, but also, created her very own marionettes of which many could easily be considered works of art by themselves. During the years Hadley's shows were located elsewhere in the park (Flying Circus Theater and Moulin Rouge specifically), Cheep Thrills a tropical bird show called the Gypsy Wagon home from 1978 until 1984, while it was also home to a street performers show in 1992.


Tivoli Music Hall Summer Revues 1973-2011

Beginning in 1973 with "20th Century Sing" and ending in 2011 with "Don't Stop Believin'" The Tivoli Music Hall as it has been known as since 1974 was host to full-scale musical revues every season in the summertime until 2011, each show featured a dozen musical performers, including in most years, a full live-band. It is unknown why the Tivoli revue was discontinued after the 2011 season, as the Tivoli itself continues to be used in both the Spring and Fall for various festival shows, but it was most likely due to cost. A full listing on Tivoli shows through the years will be available soon.

Africa

The Safari 1973-1978

When Worlds of Fun opened in 1973 it opened with two "drive yourself" car rides, Le Taxitour (which is still there) and The Safari located in Africa. Riders would "drive" a two seat jeep in a "safari" which was populated by various "gag" scenes (quick sand, etc.) and various fiberglass animals. The ride's station is still in use as the queue house for The Zulu, and its track passed under the train tresel that separates Zulu and Prowler today. It was removed for safety reasons as guests would often abandon their jeeps in the "wilds".


Silly Serpent 1973 -(1979 prior: Funicular) 1986

A small oval coaster manufactured by Allan Herschell, this children's ride began life in 1973 in Europa and was moved to Africa and re-themed Silly Serpent in 1979. It was located in Europa next to Flying Dutchman and in Africa, Across the midway from Zulu.


Zambezi Zinger 1973-1997

Quite possibly the most missed and most beloved of Worlds of Fun defunct attractions, Zambezi Zinger was Worlds of Fun's first roller coaster. Manufactured, like Schussboomer, by Anton Schwarzkopf of Germany, and designed by Werner Stengel, it was one of only four coasters classified as "Speedracer" coasters, built for their quick turns and speed, prior to the advent of the modern looping coaster. Zinger is often remembered for the electric-hum of its spiral lift hill (due to its in-car motor, instead of chain driven lift), bobsled-style seating, (which made it a great ride for a first coaster, and first date), and of course, its dark and foreboding tunnel at the end. The end of Zambezi Zinger at Worlds of Fun was written on the wall when Zinger's parent company, Schwarzkopf Industries declared bankruptcy (the final time) in 1995, and ceased producing replacement parts. Though a few parks have endeavored to keep their well-loved Schwarzkopf coasters, many followed the path of Worlds of Fun and removed them. In the case of Zinger, Zinger was sold by a ride broker to Parque del Cafe in Montenegro, Colombia, South America where it continues to operate to this day.


Python Plunge 1988-1999

Python Plunge was a short-lived water ride located where Prowler is today, it featured two enclosed serpentine slides and two speed slides. The end for Plunge most likely could be attributed to the fact that guests had to carry their own intertubes manually up the slide towers.


Monsoon 1992-2022

Added in 1992, Monsoon was a thrilling water ride,and was an updated version of the classic shoot the chutes amusement park ride. Riders boarded a 20-passenger boat, which took them up a 55-foot lift, turned, and then dropped riders, almost immediately, back down a 55-foot double down drop. The ride ended with the signature massive wave generated by the flat-bottomed boat hitting the water basin. Generally, riders themselves only got a little wet, while those waiting on the bridge overlooking the ride were left completely soaked. Monsoon has a rather interesting story to tell in that, with its addition, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun were first joined as part of the Same-Day-Gateway. It wouldn't be until twenty years later, in 2014, that both parks would be joined as a single ticket, so for most of its existence Monsoon served as a sort-of border patrol between the two parks.


Big Game Hunt/Shooting Gallery 1973 (rename/re-theme 2008)- 2017

Big Game Hunt was an electric shooting gallery which opened with the park in 1973. Originally it featured animatronic animals in a jungle scene with a player piano, hotel sign and sewing machine (whoever designed it was definitely eclectic). The various props would be activated by infrared light emitted from the shooting rifles, and could and would often be automatically set off with a camera flash. In 2008 it was re-named and re-themed to Shooting Gallery. The African jungle theme was removed and replaced with a western-style motif but the hotel sign, piano and sewing machine stayed. Shooting Gallery was closed and gutted after the 2017 season. The structure was briefly used as a petting zoo during Winterfest, and in 2023 was drastically modified into a theater, Serengeti Station.


Nairobi Nigel's Pygmy Playhouse 1977-1980

This incredibly short lived puppet show was located in Africa adjacent to Moroccan Merchant.

Europa

Bounce-A-Roo's 1977 - 2010

Originally it was thought Bounce-A-Roo's was a heavily modified Kopter ride (which was original to the park). It is now believed that Bounce-A-Roo's originated at Kings Island as the Kiki Kangaroo ride which was swapped for Worlds of Fun's Kopter ride in 1977. Bounce-A-Roo's was a popular kid's ride in Europa which consisted of six kangaroo-shaped cars that could be raised or lowered by riders as they slowly would spin around a central axis.


Funicular 1973 - (1979 Silly Serpent) - 1986

A small oval coaster manufactured by Allan Herschell, this children's ride began life in 1973 in Europa and was moved to Africa and re-themed Silly Serpent in 1979. It was located in Europa next to Flying Dutchman and in Africa, Across the midway from Zulu.


Le Carousel 1979-2016

Manufactured by Bradley & Kaye, the same company that manufactured the Barnstormer, Le Carousel served as Worlds of Fun's only carousel for over thirty years, until the addition of the much older, (which for a carousel is a good thing),Grand Carousel in Scandinavia. The ride consisted of three rows of horses, camels and two chariots. Though a modern carousel, with animals manufactured of plexi-glass the horses themselves were based off of designs by local carousel manufacturer C.W. Parker and featured Parker's trademark flowing manes and outstretched bodies. Le Carousel was removed at the end of the 2016 season (September) to make way for Falcon's Flight.


Falcon's Flight 2017 - 2022

Added in 2017, Falcon's Flight was a short-lived ride for Europa and one that operated very sporadically (and not at all in 2020 or 2021). Towering 100 feet above the midway, Falcon's Flight was manufactured by Huss Rides of Germany and was classified as a Huss Condor Ride. Today there are only a handful of Huss Condor's in operation. Riders would board one of the 28 gondolas, attached to one of four arms, which was further attached to a central hub. As the ride began, the 28 cars were lifted 100 feet into the air and would spin on two separate axis (the central hub, as well as one of four arms). Though not a terribly thrilling ride it was quite fun, described by many as a Scrambler ride in the air. Also, interesting to note Falcons' Flight was the first new ride to Europa in nearly 40 years, with the last ride added before it being the ride it replaced, Le Carousel.


Forum Amphitheater Summer Concert Series 1974-1997

The Forum Amphitheater was added with the 1974 season and was Worlds of Fun's first major expansion. The amphitheater was inaugurated on June 16, 1974 with the acts of the Harper Valley PTA and Red River Symphony. Over the years it hosted innumerable musical and comedy groups including Chuck Berry, Bill Cosby, Rick Nelson, Weird Al Yankovic, Lee Greenwood and many more. The Concert Series was discontinued after the 1997 due to the construction of Mamba which limited access to the theater and stage. A known list of Forum performers will be coming soon.

Americana

Krazy Kars/Crashem Bashem 1973-2015

Crashem Bashem opened with the park in 1973 as one of the few children's rides, in this case, a pint-sized bumper car ride. Unlike many original rides that operated with the park for decades, Crashem Bashem was never moved, and only slightly altered from its original form. It was renamed in the mid-90's from its original name Crashem Bashem to Krazy Kars. It was removed at the end of 2015.


Sky Hi 1973-1987

An incredibly popular family ride, Sky Hi was the Americana hub for this one-way aerial gondola ride. Manufactured by Von Roll, a company famous for manufacturing ski lift rides, Sky Hi operated with four-seat semi-enclosed cars. The counter-weight Sky Hi was located in Americana, While the motor was located in Scandinavia. The station for both hubs for this ride are currently still located in the park, Sky Hi's station, a signature red and white barn located across from Detonator, is being used for midway games.


Tailspinner 1973-(1984 prior: Oriental Octopus) 2014

Along with Bamboozler, Octopus was one of the most moved and re-named attractions to be located at Worlds of Fun. Oriental Octopus opened with the park in 1973 and was painted all black. It was moved to the Aerodrome in 1984 to replace the Barnstormer which had been removed the prior year, in 1983. Once it was moved it was renamed "Tailspinner" and re-painted in the multi-color "balloon" paint scheme. When Pandamonium replaced Aerodrome in 1987 Tailspinner remained in the section (it was renamed Octopus) but was repainted a red "tomato-plant" color scheme". When Bearenstain Bear Country was added in 1997, Octopus was removed from the park for one season, but was re-added to Scandinavia in 1998 and was retained the name "Octopus", it also received new cars at this time that were painted lime green. It remained in Scandinavia until 2014 when it was removed permanently. Its parts are currently being used at the Monster at Valleyfair! in Minnesota.


Screamroller/Extremeroller 1976- (Extremroller conversion June 1983) 1988

Sceamroller was added as part of the 1976 Bicentennial Square expansion, and was manufactured by Arrow Development of Mountainview, Ca. Screamroller was, like Schussboomer, a mass-produced coaster, in that there were many coasters of the same design built, Screamroller was the 5th version of the Arrow Corkscrew, following the success of the first Corkscrew which debuted at Knott's Berry Farm the year previous. It was unique in that it was the first coaster in the midwest to take riders upside down, and it did so twice in a row! in 1983, in an "arms race" with nearby Six Flags Mid-America, Worlds of Fun converted the Screamroller into North America's first stand-up coaster with car conversions being manufactured by Arrow-Huss, it was also renamed Extremeroller or EXT for short. It wasre-converted to a sit-down in 1984, as the stand-up pods proved to be too much of a strain on the lift chain and structure. However, the name change stuck, and Extremroller retained its name until the ride was removed at the end of the 1988 season. It was replaced by Timberwolf in 1989, however Timberwolf does use the same station as Extremeroller, and since the gates were never changed either, this explains why the gates still do not line up to the Timberwolf trains.


Wobble Wheel 1977-1993

Added in 1977 was the Wobble Wheel manufactured by Chance Rides and more commonly referred to as a Chance Trabant. Virtually identical to the modern Cyclone Sams ride that stands in its place today, the Wobble Wheel was themed to an old-western style wagon wheel with riders sitting in 2-rider seats. Like Cyclone Sam's Wobble Wheel would spin and raise into the air, spinning both forwards and backwards. Wobble Wheel was removed in 1993, replaced for one season by a Ford Manufacturing exhibit and then finally permanently replaced by an enclosed, but otherwise identical modern version, The Chance Wipeout, known as Cyclone Sams in 1995.


Barnstormer 1978-1983

Manufactured by Bradley & Kaye, Barnstormer was completely ahead of its time, as spinning, aerial tower rides go. Located in the new-for-1978 Aerodrome section, it was located where Woodstock' Flyers is today. Riders would board one of twelve aircraft that would be lifted, via a central tower into the air, and would dive up and down as they circled through the air. Due to high winds, Barnstormer was frequently not in operation, which was a chronic problem with this particular model. Barnstormer was removed in 1983, and replaced by The Octopus (re-named Tailspinner) in 1984.


Wing-Ding 1979-1981

Wing Ding is factually, Worlds of Fun's shortest lived ride, but also probably its quirkiest too. Wing Ding is what is referred to as a Eyerly Fly-o-Plane, of which there are none currently operating in the United States at this time. Built by Eyerly Aircraft Co., a company that turned from building airplanes to building amusement park rides instead, this small ride had eight airplane-shaped cars, that turned around a circular hub, that the rider could also independently spin as well. Riders were often crammed into the small tight cars, offering an incredibly thrilling ride for anyone who could both fit and handle it at the same time. Wing Ding was removed at the end of the 1981 season and sold to traveling carnival, where it continued to operate with its Worlds of Fun logo and paint job for many years.


Omegatron 1986-2001

Omegatron was manufactured by Vekoma Intl. of the Netherlands, and was the proto-type for their Skyflyer ride. The Skyflyer model had multiple structural issues with its two maneuvering arms and was only produced a handful of times following the installation at Worlds of Fun. Today there are currently no other Skyflyer rides in operation. Omegatron is often remembered for not only its signature motor whine, but also the sound of change falling from riders pockets as they were swung upside down. Omegatron was removed in 2001 to make way for Thunderhawk.


Rockin' Reeler 1991-2005

Both Rockin' Reeler and Skyliner had been bought by Hunt Midwest as used rides, but both quickly became favorites especially the Rockin Reeler. Reeler was what is more commonly referred to as a Himalayan-type ride in that riders enjoy the ride in a ski sled type vehicle that circles around quickly in a sloping-style course. In many cases the ride vehicles can go backwards and forwards but that was never the case with Reeler. Rockin' Reeler was removed at the end of the 2005 season to make way for Patriot.


Grand Prix Raceway 1999-2013

No one really knows why the plan was made to replace a newly demolished gate with Go-Karts, though there were rumors preceding the addition of a new Challenge Park to be added. Challenge Park had started at Cedar Point as a pay extra additional park that could be accessed separately. That might have been the plan with Worlds of Fun but it never materialized. Fact is that after the main gate was removed the Go-Kart track was added, with the original tram turn around tree, a stately maple tree, still standing at its center. As a pay-extra attraction Go-Karts were never incredibly popular, and the ride was replaced in 2014 with Steelhawk.


Thunderhawk 2002- 2015

Manfactured by German manufacturer Huss Rides, Thunderhawk was what is more commonly referred to as a Top Spin. During its first few years of operation, Thunderhawk operated with a significant water-feature, making this typical "flat" ride into a quasi-water ride. However, the water effects proved to be too much for the rides daily operations and it was toned down in the intervening years. In the last few years of its operation Thunderhawk was more non-operational then operational and though the park endeavored to rectify the issues with the ride it was decided to be more trouble then it was worth and the ride was removed finally at the end of the 2015 season.


Americana Main Gate 1973-1998

Where Steelhawk is today once served as the park's main gate, from 1973 until 1998. Unlike the gate used today in Scandinavia, the original gate was serviced by the park's fleet of white trams, which operated until 1995. Worlds of Fun followed the trend of many park's of the time, retiring their tram fleet due to insurance liability reasons. Unlike many other parks, the removal of the trams made the park's main gate relatively inaccessible from the parking lots. Due to this reason the Americana gate saw significantly less foot traffic after the discontinuation of the trams. The Americana gate, and its sister ship, the Henrietta were removed following the 1998 season, and were "replaced" by the Grand Prix Go-Karts in 1999.


Cotton Blossom 1973-1995

Cotton Blossom, like Victrix was one of two full-sized boats bought by Hunt Midwest in the 1971 MGM Backlot Auction. It, unlike Victrix, is more commonly remembered for its famous part in the 1953 MGM musical, "Show Boat". It like Victrix was stored in the underground caves and re-assembled in late 1972, early 1973, and in the case of Cotton Blossom served as host of the opening ceremony on May 26, 1973. Over the years it was home to a dixieland band, Paddlewheel Cafe, Souvenir shop and finally an antique photo shop. It was removed at the end of 1995 due to structure rot, and replaced by Ripcord.


S.S. Henrietta 1973-1998

Though commonly thought of as one of the trademark ships that Worlds of Fun debuted with in 1973, Henrietta was actually a copy of the ship with the same name from 1956 version of "Around the World in 80 Days", of which the park was based on. Guests would pass over the bough both on entering and later on exiting the park, and the park's name was present on the signature side-wheeler. With the removal of the main gate, Henrietta's identifying ship theming was removed, however its concrete bough still remains near the Coca-Cola Refresh in Americana.


The Trams 1973-1995

During the mid-90's many parks that had once opened with tram service discontinued it due to pressure from insurance companies, most likely due to the high liability associated with tram service. Worlds of Fun was no different. Worlds of Fun tram service was unique in that passengers sat on the outside of each tram car facing out, instead of having individual bench seating facing the driver. This led to many guests jumping off the tram while it was still in motion which probably helped hasten the lifespan of tram service. Though it is known that Hunt Midwest was considering adding a new parking lot closer to the original Americana park gate, this plan never saw fruition, as the park was sold mid-1995. It was the discontinuation of tram service, that lead to the closure and in the end, demolition, of the main Americana park gate.


Aerodrome 1978-1986

After expanding to Bicentennial Square in 1976, Worlds of Fun expanded even further into the Aerodrome in 1978, themed to flying, and aviation, the new area featured the thrilling 100-foot tall Barnstormer Bi-Plane ride, Lucky Lindy's Lunch counter, The Red Baron Bi-Plane ride (for children), Great Waldo's Crankshop, Cockpit Coolers, and The Flying Circus Theater. Today the area has been remodeled multiple times, and is home currently to Planet Snoopy. The bathroom adjacent to Planet Snoopy is the only building to retain its aviation theme, and to this day resembles an airplane hanger.


River City 1982-1990

One of many expansions Worlds of Fun experienced in the late 70's and early 80's was in Americana adjacent to the Cotton Blossom. River City featured the new River City Rampage ride (Today Fjord Fjarlene), and many shops along a wharf-themed area. In 1991 the area was renovated and re-themed to Beat Street. Today it is home to Patriot and Patriot Landing Shop.


Beat Street 1991-2005

Beat Street took the wharf-themed River City and modernized it to the 90's, complete with pop music, and two "new" rides, the Rockin' Reeler and the Skyliner. Skyliner continues to operate in its original location. Beat Street Shops were used for Worlds of Fun's first haunt, Carnival of Carnivorous Clowns in 2003 & 2004 before being replaced entirely by Patriot and Patriot Landing Shop.


Flying Circus Theater (Panda Pavilion) 1978-1996

The Flying Circus Theater was introduced as part of the new Aerodrome section of the park in 1978 and was initially home to DoLores Hadley's Marionette Show (relocated from Scandinavia) from 1978 until 1982, when the show moved to the Moulin Rouge. Over the following years it was also home to the Shirt Tales, Rainbow Brite, Cabbage Patch Kids, PJ Panda, and the Fowl Play Tropical Bird Show. It was either heavily modified or removed to make way for the Bear Country Museum.


Incred-O-Dome 1981-1997

Incred-O-Dome was an amazing as a virtual experience was available for the time. On the exterior, it was a yellow 360 degree dome, that inside, featured an 180 degree OMNIMAX-style theater. Guests could either sit on reclining benches or lie on the floor to experience a full 360 degree virtual experience, whether it be skydiving or virtually riding the newest coaster. Incred-O-Dome was removed after the 1997 and its pad was used for the Scrambler from 1998 until 2014.


Pandamonium! 1987-2000

Pandamonium! Replaced the Aerodrome in 1987, and was named after the park's signature character Sam Panda and his little brother P.J. Panda. Pandamonium transformed the family-oriented Aerodrome to strictly a kids-only affair, and permanently moved the children's area at Worlds of Fun from its original location in Scandinavia to Americana. Pandamonium saw the addition of two new children's rides, Either Oar and Turntyke (which is still operating), along with a kiddie climbing house, Kiddie-Opolis. Pandamonium itself was decorated with colorful lights that resembled children's lettered building blocks. In 1997, the western-section of Pandamonium was re-themed into Bearenstain Bear Country, however much of the Pandamonium themed was retained. It wasn't until 2001 with the Camp Snoopy replacement that the entire section was re-themed.


Bearenstain Bear Country 1997-2000

Bearenstain Bear Country it could be said "replaced" Pandamonium in 1997, but it only did so partially. The lower, or western half of Pandamonium was completely redeveloped. Tailspinner/Octopus which had been relocated to the Aerodrome in 1983 was removed and the Bear Family Treehouse added in its spot, The Flying Circus Theater was completely enclosed and re-themed into the Bear Country Museum and Spooky Old Tree. The Kiddie-Opolis area became home to the Dinosaur Boneyard. However, the remaining majority of Pandamonium with its various rides remained exactly the same. The entire area though would be remodeled in 2001 for Camp Snoopy.


Camp Snoopy 2001-2010

Bearenstain Bear Country/Pandamonium was almost entirely replaced by Camp Snoopy in 2001. The area received a massive refurbishment. The Bear Family Treehouse was removed and a Snoopy Bounce was put in its place. The Spooky Old Tree became the Kite Eating Tree, and the Bear Country Museum became an indoor theater once more along with an indoor shop. Either Oar, which was a hold over from Pandamonium was removed, and Woodstock's Airmail and the Camp Bus were two new rides added.


Either Oar 1987-2000

This small canoe ride was added as part of the Pandamonium expansion in 1986, small children could float around a short fiberglass lagoon in an individual canoe. Though popular it had its share of problems, notably flooding canoes. It was removed with the addition of Camp Snoopy.


Pony Promenade 1982 - (2001 Peanut's Ponies) 2011

Pony Promenade was a small children's horse racing ride located across from Cotton Blossom in Americana. Added in 1982, it remained in Americana until 2001 when it was consolidated with many of the other children's rides into Camp Snoopy. It was removed at the end of the 2011 season.


TurnTyke 1987 - 2022

TurnTyke was a very basic circular kids car ride manufactured by Zamperla Rides, complete with dune buggie, motorcycles, and sports cars. TurnTyke was introduced in 1987 and was part of the Pandamonium ride expansion package.


9th Street Incline/Great American Disaster/Cyclone Sadies 1973 - 1993(?)

Many traditional parks had fun houses, buildings that were full of every imaginable and unimaginable contraption to mess with the guests mind. This could include everything from slanted floors, infinity mirrors, and talking "ghosts" Such was the case with 9th Street Incline and all the incarnations (re-names) that followed it. 9th Street Incline was located exactly where the Airbrush Artist is today.


Sam Panda, Grrtrude Gorilla and Dan'l Coon 1975-1993 (Last known appearance)

Though not Worlds of Fun's first themed mascots, they were certainly Worlds of Fun's most successful. So much so that in 1987, an entire kids section was themed after PJ Panda, the little brother of Sam Panda.

The Orient

Oriental Octopus 1973-(Tailspinner/Octopus) 2014

Along with Bamboozler, Octopus was one of the most moved and re-named attractions to be located at Worlds of Fun. Oriental Octopus opened with the park in 1973 and was painted all black. It was moved to the Aerodrome in 1984 to replace the Barnstormer which had been removed the prior year, in 1983. Once it was moved it was renamed "Tailspinner" and re-painted in the multi-color "balloon" paint scheme. When Pandamonium replaced Aerodrome in 1987 Tailspinner remained in the section (it was renamed Octopus) but was repainted a red "tomato-plant" color scheme". When Bearenstain Bear Country was added in 1997, Octopus was removed from the park for one season, but was re-added to Scandinavia in 1998 and was retained the name "Octopus", it also received new cars at this time that were painted lime green. It remained in Scandinavia until 2014 when it was removed permanently. Its parts are currently being used at the Monster at Valleyfair! in Minnesota.


Beetle Bumps 1979 - (Linus' Beetle Bugs) 2022

Beetle Bumps was a small circular kids ride manufactured by Royal Cascade in which each car was themed to lady bugs. The cars would rotate around a small, ramped track. Beetle Bumps originally opened in 1979 in the Orient section of the park, and was located exactly where the Coca-Cola Freestyle is today. In fact, the actual basic structure of the Coca-Cola Refresh was originally built for Beetle Bumps. In 1998 Beetle Bumps was relocated to Pandamonium and re-named Linus' Beetle Bugs in 2001 with the conversion to Camp Snoopy.


The Orient Express 1980-2003

Orient Express was for many years synonymous with Worlds of Fun, and in the history of the park's coasters its easily a close second in terms of memorable rides, to Zambezi Zinger. Orient Express had quiet a history, it was manufactured by Arrow Development of Mountainview, Ca. who had produced Screamroller only a few years prior. With Express though Worlds of Fun wanted to do something unique, and went back to the king of coaster companies at the time, Arrow to build it. Orient Express was unique with four amazing drops, including its initial 115 foot plunge into a valley, its two-aesthetically beautiful interlocking loops. Express even made history, though it wasn't the first coaster to have four inversions, it was the first coaster to introduce the Kamikazee Kurve, or as it became known, the boomerang-element. Today, Vortex at Kings Island near Cincinnati, Oh. is the only coaster to incorporate a similar boomerang, along with many other similar features the two coasters shared. Orient Express fell victim along with many other Arrows during the early years of the 20th century. It was removed at the end of the 2003 season.


Orient Torri Gate 1973-1999

At the entrance to any Japanese Shinto Shrine stands a torri gate, basically a very simple post-and-lintel. Worlds of Fun had its own version of the famous torri gate at its entrance to the Orient section, which stood for over twenty five years. It was removed after the 1998 to facilitate vehicle traffic through the park during off hours. In 2019 the Torri gate returned on the opposite side of the Orient section.


Fins & Flippers Dolphin Show 1973-1995

Fins & Flippers debuted with the park, and featured the performing antics of a dolphin duo for almost twenty-five years, it was a common feature in parks across the country. In the mid-90's PETA and various animal rights activists began petitioning the park to discontinue the show, Worlds of Fun followed the trend and discontinued the show in 1995. The amphitheater continued to be used for diving shows until 2000, and the theater was torn down after the 2003 season to make way for Spinning Dragons.