Defunctland: The History of Worlds of Fun's Destroyed Classic, The Orient Express

CORRECTION: The Loch Ness Monster is located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, not Tampa as stated in the video. Apologies. Also, go check out www.worldsoffun.org for great info and an entire list of defunct Worlds of Fun rides!
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In this episode of Defunctland, Kevin goes back to his roots, visiting Kansas City's Worlds of Fun to discuss the Orient Express coaster and the park as a whole.
Audio Editing by Nate Begle:
natebegle.com
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[@OGXenos]

The first 20 minutes of Wizard of Oz are incredibly accurate, not only because a tornado hits within minutes of arriving there, Dorothy also spends her time (when not getting hit by tornados) wishing she wasn't in Kansas.

[@veggiet2009]

As someone living in Kansas, I don't wish to move anywhere else. I like the quiet, the lack of busyness.

[@ddjmfan]

@@veggiet2009 Yes and its cheap to live here.

[@NotNitehawk]

@@veggiet2009 Until your house gets yeeted by a tornado and lands on some woman, and now you gotta run away from the manslaughter charge after stealing her boots and look for a lying politician to help you find a way home.

[@SD-kx1se]

and she was an accessory to two murders because there’s no place like home…in KS.

[@OGXenos]

@@ddjmfan Because your house might get destroyed by a tornado on any random day of the week without warning

[@morganthomas4019]

Missed the opportunity to title this video “Murder of the Orient Express”

[@Coolsomeone234]

That would be misleading for some

[@definitely_notme4112]

I actually wrote a comedy story with that title, basically it was murder on the orient express but someone murdered the TRAIN instead of a person. (They removed the boiler somehow.)

[@TheQuashingoftheTub]

Dude, I commented this exacte sentence, word for word. Then I scrolled down XD

[@veggiet2009]

@@definitely_notme4112 Bonus points if the solution is the same as Agatha Christie's novel... I won't mention who the killer is for anyone that has never read the book or seen the adaptations.

[@chompythebeast]

@@veggiet2009 Considerate literati best literati

[@hippocrypt3869]

As a KC native, this video was wonderful. Funnily enough, one of the last shots in this video before the credits roll is of my great grandmother's marionette show she did for years at WoF! Such a nice little detail for me personally. Thanks for what you do!

[@chompythebeast]

What an amazing connection. And here I am, a casual observer, able to indulge in your memories with you. Small golden moments that the internet has provided us

[@awdcatsubaru3755]

Was the marionette show once performed by the Legg family from Independence? If so, I know them quite well as I'm an Independence native currently in AZ. Thanks for the memories!

[@kansasgirl73]

DoLores Hadley and her Marionettes were some of my best memories from WOF! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kansasgirl73]

If you have videos of your grandmother's shows it would be awesome if you could upload them! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BubblyOasis]

I also grew up watching your great grandmother's marionette show at Worlds of Fun! Please upload any videos if you have them. :) She definitely sparked my lifelong appreciation of puppets and marionettes.

[@nattanflaggs]

This was a fun blast from my past. I was one of the riders that was on the derailed train in 1999. I think I only had a scratch on my cheek from a tree branch, and I definitely don't remember anyone jumping, but anxiety was CRAZY high since it felt like we were never going to get rescued. But it didn't bother me too much, I worked there for several seasons on the Nile.

[@awdcatsubaru3755]

Arrow Dynamics coasters don't age well, and the Orient Express was no exception. I rode it in 1980, the year it debuted and loved it. My last ride was in 1995, and I ended up with headache due to all the head banging. Despite this, the coaster still holds a place in my heart.

[@makserr5849]

I was there in 98 and went on it 7 times i ws shocked that that was the ride that derailed

[@goodolgranite8247]

Fun Fact: Worlds of Fun's founder, Lamar Hunt, was the person who originally coined the Super Bowl's iconic name.

[@KawaiiZenboOLD]

this man is actually god did you knwo

[@SmittenKitten.]

I am not a theme park enthusiast, but I've been binge-watching the living hell out of your channel because your work is so good. I had no idea how interesting theme parks are.

[@zachariah78]

Same. Last 2 days watching them all lol.

[@emo-kk4mc]

*INHALES* I have never related to a comment as much as this one. GOoD jOb

[@fever1]

Reliable 😔👊

[@evankimori]

Same here. I live on an island where none of these kinda parks ever really existed. All of the ones that did were all international visiting tiny, fly-by-night shows. Not very great with safety nor with attractions and tended to be ridiculously expensive. I've been binge-watching this guy's channel for almost 3 days and I never even knew some of these theme parks existed, much less even closed down and have been lost to history. The history of these places is altogether spooky, eerie, wonderful, sad at the same time.

[@brettvv7475]

S A M E

[@dandelionbritt]

"There's nothing in Kansas." LOL My husband is from Kansas and every time we visit and I ask if we can mix in some fun activities between obligatory family visits, this is pretty much his response. Although, he did take me to see "Big Brutus" once.

[@ddjmfan]

There are things to do in Kansas, you just have to know where to go.

[@dandelionbritt]

@@ddjmfan That’s the problem. There doesn’t seem to be one centralized location with lots of places of interest. Kansas seems to have lots of little attractions, that wouldn’t take long to see, spread out all over the state…mostly too far from where his family are. Unfortunately.

[@TheGibbie]

@@ddjmfan yeah theres meth, theres fentynol, tons of things!

[@ddjmfan]

@@TheGibbie Well, I've never had to deal with any of it.

[@lilyfrappier602]

@@ddjmfan You're right! Just because you've never dealt with it must mean it's not real then!

[@DeadAutumnLeaves]

WoF is finally getting a new coaster! A wooden throwback to the Zambezi Zinger, complete with spiral lift.

[@UmWhat862]

my mom always told me about how she loved the ride when she was a kid and i always wished to ride it, but i was obviously never alive when it was here, so i’m so glad i get to ride it now. even though the orient express probably won’t come back (i never had a a chance to ride it either, too young again) it’s great that wof is back in the limelight with the new ride

[@bigalrlz]

Have ridden it, very fun!

[@lindsilightner7841]

@@UmWhat862if you ever get a chance to visit six flags in the Chicago area, the whizzer is close to the same coaster as the zinger. Both coasters used/use speed racer cars and the spiral lift hill. They tried to remove it a number of years ago, but fan protests managed to save it.

[@dragonfire101g]

"where do I sit?" "You don't" DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN

[@xri0tt]

(Mouthing) _I don’t?!_

[@ltunedkc]

@@xri0tt that looks like Dick Wilson the semi famous DJ last on oldies 95.

[@dullicecream]

That whole bit actually made me laugh tbh

[@tgarvis7120]

I hate having kids, so I just ride stand-up coasters so my crotch can die.

[@smwinfreysmw]

Me: oh crap

[@thorcadail5812]

"I'm from Kansas City" Woo, me too "Kansas" Oh

[@SAMBONE78]

A Shell me too good to here about Kc on the tube

[@jessicadolan734]

Ditto. XD

[@allisonanders1716]

@@SAMBONE78 exactly

[@JRanaeReads]

Ahh yes!!! The infamous debate of KCMO & KCK.

[@gingersnap6004]

He must be killed. A shame,

[@blondie55559]

As a former Wichitan, I’d love to see documentaries on both Joyland and Wild West World as they both have a crazy story and mythos to them

[@andrewjenkins1343]

And Fantasea! Miss that place

[@FangledAnglem]

YES Joyland would be magnificent. Grew up going there and to WoF and OoF!

[@lwebster7100]

and cow town too. lots of memories as a young child there

[@mikrohoseok9751]

Worlds of Fun has been a childhood memory for literally anyone growing up in Kansas. Like I feel like everyone has been at least once.

[@mrsalvy2251]

Cuz Kansas is dry 😆. Missouri better 💯

[@TonyBullard]

I'm just sad there was no mention of the unnaturally blue water all over the park. We would always joke that if you fell in it would eat your skin off.

[@joebone3151]

Born and raised in Kansas, not once been their

[@NoobTheBeginner]

i am a part of the more than 1,000 miles away from worlds of fun :)

[@anevenevenmoreuncreativena8852]

@@mrsalvy2251 man Missouri ghetto as hell

[@Crazy56U]

So, basically, this was "Murder of the Orient Express".

[@Rebel_Friend]

Crazy56U Murder of the World Of Fun

[@HandmadeGoose97]

Would that make Kevin the "greatest theme park detective in the world"?

[@33mrEli]

The orient Express wasn't just killed...it was murdered!

[@missybarbour6885]

I don't know how he missed this

[@emilybaugher7534]

I know you put this video up months ago, but I just have to leave a comment, I am literally in tears. I grew up in Kansas City too and would go to Worlds of Fun every summer. That park was a huge park of my growth, passion and continued love for Theme Parks that I have today. My dream growing up was to come down to Florida and go to school and work at WDW, and now I've been working for Disney for 3 years and going to Rosen College studying Theme Parks and Themed Entertainment everyday, but I will always remember going to World of Fun with my friends and family just starting to discover what I would eventually being doing for a living one day. Thank you for making this video, for most people this episode is just another interesting history lesson, but for me it meant everything. Keep up your amazing work!

[@TheSpiderPan]

I think your story might make for a good podcast episode. I'm KC based Disney podcast The Neverland Podcast.

[@salazarpayne3784]

I too was brought to tears. I grew up in Kansas City. The Orient Express was so fun. The Zambezi Zinger was my favorite. The EXT was so cool. I feel like I am a universe away from those days. This really brought it home for me. Just wow.

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

@@salazarpayne3784 Same here. I miss the Orient Express, but the Zambezi Zinger was always my favorite. We all went to Wof for senior skip day in 97. That was the last time I rode the Zambezi before they tore it out. It was the best ride to take your girlfriend on😉

[@sethstartix]

dang

[@genericusername702]

WE LOVE TO SEE IT GET UR DREAMS KC QUEEN

[@ItsNerfOrNathan]

I'm A senior at Chrisman High in Independence, MO and so many of my friends work at Worlds it's almost comical. Very glad to see a full breakdown of the original concept behind my home park, even more so because you're from around here too. Much love, good stuff.

[@utterdisaster603]

Never thought I’d hear “arrow” and “stand up” in the same sentence. Good lord the pain

[@memecentral10]

And I though BnM standups were awful

[@madburgers5415]

They tried it on the Mine Train at Sixflags St. Louis in 1984. Called it TrailBlazer, it also lasted one year. I think a lady fell out.

[@florida995]

It was awesome

[@staringcorgi6475]

At least it's better than togo

[@emilyoswin3830]

Kamikaze Curve would be a great band name

[@comettamer]

Yes it would.

[@SeanFlaharty]

How do you folks keep outdoing yourselves? Brilliant video!

[@Defunctland]

Thank you as always for your great footage! Also, thanks for finding that Arrow press release of Orient Express! That was extremely helpful!

[@SeanFlaharty]

You are always welcome! Last year I digitized and backed up over 500 of my old VHS tapes and found that press release on one of them among other neat coaster promo stuff. I am just happy you guys find a use for that stuff.

[@RobsRides]

right, the music was on point in this one

[@Rexdrinkredbull]

"For an unlucky few of us, your home park was Astroworld" @ ME NEXT TIME

[@alberthernandez193]

"Where fun is still affordable" Damn! That's like my parents' _marriage_ level of petty-ness! Fairyworld vs WorldsOfFun. Katzenburg vs Eisner. Mom vs Dad. It's a small world after all.

[@thatsexyskaterasmr1580]

Underrated comment

[@mazder360]

I would already call his videos art with how deep he goes in, but this being his personal park makes it that much more personal, I love it

[@DrewShark11]

I remember the summer of 1982 when WOF allowed continous rides and gave out pins that read "I survived the Orient Express" with a seperate dangle of the number of times we rode. We were 12 years old and rode 12 consecutive trips. Good times. Thank you for the memories.

[@BWest6]

Kevin, you are a damn master of writing and voice production. The level of quality you can produce with each episode of this series could easily be put into a television production. I love how far this channel has come and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for the future

[@grug9044]

I agree

[@rysyndrome6823]

For amusement park fans and children who grew up going to amusment parks this is an amazing channel!! 30yrs ago my parents took us to Kings Island for "GE Day". General Electric was such a huge part of my home town, their factories back then employeed so many. Now all we can do is try to hang on to those memories and hope Cedar Fair can keep the Mid-West relevant when it comes to amusment parks...;-)

[@jonw4743]

Watching this two years after it was uploaded, in the midst of the pandemic, 10 months after moving overseas after having been raised in KC and mate...you got me near tears

[@normangunn8389]

End of this video my eyes are full of tears. I am a kid from Kansas City. Growing up in the 90s and early 00s WoF felt like the greatest place on Earth. To ride the Orient Express was like a graduation ceremony from kid to young adult. At 15 years old I worked there for a summer and it was truly one of the best years of my life. Thank you for this video.

[@mattmorelli9833]

Your channel is hands down the classiest youtube documentary series I've come across so far. Classy, well paced, thoughtfully written and narrated, engaging subject matters, the works. I think other content creators should watch your channel and take notes. Because shows like yours are, in my opinion, what this whole platform we call KZbin should be like.

[@gfreddo90]

Well said. Totally agree. The biggest disappointment with KZbin is sifting through the non original content or poorly put together videos to find a gem like these.

[@trumphatesyou]

Expedition Theme Park is on par.

[@JesamyPorter]

THANK YOU!! No one ever does a video on Worlds of Fun! WOF is my home park as I am from just south of Kansas City so I went to WOF a lot. My very first coaster was Orient Express. When I was a 5th grader I went to WOF with my dad, he said he'd pay me $5 to ride it with him and I'd just about anything for money. lol I cried so much and was so scared that when we got off he handed me a $20 and said "don't tell your mom" I'll never forget that. I never road it again as it was removed shortly after. In high school I had a boyfriend who worked on Mamba and his stories of operating the coaster eventually lead me to packing up my car and moving to Florida to work at Disney World. I still live by Disney but I am dying to take my husband to WOF and Silver Dollar City because those two hold a very special place in my heart. I eventually got over my fear of coasters by riding the Mamba like a dozen times in one day. So many good memories at WOF. Thanks again for an amazing video. I plan to share it to my Missouri friends.

[@buttholebzerker]

🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏾👍🏽❤

[@burnpygmalion39]

Omg I LOVE silver dollar city. I’m so thankful I only live 2 hours away.

[@jmanthackdaddy]

Silver Dollar is amazing, WOF has so many memories for me. Last year they closed the Finnish Fling that was one of my favorite...

[@torakokoneko]

that is one hell of a way to get over a fear of roller coasters!

[@ibrown3KC]

I miss the old days of Worlds of Fun. The Orient Express, The Timberwolf, The Zambezi Zinger, etc.

[@jady6180]

The Timberwolf is still there, I rode on it yesterday, Something happened to it a few hours after I went on it though. It stopped as it started going up the first hill, and the people on it had to walk off of it. We asked what happened, and all they said was that there was an error

[@markcouch4235]

The Orient Express was my first coaster as a young child - it was terrifying and I got sick and I swore I'd never ride any again - until a middle school trip years later where I gave into peer pressure despite my fears. After facing my fears I was hooked on coasters for life.

[@BCKammen]

Kevin, I remember riding the Orient Express for years as a kid. I was also working at the park that day of the derailment, as a "volunteer", where we would work for free and the money would get donated to a school program as a fund raiser. No one jumped from the ride as I recall that day, just the prolonged time of the riders waiting to be unloaded from it.

[@ElenaSanchez910]

This man can write. I am so looking forward to reading that book.

[@brianschulz7833]

So crazy that GCI is building a wooden homage to Zambezi Zinger for 2023! Its history really stretches back.

[@andrewsavoy1881]

@@itsrobloxhere they could fit a new coaster behind spinning dragons and patriot without having to remove either one

[@andrewsavoy1881]

@@itsrobloxhere neither of those coasters affect the area where orient express was

[@LongviewPistol]

I grew up in Branson. Worlds of Fun used to be just that, a world of fun. Silver Dollar City was fun too. But, taking that long trip to get up there, made it even more fun.

[@georgeturmail7289]

If this show has taught me anything, it's that Cedar Fair has a very expansive Halloween program.

[@Azvee]

I think they really hope to rake in the Halloween cash since the only commercials I ever see for Valleyfair (my nearby park) is in October when Cedar Fair decides to put a ton of ads for 'Valleyscare' on the local channels.

[@kc3d777]

Halloween is actually pretty massive at Worlds of Fun they do a lot of theming pumping fog machines in and have a big cast of costumed actors hide in it to scare people and they also added a ton of haunted houses that always have very long queues so its become a big thing around here at least. as a fun note they also redecorate all the haunted houses and make them christmas themed for winterfest when the park opens in december as a christmas bazaar

[@AgentFrootLoop]

@@Azvee when I went to valleyscare it was actually pretty disappointing. I love valley fair though

[@JeffreyPiatt]

Every park does The Halloween Haunt event some still use the older branding like Valleyfair and Cedar Point. CP still uses the Holloweekends name

[@Kitykitycoco]

A story about kings island halloweekends. My bf has a tumor condition that affects his face, so the entire time we were there, people confused him for one of the costumed actors.

[@adaveo8396]

If you’re thinking of doing another KC video, I’d recommend talking about the infamous Verrückt water slide at Schlitterbahn.

[@mollykat1660]

I was there when caleb was killed! Poor sweet boy. (I wasn't on the ride) he will be missed forevor

[@stephenbalogh1724]

Really! I beg your pardon!

[@steamdragon8550]

Yes!

[@asbestosfibers1325]

@@mollykat1660 no one cares about your story. That isn't something to brag about.

[@mollykat1660]

@@asbestosfibers1325 and I'm bragging how?

[@ntheflesh5687]

I never had a home park, both Louisiana parks (Pontchartrain Beach and Six Flags over New Orleans) have been closed many years before i was born. The closest i ever got were my visits to Disney World in Orlando. Thank you for sharing stories from your home park, from one theme park fan to another!

[@pyro-millie5533]

Talking about regional parks makes me miss Dollywood. I grew up in Tennessee, and my family got season passes to Dollywood every other year. Its still just as awesome now as it was then, I just don’t get to go as much cause I no longer live in the area. My favorite part of the park is the Craftsman’s Valley- where tons of local artisans: blacksmiths, glassblowers, clock makers, soap makers, etc. show off and sell their work. Dollywood also has lots of great bluegrass shows too! My favorite coasters are Tennessee Tornado and Wild Eagle! Both are fun steel coasters that make me feel like I’m flying! In the area I live now, the closest park is Carowinds. Its a really cool park with two gigacoasters (Fury and Intimidator) and lots of smaller thrill coasters as well as some pay to ride attractions like a giant swing! Definitely a fun one for adrenaline junkies like me lol! I love regional parks and all their unique rides!

[@tamris3188]

I worked at WOF in the 90's on the Viking voyager and test rode the orient express every morning. I loved that ride and hate they tore it down

[@wxnavy1832]

Same, worked at the Dolphin arena in 95. Favorite coaster, by far.

[@englishatheart]

'90s*

[@chasclark9119]

Same best coaster they ever had

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

My home park is Lagoon, in Farmington Utah, "where fun is no longer affordable."

[@MT-or7lv]

Is Lagoon still open? I lived in Utah in the 80's and we went to Lagoon each summer.

[@englishatheart]

@@MT-or7lv '80s* :-P

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

@@MT-or7lv Lagoon is not only still open, but it has thrived! It has become a great regional park. In the 80s, it had the white roller coaster, wild mouse, colossus, and Jet Star 2 - Now it has the Spider, Wicked, Cannibal, and a new coaster coming in the next few years. Added onto that is rattlesnake rapids, the rocket, and just countless more. It has become an awesome park - But gosh it can be expensive. It has some great coasters and rides, but entry is like $60 now.

[@MT-or7lv]

@@armchairrocketscientist4934 I'm so happy to hear that! I remember the wooden roller coaster at Lagoon! What a wonderful time I and my family had there.

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

@@MT-or7lv Yeah, it's popular enough that Lagoon is known around the world by coaster fans, mostly because of Cannibal. You'll have to look up some pictures, I can't really do it justice.

[@dreww8941]

I live on a farm in Kansas. Worlds of Fun was my family’s yearly amusement park. We’d go to Orlando occasionally, but KC was so much easier to plan and afford.

[@MrsW0f0rd]

As a fellow KC native, I have lots of fond childhood memories of WoF. I saw Ray Charles play there, performed there once myself (tap dance thing). I got the worst sunburn of my life at Oceans of Fun, and once tried to climb out of the Octopus while it was moving (terrified as a child, not trying to be a turd) My father worked at WoF before I was born. Family friends still worked there as I was growing up and I got to hear stories of stuff guests would lose on rides. They kept it for the required amount of time then whoever found it got to take it home. Dad's buddies got their wives all sorts of jewelry that way! I rode the Orient Express a year or 2 before it was taken out. It was still a blast! I can't smell hot asphalt without thinking of WoF. Thanks for this video, it was a fantastic trip back in time!

[@mrbraindead12]

Oh my god. Each and every episode has gotten better, and better. I still loved the older videos of '17: lots of subtitled remarks and quips against Eisner, Disney traditions, film references, etc. Now that it's gone into a theme every episode, where the style and editing have conjoined with the theme, I get even more elated. I love your videos, thank you Kevin. I guess the next step after the KZbin docuseries would be perhaps a feature length film of sorts someday. Forever Appreciative, A fan.

[@HallowIsSmol]

Me: Hears "Arrow" in relation to roller coasters Me: *oh no*

[@beanrouge]

Four years after everybody discovered worlds of fun, the fun returns.

[@withtheworks]

You know how they succeeded on opening day? They didn't release their attendance estimates

[@thetroopgirl]

A KZbinr from....Kansas? Now I've seen everything, awesome to know they're out there.

[@ProgSnob14]

Gaming Historian currently lives in KC

[@ryannl.4678]

Vsauce is also a kansas native!

[@jennietsai1260]

Ryann L. You mean Michael. The audience that watches Vsause videos is Vsause. That’s why Michael opens up every video with “Hey, Vsause! Michael here”

[@ryannl.4678]

Carter Pliler I am aware. he talked about that while he was here.

[@ThunderKnightSilver2]

I remember my parents being really upset about the closure of the Orient Express. I never got to ride it but the Spinning Dragons ended up being first coaster. I also got to ride the Prowler when it was new and I remember it being my favorite... when it was smoother. It makes me happy to see a video about the park in my home.

[@megrymer2722]

The operater jokes about how rough the prowler is when waiting in line on the mamba.

[@kirinamidecaney1293]

I’m happy to finally see a new roller coaster come to worlds of fun only 4 years after this video. I can’t wait for 2023 for the reimagined Zambezi zinger

[@hollyhollyson6493]

I have no idea why the "uuuuuuuuuuuum where do I sit?" "YOU DON'T 😠" "i don't?" commercial was so funny

[@TeejNuts]

This makes me happy seeing Worlds of Fun on this channel. I go there a lot, and it's always pretty fun. Thank you for doing this.

[@hermaiamoira1064]

This was my first theme park. I rode the Zambezi Zinger the final year it was open. I remember I was with two friends and each car was meant to hold two people, chest to back. Since we were an odd number the usher tried to convince me, a 12-year-old girl, to sit in the lap of an adult man I'd never met. They then realized that was probably a bad idea (the man looked mortified) and I rode in the car alone, sliding around without a restraint, and certain I would die. Fun memories! I loved The Orient Express and rode it twice.

[@wendyokoopa7048]

I shouldn't be laughing at the mortified look of the man but I am and I don't know why.

[@rustymolla]

Been binge-watching all of these. As a kid from Nebraska growing up in the 90's, so glad to see a Worlds of Fun video!

[@talesofmichele]

My home park was Great America in California. I’m currently watching all these loving see the history even though sometimes it hurts....I got to ride back to the future once...in Japanese. I live an hour from universal studios Japan now. Seeing what came as the patriot coaster reminds me of Top Gun when Paramount took over Great America. I think it’s the same coaster design. Alright I’ve commented enough...back to watching!

[@kotobookie]

hey! Great America’s my home park too! I’ve rode top gun a million times :) tho personally my favorite it the grizzly!

[@just-dashin]

your home park is in danger..

[@jameswatson8387]

mine too! i got injured in the wild thornberrys rv when i was 5

[@MacForaday]

I'm from Kansas City too. You gotta love Worlds of Fun if you are from here. I never rode the Orient Express as a kid because I was afraid of going upside-down, but I loved the Zambeezee Zinger.

[@edtheman12]

I'm from the KC area, I loved the Zinger as well. I rode the Express once when I was about 10 it got suck on top of the lift hill because the track was still cold from the low over night temps. My mom said I was white as a ghost after the ride and they had to pry my hands off the grip, guess I wasn't a fan of inversion loops.

[@PINTO2O2O]

duuuude same here, never rode it but the zinger was awesome

[@DrewberTravels]

I really loved the Zinger too. I was more upset when I found out it was removed than the Orient Express.

[@TheTrout9000]

I remember going up there the launch weekend of the Mamba. Good memories with my dad.

[@depizan]

The Zinger is the coaster I remember most fondly, too. It may not have been unique, but it was a damn fun coaster.

[@AirborneSurfer]

I love how this episode has a lot of heart considering it's Kevin's home park (not that other episodes don't, mind you). I can see the sort of personal touch Kevin has put into this story, as I'm sure it's a subject we've all encountered before. For me, it's the closure of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion after years of mismanagement and a bid from Hard Rock International to open the immediate flop Hard Rock Park in Conway. I spent many of my formative summers at the Pavilion and its closure marked the "End of Innocence" for me. I can still hear the sounds of the midway and see the Atlantic from the top of the Corkscrew's lift hill, and it always brings a wistful smile to my face. Thanks for these journeys, Kevin. Your work is a treasure.

[@AirborneSurfer]

@WaddleBuff Thank you for your kind words! Theme parks and attractions have always been a object of curiosity for me (I used to memorize vital stats for many rides and fancied myself becoming a roller coaster engineer), so I have a strong admiration for this channel and Kevin's work. I only wish I could contribute to this research, but I'm quite inundated with my own work 🙂

[@grimm235]

Matthew Eargle - AirborneSurfer This park is near and dear to my heart as well. I’m so glad he covered this park. It’s my hometown park too!!

[@c0ld1zzy]

when did the pavilion close??

[@AirborneSurfer]

@@c0ld1zzy 2006

[@claytonpaisley9721]

I was SO SAD when the pavilion closed.

[@dnkypnch7442]

I used to go to worlds of fun with my dad all the time when I would come visit him. Had so much fun. I remember the orient express was one of my favorite rides. Glad to see someone talking about worlds of fun.

[@MichaelGarton74]

As a person who was born in raised in Kansas and Missouri worlds of fun was just that my world.

[@ZachAttackIsBack]

I'm a fellow native of Kansas, and as a kid we took many summer family vacations to World's of Fun. Always loved the Orient Express and was sad when I heard they removed it. Anyway, interesting video and well produced as always. Fun fact: the Zambezi Zinger was sold to an amusement park in Colombia and is still operating there to this day.

[@guygambone5754]

Brother Kev is killin' it.

[@airikankuczma]

I live (& grew up 35 mins from Cedar Point. My family spends nearly everyday there in the summer-we have a cabin booked on lighthouse point every year for the Fourth of July. But-I did not grow up going to cedar point all throughout the summer. I grew up going to Geauga Lake and I still get emotional if I see a video from before what six flags did to it. It’s the ‘little places’ that mean so much when they change, or disappear. It took me a long time & alot of love for my children to get over cedar fair buying it to shut it down-it was their main competition for the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s-still stings. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your home park with us.

[@Caglecardscollectibles21]

My grandparents used to take my brother and I to Worlds of Fun several times when we were young, we always loved it there. Just as much as our beloved Astroworld RIP

[@reeveling]

When I was wee, the sheer force of The Orient Express ripped my earrings from my ears. They were still in the seat when the ride stopped. It was horrifying, but I still loved it. I miss the Zambezi Zinger even more. The Boomerang and the Spinning Dragons can suck it.

[@amygreen9662]

Spinning dragons does suck.

[@gingersnap6004]

Spinning dragons blows, but the boomerang is fun. It’s also great at clearing your sinuses naturally.

[@VictoryAviation]

I remember my ears getting battered around pretty dang good when I was barely tall enough to ride.

[@kimashmore9941]

The Timberwolf sucked, rode it once, walked away with bruises on my arms👎

[@YaBoyNick1]

Being from Kansas City myself I loved this episode. Worlds of fun is a fine park. Gotta love the Mamba and the Timberwolf. The patriot is a good coaster as well.

[@levagoo1318]

Visited down there 10 or so years ago. Patriot was certainly my favorite.

[@disoriented1]

ARRRGH..another video stating everything in KC is in KS!!!!!!!

[@RancidGravy]

Best coasters ever.

[@bartscanland9415]

Hate the Timberwolf. Fast, but not very exciting, I got out of it feeling like I had exited a washing machine where I was beaten on with baseball bats.

[@gingersnap6004]

Bart Scanland that’s the fun of a wooden coaster, getting the everloving shit beat out of you while you ride.

[@mylene0040]

I have to say, I've been binge watching all your stuff, and you're right; there's something about your "home" park. I was lucky enough to live near Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and was delighted by your episodes about Drachen Fire and Big Bad Wolf as I rode the crap outta both of those. Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work!

[@RapidVidsProductions]

crazy how nobody cares, huh?

[@yes-eo3oy]

@@RapidVidsProductions why are you so angry

[@trumphatesyou]

Did you notice his mistake. I really don't care but I noticed it immediately

[@Jaxymann]

It's a little thing, but the silent mouthing of "I DON'T!?" by the actor in the commercial for Scream Roller is comedy fucking gold.

[@mr.meloetta1939]

This was probably the least likely coaster I expected, and I'm happy for it. Nice to see Worlds of Fun get some love. EDIT: OK, I can say that this in one of my favorite episodes. I just lost the Cannonball Run at Waterville USA (one of my homeparks) and to see another man talk about another lost legend of theirs makes me happy. Let's hope both of our parks get new coasters next year.

[@huskerscrazy4]

WoF isn't sadly, we're getting a restaurant. Woot.

[@KaySakura1988]

Oh man, I didn't know they were taking down Cannonball Run! Should have went to ride it one last time =(. I live in the area too. Really cool to see a comment from someone near me.

[@Defunctland]

CORRECTION: The Loch Ness Monster is located at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, not Tampa as stated in the video. Apologies. Also, go check out www.worldsoffun.org for great info and an entire list of defunct Worlds of Fun rides!

[@Chaogod1233]

I live in Tampa and was like "wait wut?". You are only human! Fantastic video as always my friend

[@nathanmoore6948]

Defunctland I live near there and it is a fun ride

[@bagofgroceries]

I live in Tampa, and was really confused.

[@ryanmitchelcyr]

i live in CT right next to Lake compunce I work there scaring people in October, love ur vids and would be siked to see a video about it!!

[@gracesiewert3817]

I live in Tampa as well and I was super confused lol. I looked up to see Busch gardens rides

[@shaunahk1]

The Zulu was my first ever upside down ride, with my dad, it was 1984, and I was a mere 4 year old, the next summer (85), I was able to ride the Zambezi zinger. That orange lap bar wasn’t enough for my mom though, she clutched hard. Then when I was. About 7 I went with my older sister and her boyfriend and I legit almost took the chicken exit, I loved it, it was such a fun place and I remember it very fondly

[@David-hr8mq]

Zambezi was my favorite ride at WOF. I was crushed when they tore it down. At least they still have Zulu.

[@McBehrer]

This is the ride I was hoping you had covered! My parents always bemoaned the removal of the Orient Express whenever we would go to Worlds of Fun

[@timwilsin6816]

Born and raised KCMO. Nice to see a good WOF video

[@ColorOfSakura]

Seeing this I’m hoping Defunctland will be returning to Missouri to discuss the failure and closure of the sister park to Silver Dollar City - Celebration City (and more specifically the Ozark Mountain Wildcat coaster). SDC has always been my hometown theme park and I remember being stunned at how quickly Celebration City closed.

[@gumbusmcbumbus2087]

DJ Sakura OH MY GOD. I never thought I’d see someone else who knew about celebration city. It was before my time to remember it, but I heard stories. Hello fellow Missourian.

[@GhostGhosterson]

Silver Dollar City was my home theme park as well.

[@BlueDragonknight375]

He could colab with Sir Willow!

[@breeg1684]

I'm from here too, and I was also surprised at how quickly Celebration City closed down. I never got a chance to go myself. But I still occasionally go to SDC 🤗

[@bigsistruck]

Yes, that park was odd and it really wasn't surprising it closed down. They wanted almost the same ticket price as SDC for much less attractions! We walked up to the gate and said...ummm yeah we're not paying that for this tiny park!

[@Brittshow_AK]

I'm from Alaska and I think one of the reasons I enjoy your channel and learning about theme parks so much is because I had no theme parks anywhere remotely near me growing up. When I was four, my family packed up our motor home and drove from AK to FL to go to Disney World. Quite a first-time theme park experience. My husband is from Ohio and often points out my lack of exposure to all water parks, roller coasters, and rides, outside of traveling carnival rides that make appearances at our state fair and Fur Rendezvous festival. Although riding The Sizzler in February when it's 10 degrees out is its own kind of thrill...

[@stemdeckesupreme164]

Man this was a trip down memory lane. I grew up in KC in the 90s. I remember riding the orient express after the accident, it was a great ride but really intense and the troubled past got in your head. My sister used the chicken exit. I rode it twice. Mamba once. Timber wolf the rest of the day.

[@lonnihelm3936]

SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDWEST! MISSOURI! People can finally realize we’re a state!

[@ajmoretina2109]

you’re not wrong

[@midluci]

But Missouri has other theme parks like SDC and a 6 Flags in St. Louis

[@Awesomeasumpta13]

At least Missouri is more relevant than Nebraska.

[@Hornheart22]

@@Awesomeasumpta13 Hey Nebraska has that zoo in Omaha that's pretty rad

[@lilliancarothers3429]

Agreed

[@gman102formyspace]

as someone who used to work for the kodak shack right when you came in the entrance to the park, you did an excellent job at making worlds of fun look as fun as it was to be there most of the time! spot on with many of the points and what you focused on within the park, super interesting history

[@brokenpieces5852]

Honestly this is one of the few places where I can find a bunch of information on parks, and part of what inspired me to make theme/amusement the subject of a school project. There’s so much people forget about and can’t easily find information on.

[@DavidWilliams-hg9vv]

I grew up in a small town not far from Kansas City, MO. The Orient Express was the first coaster I ever rode! I was TERRIFIED on the way up the first hill! I LOVED that coaster and was crushed when it was taken down! LOVE seeing it again in this video! I love coasters and theme parks and I now I live close to Disney and Universal. The Orient Express evidently made a big impression on me!

[@codydavenport8429]

Highest quality youtube docs I've ever watched. Keep up the good work my dude.

[@theexchipmunk]

"Momma I want to go to Disney Land!" "We have Disney Land at home son" Disney Land at home:

[@morgancloutier5908]

Facts. As a citizen of Kansas this is very much true.

[@LumosPM]

Facts. As a former citizen of KC, Missouri this is very true

[@Makaponpon]

yeah pretty much we want to be disney but we'll always be that weird distant cousin who might not even be related to the family

[@Sashazur]

This meme needs to go away.

[@theexchipmunk]

@@Sashazur Never

[@sarahwise7103]

My local park was Wild Waves and Enchanted Village between Seattle and Tacoma. Rode my first big roller coaster there the year Wild Thing opened. I remember waiting in a crazy long line with my dad, watching other kids chicken out and exit the line. After one ride through, they gave the option to get off or go through a second time. My dad asked if I wanted to get off and I excitedly told him I wanted to ride again. My brother and I revisited the park a couple years ago in our 20s, the first time I’d been since I was a teenager, and we walked right onto the coaster. Many of the original water slides had been closed and replaced with bigger, safer slides you can only go down with innertubes (no more free slides). Both the Action Park episode and this episode made me nostalgic for Wild Waves. One year my parents bought us a season pass and would leave my brother and me at the park all day during the summer until our grandparents picked us up. I think we might have had one cellphone between the two of us at the time. I’m Disney park obsessed now, but our little independent regional park (that was briefly acquired by Six Flags in the 2000s, given a handful of new rides and some random Mountain Dew branding, and then sold off just as quickly) will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@Light-fi1mj]

I'm to young to have ever rode the Orient Express, but I think a lot of KC natives (MO or KS side) have some sort of memory from WoF! While mine might have been of the Mamba, it's awesome to hear about the history of our local theme park from someone who cares so much about it!

[@kc3d777]

as a kansas city resident ive been really looking forward to seeing some love for worlds of fun! its kinda shabby but its got some charm! As another Kansas City suggestion for Defunctland that may be a bit morbid considering what happened maybe you could cover the failure that was Schlitterbahns Verrückt the worlds tallest waterslide that was built in 2014 and closed only 2 years later because it was so dangerous a child was decapitated. I pass it everyday on my way to work the massive slide stands out as one of the biggest landmarks in the area and is still standing to this day totally unused and rusting. Its a bit of a sensitive subject considering the fatallity but its a bit of an interesting history around it and everyone in the area knows about the case and slide as probably the most infamous amusement park attraction in the area. it is a towering testament to how safety precautions and measures should never be ignored when building an attraction.

[@14stockfan]

Not sure they want to do it because of the gruesome nature of its closing. Ever since I saw the announcement of that ride I thought it was a bad idea, and that thought turned out to not be unfounded.

[@karlybrown4418]

Someone died on the Timberwolf at Worlds of fun too. I’m surprised he didn’t mention it

[@TheMaddness22]

@@karlybrown4418 He's probably waiting for it to formally close down. It's getting to that time. Hardly anyone rides it any more because it's so shaky and rough these days.

[@torakokoneko]

he stated on twitter that he is waiting for the legal drama to end

[@honeycomb97]

Let's be honest, if the ride area isn't being used as a seasonal haunted house is it REALLY even defunct?

[@ethanisfancy]

I'm from the KC area (Missouri side, sorry), and the Orient Express became something of a legend for kids at my school. You would be the bravest kid on the playground if you had ridden it, and once it it closed down, the legend only got bigger

[@tumblingstarmoonchild]

As a KC native (Missouri variant) and a new viewer, I really didn't expect a Worlds of Fun video!!! Didn't think we were big enough for one. Wonderful to know this was likely, like mine, your first theme park!!

[@ellievillafane]

I loved how you seamlessly incorporated your personal history with the historical details. This was so well made.

[@KN-ko8ez]

I’m from Kansas City and love Worlds of Fun, but I wish Cedar Fair would invest more in it. The Orient Express was actually one of my first roller coasters I ever rode, I still remember the “chicken exit”. But WOF is one of the most neglected CF parks IMO. We want new coasters here!!! Side Note: everyone who’s not from Kansas seems to have this idea that Kansas consists of giant, endless farmlands. While that is mostly true, they’ve never even heard of Kansas City, which is one of the nicest metropolitan areas within the Midwest. So much interesting culture here, it’s an amazing place.

[@Bo0g_Bo0g]

PREACH!!!

[@ashtonhawkins2854]

only timber wolf still has the chicken exit but isnt in use anymore

[@alphamone]

I visited Kansas City for a few days last year. It seems like a nice enough place (from the perspective of a visiting Australian.). Didn't get to see Worlds of Fun though, as it wasn't open on any of the days I was there.

[@tristaturley5448]

Missouri parks seem to always get the short end of the stick. Worlds of Fun is the red-headed stepchild of the Cedar Fair family, and Six Flags St. Louis is the red-headed stepchild of the Six Flags family.

[@ashtonhawkins2854]

true

[@Robin_Starsfall]

I grew up in Omaha in the 80s-90s. Every summer as a kid, our family vacation was to KC to visit Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun. (In hindsight, I wonder why we never went to Adventureland. Des Moines wouldve been a closer drive.) Anyway, thanks for doing this episode! Maybe you could do Adventureland in a future episode.

[@matthewhancox4389]

This makes me nostalgic for my home park; Gulivers World. I grew up in Warrington, England, and it was only a few minuets walk from my house. It’s pretty much a kiddy park with pretty cheap rides, But the only ride worth anything was the Antelope; a wooden coaster with no inversions, so it was pretty good as a babies first coaster. Rode it a few years ago when I took my sister on a day out, and surprisingly held up. Wasn’t as good a park as the relatively closer Alton Towers or Camelot (RIP), But you always remember your first. Anyone from the UK remember the Antelope?

[@misscaution704]

So basically Kevin is Dorothy wanting more in Kansas

[@Defunctland]

You caught the character arc. Here's a heart.

[@CaitCher]

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up hiiiiiiiiiiigh, there's a park that I heard of once in a lullaby!"

[@MattMcIrvin]

"Where chain lifts lead to massive drops, away above the chimneytops, that's wheeeere you'll fiiiiiiind meeee..."

[@HandmadeGoose97]

So what your saying is the only way Kansas is going to receive something interesting is by a tornado

[@brettvv7475]

@Ryan Andrews Uh.. which park? The Kansas Worlds of Fun that Kevin (from Kansas) clearly states is located in Kansas, because that's the point of this video about a park in Kansas? Is that the park you're talking about?

[@piecesoshadows]

Welcome to the Salty Spatoon how tough are ya? My home park was Action Park

[@Syntania]

Holy crap, how are you still alive?!

[@Bpabrown148]

Mine too.

[@abbygiroux9097]

nice spongebob reference

[@Hey_yeah]

Fellow New Jersian Im sure that’s a word

[@sussus3974]

Class action park, the kid killer, murder pool's home, it goes by many names

[@bigcheese1061]

This makes me think of my local theme park, Elitch Gardens. It is where I fell in love with amusement parks. It has 6 coasters and 2 water rides, though there is one coaster I always look forward to more than any other there, that being the wooden coaster Twister 2

[@kelserzz15]

Fellow Kansan here.. 😊 I do have to say, when you said “Mamba” I did the *slap slap* *fang fingers* 😂

[@bradnewsbear]

This was my first ever roller coaster ride! I'm from Lincoln, and like a lot of Nebraskans, Worlds of Fun was a huge part of my family and I's summers in my childhood

[@awdcatsubaru3755]

Which HS did you attend? I'm an '84 graduate of LSE. I, too, have many fond memories of the park.

[@corn6723]

So happy to see this! As someone that has lived on the Missouri side of Kansas City for my entire life, and that has grown up going to Worlds of Fun, I am always excited to see some history of it. Very nice video! I never got to ride the Orient Express, I was only 2 when it closed, but my parents talk about it a decent bit.

[@SoCalCinema]

I just discovered this! I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, so we went to WoF every Summer as a kid in late 80s thru late 90s. I remember always hating the random Summer we had to go to Oceans of Fun instead. I rode this coaster many times (once 5 times back to back on a school trip while temp living in Kansas) and now live in California so I found this heartwarming. Thank you!

[@emailandi82]

Wichita ks, born and raised and this is my makes me smile so big. Never thought I would see Worlds of Fun on KZbin, and your correct NOTHING is in Kansas.

[@ZoraaroZ7Q]

This video had such a sweet message to it, about loving our home parks! Shoutout to Michigan’s Adventure, it’s been ten years since we’ve gotten a coaster and my fingers are crossed hard.

[@chayden153]

As a fellow Michigan's Adventure park guest, I agree!

[@TheBlueMordecai]

As soon as he said home state parks I thought right to Michigan Adventures

[@spinningpeanut]

He mentioned lagoon, my home park, in his UK park video, when talking about jet star 2. I loved that coaster. It felt bigger than the looping coaster despite being smaller, you needed to be taller to ride jet star 2 due to how rough it was. I hope he does a lagoon video someday, but not for defunct reasons.

[@KingsDominionNetwork]

I Feel Bad For You :(

[@dragonfire101g]

@@spinningpeanut lagoons also my home park!!! Also, I'm so sorry to you both for having mistreated adventure as your home park

[@darkghor6372]

Aaawwww sick, another Kansas City native! Of course, I'm from Missouri, but STILL. Didn't expect to hear you were from here while listening to you in the exact same city. Even worked at Worlds of Fun for a summer, Fury of the Nile. Fondest memory was strapping kids into the ride and they were all talking about how Missouri was a shitty state, I leaned down and whispered in their ears "but look where you have to go for fun" at the EXACT moment their boat floated off the rotating carousel.

[@gingersnap6004]

darkghor Kansas can eat my entire ass. We have amusements parks and zoo, that we share. All we get from them is the Westboro Baptist Church members screaming slurs at concerts and high schools.

[@carmen9432]

Fury of the Nile, Orient Express, Zambezi Zinger, Timberwolf - Man was it wonderful to be a kid at Worlds of Fun in the early 90’s! Some of the best memories 💜

[@denaturner8871]

Ginger Snap that's all you know of from Kansas? All the musicians, actors, movies, sports legends or even free state status for the underground railroad or historical lawmen and outlaws of "the wild west" era and all you acknowledge is that small group of inbred hate mongers, that pretty much their entire home state's residents also disapprove of and are ashamed that they are connected to by default of location?

[@masonisoverparty]

It's so cool to see another big KZbinr from Kansas City like myself - lord only knows about the stories we here have of Worlds of Fun and Schlitterbahn. Though I'm from Missouri so we are a bit different -

[@GenXfrom75]

Moon Lake is in Kansas... Our first home as a family was Fort Riley. Happiest memories of our life. Though we were assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma just a year later, 18 years later, we talk about Kansas all the time. We loved it.