I'm thinking that this could be one of Worlds of Fun busiest years for many reasons.
1) Prowler, need I say more?
2) The Economy - yes I think it'll help more than hurt. Worlds of Fun's business is largely local and I'm thinking many people are going to opt for a 40 dollar ticket to the local theme park rather than travel where gas, hotels, food (here you always have the option of bringing a picnic lunch, just eating it outside the park), and time off work. I'm thinking it's going to work more for WOFs favour, unlike, say, Walt Disney World which is mostly people traveling.
3) Schlitterbahn - At least Worlds of Fun could benefit. People who've heard of the Schlitterbahn parks might make the trip to Kansas City if they don't live close to Texas and may decide to make a vacation of it with Barbecue, the museums (Nelson Atkins, Negro League Baseball, and Jazz), the Plaza, and of course World's of Fun. I'm thinking that from people in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and just throughout Missouri might come to St. Louis, Springfield, and Branson rather than a further and more costly vacation. And with Kansas City getting some new things one that's from a nationally renowned water park company it might attract people from nearby states, likewise locals might take a week off and go to the Zoo, WOF and Schlitterbahn if they can't go further. Oceans won't be helped but they didn't really do much to help it.
4) Halloween Haunt - it's been growing every year and it's been one of the busiest times, and a Worlds of Fun ticket isn't much more than the downtown haunted houses and you get unlimited times going through it you want and the rides.
Just my personal theory, it could be a big year, all Worlds of Fun has to do is pull it off. And in my opinion the park has only improved in quality, cleanliness wise, since the Patriot was built, this is no Mamba situation. Everytime I think about it, the wiser I think they were holding off on more attractions and spending the budget on improvements. It only makes the park look better.
I'm only hoping themeing is next.
