Every year in the fall, Worlds of Fun is transformed from an amusement park into a haunted experience. Guests can experience all of the standard rides and a few extra experiences like haunted mazes, outdoor scare zones, and live shows. Additionally, the grounds of the park are transformed into spooky passages and staff hide in the shadows dressed in all kinds of costumes to spook guests.
In one of the scare zones, called Outlaws Revenge, guests experience a town filled with undead cowboys and other frightening creatures. (Worlds of Fun Website)
“There are people on skates with spark makers on the back of their heels,” Senior Alex Alley said. “And they slide next to you and make loud noises to scare you.”
The Haunt begins at 6 p.m. with a parade featuring all of the costumed staff. After the parade, guests can choose whether to enter particular areas with scary attractions or stick to the regular rides for a less spooky experience. Guests can also request a “no boo” pass if they don’t want to be jumpscared.
“I have such a good time every year, even if I feel like I will be panicking the whole time,” Junior Rin Campbell said, “I know there are ways to enjoy it without doing the scary things. I also like that the haunted houses are shorter than most in the K.C. area because I don’t feel like I’m getting tormented for 30 minutes straight.”
On the Carousel stage, Worlds of Fun presents a live show called Conjure the Night, where evil forces battle each other through music. (Worlds of Fun Website)
Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time, as the prices are much cheaper online. This year, tickets for the Haunt start at $39.99 for just the evening or $54.99 for an all-day experience. The park will close to all guests at 5 p.m. to allow time for decorations to be put up. Indoor experiences open at 6:30 and outdoor attractions open at 7:30 with the concussion of the parade.
“The lines for haunted houses can be long,” Alley said, “so be prepared.”
The Haunt also features special food items sold throughout the park, such as Worms in Dirt Funnel Cakes, Apple Pie Mocktails, Candy Bag Croissants, and Swamp Monster
Franked Cheesecake and Pumpkin Mousse sold at Gateway Pizza during the Halloween Haunt.(Worlds of Fun Website)
A few rules of note when going to the Haunt are the chaperone and costume rules. Anyone 15 or younger is required to have an adult chaperone with them in the park. A chaperone must be 21 or older with a valid I.D. and can not chaperone more than 10 children. Additionally, no costumes are allowed during the Haunt.
“I would recommend everyone go because it’s cool,” Campbell said. “It’s like regular Worlds of Fun but better.”
