Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Mo., has announced the removal of the 24-year-old Arrow looper, Orient Express. The ride will be replaced with Spinning Dragons, a ride that will "spin in complete circles with two pairs of passengers facing one another."



Kansas City, Mo., October 29, 2003 – Spinning Dragons, the newest attraction at Worlds of Fun, will be a uniquely designed roller coaster featuring cars carrying four passengers which spin independently as they traverse the coaster’s many hills and turns. The new ride will entertain both thrill seekers and young families as the cars spin in complete circles with two pairs of passengers facing one another. Further information regarding the ride’s structure and dynamics will be released in March of next year. Spinning Dragons will be ready for operation on opening day of 2004.

Worlds of Fun officials have also announced that the Orient Express roller coaster will be retired from the Park prior to the 2004 season. Constructed in 1980 by Arrow Development, Mountain View, CA, the venerable Orient Express has given millions of thrilling rides to Worlds of Fun guests over the past 24 seasons. The new Spinning Dragons will be built in the Orient section of the Park close to the location vacated by the Orient Express.

“We are never pleased to retire such a popular attraction, but extremely high maintenance costs and the need to create space for future development has made it necessary to replace this ride. At the same time, we are certain the new coaster will be very well received,” said Phil Bender, vice president and general manager of Worlds of Fun.

Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun are now closed for the 2003 season. Worlds of Fun will reopen for the 2004 season on Saturday, April 3, 2004. Oceans of Fun will begin its 2004 season on Saturday, May 29, 2004. Worlds of Fun is located on the east loop of I-435 at Exit 54. For further information, call 816.454.4545 or visit www.worldsoffun.com.