Worlds of Fun is getting some competition. A new Mattel Adventure Park in Wyandotte County will feature Hot Wheels roller coasters, a Barbie rooftop restaurant, Thomas & Friends attractions and more.
Crews plan to break ground this year and open the new theme park in Bonner Springs in 2026. It will be located near 118th Street and State Avenue, not far from Kansas Speedway.
“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family friendly attractions, an immersive theater, themed dining and so much more,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer at Mattel. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”
This will be the second Mattel Adventure Park from Mattel and Epic Resort Destinations. The companies have a second theme park opening this year in Glendale, Ariz.
The Kansas City-area park will have all the attractions at the Arizona park, including the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker and the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer coasters. There also will be a larger-than-life Barbie Beach House where fans can build a customized Barbie set in the Barbie Dream Closet Experience. It includes hologram technology to bring Barbie to life. For younger visitors, the Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor will feature five experiential attractions and rides, including an indoor play space.
Over at He-Man vs Skeletor Laser Tag, Masters of the Universe fans can fight in a massive arena. The park also will feature a mini-golf course inspired by the Magic 8 ball, Pictionary and other Mattel games.
“I’m anticipating more than 400 jobs just for Mattel Adventure Park,” said Mark Cornell, president of Epic Resort Destinations. “I think that number could be a little higher as our development plans continue to grow. This is a great win for all. Kansas gets a great theme park, which brings Mattel brands to life. I think our value to the entertainment community is going to be second to none.”
The city of Bonner Springs is planning a public hearing on the new theme park at its April 8 city council meeting. City officials will review the project and discuss next steps
“Bonner Springs is a great destination for travelers and tourists already with Azura Amphitheater, the National Ag Hall of Fame, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, ZipKC and a quaint, historic downtown,” it said in a statement. “At the public hearing, the elected officials will consider this project and give direction on further negotiations and considerations to develop a project of this magnitude. We are committed to discussing this project with the state, the developers, and our community when we have more details in place for discussion.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
