Timber Wolf Reborn
Chris Foshee
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When it comes to things to do in Kansas City, Timber Wolf has been a rite of passage for thrill seekers and park-goers since its 1989 debut. From clicking up its 100-foot lift hill to racing through its dizzying track, the classic roller coaster is full of adventure, grit and nostalgia.
Construction on Timber Wolf began in September 1988. Teams worked through the offseason laying about 70-feet of Timber Wolf's track per day. It took 15 tons of nails, 80,000 bolts and 680,000 feet of lumber to build.
As Worlds of Fun’s first wooden coaster, Timber Wolf helped put the park on the map. After its highly anticipated opening, it won international honors as the top wooden roller coaster and continued to win accolades over the next several years. There’s no debate about it, Timber Wolf is a living legend, and this season - it will be reborn with a new finale to carry on its historic prestige.
A Work in Progress
The twisted ending has been years in the making. In addition to its new 70-degree banked turn, Timber Wolf has been receiving major renovations and investment over the past five years. The project kicked off in 2014 with an all-new operating system. In 2015, work continued with major re-engineering and re-tracking from the first drop through the previously existing helix. Now with its new banked turn, it is estimated that over half of the track has been replaced or reworked.
Coaster Geek Talk...
Much of the recent work has been spearheaded by Great Coasters International, the renowned roller coaster manufacturer that designed and constructed Prowler. Together with the Worlds of Fun maintenance team, they've reconfigured much of the track by lowering the stack of wood rails, which in turn lowers the coaster train and coaster track - reducing excess force and vibration.
Our maintenance team predicts that extensive renovations will continue through 2021, ensuring this classic ride survives and thrives for a future generation of riders.
A Legend is Re-Born
Due to the hard work of our teams, we’re happy to announce that Timber Wolf will be opening ahead of schedule on Saturday, May 19.
Gold and Platinum Passholders will have the opportunity to preview the ride before we open to the general public on Friday, May 18 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with two hours of exclusive ride time after the park closes. It’s going to be a howling good time!
*As a reminder, the Worlds of Fun will be closed for a private event on Sunday, May 20.
Timber Wolf will still sport the charm of a wooden roller coaster, but the extensive trackwork will surely make a noticeable impact on the comfort and smoothness of the ride. If it has been a while since your last ride, be sure to add it to your bucket list during your next visit to Worlds of Fun.
Words of Fun Bonus
When Worlds of Fun announced Timber Wolf, they asked area residents to help name the ride. Other names considered were "Splintered Snake" and "Wooden Wonder."
Be sure to follow us on social media for on-ride video and more updates on the rebirth of Timber Wolf!
