Contest offers donors and entrants the first chance to ride the eagerly anticipated coaster

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Worlds of Fun Launches Zambezi Zinger First Rider Expedition, Benefiting Big Slick and Children’s Mercy Hospital

February 28, 2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 28, 2023) – Worlds of Fun will make history as the re-imagined Zambezi Zinger roller coaster makes its debut this spring for its 50th Anniversary. Now, they are offering guests and coaster enthusiasts the chance to be part of that history. Worlds of Fun is hosting the Zambezi Zinger First Rider Expedition when the highly anticipated ride opens later this spring, benefiting Big Slick and pediatric cancer research at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. 

Thirty-two winners on two trains will be randomly selected via drawing to be selected as the first public riders on Zambezi Zinger when the ride opens this spring. To enter the contest, visit worldsoffun.com

All proceeds will be donated to Big Slick, an annual fundraiser hosted by Kansas City natives Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, Eric Stonestreet, David Koechner and Rob Riggle that raises money for Children’s Mercy Kansas City.  

Fundraising ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. Winners will be drawn and contacted on Monday, April 3. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this unique partnership with Big Slick and Worlds of Fun. The money raised will continue to position our Children’s Mercy Research Institute as a world-class leader in using whole genome sequencing to determine the best course of treatment to save lives today and add to a body of research to help children for generations to come,” said Children’s Mercy CEO, Paul Kempinski. “Big Slick and Worlds of Fun are coming together to make a difference not only for kids in Kansas City, but across the globe!” 

Zambezi Zinger is a steel-wood hybrid roller coaster designed by Great Coasters International and will feature two groundbreaking pieces of technology, dynamic Infinity Flyer trains from Skyline Attractions and TitanTrack. The coaster draws inspiration from its namesake by featuring a spiral lift hill, low contour turns and midcourse tunnel. The track layout pays homage to its predecessor, flying high through the trees and plunging down into a gulley in the park’s Africa section. It is 74 -feet tall and will reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour.  

About Worlds of Fun 
Worlds of Fun is a more than 235-acre theme park, waterpark and resort located in Kansas City, Missouri. As the largest entertainment complex in the Midwest, featuring thrill rides, live entertainment, the Oceans of Fun waterpark, and the Worlds of Fun Village Resort, Worlds of Fun is the top destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.   

About Cedar Fair Entertainment Company 
Worlds of Fun is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. For more information, see www.cedarfair.com.   

About Big Slick 

Big Slick started in 2010 as a celebrity poker tournament and party hosted by Kansas City natives and comedic actors Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis to raise money for Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Each year, Riggle, Rudd and Sudeikis invite celebrity friends to participate in the weekend; alumni from years past include Selena Gomez, Will Ferrell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Johnny Knoxville, John Oliver and many others. Big Slick alumni David Koechner and Eric Stonestreet joined Riggle, Rudd and Sudeikis as official Big Slick co-hosts in 2014. In its 13 years, Big Slick has donated more than $17 million to Children’s Mercy. For more information on Big Slick, visit www.bigslickkc.org  or follow Big Slick on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BigSlickKC), Twitter (@BigSlickKC), Instagram (@BigSlickKC) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/BigSlickKC). 

About Children’s Mercy Kansas City 

Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy Kansas City is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, educating caregivers and breakthrough innovation to create a world of well-being for all children. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care for children from birth through the age of 21. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children’s Mercy as one of “America's Best Children's Hospitals.” For the fifth consecutive time in a row, Children’s Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to only about 8% of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. More than 850 pediatric subspecialists, researchers and faculty across more than 40 subspecialties are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and education of the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. Thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s Mercy provides hope, comfort and the prospect of brighter tomorrows to every child who passes through its doors. Visit Children’s Mercy and the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to learn more, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest news and videos.  

Terms & Conditions 

Media Kit & Media Availability
Zambezi Zinger media kit. Additional multimedia and interviews available upon request. Please submit requests to brian.mcgannon@worldsoffun.com