Zambezi Zinger is a

wooden roller coaster A wooden roller coaster is a type of roller coaster classified by its wooden track, which consists of running rails made of flat steel strips mounted on laminated wood. The support structure is also typically made of wood, but may also b ...

located at

Worlds of Fun Worlds of Fun is an entertainment complex with more than 235 acres located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is the largest amusement park and water park in the Midwest. Founded by American businessmen Lamar Hunt and Jack Steadman, the park opened in ...

Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City (abbreviated KC or KCMO) is the largest city in Missouri by population and area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 508,090 in 2020, making it the 36th most-populous city in the United States. It is the central ...

, United States. Manufactured by

Great Coasters International Great Coasters International, Inc. (GCI or GCII) is a Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based roller coaster manufacturer which has created several award-winning rides since its formation in 1994. Starting in 2006 with Thunderbird at PowerPark in Finland, th ...

(GCI) and designed by Skyline Design, the hybrid coaster features a wooden track with a steel support structure, and it opened to the public on June 19, 2023. The ride is named after the original Zambezi Zinger (1973–1997), a popular steel coaster that opened with the park in 1973. The updated version shares a few similarities to the original and is the first new coaster at Worlds of Fun in more than a decade since the debut of

Prowler Prowler may refer to: * "Prowler", a song by Iron Maiden from ''Iron Maiden'', 1980 * Prowler (Marvel Comics), a Marvel Comics superhero * ''The Prowler'' (1951 film), a film starring Van Heflin * "The Prowler" (''Australian Playhouse''), an e ...

in 2009.

History

When Worlds of Fun first opened to the public in 1973, the original Zambezi Zinger was one of three roller coasters featured at the park. It became one of the most popular rides among guests and operated until 1997, when it was removed and relocated to

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in Colombia, reopening as

Montaña Rusa Montana or Montaña is the surname of: * Allison Montana (1922–2005), New Orleans cultural icon who acted as the Mardi Gras Indian "chief of chiefs" * Amber Montana (born 1998), American actress * Billy Montana (born 1959), American country ...

in 1999. For its 50th anniversary, Worlds of Fun made the decision to add a new roller coaster to its ride lineup that would pay homage to original Zinger as a "nostalgic nod to the past". The reimagined version was designed to feature some similarities to the original, including a spiral lift hill, a mid-course tunnel, and the same line queue building with revamped theming. It was built in the same location as the former Zinger. The coaster was originally planned to debut on May 26, 2023, but the official opening was delayed due to ongoing testing. The park began offering occasional rides to the public as early as June 10, upsetting raffle winners of the coaster's "First Riders Experience", which was postponed indefinitely.https://fox4kc.com/news/emotional-roller-coaster-promised-first-riders-of-zambezi-zinger-say-ride-has-already-been-used/ In response to complaints, the park clarified that the coaster was not yet officially open but that rides "may be given from time to time". The grand opening for Zambezi Zinger was finally held on June 19.

References

{{coord missing, Missouri Roller coasters in Missouri Roller coasters operated by Six Flags Worlds of Fun