What Kansas City’s iconic theme park sale means for you

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A $342 million deal signed Wednesday morning modified the way forward for one in all Kansas City’s most acknowledged summer time locations.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation introduced it’s promoting Worlds of Fun — together with six different regional parks — to EPR Properties, a Kansas City-based actual property funding belief. The sale places an area firm in command of a park that has been a Kansas City staple since 1973.

Who is shopping for Worlds of Fun?

EPR Properties is the one diversified actual property funding belief within the nation centered completely on experiential properties, proudly owning all the things from film theaters to leisure venues throughout the U.S.

Brian Moriarty, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for EPR Properties, informed KCTV5 the corporate spent a number of months working towards the deal, calling it a “win-win” for either side.

“We’re very pleased to be able to invest in our own community,” Moriarty mentioned. “There’s going to be opportunity for increased overall focus — everything from fundamental maintenance to areas of enhancement around rides and various attractions.”

EPR says as soon as the transaction closes, the parks might be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks, a devoted operator the corporate describes as “highly competent and committed.”

The Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun names is not going to change.

What does this imply to your season move?

Season move holders is not going to see a big change to their visitor expertise, in accordance with Six Flags Corporate Director of Communications Gary Rhodes.

“Guests can look forward to enjoying their visits as they always have throughout the 2026 season,” Rhodes mentioned. “All season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season — including multi-park pass privileges at other Six Flags locations.”

Rhodes added that the parks will preserve their common working schedules and that admission will proceed to be honored for the complete 2026 season based mostly on date of move buy.

“Our goal is to ensure a smooth, seamless experience so guests can continue making great memories at the parks they love,” he mentioned.

What about staff?

The sale is not going to impression seasonal hiring, in accordance with Six Flags. Rhodes confirmed the seven parks being bought are anticipated to be absolutely staffed for the 2026 season, and all present park workers are anticipated to transition to Enchanted Parks as soon as the sale is full.

Workers at Worlds of Fun mentioned they discovered concerning the sale Wednesday morning, the identical method most Kansas Citians did. Austin Story, a driving mechanic and union steward at Worlds of Fun since 2023, mentioned the workers is prepared for the change.

“We’re all excited to work with the new owners,” Story mentioned. “We’re excited to put out a high level of entertainment and experience for our guests.”

Story confirmed the union contract will stay intact beneath the brand new possession, saying he was informed the union is “kosher” with the transition.

A neighbor’s perspective

Michael Zagalik has lived 4 blocks from Worlds of Fun for 50 years. He was within the neighborhood earlier than the park was in-built 1973 and has watched it develop and alter ever since.

“We were young, I think 14 or so, and we said, ‘Oh, it’s gonna be like Disneyland or something,’” Zagalik recalled of the park’s opening. “So that was pretty cool.”

Zagalik mentioned native possession offers him hope for the park’s future.

“I always like local things,” he mentioned. “They always seem to be just a little more in touch with the local people and know what they want and like.”

What’s subsequent?

The sale is predicted to shut by the top of the primary quarter or the start of the second quarter, pending regulatory approvals. Once closed, Enchanted Parks will take over operations, and EPR says company can count on an elevated deal with buyer satisfaction, park cleanliness, experience maintenance, and the general visitor expertise.

Six Flags says the choice to promote permits the corporate to speculate extra deeply in its remaining parks.

“We are confident in the future of Worlds of Fun under the care of Enchanted, which has strong experience managing parks of this scale,” Rhodes mentioned in an announcement to KCTV5. “At the same time, this decision allows Six Flags to invest more deeply in the parks with the greatest opportunity for growth and innovation.”

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