Cover Story
www.parkworld-online.com
A storm through the Serengeti
Manufactured by Great Coasters International (GCI) and designed by Skyline Attractions, Zambezi Zinger is the thrilling new roller coaster at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, replacing the original Zinger which opened in 1973 and featuring all-new Serengeti theming. Charlotte Westwood speaks to Olivia Hain,
Charlotte Westwood: Worlds of Fun has seven other roller coasters. What's special about Zambezi Zinger and does it bring anything new to Worlds of Fun that it was previously lacking? Olivia Hain: It is the first ever hybrid coaster (wood and steel) with a steel spiral lift - the steel track being our Titan Track. Zambezi was custom designed for low-to-the-ground twists and turns on a unique topography. The new Zambezi Zinger pays homage to the old Zambezi Zinger that was at Worlds of Fun many years ago. Riders will start the ride from the same queue building which has been updated with all new safari theming for this new experience. As a family thrill ride, Zambezi has many snappy turns that bring a sense of wickedness to the ride. I imagine the spiral lift as the calm before the storm as you leave the lift and trail down the wooden track into snappy, low-to-the-ground turns - the wicked storm!
CW: Is it fair to say that Zambezi Zinger has been a hit with park guests since it opened in June this year?
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OH: Yes, most people absolutely love the ride! It’s always good to hear first-hand from guests what they think of a ride, and Worlds of Fun has a video on their instagram interviewing riders to find out their opinions on Zambezi. They had some great things to say! A few mentioned how much they loved the speed of the ride which is one of the key factors in making it so thrilling - and riders who rode the original Zambezi have agreed that the new model is a big improvement! The original Zambezi Zinger was only 57ft, so this design is a lot taller, it’s faster, and the hybrid track makes for a smoother ride. One park guest summed it up as “fast, loud and very intimidating” which I think paints a pretty accurate picture!
CW: Were there any challenges that needed to be overcome during the design or build stage? OH: Oh so many challenges! Between building underneath and through a bridge and on an incline; installing and using our Infinity Flyer trains for the first time ever; and designing and installing a spiral
AUGUST 2023
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