Worlds of Fun sold: What Kansas City’s iconic theme park sale means for you

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A $342 million deal signed Wednesday morning changed the future of one of Kansas City’s most recognized summer destinations.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced it is selling Worlds of Fun — along with six other regional parks — to EPR Properties, a Kansas City-based real estate investment trust. The sale puts a local company in control of a park that has been a Kansas City staple since 1973.

Who is buying Worlds of Fun?

EPR Properties is the only diversified real estate investment trust in the country focused exclusively on experiential properties, owning everything from movie theaters to entertainment venues across the U.S.

Brian Moriarty, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for EPR Properties, told KCTV5 the company spent several months working toward the deal, calling it a “win-win” for both sides.

“We’re very pleased to be able to invest in our own community,” Moriarty said. “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 once the transaction closes, the parks will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks, a dedicated operator the company describes as “highly competent and committed.”

The Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun names will not change.

EPR Properties, a Kansas City based real-estate company, has acquired Worlds of Fun.

What does this mean for your season pass?

Season pass holders will not see a significant change to their guest experience, according to 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 said. “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 maintain their regular operating schedules and that admission will continue to be honored for the full 2026 season based on date of pass purchase.

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

What about workers?

The sale will not impact seasonal hiring, according to Six Flags. Rhodes confirmed the seven parks being sold are expected to be fully staffed for the 2026 season, and all current park employees are expected to transition to Enchanted Parks once the sale is complete.

Workers at Worlds of Fun said they learned about the sale Wednesday morning, the same way most Kansas Citians did. Austin Story, a riding mechanic and union steward at Worlds of Fun since 2023, said the staff is ready for the change.

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

Story confirmed the union contract will remain intact under the new ownership, saying he was told the union is “kosher” with the transition.

A neighbor’s perspective

Michael Zagalik has lived four blocks from Worlds of Fun for 50 years. He was in the neighborhood before the park was built in 1973 and has watched it grow and change 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.”

Six Flags has sold Worlds of Fun -- and several of its other properties.

Zagalik said local ownership gives him hope for the park’s future.

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

What’s next?

The sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter, pending regulatory approvals. Once closed, Enchanted Parks will take over operations, and EPR says guests can expect an increased focus on customer satisfaction, park cleanliness, ride upkeep, and the overall guest experience.

Six Flags says the decision to sell allows the company to invest more 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 said in a statement 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.”