by Andrew Stilwell · Aug 11, 2022
From 1973 to 1997, the Schwarzkopf-designed Zambezi Zinger thrilled guests at Worlds of Fun. Good news for those reminiscing about the past. Zambezi Zinger is back — with a twist.
That’s right. Worlds of Fun is bringing back Zambezi Zinger. The beloved coaster is being reimagined for 2023 as a thrilling new ride that delves into the heart of the African Serengeti. Guest will be able to embrace memories of the original Zinger as they revel in the new experiences served up on this galvanized steel and wood hybrid coaster.
Designed by Great Coasters International and Skyline Attractions, the “new” Zambezi Zinger will utilize GCI’s new Titan Track and new Infinity Flyer trains. It will be the first ground-up roller coaster to use a mix of steel Titan Track and traditional wooden track. Featuring 2,428′ of track (just under the 2,583′ length of the original) the new Zinger will be a little faster than its predecessor, topping out at 45 miles per hour. It will also be a taller — 17’ to be exact — clocking in at 74’ tall to the original’s 57’ tall.
According to Worlds of Fun, “the new Zambezi Zinger roller coaster will take guests on a thrilling journey above its galvanized steel and wood hybrid frame, dropping guests from an iconic spiral lift hill into a low-to-the-ground track that races through the trees and terrain of the African Serengeti.
Packed with several moments of airtime, banked turns and quick transitions, riders are connected to the feeling of an epic safari chase and fast-paced adventure!”
The new coaster is not just similar to the original in name only – as the two attractions share a number of similarities that pay homage to the original Zinger’s past.
The original Zinger was one of the park’s most popular rides – and one of three coasters – when Worlds of fun opened in 1973. Beloved by adults and kids alike, it had cars configured in a bobsled style that dashed through the trees for a fun and exhilarating ride.
Like the original, Zambezi Zinger 2.0 will feature a tunnel, spiral lift hill, and will be located in the same section of the park (located near Boomerang, the ride that indirectly “replaced” Zinger in 2000 after the former’s 1997 closure), utilizing the same queue building, which will be rethemed for the all-new adventure.
This post will be updated with more information as it comes in. Be sure to visit Worlds of Fun’s website for more information!
Tags: new for 2023worlds of funzambezi zinger
Very exciting announcement. Kinda an oddball coaster, but I see it having potential. I very much want to know how much of the coaster has the steel track. I don’t want to assume too much from the videos but looks like mainly the lift hill. I hope it is more, to keep it different from Prowler. I worry about the spiral lift with rain; friction wheels don’t like being wet. Also looks like a lower throughput of 16 people trains at 1:45 for around 550 people per hour. Where Prowler and Spinning Dragons can do 720. But maybe that is fine for the park. Looks like a very fun ride, excited to see it built and people enjoy it.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Coaster101.com is your online destination for all of the ins-and-outs and twists-and-turns of roller coasters and the amusement industry. Learn more about us here. Looking for something specific? Use the search bar below:
Giveaway: Cedar Fair Offering a Fun Box of Mystery Gifts
Six Flags New England: The Good, The Bad and The Meh
Cedar Fair Announces New “Prestige” Pass for Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Carowinds
Cedar Point Promotes More Family Fun with “The Boardwalk” in 2023
Worlds of Fun Announces “Return” of Zambezi Zinger in 2023
Coaster101.com, LLC © 2021. All Rights Reserved.