WyCo is kenough for Mattel: Toymaker says theme park coming in 2026 — driven by Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man
March 20, 2024 | Startland News Staff
Fresh off a blockbuster summer-turned-Oscar season, the toymaker behind the hit “Barbie” movie announced plans Wednesday to open a new theme park — featuring some of its most notable product lines — in the Kansas City region by 2026.
“Barbie” fans take photos with displays inside Kansas City’s Union Station; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, an immersive theater, themed dining, and so much more,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer at Mattel. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”
The new park in Bonner Springs, Kansas, is expected to be home to the larger-than-life Barbie Beach House, featuring an interactive retail experience where fans can build their customized Barbie sets in the Barbie Dream Closet Experience, which uses hologram technology to bring Barbie to life right before guests’ eyes. The attraction also includes a unique, Barbie-themed flying theater and The Barbie Rooftop restaurant and bar.
Kansas City residents were among those who embraced the nostalgia and fandom of Barbie in summer 2023 as the movie premiered. The KC Streetcar bore a special Barbie wrap, a Barbie pop-up bar debuted and fans flocked to theaters — all as local entrepreneurs aimed to capitalize on the craze.
Now it appears to be Wyandotte County’s turn.
RELATED: Don’t sleep on ‘Barbie’, KC theater owner warns as Barbenheimer blockbuster arrives
But Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City won’t just be dolled up for Barbie enthusiasts. The theme park — expected to be located near The Legends and Kansas Speedway, although representatives of Mattel declined to provide an exact address — is set to provide “infinite fun for the whole family,” said Mark Cornell, president of Epic Resort Destinations, which is developing the location through a licensing agreement with Mattel.
“We are bringing Mattel’s powerhouse brands to life through state-of-the-art technology and engaging experiences,” he added.
- Hot Wheels roller coasters — The Hot Wheels Bone Shaker themed ride will feature the famous hot rod’s skull design, while the double-looping Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer guarantees a serious adrenaline boost for all riders.
- Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor — Five family-friendly experiences and rides including a dedicated indoor play space for little adventurers.
- He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag — Masters of the Universe fans can fight for Eternia in a massive laser tag arena in the likeness of the iconic Castle Grayskull fortress.
- Magic 8 Ball — An 18-hole mini-golf experience.
- UNO — A larger-than-life custom climb structure that delivers nostalgia and adventure for all ages.
Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City is the second Mattel concept from Epic, which previously announced plans for a similar park in Glendale, Arizona. That project is expected to open in late 2024.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KCMO reveals seven innovation partners and inaugural demo day
Mayor Sly James on Tuesday announced seven partners for the 2016 Innovation Partnership Program and the program’s new accelerator-like approach. Now in its second year, the IPP provides select startups with city data and infrastructure at no cost and the opportunity to develop, test and demonstrate innovative solutions for the city. For the first time, the…
With traction in tow, Super Dispatch is a model ‘lean startup’
Super Dispatch began like every tech startup: with a good idea. But as founder Bek Abdullayev will tell you, it takes more than that to be successful. In 2013, Abdullayev founded Super Dispatch, a software-as-a-service platform for the trucking industry intended to eliminate paperwork. Super Dispatch streamlines the communication of documents between truckers and their…
‘Makerspace in the ‘Hood’ wants to smother poverty and crime with creativity
Every successful entrepreneur is born with a seed of opportunity. It is impossible for one person to be successful on their own; whether you extend gratitude to your family for their support, your university for its resources, or the angel investor who believed in you when nobody else did. Now imagine you grew up in…
Pipeline Entrepreneurs accepting applicants for 2017 fellowship
Ahead of its first adventure abroad, Pipeline Entrepreneurs is accepting applications for its fellowship program that not only affords entrepreneurial education but also a network of powerful business leaders. The 2017 class will mark the organization’s 11th-annual program in which Pipeline accepts at least 10 entrepreneurs from the around the region to participate in a…