Theme park developer plans year-round getaway alongside Barbie’s lakeside beach house in KCK
April 9, 2024 | Startland News Staff
Barbie’s Beach House is just the beginning.
The developer behind a planned a new theme park centered around Mattel toys this week released more about its vision for Destination KCK, a year-round entertainment destination coming to Bonner Springs, Kansas, in Wyandotte County.
“The development will bring a whole new set of adventures just west of the acclaimed Village West development in Kansas City,” said Epic Resort Destinations, which is creating the series of attractions alongside the planned Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City. “Destination KCK will transform the 180-acre land parcel into a resort and vacation destination sure to create lifelong memories for locals and visitors alike.”

A rendering of the Destination KCK shows the planned Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City alongside new destination getaway attractions; image courtesy of Epic Resort Destinations
RELATED: Bonner Springs city council wants STAR Bonds district for Destination KCK
Destination KCK is expected to offer immersive themed areas — accessible by foot or boat — with a blend of distinctive retail and dining experiences. Highlights include a luxury RV Park Resort, a Christmas Village and lakeside hotels, one of which centers around the highly anticipated Mattel Adventure Park announced in March.

A balcony-view rendering of the Destination KCK shows the planned Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City alongside new destination getaway attractions; image courtesy of Epic Resort Destinations
“We are excited to bring this attraction and entertainment-based development to Kansas,” said Glen B. Bilbo, CEO of Epic Resort Destinations. “Destination KCK will be the perfect place to escape with the entire family.”
- Waterbound getaway — Designed around a central, 12-acre lake providing waterfront views for guests staying at one of the three resort hotels, Destination KCK will also offer a variety of lakefront experiential dining options. To enhance the experience, guests can take a boat excursion, a trip on a personal watercraft or a zipline adventure over to the resort.
- Year-round attractions — Visitors can enjoy theme park rides at Mattel Adventure Park or stroll through a Christmas Village where they can enjoy exclusive retail experiences and celebrate the holiday season 365 days a year.
- Amusement parked — In addition to the more than 500 hotel guest rooms, Destination KCK is expected to feature a luxury RV Park Resort and custom cabins for a unique glamping experience.
Click here to learn more about Destination KCK.
“There’s nothing else in the market quite like Destination KCK, and Epic Resort Destinations is proud to call Kansas the home of this all-new entertainment world,” the company said, noting the destination will also bring an anticipated 1,750 new jobs to the region, boosting the local economy while providing valuable employment opportunities for area residents.
Featured Business

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Tariffs are driving up costs for American coffee roasters: ‘We’ve never seen anything like this’
Editor’s note: The following story was published by Harvest Public Media and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. [divide] Coffee has gotten a lot more expensive in the U.S. as tariffs seep into the price…
‘I absolutely refuse to fail’: Sweet Peaches founder battles for national spot in frozen dessert aisles
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. [divide] Denisha Jones is poised to turn America’s devotion to apple pie on…
Kiva KC brings zero-interest microloans to founders shut out of traditional capital
Editor’s note: The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and KC BizCare are partners of Startland News. [divide] Kansas City is betting that a global microlending model — one built on $25 contributions and community belief in everyday entrepreneurs — can help close one of the city’s most stubborn gaps: early-stage capital for founders…
How this startup (and a KC sports icon) turned young players into card-carrying legends overnight
An Overland Park-based custom trading card company and a Kansas City soccer star are teaming up on the pitch with a goal to make youth sports fun again. Stat Legend — launched by Chris Cheatham and Nick Weaver in 2023 — created custom cards for all 250 players who suit up for the Captains Soccer…
