Theme park developer plans year-round getaway alongside Barbie’s lakeside beach house in KCK

April 9, 2024  |  Startland News Staff

A rendering of the Destination KCK entertainment district planned for Bonner Springs, Kansas, in Wyandotte County; image courtesy of Epic Resort Destinations

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.

ICYMI: WyCo is kenough for Mattel: Toymaker says theme park coming in 2026 — driven by Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man

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.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2024 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Missouri’s best breweries are in Kansas City (and they have the medals to prove it)

        By Tommy Felts | November 14, 2025

        Two Kansas City brewers barreled through the competition earlier this week, earning the first-ever, statewide “Brewery of the Year” honors for local favorites Boulevard and BKS Artisan Ales. It’s a feat fermented through years of dedication by the teams behind the labels, both brewers said. “From the day we opened, we have kept balance with…

        World Cup readiness event opens City Hall to entrepreneurs hoping to get on the roster

        By Tommy Felts | November 14, 2025

        Kansas City wants to score as many points as possible when the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2026, said Janá Wagner, emphasizing that a special event planned Tuesday during GEWKC aims to get businesses into the game now — playbook in hand. “Our goal is to help as many entrepreneurs as possible get properly licensed,…

        10 top event picks for GEWKC; build your own schedule from 60+ sessions

        By Tommy Felts | November 14, 2025

        With dozens of events on the calendar for GEWKC, Union Station will be bustling with activity, said Callie England, noting organizers intentionally curated a week where attendees can’t go wrong — no matter how they fill out their itinerary. “While the schedule can feel full, it’s truly the best of the best,” said England, director of…

        How AI changes the the founder code: ‘This is all moving faster than anyone expected’

        By Tommy Felts | November 14, 2025

        New tech opportunities — like artificial intelligence — hold the potential to equalize the Kansas City region among more established startup hubs, investment leaders said Thursday, but to fully take advantage, entrepreneurs who want strong, lasting companies must have a fire inside them. Not to mention grit. “Several really incredible entrepreneurs said, ‘I think the one…