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
Small Biz to Watch: Deposit The Work builds mass with tech-enabled consistency — no excuses, all grit
Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, curated by editors from Kansas City’s wide array of hard-working entrepreneurs and business owners. Selection criteria is based on factors…
KCMO is building a skate park under the Buck O’Neil Bridge (and tagging artists for the blank canvas)
Editor’s note: The following story was published by 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] Local artists can have a hand in creating public art to accompany a planned skate park between River Market and…
Culinary Center cooking with plans to expand from Overland Park into Northland shops
After nearly 30 years in downtown Overland Park, The Culinary Center of Kansas City is expanding with a second location. It plans a late 2025 or an early 2026 opening in the former Ombra small plates + librations spot in The Village at Briarcliff, 4161 N. Mulberry St. in the Northland. The space will be…
Small Biz to Watch: Chick-In Waffle scales its cleverly KC-sauced identity, tapping Gen Z soul, God’s blessings
Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, curated by editors from Kansas City’s wide array of hard-working entrepreneurs and business owners. Selection criteria is based on factors…