Kansas City's BEST Family Fun Hotel: Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites!
Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites: My Family's Rollercoaster of a Review (and a Little Less Fun, Honestly)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on the Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites. We just survived (and I mean survived) a weekend there, and let me tell you, it was a ride. Not the smooth, thrilling kind on Mamba, more like the jerky, "is this thing even working?" experience on the old Timber Wolf. But hey, at least we’re alive and mostly (mostly) sane.
Let's start with the good stuff (because there was some, I swear):
The Basics (And Some Surprises):
Accessibility: This place tried. They had elevators, which is HUGE considering the sprawling layout. Our room – which, more on that disaster later – was supposedly accessible, but maneuvering a wheelchair would have been like navigating a corn maze. More on that later.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in rooms! A blessing in a world where my kids are basically Wi-Fi vampires. It worked…most of the time. There was also LAN, but seriously, who uses that anymore? The internet was available in public areas as well, but even the Wi-Fi at the park itself was better than this.
Cleanliness and Safety: (At least, they said so) - I have to give them points for trying to feel safe - they have a whole bunch of things they are doing: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. That's a lot to cover. More on this later.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (Or…Attempt To):
- Swimming Pool: The outdoor pool… well, it looked inviting from the pictures. In reality? A little crowded. But the kids had a blast, which is what matters, right?
- Gym/ Fitness: I did have a quick look. It looked pretty basic. I do feel this aspect could be better, let's face it. But at least they had it.
- Spa/Sauna: No personal review, though. Seemed nice.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Ups and Downs)
- Breakfast: A "buffet" is a strong word here. International selections, plus Western cuisine. There was Asian cuisine too, but my family mostly just opted for bagels and fruit. The buffet had a decent range, but it felt a bit…clinical. Like they were afraid someone might touch each other's food.
- Coffee Shop/Bar: Convenient, but nothing to write home about. The coffee was alright and the bar had a decent selection.
- Restaurants: Several on site, including a dessert place. This was a convenient way to grab a bite.
Services and Conveniences: (The Good, the Bad, and the "Uh-Oh")
- Concierge: Never actually saw one. The front desk handled everything. Were they busy? Most likely.
- Daily Housekeeping: Yes! and with a smile. A huge help.
For the Kids: (Mixed bag alert)
- Babysitting service: We didn't try this, But they had it,
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Pools, and the proximity to the park itself: Big, Big, BIG Win.
Available in All Rooms: (The Basics and Beyond)
Okay, here’s where things get real. Let's just say our room was a bit of a…situation. It had:
- Air Conditioning: Thank the heavens. Kansas City in July is no joke.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential. Needed that caffeine.
- Complimentary Tea: Very basic. A bonus if you need one.
- Daily Housekeeping: Yes!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- Refrigerator… Okay, the fridge was TINY. We could barely fit a juice box and a few water bottles. More like a glorified cooler.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yay!
- Window that opens: Needed it to air out the room after the, shall we say, spirited game of Nerf gun battles my kids conducted.
Now, for the Rant (Because Frankly, It's Necessary):
Okay, now let's talk about the imperfections.
The Room… The Room! (And Why I Will Never Forgive the Paint)
Look, I'm not one for complaining. I travel. I'm adaptable. But our room… it was awful. It wasn't just dated; it was like it was frozen in time. I swear, the wallpaper was from the 1980s. Bright, bold, and peeling in all the wrong places. The air had a strange, musty scent, like old library books and despair. There was a stain on the carpet that looked suspiciously like someone spilled a gallon of grape juice and just gave up.
And the paint! Oh, the paint. Half-heartedly applied in shades of beige and… well, beige. It looked like someone had tried to cover up a crime and failed miserably. The bathroom? Forget about it. Tiny, with grout that had clearly seen battles it wasn't built to withstand. I half expected a leprechaun to pop out from behind the shower curtain.
Accessibility Issues: (A Sigh Heard Around the Hotel)
Remember, the accessible room I mentioned? Yeah, I have a feeling the definition of "accessible" here is a little…generous. The door was heavy, the hallway narrow, it's going to be a nightmare for wheelchairs. The bathroom wasn't as accommodating as it should be, and let's be honest, if you're going for accessibility, accessibility needs to be at the forefront, not an afterthought.
My Take:
Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites has potential. It has the location, the basic amenities, and the promise of family fun. But it's a rollercoaster that needs some serious maintenance. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option and your expectations are low, you might survive. But if you’re seeking a comfortable, modern experience, maybe look elsewhere. Bring your own air freshener, and for the love of all that is holy, inspect the room thoroughly before you unpack. My rating? 2.5 out of 5 stars. Would I go back? Only if I absolutely had to. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a long, hot shower and a very strong drink to wash the memory of that wallpaper (and the grape juice stain) from my mind.
SEO & Metadata:
- Title: Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Beige!
- Keywords: Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites, Kansas City, Family Hotel, Theme Park Hotel, Reviews, Accessibility, Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Amenities, Dining, Rooms, Affordable Hotels, Fun for Kids
- Meta Description: Honest review of Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites in Kansas City. Learn the pros and cons of this family-friendly hotel, including accessibility, amenities, and a few (ahem) "interesting" room experiences. Prepare yourself!
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
- Wi-Fi and Internet: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!", Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events
- Dining: Restaurants with a variety of cuisines, snacks, and drinks.
- Getting Around/Parking: Free Car parking, Airport Transfer, Taxi Service.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy chaos that is a trip to Kansas City, centered around the hallowed halls – or, you know, the perfectly adequate, but let's be honest, a little bit… meh… halls – of the Best Western Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites. This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure, alright? This is the real deal. The sweat, the tears (okay, maybe just the sweat), and the questionable decision-making that makes travel so darn thrilling.
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Embrace of the Inn
- 1:00 PM: Land at KCI. Okay, first hurdle: did I pack enough snacks? Always a crisis. The flight was fine, mostly. That guy in 12B, though? Snoring opera singer. Reminds me, gotta pack those earplugs next time.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at the Best Western. Deep breath. Okay, it’s… functional. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and vague disappointment, a classic. The guy at the front desk, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen a thousand weary travelers, each one probably just as desperate for some AC and some shut-eye.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacking and room inspection - sigh Let's be honest, the rooms are clean-ish. Carpet is that same weird, slightly gritty texture you find in every budget hotel. The bedspread? Let's just say I'm not sure if I want to know what kind of life the bedspread has lived. My room is at the back, which is a blessing because it seems quieter.
- 4:00 PM: Pre-Worlds of Fun Prep. Quick stop at the Walmart down the street for emergency supplies: bottled water (essential!), some gummy bears (researching my own energy levels), and, you know, a small bottle of hand sanitizer. The lady behind the counter was incredibly cheerful - I think she knew I needed it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local diner! Oh, sweet, greasy diner food! I took a chance on the burgers. It's the kind of place where the coffee is bottomless, the waitresses call you "hon," and you can almost feel the history in the form of the hundreds of ketchup-stained menus. Delicious! Totally worth the probable heartburn later!
- 8:30 PM: Exhausted collapse. I crashed hard. My brain already started running on the adrenaline of my big day tomorrow.
Day 2: Rollercoasters, Regret, and the Recurring Dilemma of the Water Bottle.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Free breakfast! Okay, the "breakfast bar" is a symphony of lukewarm eggs and questionable pastries, but hey, it's free, and I'm not judging. I loaded up on the instant oatmeal like a champ, though. I'll need the carbs..
- 9:00 AM: The Odyssey That Is Worlds of Fun. Worlds of Fun, here we come! The lines. The sun. The thrills! The first coaster was amazing - it’s the kind of rush that makes you feel alive (and maybe a little nauseous.) I spent the next four hours darting around, laughing and screaming and completely failing to keep track of my water bottle. I'm pretty sure it has a life of its own at this point.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the park, because, honestly, at this point, I'm starving. More park food, of course. The sheer amount of fried food I consumed is slightly embarrassing to remember.
- 3:00 PM: The Boomerang. I'd heard it was a classic, but I didn't expect the… backwards part. Let's just say the screams of terror from everyone on board really fueled my own fear. Maybe, just maybe, I should have skipped this one.
- 5:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping. A t-shirt! It's ridiculously overpriced, and it'll shrink in the wash, but it's a memory! I'm a sucker for a souvenir. Plus, I need something to remind me of this experience later.
- 7:00 PM: Exhausted, triumphant return to the hotel. Showered. Finally. I may or may not have been a little green around the gills after some of the rides. Seriously, what is it about those spinning teacups? I'm sure I lost at least a year of my life in there.
Day 3: Local Exploration, BBQ Bliss, and the Existential Crisis of Departure.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast is a repeat from yesterday. Surprised again by the lack of flavor.
- 10:00 AM: Time for a little Kansas City exploration! I decided to drive into the city. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was fantastic. The sculptures outside are incredible. I felt myself getting lost in the peacefulness.
- 1:00 PM: BBQ! Okay, if you're in Kansas City, you must eat BBQ. I chose a place called "Arthur Bryant's". The line was long, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the ribs…oh, the ribs. I'm not even a huge rib person, but these were a revelation. The sauce was smoky, tangy, and so good, I nearly licked the plate!
- 3:00 PM: Shopping. I spent some time at Crown Center Square, looking at the shops, and doing some other touristy things. It's always good, but a little overwhelming.
- 6:00 PM: The Farewell Dinner: one last chance to enjoy the best of the city.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel for a final pack and a good night's sleep.
Day 4: The Journey Home
- 7:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Farewell, Best Western. You've been…an experience. I'm sure I'll be back someday, and at least I can say I've been to Kansas City.
- 8:00 AM: Airport. The usual airport chaos. Lines, security. I'm already mourning the BBQ.
- 10:00 AM: The flight. I'll have a lot of photos to look at once I get home. I'll be thinking about the city, the food, the rides, and the whole whirlwind experience. Until next time!
Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites: The Truth (and the Mess)
Is the Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites actually *good* for families? Like, really good?
Okay, let's get one thing straight: "good" is subjective. It's like asking if pizza is good. *Obviously* pizza is good. But... Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites? It's... complicated. Look, it's the *closest* hotel to the park and that alone is a MASSIVE win. Dragging three kids, a mountain of luggage, and a husband who's already complaining about his feet across a parking lot after a day of rollercoasters? No, thank you. So, score one for convenience.
The suites? Yeah, they're alright. Not the Ritz, but hey, the kids get their own space. That's a game changer. Trying to share a single hotel room with a teenager who believes showering is optional? Forget about it. You're buying yourself some peace of mind, people. Plus, the pool... oh, the pool. More on that later. Generally, yes, it’s good *enough*, especially when you're tired from a long day.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it a chlorine-stinky nightmare?
Okay, the pool. Ah, the pool. This is where things get… interesting. The truth? It's not quite a pristine, Instagram-worthy oasis. BUT, and this is a BIG BUT, my kids LOVE it. Think lukewarm water, maybe a few rogue pool noodles abandoned by previous empires, and the faint aroma of chlorine mixed with… well, kid funk. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I *cringe* before jumping in. One time I swear I saw a rogue band-aid floating. Ugh!
But then you see your kids shrieking with laughter, racing each other, splashing… And you realize, who cares? It's about creating memories, right? Plus, they have a little kiddie pool area which is a lifesaver if you have younger ones. So, chlorine-stinky? Maybe. Kid-approved? Absolutely. My only complaint: It doesn’t stay open late enough. The kids would be in that thing until midnight if they could. We went during a slightly chilly spring and had to huddle under towels when they made us get out, which was a little rough.
The Breakfast: Is it worth getting up for? Is it even edible?
Free breakfast. Bless the generous soul who thought this up. Look, it won’t win any culinary awards. Think: dry waffles (though the kids LOVE the waffle machine!), sugary cereal, questionable scrambled eggs (possibly made from...I don’t want to know), and the usual suspects of breakfast sausage. It's... adequate. It's sustenance.
But here's the real genius: It saves you money and it saves you time. Dragging three cranky kids to a fancy breakfast place *before* a day at Worlds of Fun? Doomed. So, I take the free breakfast, I load the kids up, and we go. Plus, there's usually some kind of fruit, and my oldest daughter *always* makes a fruit salad. It's a small, inexpensive win that I'll take, even if I have to choke down the sausage.
How's the service? Are they friendly, or are they just going through the motions?
Okay, this one varies. Honestly. Some staff members are fantastic! Really friendly, helpful, genuinely seem to care. Others… well, they're probably just tired. I get it. Dealing with families is a marathon. The most memorable interaction? When my son spilled apple juice *everywhere* in the lobby. I thought I’d die of embarrassment. The staff member, a young woman, just smiled, handed us a bunch of towels, and said, "Hey, it happens. Better here than in your room!" God bless her. The cleaning staff are always super efficient, which is great. So, generally, a mixed bag, but overall, I've had positive experiences.
Are the rooms clean? And how loud is it?
Cleanliness is… relative. They try. I always give the room a quick once-over when we arrive. I'm talking, I check under the beds, in the corners, all that jazz. But, lets be real, you are at an amusement park hotel--there is gonna be *some* wear. They have a LOT of turnover. It's not a sterile environment, but I haven't been horrified.
Noise? Oh, the noise! It depends on your room location. If you’re near the elevators or the pool, good luck. Bring earplugs. Or, you know, copious amounts of wine. Pro Tip: Ask for a room away from the elevators and the pool. Do it. Seriously. We went during a school trip week one time, and the hallway felt like a zoo, but that's not the hotel's fault, is it?
Is there anything *else* to do at the hotel? Besides the pool?
Not really! Or... that's not entirely fair. There's usually a little arcade, which my kids adore, despite me having spent, like, a small mortgage on those machines over the years. There is also a gift shop, which is perfect for buying overpriced, branded souvenirs when you succumb to the kids' pleas. And let's not forget the lobby… where the kids run around like little maniacs while you're checking in. Okay, this might be more of a "what not to do," but yes… there is activity!
Beyond that? This is a hotel dedicated to quick access to your park. You go. You sleep. You eat. You repeat. Don’t expect gourmet dining or elaborate entertainment. It’s all about that Worlds of Fun experience. And honestly, that's enough. I'm not complaining.
Would you stay there again? The big question!
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally yes. Despite the questionable breakfast, the potential for noise, and the slightly-less-than-pristine pool. Because: location, location, location. Because: the kids are happy. Because: it’s easy. Because: Sometimes you just need a break, and this is a break that works. It's a well-oiled, imperfect machine that gets the job done. I’ve considered other hotels, trust me. I’ve read the reviews, done the comparisons. Ultimately, I always come back. Because Worlds of Fun Inn & Suites is… well, it's part of the tradition now. We go. WeGlobetrotter Hotels
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