originally posted on 6/30/2025
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
ACE Around the World, the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ Heart of America annual event at Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri), took place on May 24 and was one for the books.
The backstage tour of Prowler granted attendees a look at things not typically seen while inside the park.
Photo: Danielle Marie Dufty. View full-sized image.
Photo: Danielle Marie Dufty. View full-sized image.
ACEers on the tour got a close look at the Titan Track that was installed on Prowler prior to the 2025 season.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
The day started a little chilly with some drizzle and stayed cloudy and cool as attendees began their backstage tour of Prowler. Along the track and down some stairs, those on the tour got to go in and out of almost every inch of the coaster. Everyone got to explore under the track and around the outskirts, was treated to some inside information about the ride and even picked up some nuts and bolts as they were spotted on the ground.
Spinning Dragons and Autobahn were both popular with attendees.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Once the tour was over and all questions answered, attendees were free to wander the park for a few hours until the catered lunch and silent auction. At 12:30 p.m., the group of 44 converged for a barbecue buffet with burgers, pulled pork and a few sides and chowed down until the auction opened up for bids. Attendees accrued money not only by answering trivia questions but also for the number of years they had attended ACE Around the World. The auction had pieces ranging from a chain link from Monsoon (which was in the process of being demolished) to entrance and exit signs from Patriot.
Silent auction items included signage from a handful of Worlds of Fun roller coasters as well as apparel.
Photos: Danielle Marie Dufty. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Everyone took their prizes, bantered back and forth, celebrated and finished their barbecue lunches before heading off to enjoy the rides in the park before meeting back up for ERT on Prowler. From SteelHawk to Zambezi Zinger to Zulu, everyone hopped on as many rides as they could manage and spent the day having a blast with both old and new friends. After many hours, a little sun and an informal takeover time on Flying Dutchman, attendees stared down the end of the park’s regular operating hours.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed rides on the park’s coasters such as Zambezi Zinger and Mamba.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Just a hair before 9 p.m., as the park was closing down to the general public, attendees made their way over to Prowler, ready to spend the next hour enjoying ERT. Riders jumped from the front row to the back and every row in between, making sure not to miss any available seats. The staff was fantastic, putting up with everyone’s chaotic energy. As ERT simmered down, some in attendance shared hugs, cheered and high-fived the employees who stayed behind for the group.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
ACE Heart of America extended thanks to the staff at Worlds of Fun and eagerly anticipates future events at the park.
— Danielle Marie Dufty
#ACENews