Mamba is the steel hypercoaster that has defined the skyline of Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri since 1998. Built by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing and designed by Steve Okamoto, it towers 205 feet over the park’s Africa section and remains Missouri’s fastest coaster and its tallest and longest continuous-circuit coaster nearly three decades after it opened.
This guide covers everything riders search for before a visit: exact height and speed stats, the full ride layout, the 48-inch height requirement, how Mamba stacks up against other coasters, and what’s changed recently, from a 2024 repaint to a 2026 change in park ownership.
Quick Answer
Mamba is a 205-foot-tall steel hypercoaster at Worlds of Fun that reaches 75 mph, covers about 5,600 feet of track with zero inversions, and has held the record as Missouri’s fastest coaster and its tallest and longest continuous-circuit coaster since it opened on April 18, 1998.
Mamba Stats at a Glance
Park: Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri (Africa section). Manufacturer: D.H. Morgan Manufacturing. Designer: Steve Okamoto. Opened: April 18, 1998, following a September 11, 1997 announcement. Cost: more than $10 million.
Height and first drop: 205 feet. Top speed: 75 mph. Track length: about 5,600 feet. Inversions: 0. Ride duration: roughly 3 minutes. Trains: three trains with six cars each, seating 36 riders per train, two across in three rows.
The Ride Experience
Mamba’s chain lift climbs to 205 feet before releasing riders into a 66-degree first drop, one of the steepest angles on any American hypercoaster of its era. From there, trains rocket through a 184-foot second hill and a sweeping 580-degree helix that generates roughly 3.5 G’s, pinning riders into their seats before the train straightens out for the return leg.
The back half of the layout is where Mamba earns its reputation: five consecutive camelback hills deliver strong, repeated bursts of airtime rather than a single big moment, a design choice typical of Morgan-built hypercoasters. With no inversions, the entire ride is built around speed, terrain, and sustained g-forces rather than loops or corkscrews, and the roughly three-minute run time is longer than most steel hypercoasters offer.
Height Requirement and Who Can Ride
Mamba requires a minimum height of 48 inches (4 feet) to ride, and the park rates it a level-5 thrill ride, its highest intensity category. Riders are secured by a lap bar as the primary restraint, with a seat belt as a secondary device.
Because of the sustained speed, the steep first drop, and the G-forces through the helix, Mamba is best suited to riders comfortable with intense, fast-paced coasters rather than first-time or younger riders easing into bigger rides.
History and Missouri Records
Worlds of Fun announced Mamba on September 11, 1997, and opened it to the public on April 18, 1998, in the park’s Africa-themed section alongside attractions like Zambezi Zinger and Fury of the Nile. At more than $10 million, it was one of the park’s largest single investments at the time and was built to be one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world when it debuted.
As of 2026, Mamba still holds the title of Missouri’s fastest coaster and its tallest and longest continuous-circuit coaster, a record it has kept since opening. The state’s tallest roller coaster overall is the 218-foot Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis, a shuttle coaster that launches riders up a vertical spike rather than running a full circuit, so Mamba’s record applies specifically among traditional, continuous-circuit coasters. Mamba also remains tied with Steel Force at Dorney Park as the ninth-longest steel coaster in the world by track length, a testament to how competitive its 1998 design remains against newer hypercoasters.
Recent Changes and 2026 Updates
Mamba’s track was repainted from its original red to green in late 2024, giving the ride a refreshed look without altering its layout or stats. In October 2025, the park pulled Mamba for inspection after guests reported seat belt malfunctions; crews replaced 18 worn buckles and reopened the ride on October 30, 2025.
The bigger change for 2026 is ownership: Six Flags sold Worlds of Fun along with six other parks to Kansas City-based EPR Properties in a $342 million deal finalized in April 2026, with day-to-day operations now run by Enchanted Parks. The company has said 2026 is a transition year focused on learning each park before making changes, and existing season passes and memberships are being honored throughout the season. Mamba itself is not expected to be affected by the ownership shift.
Best Seat: Front Row vs. Back Row
Riders chasing the steepest view of the 205-foot first drop and the clearest sightlines over the Africa section and downtown Kansas City tend to prefer the front row, where there’s nothing blocking the view on the way down.
Riders chasing maximum airtime on the five camelback hills generally gravitate toward the back of the train, since rear cars typically whip over hills with more force as the train crests each rise. Both positions ride the same 580-degree helix and 3.5-G forces, so the choice comes down to whether you want the view or the extra hangtime.
Planning Your Visit
Worlds of Fun operates on a seasonal schedule, generally open weekends in spring and fall and daily during the summer months, with hours that vary by date. Ticket options typically include single-day admission, season passes, and multi-park passes, with add-ons like parking sold separately. Because hours, ticket prices, and parking rates change throughout the year, check the official Worlds of Fun site for the current calendar, ticket pricing, and parking details before you go.
Mamba is located in the park’s Africa section, making it easy to pair with nearby attractions like Zambezi Zinger and Fury of the Nile during the same visit.
Mamba roller coaster FAQs
How tall is Mamba at Worlds of Fun?
Mamba’s height and first drop both measure 205 feet, making it Missouri’s tallest continuous-circuit roller coaster. The 218-foot Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast at Six Flags St. Louis, a shuttle coaster, is taller overall but doesn’t run a full circuit.
How fast does Mamba go?
Mamba reaches a top speed of 75 mph, the fastest of any coaster in Missouri.
Does Mamba have any inversions?
No. Mamba is a hypercoaster with zero inversions, relying on its 205-foot first drop, a 184-foot second hill, a 580-degree helix, and five camelback hills for its thrills.
What is the height requirement for Mamba?
Riders must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall to ride Mamba.
How long is the Mamba ride?
A full circuit takes about three minutes, longer than most American steel hypercoasters.
When did Mamba open, and who built it?
Mamba opened on April 18, 1998, after being announced in September 1997. It was built by D.H. Morgan Manufacturing and designed by Steve Okamoto for more than $10 million.
Who owns Worlds of Fun now?
In April 2026, Six Flags sold Worlds of Fun and six other parks to Kansas City-based EPR Properties, with Enchanted Parks now running day-to-day operations.
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