Are you looking to explore a few more countries before the lazy days of summer end? Look no further than Grand Carnivale at Worlds of Fun! This celebration of the world includes a parade, dance parties, and fun traditions from around the globe. Just past the main entrance, the park is decked out in sights and sounds from all over. You’ve never seen Worlds of Fun quite like this!
But, if you ask my family, the highlight of the festival is the food! There are six countries represented at Grand Carnivale – Italy, Spain, Germany, France, China and India. You can purchase tasting cards for six or nine tastings from all of this delicious international cuisine. Each country has four dishes available to taste. Feel like using all of your tastings on crepes from France? Go ahead! But the tasting card is a fantastic way to try something new from around the world.
My family’s favorites were the churros from Spain, pretzel bites from Germany, steamed dumplings from China, and macarons from France. A family of four, each with a 6-tasting card, could sample all 24 dishes highlighted at Grand Carnivale! This tasting card would easily keep you well-nourished throughout the entire day at the park.
If you plan to spend the entire day at the park, pace yourselves so you can stick around for the parade at 8:30 p.m. This was my favorite part! Everything is so bright and energetic, The parade features extravagant floats and eclectic sounds from all over the globe! The route is marked well, and they stop in two different areas to sing and dance.
Keep an eye out for the white lines on the ground starting in Americana and weaving through the Orient to the International Plaza. This is the parade route. Around 8 p.m., grab another tasting or two, and find a spot to wait along the route. If you are waiting near the International Plaza, there’s dance music to keep the littles from getting restless.
And what extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without fireworks? Shortly after the performance ends on the stage in the International Plaza, fireworks light up the sky near the Patriot roller coaster. The atmosphere is on another level for Worlds of Fun! This cultural celebration runs through Sunday, August 8. We have already decided it will be an annual event for our family!
KCMC Mom Tips
- Stay hydrated! This heat is no joke. Worlds of Fun allows you to bring unopened or refillable water bottles and has stations around the park to fill up for free.
- A great spot to watch the parade and fireworks is the International Plaza. The floats park there, and you can get some great Instagram-worthy pics.
- Get a season pass! 2022 season passes go on sale in August and this is the best way to be able to experience Worlds of Fun all year, including amazing festivals like Grand Carnivale and The Great Pumpkin Fest. These make great gift ideas for those hard to buy for tween kids.
- Free Pre-K passes for children 5 and under! Set a reminder for yourself to sign up for 2022 Pre-K passes starting in August. Your kids 5 and under will get in to the park for free all year long.
