OT: Kansas City area

[MouseLover]

We will be visiting Kansas City this summer. We plan to go to the Royals game, Worlds & Oceans of fun, and casinos.

Any advice on where to stay or where to find attractions discounts?

How far is it from the Hyatt Regency to these attractions? We see where people are getting this on priceline.

Also, what are some good BBQ restaurants?


Thanks!

 

[perd]

We will be visiting Kansas City this summer. We plan to go to the Royals game, Worlds & Oceans of fun, and casinos.

Any advice on where to stay or where to find attractions discounts?

How far is it from the Hyatt Regency to these attractions? We see where people are getting this on priceline.

Also, what are some good BBQ restaurants?


Thanks!

I would say the Hyatt Regency would be a good place to stay, both in being central to the things you are wanting to do and as far as area of town. There are some places you really wouldn't want to be staying. Kansas City is pretty spread out, though, and you are going to have a little drive to some of the things you want to see, but probably not more than 20-30 minutes. Also, the Hyatt is right across from Crown Center and Union Station so that's a plus. Don't forget to check out the Country Club Plaza - it's not far from the Hyatt. Go down there and walk around, look at the fountains, have dinner.

BBQ - well, depends who you talk to. Some say Arthur Bryant's is the best. I personally have never eaten there and it's not in the best part of town but I know that doesn't stop people. Maybe will get some other opinions about that from those who have been there. There is Gates but that is more a fast food barbecue place. BB's Lawnside Barbecue. KC Masterpiece on the Country Club Plaza - actually, KC Masterpiece would be my choice. An evening on the Plaza and barbecue.

EDIT -

Well, it appears maybe there is no KC Masterpiece on the Plaza anymore. But I found this link.

http://www.10best.com/Kansas_City/Restaurants/Barbecue/index.html

Of those listed, I have eaten at Fiorella's (at the 95th and Metcalf location), Smokehouse, Rosedale and Hayward's and all are good.

 

[i like stitch]

You may want to visit the Village West area not too far from downtown KC. If you want more swimming/indoor water park, you can stay at Great Wolf Lodge. It's a nice area with tons of shopping/eating places. The movie theater is nice, and I think there's an Arthur Bryant's restaurant, too.

http://www.visitkc.com/media_room/whats_new/index.cfm?page=legends.htm

 

[perd]

You may want to visit the Village West area not too far from downtown KC. If you want more swimming/indoor water park, you can stay at Great Wolf Lodge. It's a nice area with tons of shopping/eating places. The movie theater is nice, and I think there's an Arthur Bryant's restaurant, too.

http://www.visitkc.com/media_room/whats_new/index.cfm?page=legends.htm

EXCELLENT suggestion! I didn't even think of that. Everything out there is new and although a little further from things, all the OP would have to do is hop on I-70 to WOF/OOF, the casinos, Kauffman stadium, the Plaza. Village West is also right next to Kansas Speedway. May not be anything going on at the race track at that time though. I didn't realize there was an Arthur Bryant's at Village West - and looks like at one of the casinos too! Thanks for mentioning that. I never tried it because of its location, but I definitely will try it if there is one at Vilage West!

Here's more on Village West/The Legends (info on hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc).

http://www.legendsshopping.com/

 

[Feralpeg]

EXCELLENT suggestion! I didn't even think of that. Everything out there is new and although a little further from things, all the OP would have to do is hop on I-70 to WOF/OOF, the casinos, Kauffman stadium, the Plaza. Village West is also right next to Kansas Speedway. May not be anything going on at the race track at that time though. I didn't realize there was an Arthur Bryant's at Village West - and looks like at one of the casinos too! Thanks for mentioning that. I never tried it because of its location, but I definitely will try it if there is one at Vilage West!

Here's more on Village West/The Legends (info on hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc).

http://www.legendsshopping.com/

I no longer live in KC, but isn't the speedway on the Kansas side? Kauffman is on the Missouri side to the east. Either place is quite a drive from the Hyatt. You can get to the speedway by taking I70W and to Kauffman by taking I70E. The casinos are in N. Kansas City on the Missouri side. If I were going to the casinos from the Hyatt, I'd take Broadway (two streets west of Crown Center) north to 6th street. Take 6th street to the Heart of America bridge. Once across the bridge go north to Armour Blvd. Go east on Armour Blvd. You will pass through a little shopping district. Keep going and you will eventually see signs for Harrahs and Ameristar casinos. IMHO, Ameristar is the best casino in KC. Gosh...now, I want to go!

 

[jlovesee]

I live in KC and believe it or not work for Worlds of Fun (plus run an unofficial site on it for 10 years!). Don't stay in Legends West, stay downtown, the Hyatt is nice and is in the center of everything. Legends is NOT what it is cracked up to be, atleast not yet. Its pretty much a stamped out outside shopping area, there is not a whole lot unique about it (except T-Rex which is decent).

Also if I had a choice I would go to Oceans any day over Great Wolf Lodge.

BBQ, what someone said about Arthur Bryants is true, you either love it or hate it, I would recommend Jack Stack BBQ, if you stay at the Hyatt there is a walkway to the Union Station and then from the Union Station to the Freight House District which is were Jack Stack is located. It's a nice restaurant with WONDERFUL food. the prices arn't to bad either maybe $10 for an entree. If you are looking for something more "saw dust on the floor" variety, my favorite is Rosedale's on Southwest Trafficway. Gates & Sons is also good too, there is one near the Plaza I believe.

The Plaza is a shopping experience you really should not miss. As opposed to the Legends (which everyone goes crazy about but again I just don't get) it is very unique, the architecture as I am sure you have heard is modeled (more directly copied) off of Barcelona, Spain. Lots of unique shops,, all upscale, you could easily spend all day there. I can't really recommend any good restaurants there though as the only one's I have eaten at are Cheesecake factory and a few of the tiny eatries. I used to love Winstead's though, I havn't eaten there in awhile but they used to have great steak burgers and milk shakes, its right off of the plaza on Emmanuel Cleaver Blvd.

Within walking Distance of the Plaza is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, wonderful art museum, it's claim to fame is that is does have one of the finest collection of eastern art outside of the east. Plus of course it does have a good collection of Thomas Hart Benton and a WONDERFUL Henry Moore collection (Abstract sculpturist).

Of the amusement park variety of course there is Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun. Worlds of Fun is a Cedar Fair park which means if you have a Cedar Fair park near you (see cedarfair.com) get a Maxx pass and it will get you in free. Discount tickets run the gambit. The cheapest ticket available is from Price Chopper stores I believe they still sell them for $27.95 if you let me know where you will be staying I can probably figure out the closest one.

Regular Admission is $37.95, you can get $7.00 of admission with a Pepsi can/or AAA membership card, $5.00 off if you drive a Toyota (discounts cannot be combined)

All the discount options are available online:
http://www.worldsoffun.com/public/news/special_offers.cfm

If you are wanting to do both parks you might want to look into the Ride & Slide option to, there is a walk thru gateway that connects both parks.

As far as the parks themselves. First I am biased, this is my home park and I love it dearly, obviously I work there isn't it obvious. It is not a massive park, but it is decent sized, Mamba, Patriot, Spinning Dragons and even now Timberwolf are all very good examples of their types of roller coasters. If you ride Timberwolf ride in the front seat, or the first seat of the second car (row 3), you will get beat up everywhere else. Mamba's best seat is either the back, or the 3rd row of the first car. Patriot is good everywhere but it is especially good in the first row and the last row. If you are into thrills Detonator may look like your average space shot but it is the best out there.

The park itself is clean, landscaping is above average for an amusement park/theme park, quite a bit better then a Six Flags park. Staffing is usually nice. Overall it is a nice park, and I would pick Worlds of Fun over a Six Flags park ANY DAY.

Sorry for the long post, hope this helps you out!

Jennifer

 

[DonaldDuck4Prez]

The good thing about KC, is that you can stay almost anywhere in the city and you will never be farther than 30 minutes from where you want to go.

If you are even the slightest fan of baseball, the Negro Leagues Museum is a must see. I think they are closed on Mondays, but it is well done and in best part about is that the orginal Arthur Bryant's is right around the corner. This area has really come back as an entertainment district and anyone who tells you it is not safe, especially during the day, is giving you bad info. If you like soul food there is a great restaurant in the 18th and Vine area called "The Peachtree" you can order off of a menu or on a buffet.

2 other cant misses to see are the Steamboat Arabia museum at the River Market. About 20 years ago a local family unearthed a sunken steamboat from the 1860's from the middle of a farmer's field in NKC. It is unreal and so worth your time. The Liberty Memorial World War I museum just opened this past November and it is probably the best presented museum I have ever been to see.

If you can afford a nice hotel, I dont think you can go wrong staying at the Hyatt, or Westin Crown Center Jack's Stack Restaurant has a location just blocks north of Union Station. There is also the freshly restored President Hotel. Or if you are doing the casino thing you can probably get cheap rates during the week. My favorite is Ameristar where the Bryant's is. Enjoy your trip to KC!

 

[mama36]

Sounds like you are going to have a great time! You might consider staying at the Westin Crown Center hotel which is right across from the Hyatt. There is a walkway to attach the Westin with Union Station (where they have Science City for kids) and it is right there with Crown Center shopping. I think the Hyatt might be connected as well. I think they are similar as far as quality. My vote is for Jack Stack BBQ too! I am just not a fan of Gates or Bryant's (but I know many who do like it). Have a safe and fun trip!

 

[pantherlj]

We just got back from a week there

How old are your kids? My girls LOVED Science City (Union Station) and Deanna Rose Farmstead (Overland Park or Olathe?)

 

[irishbosoxfan]

I live in KC and believe it or not work for Worlds of Fun (plus run an unofficial site on it for 10 years!). Don't stay in Legends West, stay downtown, the Hyatt is nice and is in the center of everything. Legends is NOT what it is cracked up to be, atleast not yet. Its pretty much a stamped out outside shopping area, there is not a whole lot unique about it (except T-Rex which is decent).

Also if I had a choice I would go to Oceans any day over Great Wolf Lodge.

The cheapest ticket available is from Price Chopper stores I believe they still sell them for $27.95 if you let me know where you will be staying I can probably figure out the closest one.

Regular Admission is $37.95, you can get $7.00 of admission with a Pepsi can/or AAA membership card, $5.00 off if you drive a Toyota (discounts cannot be combined)

All the discount options are available online:
http://www.worldsoffun.com/public/news/special_offers.cfm

If you are wanting to do both parks you might want to look into the Ride & Slide option to, there is a walk thru gateway that connects both parks.
Jennifer

Legends,though nice,doesn't really make for a day out--TREX is great and my kids loved it!

As for the discounts at WOF they also have some coupons at Subway(restaurant) when I go by ours again I will grab some for you.

Also WOF/OOF has an additional discount(not sure if it's mentioned in the link or not) where for a discounted amount you can do:

WOF and OOF

WOF with a meal

OOF with a meal

WOF and OOF with a meal

Also if you're intersted in shopping try Zona Rosa it is a very nice with lots of stores in a compact area-they also do mini concerts,have a comedy club and a Disney Store(just had to mention that!)

http://www.zonarosa.com/

 

[zaza]

We've stayed at the Hyatt several times and it is very nice--unless I'm mistaken, it doesn't have an in-room coffeemaker (which always bugs me at a nice hotel!). I don't remember your children's ages, but there is a museum/attraction called the Steamboat Arabia not far from the Hyatt (we took a taxi for about $10). A private group (no grants or federal funding) dug up a steamboat that had been buried in a field since the mid-1800s. They have the "stuff" they found in this museum. I was totally fascinated by it!

 

[perd]

Legends,though nice,doesn't really make for a day out--TREX is great and my kids loved it!

As for the discounts at WOF they also have some coupons at Subway(restaurant) when I go by ours again I will grab some for you.

Also WOF/OOF has an additional discount(not sure if it's mentioned in the link or not) where for a discounted amount you can do:

WOF and OOF

WOF with a meal

OOF with a meal

WOF and OOF with a meal

Also if you're intersted in shopping try Zona Rosa it is a very nice with lots of stores in a compact area-they also do mini concerts,have a comedy club and a Disney Store(just had to mention that!)

http://www.zonarosa.com/

I don't think they were planning on making it a day out. It is a nice place to stay. Everything is nice and new - the hotels, the shops, the restaurants. All new. If it were ME, I'd stay at the Legends. But then, I prefer the Kansas side to the Missouri side any day. I like to live in Kansas, visit Missouri.

And I don't think anyone was suggesting go to the Great Wolf Lodge water park INSTEAD of Oceans of Fun, merely pointing out that the hotel includes an indoor water park, which could be a plus if you have kids. I don't think there's an extra charge for the water park. Plus there are so many restaurants and shops at Village West and it's all new and nice and clean and pleasant. A different experience than staying at the Hyatt, sure - but I guess it just depends what you like. I'd rather stay in a clean, nice, new place and VISIT all the landmarks instead of stay downtown...but I also prefer living in the suburbs to living downtown, midtown, etc.

 

[Feralpeg]

Rosedale's is by far my favorite KC BBQ place. I have never been an Arthur Bryant's fan and Gates has so little meat on the ribs that I consider it a crime! I used to eat at Rosedale's on a regular basis. Oh no, another reason I've got to make a trip back to KC!!! However, if you really want to try Arthur Byrant's and you plan on visiting a casino, there is an Arthur Bryant's inside the Ameristar.

If you want a really nice dinner and don't mind paying for it, Skies rooftop revolving restaurant is great. You can see for many miles as it slowly (and it is very slow, so don't worry about motion problems) revolves. It is at the top of the Hyatt Regency hotel.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

I got the coupons from Subway.

I got 3 of them and each one is good for 4 people--I don't know how many you have.

Each coupon has 3 discounts on it you pick which one you want

First: Save $7.00 at WOF (regular $37.95 you pay $30.95)

Second: Save $3.00 at OOF (regular $26.95 you pay $23.95)

Third: Save $6.00 on Ride&Slide (regular $49.95 you pay $43.95)

It also has the prices for the Admission and Meal Packages(includes all day park admission and an all you can eat meal)

Joe Cools Backyard BBQ at WOF--$34.50

Beach BBQ at OOF---$31.50

Ride&Slide BBQ for both WOF/OOF---$44.50


Just PM me your address and I will mail them to you!!

 

[mom2alix]

Here's one of the places we like to stay in KC. It's really more of a corporate place, so it usually has great weekend rates.

http://www.holtze.com/index.htm

We also like the Homewood Suites in Overland Park. It's in the same area as the place above and I can use Hilton points there. It was nice to have separate sleeping space for the kids and a kitchen. It's not very far from the Jack Stack at 95th and Metcalf (DH is a KC native and while he loves AB, JackStack is his favorite).

It's also fairly close to Oak Park Mall which has a big Disney Store, Rainforest Cafe, and Nordstroms - the shoe department is fabulous!!!! Here's a tip - the Cheesecake Factory on the Plaza always seems to have a huge wait, but there's another Cheesecake Factory in Overland Park and it seems to be a little easier to get in there.

If you're breakfast eaters, look for a First Watch (there are several locations). They are really, really good.
Have fun!!!!

 

[mdrob214]

Please give Gates BBQ a try. I promise you will NOT regret it! There are several locations. Check it out here
http://www.gatesbbq.com/locations.html

Have some coleslaw and ribs for me!

WOF & OOF are worth it, especially the coasters.(I am not a coaster fan but the kids & DH went numerous times!) We did the Royals game and had great seats, but it was 105 degrees (in August) and we were in the sun right behind home plate. Needless to say we gave up those seats and moved back a level to sit in the shade.

As far as places to stay, we stayed at the Marriot nearly right across the street from WOF, but we didn't do downtown that trip. GWL is in Kansas but is a blast, too!

Enjoy KC!