You may remember a time in 1993 when former Disney CEO Michael Eisner announced plans to build Disney’s America – an edutainment theme park to be built in Virginia. The plan was met with opposition from both Virginia residents who were not interested in having a theme park built so close to home and from others who were afraid of Disney-fying American history. That park never came to fruition, but just days ago, a similar theme park complex was announced in Oklahoma. So similar in fact, over 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers make up the design team.
On July 19, 2023, Oklahoma state and local officials joined the American Heartland leadership announcing plans to build a $2 billion project called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort. Just west of Route 66, the 1,000-acre development and 125-acre theme park is planned to be built in the northeast part of the state, but built in stages. First, phase one plans on building a large-scale RV park with cabins to be completed in the spring of 2025. The theme park itself wouldn’t open until 2026. According to its representatives, it will rival the “world’s top resort destinations.”
American Heartland is an affiliate of Mansion Entertainment Group, LLC, Branson’s leading performing arts, animation and studio brand. The design firms working on the project include THG, FORREC and Cuningham, whose portfolios feature other theme park brands including Six Flags, Disney Parks and Universal Studios.
“We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination. The state’s business-friendly approach and innovative partnership efforts have helped make this possible. We look forward to bringing unforgettable generational experiences to Oklahoma.”
While initially the new park sounds very similar to the one that Disney wanted to build, it sounds like this new park would offer an Americana theming, not an American history lesson. But like a Disney park, it will offer a large variety of rides, live shows, attractions and more. And unlike the state of Virginia, Oklahoma is pretty open to the new venture.
“Oklahoma is excited to welcome American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” Oklahoma State Rep. Rusty Cornwell said. “Located on historic Route 66 just west of Grand Lake, the development will attract visitors from around the world to experience and celebrate the rich cultures and hometown values America has to offer.”
Oklahoma State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom echoed the sentiment.
“There’s no better place to represent the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma,” said Bergstrom. “This $2 billion investment in our state will create more than 4,000 jobs and introduce a new category of entertainment to the region, and its long-term economic impact will be transformative. Tourism is already one of Oklahoma’s top industries and this project will elevate our state even further. Since tourism is a doorway to economic development, American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will draw new businesses not only to the surrounding area but also throughout the region and state.”
As for the 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, it will be the largest campground in America with 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins. The resort will also feature a 4-star hotel and water park.
Similar to Disneyland or Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, guests of the part will start their journey through American Heartland’s own Main Street of sorts. Liberty Village is said to be a “charming American town, where friendly shopkeepers are always glad to see you, and hard-working residents welcome you into their bustling daily life. In every corner of Liberty Village, the warmth and entrepreneurial spirit of classic small-town America shines through.” The motto here is to “Work hard. Play hard. Dream big.” The town square will feature a large Liberty Bell replica.
Other parts of the park include Great Plains “land of endless horizons.” It is a place “where big land and big skies invite the spirit to soar.” Native American traditions and stories will be told here but probably shared with a high tech influence in the First American Stories Theater. And “Ruby Red’s Barnstormers & Aerobatics Training will bring “high-flying thrills” through what looks to be a “flying theater” similar to Disney’s “Soarin’” attractions.
The area also features a “barnyard adventure” based around the story of Charlotte’s Web. According to the American Heartland website, it will promote childhood literacy with a collection of imaginative experiences with the goal of connecting kids with classic stories and illustrations that have inspired generations of readers and dreamers.” It will also offer play zones, rides and of course a book store to purchase items related to the authors and stories.
Bayou Bay looks intriguing with a swamp thrill ride, a pirate stunt show and a voodoo house. Here you “can find mystery, magic, and some of the cutest critters this side of the Mississippi. Wander in for home-cooked gumbo, enjoy some boot-stomping Zydeco music, or get a taste for adventure on the gator-filled waters of the bayou.” There will need to be some explaining on how that steam boat got stuck in that tree!
Both Knott’s Berry Farm and Disney’s Splash Mountain appear to be some influence for Big Timber Falls. The park describes the area as “The mist-shrouded forests of the Northwest promise a rugged American adventure full of rushing rivers, soaring peaks and ancient legends. Dare to explore white water flumes with brave mystery hunters, and marvel at the aerial feats of the forest’s masters of the skies. All throughout this bold land, you’ll find bravery, brawn and inspiration.”
Stony Point Harbor is a “coastal town” where “feisty ‘old salts’ tell tales of wild adventures at sea.” You can plunge into the abyss to search for a legendary sea monster or set sail on a scenic excursion. The Haunted Lighthouse “awaits guest and intensifies their senses as they explore the stories within. Don’t be surprised if you encounter ghosts of the seas along the way.”
Electropolis is probably the most thrilling part of the park focusing on the American age of innovation. “The towers and structures of Electropolis stand for high voltage stories and high-powered thrills. The inventions of great American figures carry you swiftly and smoothly throughout this sparkling testament to the power of American genius.” The Terminal Velocity roller coaster looks especially scary as it travels all through this “town.”
Finally, the 4-star boardwalk hotel and water park feature no names at this time and surprisingly, very little information other than to state that it will contain a boardwalk with retail shopping and dining. For more information regarding this ambitious project, visit the American Heartland Theme Park website.
Main Image: Birds eye view of the American Heartland Theme Park and adjoining RV park. (American Heartland)
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