We love Disney World and Disneyland, and a lot of the magic in those parks comes from Disney’s Imagineers. Now, some former Imagineers are working on a NEW project!
There’s just something special about Disney Parks. Even the international parks are magical. However, we have to admit that we are completely INTRIGUED about a new theme park being built in the Midwest, mostly because it’s being constructed by former Disney Imagineers. We also have some details about that park, so let’s discuss!
The What and Where
So let’s look at everything we know about this theme park so far. First, the theme park will be called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort and the concept is all about just that — it will spotlight various parts of the REAL American Heartland.
It will be located in northeast Oklahoma, west of Grand Lake on Route 66 — it doesn’t get more Heartland than that.
The Basics
The $2 billion theme park will actually be a resort area covering over 1,000 acres of property. In addition to the theme park and resort, 320 acres will be the Three Ponies RV Park and Campground — it will be the largest campground in the central U.S. Guests will also be able to book cabins at the RV park and campground.
There will also be a 300-room hotel on the site for guests who wish to stay there.
Who’s Building It?
American Heartland is being constructed with a team of former Disney builders and Imagineers. On its website, the park states that all together, its team has over 500 years of Disney and Entertainment experience.
So this isn’t just ANY theme park. This is a new theme park being built by some of the best of the best.
Theming and Attractions
Perhaps one of the most important questions we want to ask is about the park’s theming. Well, the theme is dedicated to classic Americana, with six lands devoted to concepts within that theme. There’s Liberty Village, which is a “charming American town,” complete with a replica of the Liberty Bell.
The Great Plains area of the park is inspired by “where big land and big skies invite the spirit to soar.” Guests can learn about Native American traditions and stories, as well as go on a barnyard adventure inspired by Charlotte’s Web. The park also promises ” high-flying thrills with one of the great American barnstormers.”
Bayou Bay is a “swampy hideaway” where guests can eat gumbo, enjoy Zydeco music, and visit the gator-filled waters of the bayou.
Big Timber Falls is themed to “the mist-shrouded forests of the Northwest” with a “promise [of] a rugged American adventure full of rushing rivers, soaring peaks and ancient legends.” You’ll find white-water flumes here, including Big Foot Falls.
Stony Point Harbour is a coastal town where “feisty ‘old salts’ tell tales of wild adventures at sea.” Attractions include a “plunge into the abyss in search of a legendary sea monster,” as well as a setting sail on a “scenic excursion.” There’s also a haunted lighthouse.
Finally, Electropolis is “a bright, bold vision of the American age of innovation.” Here you’ll find “high voltage stories and high-powered thrills.”
It certainly seems like there will be PLENTY to do at American Heartland!
When Will It Open?
Well, we hope you’re patient because American Heartland’s official opening timeline is still a few years away. However, The RV Park and Campground is scheduled to open in 2025, while the rest of the resort is scheduled to open in 2026.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news about American Heartland, so stay tuned to DFB for more!
Study Reveals How Disney World’s Popularity Compares to Other Theme Parks
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think? Would you be interested in visiting American Heartland? Let us know in the comments!
Greg Lanman says
I can’t think of one reason why anyone, who currently doesn’t already live in OK, TX, KS, or other bordering states, would go to this park. If you though Florida was extremely hot and humid in the middle of August, you’ve not experienced heat and humidity until you live in Oklahoma in August.
jimthedj says
They have an amazing crew designing this.
While there are very high hopes, they still need the 2 billion dollars of investment to build it. The other issue is that have almost no IP. None. That will both make it hard to attract attendees and investors.
And last, weather. Sure late spring, summer and late fall will be amazing. No one will come to the park in the winter and a park that size needs people that will come to it year around.
It’s a nice thought, but this park will never happen. I hope I am wrong.
John says
This park will be notching but maybe a regional draw. It will never have the Disney history and productions that have endeared it to the World for a century. And it will be unbearably cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. Then add in nothing else in the area as far as parks and the answer is why would you go here when you can go to Orlando.
Chris jones says
A bunch of hater. Please still are dreaming and inspiring to push forward… This is a blessing. It isn’t Disney first of all they are just helping build it. You want Disney go to disney. This is different. I think and believe it will have a positive impact and that is want we need. Peace joy love and a place to enjoy yourself so stop hating .
Pris says
I hope it comes to fruition! Why not go to Oklahoma? How many hurricanes do you find there? That certainly doesn’t stop people from going to Orlando. You know about the weather going in. Just plan for it.
Laurel Lane says
I agree with Chris. Not everyone can afford a Disney vacation or travel to Florida. As far as worrying about the weather…that hasn’t hurt the Six Flag parks nor Silver Dollar City. And IP is not the draw for everyone; they just want an affordable, family-friendly place to have fun and enjoy. Those scoffing the idea should be grateful there’s another place to go; maybe the Disney parks won’t then be so crowded. The Disney company has just gotten too big for their own britches; it’s time for more competition.
Melanie Durham says
I absolutely agree with @chrisjones. While this is not disney it is something different and will be wonderful, please stop hating. Have an open mind. As someone who grew up in Arkansas, I know what the weather is like. Humid in the summer just like Florida, cold in winter. Can snow, yes. In Florida, we get cold for like 3 weeks. But does that stop us from going to any theme park? No. What’s going to stop them? Definitely not the weather. Stop being so negative people. Plus, this will give them something to do there other than hunt, camp, or fish. I thinks it’s a fantastic idea. I can’t wait to go.
Ronjon says
It could work for the locals and states close by as an alternative. But not having deep, deep pockets like Universal and Disney, it will be very limited. Two billion isn’t very much to bulit a park like Disney or Universal. Rise of the Resistance at Disney cost $225 Million alone not includiing Star Wars land. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike at Universal Orlando cost $300 million, not including the two Harry Potter lands. So it dosen’t seem like it will much compared to the big two.
So far ir seems dull and plain, more like a state fair. When I see the concept pictures and the names of the lands, it seems like a lower budget wanna-be Disney park Seriously name like Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, and Electropolis are just copycats. Just because they have former Disney imagineers doesen’t guarantee it will have the Disney magic, or will be as much fun as Universal. I hope it works for the people in the area. But I’d rather fly to Florida than to Oklahoma.
Mickeys Brother says
This sounds incredibly BORING and I wouldn’t be interested in attending. But, more power to them, I’m sure this would interest some people.
And as far as Disney needing more competition, this certainly wouldn’t be any. There’s already 1st class theme parks and water parks here in Orlando and they don’t even pose a threat to Disney!
IP does matter, Disney is a place where the characters and movies they’ve created comes alive! Between that and the detail they put into their parks and attractions, that is why no one can compete with them.
Richard Mercer says
🎶 “Get Your kicks … on Route 66” 🎶
Sprry, but someone had to say it!
Maybe they can get the rights to use it…
pattie says
I agree with Ron Jon and mickeys brother I would rather keep going to Disney world with my family ha e annual passes and plan on keep going there wish them good luck n getting that done it sounds too boring after going to Disney all these years ir has a state fair sound to it and no I’m not being hateful it sounds like it
Kimber Luoma says
Here is my 2-cents worth. What if by chance the imagineers were “let go” for a reason? Hear me out; like when Walt came to Florida and purchased property under unasssumed company names. But I digress, because most of us know how that story goes. Then later down the line, yada-yada-yada, then bibbidi-bobbity-boo…. it turns into a Disney park? I have to much time on my hands. Thanks for letting me ramble on about my Disney theory…lol.
Michael says
I don’t know who else has visited OK, but in all of my experiences there, the service was incredible! The local work force at the restaurants, both fast food and high-end, really take pride in the quality of their service. It is a surprisingly noticeable difference. If that carries over into this theme park, it will feel like WDW used to. That for me was the best part of Disney. Not so much anymore.
Mike says
As a Florida resident and enjoyed the parks in Florida I’d really love to see what this new park is all about. I’m in
pattie says
My husband and me wish them luck because lot of people can’t afford to go to Disney world like my husband and me do and we hope it does well and that will b nice for those families that want to do something nice and fun and yes we will always go to Disney and I’m not going to say any mean about the other park that’s going go b built so please b nice also there is way too much mean hateful things being said m our world and that needs to stop 🛑
Melanie Durham says
@pattie, thank you so much! I completely agree 100% with your! 💜😍
pattie says
@melanie Durham Thank u so much we can just hope others will follow and open their hearts up and b kinder n what think and say 🥰