A Massive New Theme Park Is Being Built by Former Disney Imagineers

Oklahoma could soon compete with Walt Disney World as an alternative theme park vacation destination in America.

The state announced the construction of a massive new resort called American Heartland, which is set to open sometime in 2026. The project looks promising, as over 20 former Disney Park builders and Imagineers are helping make it a reality.

Let’s discuss everything revealed about this new American theme park offering.

Expensive and Massive

Oklahoma state and local officials revealed the park and resort via a livestream announcement in July 2023.

The project is estimated to cost $2 billion and will span 1,000 acres. The property will feature a 125-acre theme park, a largely-scaled RV park, and cabins. Rounding out the offering is a giant hotel with an indoor water park.

Scott Gustin shared some concept art, renderings, and models on X (formerly Twitter). The theme park is going to be themed entirely around America and located on Route 66 just west of Grand Lake.

A 125-acre theme park is set to open in northeast Oklahoma in 2026, American Heartland Theme Park officials announced Wednesday. The "Americana-themed" park is being designed by a team that "includes 20+ former Disney parks builders and Imagineers." pic.twitter.com/tESG0JxQna

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 19, 2023

American Theme Park Designed by Former Disney Imagineers

The concept is pretty impressive. According to Gustin, the America Heartland will have six lands with their own distinct theming based around American locations and biomes: Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village, and Electropolis.

Each section will house multiple attractions, live shows, and other forms of entertainment.

The park will feature "a collection of six distinctly American lands" to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story: Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis. pic.twitter.com/bNfWSmUgpK

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 19, 2023

The announcement also comes with the bombshell that over 20 former Disney Imagineers and Park builders have signed onto the project. Looking at the renderings, it is obvious that experts in their craft are designing American Heartland.

This new revelation appeared when other theme parks in North America, including Universal Studios Florida, Seaworld Orlando, and Busch Garden, sometimes experienced higher guest turnout than Walt Disney World. The amusement park has seen a slight decline in attendance, with some visitors saying Magic Kingdom and other Walt Disney World Resort locations have been empty this summer.

When construction is complete, the Walt Disney Company may have another legitimate competitor in America.

It is no secret that many families and critics have been looking for alternative vacation spots now that Disney is pricing them out. Some also believe the company is failing to cater to traditional families. On the other side of the fence, certain marginalized groups are avoiding Florida due to its increasing laws and hostility against them.

CEO Larry Wilhite explained the reasoning behind choosing Oklahoma as the location for the family-friendly American Heartland Park:

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.

The park will be part of a 1,000-acre development estimated to cost $2 billion. The development will include an RV park with cabins expected to open in 2025. A 300-room hotel and indoor water park is also planned. pic.twitter.com/KVMKszpVMe

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 19, 2023

American Heartland Opening Date

While the theme park isn’t expected to open until sometime in 2026, the initial construction will focus on the RV Park and cabins.

This 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground location is said to be available during 2025 and will be the largest in the central United States. It allows for up to 750 RV spaces and reportedly will have 300 cabins.

American Heartland, a Mansion Entertainment Group affiliate company, spearheads this project’s development. They hope to create a place where families can unite to create lasting memories.

While this new American theme park destination is still quite some time from completion, it will be interesting to watch it take shape.

Disney is already on the verge of increased competition from Universal Studios Orlando via its Epic Universe construction. Now, it looks as if it will have to contend with increasing pressure in the future as more alternatives pop up to capture its audience.

Will you be making plans to visit American Heartland? Let us know in the comments.