It appears that Disney is about to have some stiff competition.
The opening of Oklahoma’s northeastern American Heartland Theme Park and Resort would cost more than $2 billion, it was disclosed on Wednesday.
The projected 125-acre park is akin to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.
“The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings,” the release said.
Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village, and Electropolis are the six unique communities that will make up this area.
A new entertainment development is coming to Oklahoma! American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations. Three Ponies RV Park will open in 2025 and the theme park in 2026. pic.twitter.com/bLBNdsCNwV
— American Heartland Theme Park (@AmericanHrtland) July 20, 2023
The park will be constructed in several stages and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. The opening of Stage 1’s RV park is scheduled for the spring of 2025.
There are future plans for a 300-room hotel and an indoor water park, though no specific opening dates have been made publicized as of yet.
According to Larry Wilhite, CEO of American Heartland, Oklahoma will be the ideal location for a theme park.
“At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination,” he stated. “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.”
There is no greater place to symbolize the heart of America than northeast Oklahoma, said GOP Oklahoma State Senator Micheal Bergstrom.
More than 20 former Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers make up the park’s design team, and they collectively have “over 500 years of Disney and Entertainment experience.”
Gene Bicknell, the park’s founder and chief creative officer, made it plain that the park supports the United States of America.
“There is so much to celebrate about our country: its landscapes, its cultures and most importantly, its people,” Bicknell said. “No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home at American Heartland.”
He added, “American Heartland will be a place families can come together to create lasting memories, experience joy, laughter, imagination and wonder.”
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