The opening of Oklahoma’s upcoming $2 billion theme park, designed by over 20 former Disney builders and Imagineers, has been delayed. Tulsa World has reported that the project has hit several snags and is expected to be delayed by at least three years, noting that little has developed one year after the park’s initial groundbreaking. Developers of the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, which was slated for a 2026 opening, insist that despite delays, the project is still planned to proceed.
Tulsa World reports that construction on the first phase of the park’s development, the 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, has not begun due to developer Mansion Entertainment Group waiting on permit approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The following was originally published July 24, 2023:
The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort has been announced for northeastern Oklahoma. The theme park is a $2 billion project, aimed to attract more than 4.9 million guests per year to the state. Executive Producer Steve Hedrick will lead a design team that includes over 20 former Disney park builders and Disney Imagineers.
The American Heartland Theme Park will reside in a 1000-acre development, with the park its self stretching 125 acres and themed after classic Americana. This puts its size roughly the same as Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The theme park will contain six themed different “lands,” each designed to showcase a different element of America: Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis. In addition to family attractions, live shows, and themed restaurants, the development will include the 320-acre Three Ponies RV Park and Campground, a 300-room hotel, and an indoor water park.
“We are pleased that American Heartland Theme Park has taken the first step and chosen Oklahoma to build a world-class entertainment destination,” said Hopper Smith, interim director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “We look forward to assisting with this project as it develops.”
“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.
See also: Universal Studios reportedly selects design firm for new $550 million Texas park
