Could a new theme park still be in the works in Oklahoma?
Universal has two projects in the works: Epic Universe at Universal Orlando and a new experience being built in Texas. But there is also another theme park that was in the process of being built in Oklahoma. What makes this $2 billion theme park and resort and project so unique? Well, it is being built by former Disney Imagineers!
This new theme park is called American Heartland and will be located in northeast Oklahoma in Vinita. Based on initial renderings, the resort will span 1,000 acres and include a 125-acre theme park roughly the size of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, a water park, a large RV park with cabins, a dinner theatre, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and more.
The park’s development team includes over a dozen former Disney employees with experience in special effects, technical design, entertainment, and more.
The project, which is expected to include six themed Americana lands: Liberty Village, Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Bit Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, and Electropolis, was slated to open in the fall of 2026. In 2025, the Three Ponies RV and Campground, which will consist of an estimated 750 RV spaces and 300 cabins, was expected to open. But things have changed as of September 2024, two years before the theme park is set to open.
Unfortunately, construction has been halted due to financial issues. The project increased from $2 billion to $2.5 billion, which is about $500 million more than the original estimate. The developer, Mansion Entertainment, is accused of not paying the bills during the construction of the theme park.
Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Rusty Cornwell is cautiously optimistic that the project will still come to fruition.
We will continue to monitor any news regarding American Heartland and whether construction will continue. It is a shame that this project is on hold, as the theme park’s team estimates it will attract more than two million out-of-state visitors to Oklahoma each year, which would boost tourism to the state.
For more theme park news, make sure to continue to follow along with Disney Food Blog and we will keep our fingers crossed that American Heartland construction continues!
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Were you planning on taking a trip to visit this new theme park? Let us know in the comments!
Ronnie says
We were excited about the park being so close which would make it more afordable for families to come more often than the costs of going so far away. Can’t wait to attend..
Jesse says
I was really hoping for this park to come to fruition.