Phase One has begun on a massive new theme park resort being designed and built by Walt Disney Imagineers, but many are still surprised by its location.
RELATED: Disney strategist develops new 'Texasland' theme park near Houston
Credit: Mansion Entertainment Group
In terms of size, the new theme park resort, called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, is said to rival Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida – and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. There's something else the new theme park resort has in common with Disney's two domestic park resorts: Walt Disney Imagineers have been involved in the project since its inception.
READ MORE: Disney Imagineers to Build New Midwest Theme Park
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
And if that's not weird enough, the new theme park resort has another surprise: It's reportedly being built in the state of Oklahoma.
American Heartland Theme Park & Resort
The brand new 1,000 acre theme park complex will be located along Route 66, just a few miles west of Grand Lake, Oklahoma, in a town called Vinita in the northeastern part of the state. It is scheduled to open sometime in 2026, and the first phase is already underway, with the first renovation taking place on October 30.
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
According Tulsa-based news at 6officials in Craig County, Oklahoma, broke ground on the first phase of the new resort, starting with a new 350-site luxury RV park and campground called Three Ponies that will also feature an on-site general store.
General Store at Three Ponies RV Park at American Homeland Theme Park & Resort/Credit: Mansion Entertainment
The new site will have 750 pitches for caravans and campers, as well as 300 cabins. Three Ponies RV Park & Campground will be located on a 320-acre site near where the new theme park will be built. The entire construction of the resort will take place in phases, with an expected opening in October 2026.
“We're pushing dirt today and we're hoping to push dirt there, soon,” said the project's executive producer Steve Hedrick, referring to the property where American Heartland will be built.
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
A “Distinctly American” feel
Since the announcement of the new park, which will have an American-themed feel with “a variety of fun rides, live shows, family attractions, water rides as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings,” land sales in the area have soared. , according to Vinita Mayor Josh Lee.
The new theme park resort will feature “six distinct American lands,” including Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
Once the park is complete, developers say they expect the new resort to bring in two million visitors annually.
Not only does the park's design team include more than 20 Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers, but Mansion Entertainment has also hired design firms responsible for other major competitors in the amusement park arena, including Universal Studios and Six Flags.
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
RELATED: Disney Parks' Latest Competitor Attraction Just Blows Disney, Universal, SeaWorld & Others Out of the Water
Credit: Mansion Entertainment
“We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort,” said American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite. “At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination.”
