A Texas father helped create an entire theme park after seeing his daughter struggle to join other children during a family vacation. Gordon Hartman wanted Morgan, who has cognitive and physical disabilities, to have a place where she could play alongside everyone else.
According to Morgan’s Wonderland, the incident happened at a hotel swimming pool in 2006. Morgan wanted to play with the other children, but they were hesitant and did not interact with her.
Hartman had already sold his homebuilding business in 2005. Inspired by Morgan, he and his wife, Maggie, established a foundation to help children and adults with disabilities.
The couple went on to create Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. Built in an abandoned quarry, the nonprofit theme park celebrated its grand opening on April 10, 2010.
Families Can Go on the Rides Together
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The park has more than 25 rides, playgrounds and interactive attractions. Visitors will recognize familiar theme park favorites, including a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a train that travels around the lake. The park was built so families and friends with different abilities could spend time together.
The Whirling Wonder Ferris wheel has a gondola that accommodates a wheelchair user and two other riders. There are also wheelchair swings, where guests can roll onto a platform and have their chair secured without transferring to another seat.
The Water Park Has Waterproof Wheelchairs
Morgan’s Inspiration Island opened next door in 2017. Its five splash pads include Rainbow Reef, which uses warmer water. Guests can borrow waterproof wheelchairs at no charge, so they don’t have to get their personal chairs wet. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The water park also has accessible changing rooms with adult-sized changing tables. Two of those rooms have lifts to help guests transfer.
Some Guests Receive Free Admission
Visitors with qualifying intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities receive free admission. You do not need to bring medical records, although staff may ask about the diagnosis to determine eligibility.
Parking is free, too. Both parks operate seasonally, so anyone planning a visit should check their hours before heading over.