Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas: A Father’s Love Creates the World’s First All-Inclusive Theme Park

When his daughter was left out and ignored, a father created Morgan’s Wonderland, an all-inclusive theme park in San Antonio, Texas.

Gordon Hartman is a philanthropist, former homebuilder, and father to 31-year-old Morgan Hartman, who lives with cognitive and physical disabilities, but has a bright spirit.

As a father, Hartman always wanted Morgan to be happy, even though her condition remained undiagnosed for most of her life.

Hartman began his landscaping business at the age of 15, and by 19, he started his homebuilding business. Over the next 22 years, his company grew to become the largest locally owned business in land development and homebuilding in San Antonio, Texas.

In 2006, while on vacation, he watched with moist eyes as three other children excluded Morgan and didn’t let her join them in the swimming pool.

This incident got him thinking not only about Morgan but also about other children with disabilities who lacked a place to play and have fun.

He began exploring options and came up with the idea of an all-inclusive theme park where people of all abilities could play together.

With his earlier experience in homebuilding, he took the help of other experts to turn his vision into a reality, naming the park after his daughter—Morgan’s Wonderland.

Built on the philosophy that no condition should be a hindrance and everyone should be able to play together, the park was launched in 2010.

Hartman ensured that everyone felt included in the theme park by making all the rides “ultra-accessible.”

It is perhaps the only place in the world with such inclusive features, and it has since expanded into a camp with an outdoor adventure park and a sports center.

Hartman told CBS News that for people with electric wheelchairs who cannot get them wet, they offer a “wheelchair valet” service.

These individuals are provided with a temporary, battery-operated wheelchair that functions well even underwater, thanks to compressed air, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience.

The theme park offers zip lining, a fully accessible water park, and a Ferris wheel. Morgan’s favorite ride is the train that circles the entire park.

To date, the theme park has welcomed guests from all 50 U.S. states and many countries around the world.

Hartman is delighted that everyone can now join in the fun and activities, rather than just watching from the sidelines. The best part is that people with disabilities can enter the park for free.

Finally, at the age of 29, in 2022, Morgan was diagnosed with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development.

Hartman and his wife, Maggie, were inspired by their daughter’s special needs, sold all their companies, and founded the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation in 2005 to support children and adults with special needs.