Tulsa - American Heartland Theme Park

[Athomsfere]

https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/2b-th ... b83d0.html

this came out of left field. And should make the Omaha area jealous if it happens.

[Garrett]

Haha maybe this is finally that random theme park resort rumor that was tossed around 2 years ago

[Louie]

What a bizarre location. I'm kind of perplexed as to how well this will do.

[Athomsfere]

Haha maybe this is finally that random theme park resort rumor that was tossed around 2 years ago

I think I heard about that rumor too... And it must be.

[Athomsfere]

What a bizarre location. I'm kind of perplexed as to how well this will do.

I can't imagine well. OKC / Frontier City an hour away. It might not be huge, but it exists and likely will be better in the short term. Plus as a bellwether: If Frontier City can't perform well and grow, how would this be different?

Also, Dallas has a real Six Flags a half day away.

But IDK. Not my market, and I don't have $2 billion to spend on a theme park.

[thenewguy]

anymore, i don't really care if we have a full blown amusment park, but it would be great if funplex had a drop tower, tower swing, still had a roller coaster, etc. Maybe a log flume?

[Bob from Omaha]

There was no mention of Minard. Without him I have no reason to think it will happen.

[Greg S]

What a bizarre location. I'm kind of perplexed as to how well this will do.

I can't imagine well. OKC / Frontier City an hour away. It might not be huge, but it exists and likely will be better in the short term. Plus as a bellwether: If Frontier City can't perform well and grow, how would this be different?

Also, Dallas has a real Six Flags a half day away.

But IDK. Not my market, and I don't have $2 billion to spend on a theme park.

It's still an hour away from Tulsa. It's actually 2 hours and 20 minutes from OKC and Frontier City. I don't think Frontier City is a good comparision as it's really landlocked and even it's primary water park (Hurricane Harbor) is in a separate part of the city.

That being said, I just can't even see this breaking ground. The article references "visitors from around the world." First this thing is an hour from Tulsa even. So they think people are going to fly in from all over to Tulsa (big leap) then drive an hour to this place? Not to mention where to stay.

[thenewguy]

There was no mention of Minard. Without him I have no reason to think it will happen.

hahaha.

[thenewguy]

What a bizarre location. I'm kind of perplexed as to how well this will do.

I can't imagine well. OKC / Frontier City an hour away. It might not be huge, but it exists and likely will be better in the short term. Plus as a bellwether: If Frontier City can't perform well and grow, how would this be different?

Also, Dallas has a real Six Flags a half day away.

But IDK. Not my market, and I don't have $2 billion to spend on a theme park.

It's still an hour away from Tulsa. It's actually 2 hours and 20 minutes from OKC and Frontier City. I don't think Frontier City is a good comparision as it's really landlocked and even it's primary water park (Hurricane Harbor) is in a separate part of the city.

That being said, I just can't even see this breaking ground. The article references "visitors from around the world." First this thing is an hour from Tulsa even. So they think people are going to fly in from all over to Tulsa (big leap) then drive an hour to this place? Not to mention where to stay.

agree. if I were to fly from the UK, France, Germany, etc., I'm not going to waste my time on some piece of |expletive| 'heartland park' in the middle of the country. I'm going to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld, and hit universal studios, the beach, or any number of countless attractions nearby.

Now, regionally, I'm sure they will draw people. But I, personally, would not drive past Worlds of Fun to go there, unless it were the caliber of Cedar Point. And frankly, I'd just go to Cedar Point instead.

[NEDodger]

anymore, i don't really care if we have a full blown amusment park, but it would be great if funplex had a drop tower, tower swing, still had a roller coaster, etc. Maybe a log flume?

I think we have an answer for what to do with Oak View - clear out the entire interior, second level of flooring included, and make that sucker an indoor theme park.

[Omaha Cowboy]

There was no mention of Minard. Without him I have no reason to think it will happen.

60-90 days…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[TitosBuritoBarn]

It looks like a lovely theme park, but the marketing efforts are annoying. They mention it’s the size of Disneyland, which isn’t unique. They just wanted to make a comparison to Disneyland. They also mention it’s built around the American trait of hard work, among others, which is an odd choice. Basically the opposite of what I go to a theme park for. And someone quotes in the article mentions they recognize Oklahoma as the next big tourist hotspot and provide vague reasons why, including “friendly people.” Not to mention they’re going off a generic theme. Disney, Universal, and even Six Flags had recognized characters and other media before they did theme parks. Lego land builds off the love of legos. Other theme parks have impressive roller coasters. This theme park has theming of America. Instead of experiencing escapism it’ll be a microcosm of the place we already live in. It’s like California Adventure 1.0 all over again.

[djc311]

It looks like a lovely theme park, but the marketing efforts are annoying. They mention it’s the size of Disneyland, which isn’t unique. They just wanted to make a comparison to Disneyland. They also mention it’s built around the American trait of hard work, among others, which is an odd choice. Basically the opposite of what I go to a theme park for. And someone quotes in the article mentions they recognize Oklahoma as the next big tourist hotspot and provide vague reasons why, including “friendly people.” Not to mention they’re going off a generic theme. Disney, Universal, and even Six Flags had recognized characters and other media before they did theme parks. Lego land builds off the love of legos. Other theme parks have impressive roller coasters. This theme park has theming of America. Instead of experiencing escapism it’ll be a microcosm of the place we already live in. It’s like California Adventure 1.0 all over again.

I agree with pretty much everything you're saying. The only thing it appears to be missing is the actual "Make America Great Again" catchphrase and Donald Trump as the primary character (literally).

I get what they're trying to go for, but kids (especially) could care less if you're trying to sell them on the idea of "hardworking 'Mericans" being the foundation of the amusement park. You'd be better off creating your own random cartoon character or spending the money to license something like SpongeBob or nearly any other recognized children's icon.

I think Worlds of Fun still has something to do with Snoopy... I wouldn't go out of my way to see a Snoopy-themed ride, but it's something. Even Mall of America had some Nickelodeon characters (not sure if that's still the case or not).

Anyway, I hope the concept is executed in a much better manner than the way they're trying to promote it at this time. Unless there's something mind blowing about it, I would not travel to a city in Oklahoma to go to a theme park.

Still feel we need something here, between Omaha and Lincoln - perhaps a compound with an IKEA and a theme park nearby. I'm sure it will offend some on here but FunPlex is not a theme park and it's not worth the price, IMO. For that matter Vala's Pumpkin Patch charges about as much as you would pay to get into Adventureland and they have about 2 rides (the train and the new Model T car track thing).

Let's start a Go Fund Me to open up a new Peony Park!

[Bob from Omaha]

Worlds of Fun, Adventureland, all the others not Disney or Universal. I'm at a loss as to the desired audience. On the other hand why not? Somebody has a hard on for semi rural Oklahoma, go for it.

Finally, you think Redway is in the middle of nowhere? This proposal says "Hold my beer"

[Renovator2559]

Worlds of Fun, Adventureland, all the others not Disney or Universal. I'm at a loss as to the desired audience. On the other hand why not? Somebody has a hard on for semi rural Oklahoma, go for it.

Finally, you think Redway is in the middle of nowhere? This proposal says "Hold my beer"

I don't understand why OK choose to build north east of Tulsa closer to KC instead of between OKC and Tulsa. Are they trying to cannabalise visitors from Worlds of Fun? Its a bit far though
Proximity to both OKC and Tulsa airports would work better to lure international travel.

P.S. I think Universal Studios and Disney parks are overrated. Universal studios, Long lines for up to 1 hr, few quality rides that can be ridden without getting bored, random rides broken and out of service, the asthetics of the park look cheap in certain places, more emphasis in merchandise. Disney world, well its for kids and long lines.

I would go to Adventureland any day over these parks, because the ride asthetics, rides and lines are much better.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

P.S. I think Universal Studios and Disney parks are overrated. Universal studios, Long lines for up to 1 hr, few quality rides that can be ridden without getting bored, random rides broken and out of service, the asthetics of the park look cheap in certain places, more emphasis in merchandise. Disney world, well its for kids and long lines.

Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

[Bob from Omaha]

P.S. I think Universal Studios and Disney parks are overrated. Universal studios, Long lines for up to 1 hr, few quality rides that can be ridden without getting bored, random rides broken and out of service, the asthetics of the park look cheap in certain places, more emphasis in merchandise. Disney world, well its for kids and long lines.

Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.

When we lived in Omaha we used to pick up dinner at Davinci's near 132nd & Dodge. Shortly after it closed for good I said to my wife "I don't know why it closed. You could always get right in"

[djc311]

This is probably the best description I've seen for this development so far!

https://thelostogle.com/2023/07/20/1000 ... grand-lake

[Bob from Omaha]

This is probably the best description I've seen for this development so far!

https://thelostogle.com/2023/07/20/1000 ... grand-lake

He's not a Negative Nancy. He's a Debbie Downer.

[Louie]

This is probably the best description I've seen for this development so far!

https://thelostogle.com/2023/07/20/1000 ... grand-lake

He aint wrong lol

[djc311]

The gift shop will specialize in muscle t-shirts and beer can hats with the long straws.

[thenewguy]

Worlds of Fun, Adventureland, all the others not Disney or Universal. I'm at a loss as to the desired audience. On the other hand why not? Somebody has a hard on for semi rural Oklahoma, go for it.

Finally, you think Redway is in the middle of nowhere? This proposal says "Hold my beer"

I don't understand why OK choose to build north east of Tulsa closer to KC instead of between OKC and Tulsa. Are they trying to cannabalise visitors from Worlds of Fun? Its a bit far though
Proximity to both OKC and Tulsa airports would work better to lure international travel.

P.S. I think Universal Studios and Disney parks are overrated. Universal studios, Long lines for up to 1 hr, few quality rides that can be ridden without getting bored, random rides broken and out of service, the asthetics of the park look cheap in certain places, more emphasis in merchandise. Disney world, well its for kids and long lines.

I would go to Adventureland any day over these parks, because the ride asthetics, rides and lines are much better.

while i think WE in America see Disney/Universal as less appealing due to those concerns you raised, they carry much more clout than some random park in the middle of Missouri or Iowa. Speaking specifically to the 'people coming from all over the world' sentiment, those are more bucket list type adventures for people who don't have them. Just the same as a beach in Alabama may be prettier or less crowded than one in Maui, but I'd rather go to Hawaii any day of the week.

[Garrett]

Looks like things are going exactly as expected down in Oklahoma - poorly

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/le ... evelopment

[Renovator2559]

while i think WE in America see Disney/Universal as less appealing due to those concerns you raised, they carry much more clout than some random park in the middle of Missouri or Iowa. Speaking specifically to the 'people coming from all over the world' sentiment, those are more bucket list type adventures for people who don't have them. Just the same as a beach in Alabama may be prettier or less crowded than one in Maui, but I'd rather go to Hawaii any day of the week.

Of course they will always carry clout due marketing and recognition. Some people love the Universal brand so much that they will overlook all the faults. It still doesn't change the fact that a lot of the rides are ride once or else they get dull on the second time. They are easily forgettable and that's why I can't
see myself wasting my time revisiting Universal









It still doesn't change the fact that a smaller park like Adventureland offers so much more in a condensed format, much more aesthetically pleasing and less artificial, with way more thill rides than the measly thrill rides that are sometimes randomly broken and so spread apart by the countless merchandise stores.

Alabama is a state with issues and this comparison doesn't apply to Des Moines, Adventureland
It's not about how busy a place gets. Waiting in line for close to 1hr ride for a forgettable ride and rinse and repeating, the waste of time becomes apparent.
Also Hawaii doesn't have this line problem, two different experiences and activities that are apples to oranges.

Looks like things are going exactly as expected down in Oklahoma - poorly

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/le ... evelopment

Yeah, financial difficulties are not a good look.

[thenewguy]

while i think WE in America see Disney/Universal as less appealing due to those concerns you raised, they carry much more clout than some random park in the middle of Missouri or Iowa. Speaking specifically to the 'people coming from all over the world' sentiment, those are more bucket list type adventures for people who don't have them. Just the same as a beach in Alabama may be prettier or less crowded than one in Maui, but I'd rather go to Hawaii any day of the week.


Also Hawaii doesn't have this line problem, two different experiences and activities that are apples to oranges.

i was using it as an example. A comparison, if you will. I know a beach and a theme park aren't the same. But again, I'd personally rather go to disney or universal and say i've been there, rather than going to a theme park in Tulsa (same as I'd prefer to go to Hawaii's beaches over Gulf Shores)

[Garrett]

https://attractionsmagazine.com/america ... ign=buffer


And now a lawsuit against the failed developers with some pretty crazy details. Womp womp, as expected

[djc311]

https://attractionsmagazine.com/america ... ign=buffer


And now a lawsuit against the failed developers with some pretty crazy details. Womp womp, as expected

But wasn't this supposed to be a theme park with a Christian "theme"? I mean, no one would ever use that as a tool to deceive anyone - EVER!

$60 million invested? OMG, it just blows my mind how much people will throw out there with zero proof of anything in return. I thought the guy here in Omaha backing the clown behind Burger Theory was bad for giving him a few million... good grief!

[Renovator2559]

Seams like Oklahoma has been announcing these ambitious projects, that tend to breed skepticism among residents. Even the Legends tower has criticism.

Maybe if Tulsa would work on their urban core, than this park would have some momentum on people wanting to visit the park and Tulsa.
Though with my periodic visits to Tulsa, there is hardly any new construction in the Tulsa downtown, only the mental health hospital and the court building but I don't see much movement in Tulsa downtown, in getting rid of any of its massive parking lots. Tulsa parking lots make the Omaha Charles Schwab field surface lot look like a kids playground. There's plenty of work that Tulsa needs to do since Tulsa tends to rely on these "pocket" walkable areas that are surrounded by asphalt parking lots everywhere and their strategy appears to focus on improving their suburbs.

[Greg S]

Seams like Oklahoma has been announcing these ambitious projects, that tend to breed skepticism among residents. Even the Legends tower has criticism.

Maybe if Tulsa would work on their urban core, than this park would have some momentum on people wanting to visit the park and Tulsa.
Though with my periodic visits to Tulsa, there is hardly any new construction in the Tulsa downtown, only the mental health hospital and the court building but I don't see much movement in Tulsa downtown, in getting rid of any of its massive parking lots. Tulsa parking lots make the Omaha Charles Schwab field surface lot look like a kids playground. There's plenty of work that Tulsa needs to do since Tulsa tends to rely on these "pocket" walkable areas that are surrounded by asphalt parking lots everywhere and their strategy appears to focus on improving their suburbs.

We‘ve had our fair share of these as well over the years. Obviously most recently with Rod Yates and all the grandiose plans with his Good Life District.