Texas Theme Park Designed for Visitors with Special Needs

Have any clients who have children with special needs? If so, you may want to suggest they visit Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, TX.

Morgan's Wonderland Visitor's Center// (c) 2011 Morgan's Wonderland

The theme park uses uniquely designed attractions to create a space in which children with special needs can play easily. The 25-acre, $34 million park contains a wide variety of attractions for visitors who cannot easily access conventional amusement park rides. Carousels feature chariots designed especially for wheelchairs, a “Sensory Village” that relies on sound and texture for play and a relaxed Sitting Garden. Boasting 20 attractions for an average visit of two and a half to three hours, the park encourages an unhurried, stress-free pace.

Since its grand opening in April 2010,  Morgan’s Wonderland has attracted over 100,000 guests from 49 states and 16 countries. The park’s founder, a San Antonio philanthropist named Gordon Hartman, was inspired to create the park by Morgan, his daughter with special needs. While on vacation in 2006 Gordon saw her watching a group of children splashing in a hotel pool. He could tell his daughter wanted to take part, but somehow her and the other children just could not find a connection. Gordon vowed to build a place that is, as the park’s motto puts it, “Where Everyone Can Play.”

Because the park has daily attendance limits, park officials encourage making reservations. Private tours are also available by calling 210-495-5888. Guests can also book events in on-site venues, such as The Pavilion, the Event Center, the Amphitheatre and the Wharf. Event planners can also add attractions like an off-road adventure ride, a ride on the park’s carousel or a ride on the Wonderland Express Train to their event itinerary. Admission is free for persons with special needs, $10 for accompanying adults, and $15 for general admission.

Visit www.morganswonderland.com