Morgan’s Wonderland – The World’s First Theme Park for Friends with Special Needs

by Denise Jacks

I had an opportunity to see a dream come true yesterday.  Not a dream of my own but, the dream of a father with a child with special needs.

I visited Morgan’s Wonderland here in San Antonio one week before the official opening day. It’s the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park – but it’s not just a park – it’s 25+ acres with rides, a lake, an amphitheater, multiple playscapes , a gym and an interactive childrens museum all rolled into one!

The inspiration for this amazing destination is a young lady named Morgan. During our visit, her father spoke about spending time with his daughter and witnessing opportunities that were unavailable to Morgan and her friends as a result of their physical or cognitive abilities.  Seeking to create an environment where children of all abilities could share and play and learn, the idea for Morgan’s Wonderland was born.

This park will serve people of all ages with special needs with their friends and family. The designers and managers of the park have gone to great lengths to make sure that no matter what the challenge – physical, cognitive or emotional -  families can enjoy a rewarding play experience together. The general manager showed us the  train, go-karts, carousel and swings as well as the playscape and waterworks – all wheelchair accessible or with special seats for the riders!  They even have a pier over a lake stocked with fish so that park visitors can catch and release.

Believe me, they thought of everything. They had to – this is the FIRST OF IT’S KIND IN THE WORLD! There is even a quiet park/sitting area tucked away from the noise so that guests can take a break with soothing music and beautiful landscaping.

One of the most amazing things about Morgan’s Wonderland?  The admission. Any individual with special needs is admitted to the park free of charge. Their family and friends pay only $5 for admission.  Why?  Because the people that created this park knew that many families are financially unable to afford such entertainment with the sometimes overwhelming cost of caring for a loved one with special needs.

This is one of those times that I wish I were a much more eloquent writer. I know I have not done it justice, because Morgan’s Wonderland is a place you have to see – to know that dreams can come true.

Enjoy the pictures!

Special seat on the giant carousel

Wheechair accessbile car on the carousel

One of the fully-accessbile playscape structures

One of the many wheelchair sccessible swings

Even superheroes have special needs!