No Theme Parks Were Inclusive, So This Dad Built One for His Daughter
Most theme parks aren’t built with disability in mind. At best, they offer workarounds, like ramps, separate entrances, or special passes, but rarely full inclusion. When Gordon Hartman saw his daughter, Morgan, get left out at a hotel pool, he realized the problem was deeper.
There wasn’t a single place where kids like her could fully join in. So he stopped waiting for one to appear. He sold his business, asked the right people what they needed, and built something from scratch. Here’s how Morgan’s Wonderland reshaped what access can really look like.
He Watched His Daughter Get Left Out at a Pool
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Gordon Hartman watched his daughter try to join a group of kids at a hotel pool. Morgan, who has physical and cognitive disabilities, smiled and approached, but they pulled away. The moment hit her dad hard. Why wasn’t there a space where kids like Morgan could just be included?
He Asked a Simple Question No One Had Answered
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That night, Hartman kept coming back to one thought: where can children like Morgan go to feel welcome? He searched for answers and found none. He found accessible rides here and there, but no full environments designed with inclusion from the start. If no one had done it yet, maybe he should.
He Sold His Company and Bet Everything
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Before Morgan’s Wonderland was a real place, it was a big risk. Hartman sold his successful homebuilding business for $51 million and invested the proceeds in the idea. He backed it fully, financially and personally.
The Park Was Designed by Families and Therapists
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Instead of hiring a traditional park design firm to run the show, Hartman brought in people who actually understood the needs firsthand. This included therapists, doctors, and most importantly, families of children with disabilities. Their insight shaped every feature.
There Are No Overwhelming Noises or Flashing Lights
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Theme parks usually mean flashing lights, thundering rides, and crowded queues. Morgan’s Wonderland flipped that. Hartman ensured that noise levels remained manageable, lights didn’t strobe or startle, and spaces were open and calm. Guests with sensory sensitivities could actually enjoy themselves without bracing for overwhelm.
Every Ride Can Be Used by Kids With Disabilities
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From wheelchair-accessible rides like the Ferris wheel to custom swings and carousels with built-in supports, no attraction at Morgan’s Wonderland leaves anyone behind. Everything was designed to be accessible to people with and without disabilities.
Guests With Special Needs Get In Free
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Hartman didn’t want cost to get in the way. That’s why Morgan’s Wonderland offers free entry to anyone with a disability. It’s a simple rule with a huge impact, especially for families already balancing medical costs, equipment, or care expenses.
Families Travel From Around the World to Visit
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Since its 2010 opening, Morgan’s Wonderland has welcomed over 2 million guests from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries. Many families plan entire trips just to experience a park where every child in their group can be included equally. It’s global.
He Built a Legacy Instead of Wealth
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Plenty of entrepreneurs retire after a big sale. Hartman instead built a park that centers empathy over profit and brings joy to families often overlooked. It began with a painful moment at a pool and became a permanent place of belonging for people around the world.