Morgan's Wonderland: Accessible Amusement Park
In the heart of Texas, there's an amusement park designed to include people with disabilities. Created by parents who dreamed of a place where their daughter could feel comfortable playing, Gordon and Maggie Hartman built the first fully accessible amusement park: Morgan’s Wonderland, in San Antonio. The park is named after the couple’s daughter, Morgan, who has physical and cognitive disabilities.
Before building the amusement park, the Hartman’s consulted with people who have disabilities, caregivers, physicians, and physical therapists to ensure accessibility.
Today, the 25-acre park includes attractions, rides, playgrounds, an eight-acre lake, and an amphitheater with over 500 seats, as well as picnic and rest areas.
Since its opening in 2010, Morgan’s Wonderland has seen over three million visitors and has expanded to include an adjacent water park- Morgan’s Inspiration Island.
About Morgan's Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is a fully accessible theme park offering rides, attractions, and entertainment, as well as two on-site dining options and a gift shop.
Rides and Attractions at Morgan’s Wonderland
- Rocket’s Sky Flight Adventure: A four-seater zip line above the park’s eight-acre lake.
- Jette’s Wonder Bikes: Featuring six hang-glider style cars, this ride is an aerial carousel. Each car is equipped with pedals and hand cranks so guests can make the ride vehicle go up and down.
- Carousel: This ride features both traditional and wheelchair accessible seats which move up and down.
- 4D Magic Cinema: A moving ride platform immerses guests into a coaster-like experience. There is an option to disengage motion elements for riders who may be sensitive.
- Pirate Island Boat Cruises: Explore the eight-acre lake at Morgan’s Wonderland, with a boat cruise.
- Whirling Wonder: This Ferris Wheel is complete with 12 ride cars, each of which are wheelchair accessible
- Wonderland Express: Visit the Wonderland Express Train Depot to board a 1930s-style train, which is wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchair Swings: Accessible swings can be found between Butterfly Playground and The Wonderland Express Train Depot. Trained team members can help wheelchair users secure their wheelchair before swinging.
- “Taking Flight” Bronze Sculpture: Seen upon entering the park, this 25-foot-tall sculpture serves as a welcoming attraction.
- Butterfly Playground: Just beyond the entrance, this accessible playground offers wheelchair accessible swings, two wheelchair accessible playscapes, and sensory elements for guests to enjoy.
- Pirate Island: Located on the dock of The Wharf, this accessible playground features themed playscapes for guests to enjoy.
- The Wharf: An accessible pier that juts out into the park’s lake, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the nearby water or take part in activities like catch and release fishing.
- Sand Circle and Music Garden: This shaded sandbox includes sand-building tools and elevated sand tables for wheelchair users. Nearby is the Music Garden with nine oversized percussion instruments, including gongs, chimes, drums, and xylophones.
- Sensory Village: This indoor attraction encourages imaginative play with a fully stocked toy grocery store, an Exploration Station with a sand table, and a newsroom with a green screen.
- Starlight Amphitheater: This outdoor venue is home to interactive and inclusive performances featuring people with and without disabilities.
- The Picnic Place: A resting spot, and a great area for lunch, The Picnic Place is just past Jette’s Wonder Bikes. You’ll find outdoor fans, wheelchair accessible seating, and swings nearby too.
Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants: Morgan’s Munchies, offering classic park fare like hot dogs and hamburgers, and Lakeside Snacks, with shareable options like nachos and popcorn, plus sweet treats. The gift shop features park merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, mugs, plush toys, and stickers.
Events at Morgan's Wonderland
You can host your own event at Morgan’s Wonderland or attend one of the park’s annual events. Birthday parties and facility rentals are available for individuals, groups and organizations. Visit the Morgan’s Wonderland website for inquiries.
Each year, the following events are hosted annually at Morgan’s Wonderland:
- Spring Break Spectacular: A weeklong event with dance parties, meet and greets, and photo opportunities.
- Eggstra Special Easter Festival: The Saturday before Easter, you’ll find festive activities like a scavenger hunt, vendor fair, and photo opportunities.
- Fourth of July Celebration: A sensory-friendly celebration, this event does not include fireworks, but guests can take part in festive activities, and entertainment.
- Morgan’s Annual Visionary Celebration: The park’s largest fundraiser of the year, Morgan’s Wonderland hosts its Annual Visionary Celebration to raise money for and celebrate those who support the park.
- More Delight Than Frightful Halloween: A family-friendly trick-or-treating event which also includes festive activities and a DJ.
- Heart of Gold Awards: An event to recognize those who dedicate their time, talent, and efforts to helping people with disabilities.
- Snowball 5K/1K: Hosted each December, guests of all abilities are invited to take part in a 1K or 5K walk, run, or roll.
Morgan’s Inspiration Island: Accessible Waterpark in San Antonio
Since its opening, Morgan’s Wonderland has expanded to include Morgan’s Inspiration Island—a water park adjacent to the accessible theme park.
- Five splash pads
- A sensory-friendly water ride
- Waterproof wheelchairs
If you're eager to visit Morgan's Wonderland but need help with transportation, contact your local BraunAbility dealer for information and assistance with renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle. For other wheelchair accessible vacation destinations, be sure to check out our travel hub.
