Texas dad creates fully accessible theme park inspired by daughter

Gordon Hartman was inspired by his daughter, who has physical and cognitive disabilities, to create a space where everyone could feel included. His idea: a fully accessible theme park in San Antonio called Morgan's Wonderland.
#goodnews #themepark
CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service from CBS News and Stations, available free to everyone with access to the Internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is your destination for breaking news, live events and original reporting locally, nationally and around the globe. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available live in 91 countries and on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as on CBSNews.com and Paramount+.
Subscribe to the CBS News KZbin channel: / cbsnews
Watch CBS News: cbsn.ws/1PlLpZ7c
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Follow CBS News on Instagram: / cbsnews
Like CBS News on Facebook: / cbsnews
Follow CBS News on Twitter: / cbsnews
Subscribe to our newsletters: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@a.bodhichenevey1601]

No bounds of a Father's love!!!

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

I can’t even express how much I love this!! People with developmental disabilities deserve to be included. This park gives them that opportunity.

[@panic.catherine922]

From a fellow San Antonian, im glad this place is finally getting the recognition it deserves ❤ My family and I have always been very proud this was located in our city.

[@richnajera3962]

God bless this man!!!! We have a 20 year old special needs son, and its awesome to know that there is a theme park dedicated to all the special champions out there!!!!

[@lesliewarnell5172]

“Necessity is the Mother of invention.” The universe would not be the same without Morgan, her dad, and like-spirited people. 🦋

[@o.b.7217]

What a great man! I wish him and Morgan a long and happy life.

[@savagesword6393]

Every kid should be able to visit an amusement park, I love this.

[@GamerNxUSN]

I'm not crying, you're crying! This is such a labor of love. What a fantastic father.

[@Paul.......]

Shut up I know I am

[@Paul.......]

🥲

[@Pmlopez01]

I have 3 adult children with special needs and have had to sit behind and watch ppl play with their children because my children weren't able to participate. God bless you and ur daughter. And thank you for what you have done here.

[@savagesfortruth]

This is the kind of thing the world needs were people with disabilities feel included with others

[@vickiefinney6073]

This really touched my heart. I'm 55 and became disabled after having my son 16 years ago. I'm barely able to walk now and this is amazing. I've missed out on so much with my kids. I've watched them play and have fun from a distance. My husband has been the one who goes with them on rides and run with them. I'd love to be able to visit here one day

[@madeinusa9265]

I really hope you get the chance to go there!

[@vickiefinney6073]

@@madeinusa9265 me too. I've been watching videos on Utube about it

[@hansolowe19]

This makes me happy.

[@MirandaDanda1983]

I just moved to San Antonio TX last year, and I love love Morgan's wonderland!! My daughter is autistic and semi verbal.. and she absolutely has a blast going! Thank you Sir for making Morgan's wonderland. God bless you and you're beautiful daughter Morgan ❤

[@quijamesata1077]

30 secs in and I’m already crying ❤ this is amazing and so needed!

[@CoutureByKrystal]

We go here all the time and have annual passes every year. Morgan is constantly here especially during the holidays so we are not only able to meet Morgan but we are also able to meet her dad. Her dad is extremely nice and interactive and if he sees any child looking sad, he does try to interact with that child to make them happy as well. What he did for his daughter was and still is completely amazing because not only did she be able to now have fun, so do we. And we always see children without disabilities or special needs here as well so it’s definitely inclusive. Anybody can come ❤

[@Sugerskull]

What a wonderful father , a wonderful husband a wonderful human being. ❤❤❤❤

[@jlozano281]

We go here every year. I am so glad he built it. I will be there next weekend with my children. They love it!

[@bobatking7985]

The only one like it in the world?! Such a shame we need more places like this. Morgan is so lucky to have a HERO father!! ❤

[@hubschab]

This man is a real hero!

[@Bella1neverknows670]

This made me cry.. How awesome wish I had a father half as caring as him..Wishing them all the best

[@marypike8149]

Everything about me LOVES everything about this!!! As a teacher, mother, swimmer-competitive-swim coach-aquatic director, Easter Seals Camp Director, and neurodiverse woman who escaped diagnosis for 41 years - this is a gift the world doesn't even know it needed! Happy to help you on this adventure however I can. I'll have to start saving our pennies! This could be the amusement park where my eldest would want to participate VS "happy just to watch." Thank you for being a visionary and agent of change! May God Bless you, your daughter, your family, and your mission.

[@danicapapali7810]

Amazing!! This reminds me of Disneys vision of making a place for children to have fun so they could have the childhood he never had.

[@TexasCowgirl]

Great reporting. Gordon is an amazing good man and has done so much here in San Antonio. We are so proud to have the Hartman's and the magic they have brought to all. WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!! THANK YOU GORDON AND MORGAN! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@annabelem6081]

AMAIZING Idea !!!!!!! !! 👍🏿💝💖💖💖💖🌺💔👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jillsmith8120]

This is an AMAZING PLACE. I've been there with my family ❤

[@stevemac2009]

Everyone no matter what shape, size, color, or ability deserves to have a fun day with their family.

[@boobaby2021]

He loves his daughter so much... i would love to come and support you...

[@NomadSupreme911]

Her smile makes me happy😊

[@seventhdayissabbath8747]

This made me smile 😀This dad has done amazing things for his daughter and for others who would have never had the thrill and fun of being able to do these types of activities... God bless him and his daughter...

[@dannyt7269]

This is amazing! I was surprised how inaccessible Disneyland is considering it’s for families. There’s very few rides a wheelchair can go on without having to transfer.

[@JanetDFoster]

This is so wonderful! A father's love created an inclusive park. I love this story.

[@Mike-qy7rl]

What a wonderful idea god bless this man and his family

[@MacRealty1]

Man, this got to me. What a beautiful story

[@lianalonge1984]

What a wonderful father and all around human being. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽‼️

[@debbiemurray1496]

Being a daddy's girl rules ❤. I tell all my friends this ❤😊

[@tammy4434]

Wow this has me in tears! My little sister would have loved this place! Well done sir, well done!

[@jekku4688]

What an amazing thing this father did!

[@ivyvelez2167]

My son has autism and just turned four this brought me to tears because it does truly hurt when your child is excluded from activities. He does understand that he is being excluded and as a mother it’s so hard. I love this!

[@ladyjess3957]

🙏😭❤️💐what a beautiful soul and father. may the lord bless you for building the theme park for other disabled children and visitors.

[@sherryab3964]

Wonderful!!!! I can only imagine what it must be like for a parent to watch their child not being able to participate in fun interactions. I have many fond memories of theme parks and rides, even as an adult! Thank-you for changing the world ❤🙏

[@joerentteria582]

What an awesome man! As a dad, I would do anything to make my kids happy. This guy made not only his daughter happy, but many hearts around the world happy.

[@OddWoz]

These kinds of parks and facilities need to be more widespread so more people are able to reach them. This father is top notch.

[@timfahey7127]

And then there is hope and hope in action. Well done!!!!!!!!!

[@503cityofroses]

Lucky girl to have such a loving and caring dad like this man!😊💙💙💙

[@ryz2203]

God bless this man and his wonderful daughter.

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

Bless his heart!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@iMetaTV]

What a father! We all want to smile like your princess and love forever! ❤

[@Tidepodsforbreakfast]

Glad this story is spreading ! We love Morgan’s Wonderland here in San Antonio, Tx!

[@chrisrichards5546]

That's cool man!!!!❤❤

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Such a wonderful achievement and gift to so many! Visiting this place and engaging in the offered activities will be a life-changin event for soooo many people! God bless you all! 🙏❤

[@Stormy867]

Sir you are amazing! You’re an awesome dad and a prominent figure to the disabled community. Thank you.

[@Reverend_Brown]

This man deserves two lifetimes.

[@RAWGRIP54]

Just a wonderful place.

[@luvzdogz]

I would love to be friends with Morgan. Her happiness looks truly contagious!

[@bradsmith9118]

An amazing Father and amazing Daughter. God bless them.

[@philmccraken]

My son and our family has had the pleasure of attending this wonderful place! Thank you for allowing us to give him such memorable day!

[@b00mer_gam3r]

Thank you sir!

[@bicknell67]

This park makes me so proud to call San Antonio home such a bright spot. I actually drove by Morgan's Wonderland last night next to Toyota Field.

[@theprof73]

What a truly wonderful man!

[@WhoU8]

Thank You for what you have created. Way to go dad. Surely are showing your love for your daughter.

[@GamersDiscovered]

God bless this man

[@ingridhofmann3534]

I hope to visit this theme park at some point in my life. As a DeafDisabled person, I think it will be a wonderful experience. Hopefully, I can take some friends with me.

[@heath2694]

Yes! Yes! More of this! 👏👏👏 More people like this father!! 🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️

[@Shersherloves]

Amazing dad!!

[@amandita092]

Such a beautiful place ❤

[@seedeeper444]

Love this ... thanks to this amazing dad!

[@LoveyK]

I've been to Morgan's Wonderland, it's great for everyone.

[@paulharvey1947]

This brings tears to my eye knowing people vare enough to do this and in a city i call home. What makes me feel bad is that this WASN'T done before now

[@shayvidatv]

Wow, what an amazing father who really took it personal to see his little girl unhappy. Now he's going to make so many kids happy who had to experience the same thing. ❤

[@gopals1055]

This is truly an inspiration to me.

[@cg5993]

Beautiful what love can build! 💜

[@honesttruth8064]

Great Dad ❤

[@dorthymcbride3384]

Greatest Dad!!❤😊

[@tiffanyblount7560]

Absolutely amazing, this is what we should be talking about and celebrating 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Sarah-eb9rz]

What a wonderful dad and human 🥹

[@anamoke3473]

Most beautiful thing you'll see today

[@jessicalevans38]

God bless you and Morgan and your family! ❤

[@sandra47958]

Amazing and beautiful!

[@jerrylindo6854]

You are an amazing man.

[@Lasilky805]

I love this my daughter is disabled she can't go to Disneyland her wish and her friend wants go here

[@antoinetbd8016]

Wow....faith in humanity restored for today...

[@noraalbright777]

That’s wonderful!! I wish they had something like this when I was in school!!

[@dorthymcbride3384]

Thank you!!❤

[@justme6767]

Her dad is special

[@allaboutroofing2]

This is awesome. Accessibility is usually an afterthought. Universal design is great for everyone.

[@sarita5572]

That is super sweet. What a wonderful idea! ❤️

[@michelleduff6085]

This is so beautiful. Our granddaughter is autistic and can’t fly. Hopefully we’ll figure out how to get there some day ❤

[@517bjh]

Beautiful!!!

[@coupontherapy2635]

❤ Now this is important ! This should qualify for grants and fundraising. This type of place really is needed and would be amazing to have all over .

[@InanaNinsianna]

So so beautiful! I love this man ❤

[@BlackCatRachel]

This is so great & you know the kids will absolutely have a blast! Wonderdul!💕

[@stevemac2009]

God bless this man.

[@violinogirl]

This is beautiful

[@hampy1238]

This is amazing !!! what an amazing man! God bless you!!! From a fellow father of a child with a cognitive disability Thank You! You really don’t ever want your child to feel left out it’s hard watching all the young kids in the neighborhood play together while your child is left out it hurts so much as a father not that it’s the other children’s fault it’s just a hollowness as a parent of a disabled child you can’t explain constantly thinking of your child’s safety and weather they will make friends and have fun and that’s all I want is for him to feel loved and given a chance to make friends and a place to feel welcome and happy. It consumes your thoughts daily but makes me so great-full to parents that teach their children to try and help or just be nice and say hello and when they do it makes me want to cry with happiness! There are still truly wonderful people still in this world !! Thank you to all the special education staff and organizations for what you do!! Be proud of what you do you make a huge difference in all of our lives thank you!!!

[@whitneyfjohnson]

God bless him and his family man I love story like this

[@donnamurphy5698]

Such a blessing

[@mei6044]

Labor of love!

[@TheBeautifulBernice]

This is beautiful 🫶🏽✌🏾✌🏾🥰🧸

[@TheBeautifulBernice]

This is wonderful and such a beautiful story 🫶🏽✌🏾✌🏾🥰🧸

[@vetinaalvarez4004]

Beautiful