We're delving deeper into the American Heartland Theme Park, said to be opening in Vinita, Oklahoma, in 2026. The next land we visit has been labeled Bayou Bay, and I thought I could make some observations from what I can glean from the concept art and video fly-throughs. Get ready for a trip into muddy wetlands and moss-draped trees. |
There are some interesting features, but I can't tell what everything is. A major feature of the area is the Pirate Stunt Show. This looks to be a major production show, with pyrotechnics, grand sword fights, and swinging from the yardarm. I could just as easily see a show based on John Paul Jones, but pirates are historical, too. The show should be a swashbuckler. |
Still another label on the map heralds "Voodoo House". I'm not sure if that's a show, a dark ride, or a store area. I'm hoping for a dark ride, but I don't want people to take it too seriously. It does look like there will be an attraction that searches for a bog monster. What may be the concept art for this reminds me of the old Diving Bell simulator ride at Silver Dollar City. That may be too much to hope for as many aficionados have longed for a return of Rube Dugan's Diving Bell there.
Boats in the trees and "rotting" on the shoreline help the ambience, but the promise of zydeco music should round out the feel. I see climbing structures and treehouses in the area for the kids, as well as water features. This is the place where "Critter Tales" show up. The explanation mentions cute critters. Are those costumed characters or actual animals? Fingers crossed for the latter. It's only natural that there will be Cajun food wafting through the park emanating from this land.
Will boats load here to make a short cut across the lake to a different land? If things happen according to plan, we will see.
I definitely see this as being a terrific area at night. Lots of LED and fiber optic fireflies and luminescent glowing things in the trees, in the air, and on the ground would make this a place to see after dark.