In 2005, successful builder Gary Hartman and his wife Maggie founded the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to supporting people with disabilities.
In line with the foundation’s goals, they developed Morgan’s Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park in San Antonio, Texas, in 2010. The park was named for the Hartmans’ daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. Since it was built, the park and Gordon Hartman’s goals have expanded exponentially.
In 2017, Hartman added Morgan’s Inspiration Island, a fully accessible splash park; and in 2021, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports, an inclusive sports facility, and Megan’s Wonderland Camp, an inclusive summer camp debuted. That same year, Hartman opened the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland, a $45 million one-stop shop where individuals with disabilities and their families receive comprehensive medical care, social services and even beauty treatments!
According to Disability Scoop, Hartman founded the nonprofit Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative to “coordinate planning, fundraising and communications among the entire Morgan’s Wonderland ‘family’ of ventures.”
Beginning in 2026, visitors to any of Morgan’s Wonderland facilities will have the opportunity to stay in what’s being called an “ultra-accommodating” hotel. According to morgans.org, the hotel will “far exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards and be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.”
The innovative hotel will feature “wider doorways and wheelchair-accessible furnishings, audio cues for guests with visual impairments, and even sensory-calming elements. …Specialized services will include staff trained in disability etiquette, assistance with mobility devices, and accommodations such as hearing aid loops and sensory-sensitive colors and lighting.”
Hartman says he is committed to making the hotel affordable so that all families can enjoy the hotel’s many amenities.
Proceeds from the hotel will be used for initiatives that benefit the disability community. Currently, hotel chains such as Marriot, Hilton and Hyatt are competing to have the hotel under their umbrellas.
“I am confident that this new hotel concept will remove barriers and tremendously enhance the lodging experience for everyone,” said Gordon Hartman. “This will certainly be a hotel for everyone including those with disabilities who, going forward, will feel more included, valued and fulfilled.”
While Hartman’s hotel will be the first ultra-accommodating hotel it is not expected to be the last. “Morgan’s Hotel™ will do for the hospitality industry what our other venues have done — create spaces where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Hartman.
