A fascinating discovery has been made by a dedicated Disney Parks fan—a “new” Walt Disney World Resort-like experience in none other than Altoona, Iowa!
In the midst of the ongoing legal drama between Walt Disney World Resort and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whispers circulated about Disney exiting Central Florida. Following passionate declarations from CEO Bob Iger threatening to withdraw investment from Florida, some fans were on the lookout for new Disney experiences elsewhere. Michigan and South Carolina were even tossed around as potential new Disney Gateways.
While both sides have engaged in heated disputes since 2022, after former CEO Bob Chapek challenged the controversial “Parental Rights in Education Act,” the idea of Walt Disney World packing up and leaving always seemed far-fetched. A judge’s dismissal of Disney’s free speech lawsuit against DeSantis didn’t slow the speculation, however.
Despite these legal theatrics winding down, fresh theme park arrivals continue to pop up. Zach Wally (@weeniesupplyco) recently spotted a charming resemblance to Disney at Adventureland Resort in Iowa. His TikTok video highlights how this Midwestern park seems to echo the magic from the world-renowned Disney Parks.
Drawing on elements like a lookalike Main Street and themed areas such as Outlaw Gulch, Adventureland impresses with unique attractions, including a train station reminiscent of the iconic entryways of Disneyland and Disney World. Even some of the details, like an ice cream parlor and roaming characters, seem to nod to their Disney counterparts.
This mimicry didn’t go unnoticed—Wally’s video pointed out similarities down to a ride queue that conjures memories of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Yet, not all feedback from Disney aficionados has been glowing: some fans criticized Adventureland for having features, like a generic arcade, that don’t quite meet Disney’s high standards. Despite this, others lauded Adventureland for its own brand of charm and nostalgia, with ties to the design assistance from former Disney employees adding a layer of authenticity.
So, would you pack your bags and head to Iowa for a bit of Disney-esque adventure? Have you explored this curious doppelgänger? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to share this discovery with fellow Disney fans!
Credit: Inside the Magic for the original story: [Inside the Magic](https://insidethemagic.net/2024/06/disney-world-disneyland-adventureland-comparison-video-jc1).
