The Lost Hanna-Barbera Land

Why no-one ever attempted to build a theme park with the Hanna-Barbera characters?

If you’re an animation fan that grew up with Saturday morning cartoons, few names evoke as much nostalgia and warmth as the legendary animation studio Hanna-Barbera. Known for producing iconic cartoons such as The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, Yogi Bear, and The Jetsons, Hanna-Barbera’s influence on both television and popular culture cannot be overstated.

With the success of Disneyland, and the Warner Brothers characters licensed for Six Flags, we’ve often wondered why no-one ever attempted to build a theme park with the Hanna-Barbera characters?

Well, it turns out, Hanna-Barbera Land was a thing back in the 1980s. The park opened its doors in the mid-1980s in Houston, Texas. The park was designed to be an immersive experience, where guests could interact with their favorite characters, enjoy themed rides, watch live shows, and participate in various attractions that brought the fun of Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons into the real world. The park was divided into several areas, each themed after different Hanna-Barbera cartoons.

Visitors could explore Bedrock or take a trip to Jellystone Park. Each area was designed to replicate the look of its corresponding cartoon, from the architecture to the costumed characters who greeted guests. Fans remember the Rawhide Railway, McScrappy’s Farm, and the Hanna-Barbera Amphitheater. The park also featured Huckleberry Hound blueberry ice cream (!) and tons of H&B costume characters roaming around. While the park did not have the same scope and scale of Disneyland, it was something beyond a simple regional park.

Despite its initial popularity, Hanna-Barbera Land faced several challenges, including stiff competition and financial difficulties. The park ultimately closed its doors in the late 1980s, having been rebranded as Kings Island.

Today, while Hanna-Barbera Land is no longer operational, its spirit endures through the continued popularity of its characters and the indelible mark they’ve left on popular culture. The park remains a cherished memory for those lucky enough to have experienced its wonders, a testament to the enduring appeal of Hanna-Barbera’s creations and their ability to bring joy to people of all ages.