I have fond memories of watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. Handy Smurf was strong and macho while Brainy Smurf spewed facts and annoyed me to no end. Oh how I loved when Jokey Smurf’s presents blew up in his not-so-Brainy face. Then there were the Banana Splits who I swore lived in Canobie Lake Park, a nearby family amusement park.
The Flintstones, Jetsons, Hong Kong Phooey, Josie and the Pussycats (the first girl rock band?), Shirt Tales, Snorks, and dozens upon dozens more shows and thousands of characters would make for a great time. Just add some rides, shows, a daily parade, a million gift shops, crappy American fast food and you would have a goldmine. So, why isn’t there a Hanna-Barbera theme park?
While researching answers to quell my curiosity, I discovered that there was such a place and kiddie versions in several states and foreign countries.
In the mid 80’s, Hanna-Barbera Land opened in Harris County, TX. After running for 2 so-so seasons in a bad local economy, it was bought out and turned into a water park with no affiliation to the animation giants.
Around that time, Kings Entertainment Company garnered a perpetual license to use Hanna-Barbera characters in their theme parks; Carowinds, Great America, Kings Island, Kings Dominion, and Canada’s Wonderland.
Canada’s Wonderland located in Toronto, hosted their own Hanna-Barbera Land. This portion of the park operated Bedrock, Yogi’s Woods (replaced by Smurf Village, and Scoobyville. According to Wikipedia, Hanna-Barbera Land began closing off in 1998 and the finally met its end in 2003.
Australia’s Wonderland (closed) hosted a Hanna-Barbera Land for 17 years. Four parks in the United States also had kiddie sections dedicated to The Smurfs. The largest of these was King’s Island in Mason, OH which boasted 26 shows and rides themed with Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Dick Dastardly, and Pixie and Dixie among others.
Progressively down the line, Universal got involved. This collaboration created The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera simulator ride (closed) which premiered at Universal Studios Florida in 1990 and later opened at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (closed, re-opening sans Six Flags affiliation in 2012).
Nowadays, Hanna-Barbera-inspired attractions are few and far between at major amusement parks. Scooby-Doo: Mystery of the Scary Swamp is a kid’s ride at Six Flags St. Louis and Scooby-Doo Ghostblasters, a family attraction, is featured at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. However, there are a variety of kitschy places to visit if you’re up for adventure and quite frankly, if you’re one of my friends reading this now, we need a road trip.
Here’s what I’ve discovered: The Flintstones Bedrock City in South Dakota, The Flintstones Bedrock City in Arizona, and a plethora of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp – Resorts.
Today you’ll find Hanna-Barbera walk around characters (Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, and Woody Woodpecker) at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida. Scooby-Doo also appears at various Six Flags parks.
If I had billions of dollars, I would open a shiny, sparkling new, funtabulous, cheerful, spectacular world filled solely with legions of Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters. Until that day comes I will raise my fists in the air and shout, “Captain Caaaaaavemmaaaaan!!!”
Lisa K. Berton 
I attended a field trip here when I was in elementary school and I never forgot it (I’m 34 now). Happened to Google “Hanna Barbera Land” today and came across your post.
To Hannah-Barbera Land! You will always be my favorite amusement park!