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Disney's America

April 11, 2024

Disney's America was a proposed Disney theme park in the early 1990s. A site was selected in Haymarket, Virginia, approximately five miles (8.0 km) from Manassas National Battlefield Park and 35 miles (56 km) west of Washington, D.C., accessible from Interstate 66. Disney's America would have consisted of nine distinctly-themed areas spanning 125–185 acres (51–75 ha), and it would have featured hotels, housing, a golf course, and nearly 2,000,000 square feet (190,000 m2) of retail and commercial development.

Disney's America
LocationHaymarket, Virginia (original concept)
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California (revived concept)
Coordinates38°49′55″N 77°38′39″W / 38.83194°N 77.64417°W / 38.83194; -77.64417
StatusCancelled
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
Operated byWalt Disney Parks and Resorts
ThemeAmerican History
Attendance11 million (projected)

The $650-million project (equivalent to $1.21 billion in 2023[1]) was announced on November 11, 1993.[2] Its theme would have been dedicated to the history of the United States, and it was scheduled to open in 1998. The project had initial support from various politicians and local officials, but it soon faced opposition from citizen's groups and historians who objected to Disney's planned portrayal of historical events, as well as the potential impact on nearby historic sites. It was cancelled in September 1994 following disappointing early results for Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris), the death of Frank Wells, rising costs, and the prospect of reduced profits with the park being closed for four months each year.[3]

When Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, went on sale in 1997, discussions to buy the park and retheme it revived the concept. However, the Knott family refused to sell to Disney, citing concerns over Disney's plans, and the project failed to take off. Several of the proposed elements of Disney's America were incorporated into Disney's California Adventure, which opened in 2001.

History edit

 
 
Disney's America
class=notpageimage|
Proposed location for Disney's America.

Then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner stated the genesis for Disney's America was sparked by a visit taken by him and other Disney executives to Colonial Williamsburg three to four years before the 1993 announcement. After coming up with the concept, Disney spent two years scouting potential sites near Washington, D.C.[4][5] However, officials from Explore Park, a history theme park near Roanoke that opened in 1994, alleged that Disney stole some of the ideas for Disney's America from their park after a 1987 meeting between the officials from the two companies.[6]

Announcement and initial support edit

At the time it was announced on November 11, 1993, Disney had already purchased or held options on the 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of land needed for the proposed park.[7] After concept plans for Disney's America were drawn up for the history-based attraction in 1993, it became Eisner's pet project.[8] Eisner obtained the support of outgoing Governor L. Douglas Wilder (D) and incoming Gov. George Allen (R),[7][9] as well as the Virginia Commission on Population Growth and Development.[10] Wilder said he was "pleased that you [Disney] have come to us," and Allen promised to "kick down any hurdles" that would hold up the park.[7] Wilder, who had learned of the proposed park approximately two weeks before the announcement, elaborated that Disney had not forced Virginia into a bidding war through government concessions to attract the development, in contrast with the first American Legoland park, which was the subject of an ongoing competition between Prince William County and Carlsbad, California.[5] Many local citizens, including the head of the Haymarket Historical Commission, supported the project for economic reasons.[11] As originally proposed, Disney's America would have created 1,900 jobs and generated $50 million annually in tax revenue.[12]

This is not a Pollyanna view of America. We want to make you a Civil War soldier. We want to make you feel what it was like to be a slave or what it was like to escape through the underground railroad.

— Bob Weis, Disney Senior Vice President (November 1993)[5]

Peter Rummell, president of Disney Design & Development, stated the park was designed to be a one-day experience, and the goal was to make history "real but also make it fun." Rummell acknowledged that creating entertainment around historical events such as slavery and the Civil War could be controversial, but he elaborated that "an intelligent story, properly told, shouldn't offend anybody ... But we won't worry about being politically correct."[7] The location was chosen to tap into the tourist crowds visiting Washington, D.C., and several local attractions, including the battlefield at Manassas, Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens, Jamestown, Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Dulles-based Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum.[13]

Although Disney did not ask for concessions at the announcement in November 1993,[7] the company warned the purchase of land options would not proceed without improvements in roads and infrastructure.[14] Allen proposed US$163,200,000 (equivalent to $335,490,000 in 2023) in State of Virginia spending, one of the costliest incentive packages offered to-date,[15] to improve roads at the proposed Disney site, defray relocation costs, and promote tourism in the area.[16] In addition, Prince William County had requested US$50,000,000 (equivalent to $102,780,000 in 2023) in loans from Virginia to improve water and sewer lines.[16] The project was granted subsidies by the Virginia state government in March 1994,[9] with Disney advancing the subsidy proposal on the last possible day and threatening to abandon the project if it was not passed.[17] The Disney's America project received additional project support as late as September.[18]

Opposition and protests edit

Opposition materializes edit

 
The parcel intended to host Disney's America was close to the town of Haymarket and the Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Public opposition to the theme park and associated development was stronger than Disney expected, especially from a vocal group of prominent historians named Protect Historic America.[19] Historian David McCullough described Disney's America as a potential "commercial blitzkrieg" in May 1994, predicting the same urban sprawl that surrounds Disneyland and Disney World for Virginia.[19] Other members of Protect Historic America included C. Vann Woodward, John Hope Franklin, James M. McPherson, Barbara J. Fields, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Shelby Foote, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., William Styron, Tom Wicker, Richard Moe and Roger Wilkins.[19][20][21] McPherson warned that sprawl "would desecrate the ground over which men fought and died."[22] These opponents advocated for the protection of some 8,700 square miles (23,000 km2) of land in order to prevent any large developments like Disney's America.[23]: 45 

Disney also faced opposition from groups concerned that historical events such as the Civil War and slavery could be trivialized by teaching history through entertainment and possibly selling "little souvenir slave ships."[20] In particular, scholars objected that Disney's past portrayals of American history deviated significantly from the truth.[23]: 45  Eisner would later disavow comments from Weis, a senior vice president who had stated a planned exhibit on slavery would "make you feel what it was like to be a slave," saying that Weis had misspoken and was not used to speaking to the media.[14] Rummell also rejected the fears as premature: "Those are harsh words for a production that not only hasn't opened, but hasn't even been fully written."[20] Weis later stressed the content of the park had not yet been decided, saying "I'm not sure we have a certain direction yet ... Our thoughts are evolving" in March 1994.[24] By August 1994, novelist William Styron penned an opinion that any exhibit that would allow visitors to "experience" slavery would be inadequate[25] and soon afterward, Disney announced the proposed slavery exhibit had been shelved.[20]

In addition, the heavy subsidies proposed from Virginia faced opposition in the state legislature.[16] By late February 1994, the planned Disney park was still locally popular in Haymarket,[17] but faced opposition from nearby towns who echoed McCullough's prediction: "following [the theme park] will be all the things people want, gas stations, motels and, God help us, the fast-food strips."[13] A national farm conservation group, the American Farmland Trust, voiced its opposition to the project, saying it threatened up to 50% of the state's orchards and 15% of its farmland.[26]

Proponents of the theme park project alleged Protect Historic America was merely a front to advance the interests of wealthy landowners who owned land close to the planned development. Disney projected up to 35,000 automobiles per day, which raised traffic and pollution concerns amongst local residents.[20] The Disney official in charge of the project, Mark Pacala, penned an editorial touting planned road improvements as benefiting all motorists.[27] Virginia Transportation Secretary Robert E. Martinez announced the state would seek a full federal review of the planned freeway improvements, which would delay the approval of road construction funds.[21] Other residents, citing the already-low unemployment rates, were skeptical of the economic boost generated by the park.[20] An economic report commissioned by park opponents said that Disney had overstated economic benefits, saying that only 6,000 (not 12,000) jobs would be created, in mostly low-wage, low-skill categories, and the park would only bring in an additional $1.5–5.1 million in annual tax revenue (compared to the $14.1 million Disney had estimated).[28] Operators of other area attractions, including Colonial Williamsburg, feared that Disney's America would siphon away tourist time and spending instead of adding another attraction for the Washington, D.C., area.[29][30] Disney Vice President John Dreyer dismissed these protesters as stereotypical NIMBY citizens, saying "I think it's very similar to the arguments you've heard about a dozen projects around the country—which is, 'I'm here, I don't want anyone else to come.' "[20] Despite the vocal opposition,[28] polls showed a majority of Virginia residents supported the project.[18]

Rep. Michael A. Andrews (D-TX), a Civil War buff, introduced a resolution on June 16, 1994, to send a message to Disney not to build the project in the proposed location,[31] saying he was "not opposed to Disney or the park, as long as the project is built in another location."[32] Andrews was joined in support by Reps. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Robert Torricelli (D-NJ), with Torricelli adding that Civil War history should "not [be taught] by Minnie and Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck."[32] In total there were 29 cosponsors for the resolution.[23]: 47  But even as several representatives promised to take any federal actions to prevent Disney's America from being built near Manassas, Eisner and House Speaker Tom Foley (D-WA) hosted a lunch for Congress members in support of the project.[33]

On June 22, 1994, a Senate subcommittee hearing was held in regards to the validity of the proposed development of Disney's America. Elected officials and Disney executives testified in support of the project, while historians testified in opposition. Sens. John Warner (R-VA), Ben Nighthorse Campbell (D-CO), and other officials argued that Congress had no business intervening in what was a state project.[34][35][36] The same day, a Prince William County judge dismissed a lawsuit that had been brought by Disney's America opponents on the grounds that the proposed park violated local zoning ordinances.[36]

Eisner's response and continued opposition edit

Disney's America not only will not replace historic sites but rather will add to their luster by enthusing our guests about events that occurred there and the people who took part in them. We are confident our project will actually encourage more people to visit historic areas. And we believe our presentation of the American heritage can make a significant national contribution to the important cause of historic preservation.

We plan to use all of the tools available to us -- filmmaking, animation, environments, music, interactive media, live interpretation -- to bring the American experience to life. We are working with historians and other experts to make Disney's America an engaging and genuine encounter with America's past. Together, we have identified some common themes that run through the American experience -- our persistent resistance to injustice, our quest for tolerance and inclusion, our history of rising to challenges, our faith in the promise of the future and our belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

We believe that every person, particularly the children, who can touch history and sense the emotions of a time or event, will be impelled to learn more. This is the vision and purpose of Disney's America.

— Michael Eisner, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company (June 1994)[37]

Eisner rebuked protesters and detractors, especially the historian members of Protect Historic America, saying in a June 1994 interview with The Washington Post that "I sat through many history classes where I read some of their stuff, and I didn't learn anything. It was pretty boring. I guess I can say that I object to some of their stuff."[38] Eisner was surprised by the opposition, stating that he had "expected to be taken around on people's shoulders" for both the economic stimulus of 19,000 new jobs and the entertainment value that would allow visitors "to get high on history."[38] In the same interview, Eisner reiterated Disney's rights to develop on the 3,000 acres (1,200 ha), saying "it's private land that is not in the middle of a historic area."[38] Eisner did not rule out moving the park to other sites, noting that the governors of Maryland and North Carolina had begun to court the company.[39]

In order to try to convince historians who were opposed to the project, Eisner brought a group of historians to Epcot to see The American Adventure. However, the historians reacted negatively to the exhibition, and Eisner later said that the historians probably had the impression that "Disney couldn’t be trusted to depict American history in ways that were sufficiently complex, subtle and inclusive".[40] The group also went to see The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom, which received generally positive acclaim from the historians.[40]

Disney's America faced new setbacks in the coming months. A new analysis found that the park would need to be closed for four months per year instead of two, decreasing potential revenue by 20%. Further, the projected construction costs were rising, and Eisner was concerned that it would not be profitable to build Disney's America in the first place.[40] In mid-September 1994, a crowd of 3,000 protesters, including Ralph Nader, staged a march in Washington, D.C., opposing the park.[41][42][23]: 47  Specific objections at the march included Disney's precedent of lobbying for and receiving State concessions for a Disney owned privatized governing district in Florida and skepticism about Disney's plans to "make you feel what it was like to be a slave."[42]

Project abandonment edit

We remain convinced that a park that celebrates America and an exploration of our heritage is a great idea, and we will continue to work to make it a reality. However, we recognize that there are those who have been concerned about the possible impact of our park on historic sites in this unique area, and we have always tried to be sensitive to the issue. While we do not agree with all their concerns, we are seeking a new location so that we can move the process forward ...

Despite our confidence that we would eventually win the necessary approvals, it has become clear that we could not say when the park would be able to open -- or even when we could break ground ...

The controversy over building in Prince William County has diverted attention and resources from the creative development of the park. Implicit in our vision for the park is the hope that it will be a source of pride and unity for all Americans. We certainly cannot let a particular site undermine that goal by becoming a source of divisiveness.

— Peter S. Rummel, president of Disney Design and Development Co. (September 1994)[43]

On September 28, 1994, Disney announced they would not build the Disney's America theme park at the originally-proposed site near Manassas,[43][44][45] despite the political backing of numerous officials.[46] By the time Disney withdrew the project from Haymarket, the New York Times reported that Disney felt they could gain official but not public approval, resulting in unacceptable delays.[18] Disney Parks and Resorts was also disadvantaged by the financial failure of Disneyland Paris, which had lost nearly $900 million since its 1992 opening. These financial troubles also led to the abandonment of other theme park projects in the 1990s, including WestCOT and Port Disney.[23]: 48 [40] Further, opponents of Disney's America had sizable financing, with over $2 million allocated toward marketing campaigns against the project.[23]: 48 

Disney put the 600 acres (240 ha) of land they had already acquired up for sale in March 1995 and relinquished options to purchase an adjacent 2,037-acre (824 ha) property in December 1994.[47] The land slated for the proposed park has instead since been used to build tens of thousands of single and multi-family homesites in the Dominion Valley and Piedmont housing developments and Camp William B. Snyder for the Boy Scouts of America.[48][12] Since the demise of the Haymarket project, the promised road improvements have been on hold and traffic has increased from the housing developments built on the site, though some residents credit the new housing with attracting a wealthier, more-educated population; the population of Prince William County grew by nearly 100,000 people in the 10 years following the end of the project.[49]

At the same time they announced they were abandoning the Haymarket site, Disney announced they still intended to build the theme park at a "less controversial" site in either Virginia or Maryland.[44][46] One anonymous Wall Street analyst claimed there was a schism in support for Disney's America amongst top executives at Disney, including opposition from the recently ousted Jeffrey Katzenberg.[44]

Park plans edit

 
Themed areas in the 1994 proposal for Disney's America

Themed areas edit

The plans for Disney's America called for nine distinctly themed areas[50][51] within a 125–185-acre (51–75 ha) theme park serving up to 30,000 visitors per day.[13][24] Much of the information is taken from a promotional brochure published by The Walt Disney Company in 1994.[50]

  • Crossroads USA, 1800–1850 – A pre-Civil War-era village that would have served as the hub of Disney's America. Guests would enter under an 1840s train trestle, which would have featured antique steam trains circling the park.[11][6] According to an early map, this land would have featured large amphitheater, a show named The Muppets Take America, and something themed around Roots.[52][53]
  • Native America, 1600–1810 – A recreation of a Native American village that would have reflected the tribes that were known in that part of the country. Guests would have also enjoyed interactive experiences, exhibits, and arts and crafts, as well as a whitewater river raft ride that would have traveled throughout the area, based on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.[11][6]
  • Presidents' Square, 1750–1800 – A celebration of the birth of democracy and those who fought to preserve it. The Hall of Presidents, and The American Adventure[52] from Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, would have been replicated or relocated in this section of Disney's America.
  • Civil War Fort, 1850–1870 – A Civil War fort would have plunged guests into a more turbulent time of American history; with an adjacent replica battlefield where Civil War re-enactments would be staged and an adjacent man-made Freedom Bay, where water battles between the Monitor and the Merrimac would have been staged as a "thrilling nighttime spectacular".[11][50]
  • Enterprise, 1870–1930 – A mock factory town, it would have highlighted American ingenuity where guests could have ridden a major attraction called Industrial Revolution, traveling on a roller coaster-type ride through a 19th-century landscape with heavy industry and blast furnaces.[11] On either side of the ride would have been exhibits of technology that defined America's industry, and developments that would have defined future industries.
  • We The People, 1870–1930 – A replica of the Ellis Island building, which acted as the gateway to America for many immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Music, restaurants, and a live show would be here.
  • Family Farm, 1930–1945 – A recreation of an authentic farm where guests could have had the opportunity to see different types of industries related to food production, in addition to hands-on experiences.[6]
  • State Fair, 1930–1945 – An area based on the Midwest with a live show about baseball and Coney Island-themed rides, including a 60-foot (18 m) Ferris wheel and a wooden roller coaster.
  • Victory Field, 1930–1945 – Guests would have experienced what America's soldiers faced in the defense of freedom during world wars. It would have been themed to resemble an air field with a series of hangars containing attractions based on America's military might using virtual reality technology. The air field would have also served as an exhibit of airplanes from different periods, as well as for major flying exhibitions. Concepts for what would have been the world's first dueling inverted roller coasters, which would have been named Dogfighter, were drawn up, but were ultimately abandoned due to the projected cost of the attraction. The ride would have had guests flying through the air in German and American biplane-themed trains, and would have featured several near misses. Both tracks would have featured inversions (the American track featured a cobra roll, a vertical loop, a zero-g roll, and two corkscrews; the German track featured the same elements with an extra corkscrew leading into the final brake run), and at one point the German train would have come close to hitting both the floor and walls of a trench and a tank as it looped over a tank that had crashed into the trench.

Some of the ideas alleged to be lifted from Explore Park for Disney's America include the Lewis and Clark-themed water ride, Native American village, American main street and working family farm.[6]

Additional proposed development edit

According to Rummell, plans also included:[20][51]

  • resort hotels (with 1,340 guest rooms)
  • an RV park (with 300 campsites)
  • a 27-hole golf course
  • nearly 2,000,000 square feet (190,000 m2) for retail and commercial development, split into 1,300,000 square feet (120,000 m2) of retail and 630,000 square feet (59,000 m2) of commercial space

Additionally, there were tentative plans to sell a portion of the land to a developer to build over 2,000 residential units and donate land for other municipal buildings, including schools and a library.[51] Disney intended to leave up to 40% of the total land undeveloped as a greenbelt/buffer between the Park and its surroundings.[51]

Disney's American Celebration edit

Faced with public relations issues in the wake of vocal opposition, Disney put together a conceptual study of a park in August 1994 with an overarching theme celebrating common American themes and experiences. The conceptual study was discontinued weeks later. The planned pavilions for Disney's American Celebration would have included:[54]

  • Democracy, the entrance area featuring attractions such as America: A User's Guide, the American Free Speech Forum and the American Hall of Fame.
  • Family or Generations, featuring a multi-media show called American Families following four generations of a family from 1929 to 1999.
  • The Land, based on the Epcot attraction of the same name.
  • Creativity and Fun, similar to the original concept for State Fair, featuring a full-scale recreation of Ebbets Field and Coney Island-themed attractions.
  • Work featuring factory tours of iconic American companies such as Apple, Ben & Jerry's and Crayola.
  • Service & Sacrifice, similar to the original concept for Victory Field, featuring the attraction Soldier's Story taking guests through memorable moments in American wars and other interactive areas where guests could attempt military training.
  • American People telling the Immigration Story on a ride and film featuring the Muppets as well as the Dream of Freedom movie discussing the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
  • Streets of America, a dining district featuring "streets" themed for cuisine from different cities, including:
  • Disney's America Live, the entertainment venue featuring outdoor stages and the State Farm Arena where guests could attempt hog calling and calf roping.

Proposed conversion of Knott's Berry Farm edit

 
Independence Hall replica construction at Knott's Berry Farm, March 17, 1966. Courtesy of Orange County Archives.

A conversion of Knott's Berry Farm (in Buena Park, California, near Disneyland) into Disney's America was drafted shortly after the Knott family announced that they would take bids for its property. The idea for the conversion reportedly came from the exact replica of Independence Hall, which sits in the parking lot of Knott's Berry Farm.[55]

The plan called for stretching out the park's entrance across the street to the Independence Hall replica. The new entrance to the park would then be built to resemble Walt Disney World's Liberty Square, although the name of the entrance would have been changed to Presidents' Square. The major attraction for this area would have included the Hall of Presidents.[55]

Another section of the proposed park would have included the "Native American" territories as it would have paid tribute to America's native people. The area would have included where the Mystery Lodge, Indian Trail, and Bigfoot Rapids are currently located. Also, Bigfoot Rapids would have had its name changed to The Lewis & Clark River Expedition, which was a similar attraction proposed for Virginia. This idea was eventually scrapped because the Imagineers felt it was an "inconsistent hybrid of thrills and education."[55]

Other proposed ideas would have been the conversion of the former Roaring '20s section into the "Enterprise" territory. Reflection Lake would have been converted to Freedom Bay, and would have showcased a recreation of the Ellis Island immigration center. Finally, the Old Ghost Town section of Knott's Berry Farm would have been mostly unchanged. Camp Snoopy and Fiesta Village probably also would have been converted into different "territories".[55]

The California Disney's America project was cancelled due to several reasons. One was a lack of a practical means to transport guests from the Disneyland Resort to Disney's America. Planners felt that extending the existing Disneyland Monorail System would be too expensive; they also noted that bus transportation would not have been practical. The main factor was that the Knott family had rejected Disney's bid since they were afraid that the Imagineers would replace much of what their parents had originally built. Cedar Fair, the company that bought Knott's Berry Farm in 1997, removed more original features from the park than Disney's plans would have done, although keeping the Knott's name and layout intact.[55]

Ideas transferred to other parks edit

Soarin' from Epcot and Disney's California Adventure evolved from some of the rides planned for Victory Field. Other concepts originally intended for Disney's America were slightly re-themed and re-worked as elements of Disney California Adventure, including the Bountiful Valley Farm (Family Farm), Grizzly River Run (Lewis and Clark Expedition raft ride), California Screamin' (State Fair roller coaster ride) as well as Condor Flats (Victory Field).[56]

In media edit

In 1995, English musician Graham Parker released a song about the planned park on his album 12 Haunted Episodes. The song was well-received and considered, "the best of his latest batch," according to Mike Boehm of the Los Angeles Times. The song was considered a critique of "soulless commercialism."[57]

See also edit

  • Freedomland U.S.A., a defunct American history-themed amusement park in New York City, loosely based on the original Disneyland
  • Marriott's Great America, another unbuilt amusement park planned for Manassas, Virginia

References edit

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  40. ^ a b c d Gennawey, Sam (October 25, 2012). "Disney's America Part 5 – The Story Comes To An End". MiceChat. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  41. ^ "Disney Park Is Protested". The New York Times. September 18, 1994. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  42. ^ a b "Thousands Protest Disney History Theme Park Plans". Los Angeles Times. Reuters. September 18, 1994. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  43. ^ a b Baker, Peter; Hsu, Spencer S. (September 29, 1994). "Disney gives up on Haymarket theme park, vows to seek less controversial Virginia site". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  44. ^ a b c Harris, Kathryn; Sanchez, Jesus (September 29, 1994). "Disney Gives Up Plans for Park at Historic Site". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  45. ^ Perez-Pena, Richard (September 29, 1994). "Disney Drops Plan for History Theme Park in Virginia". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  46. ^ a b Fiore, Faye; Harris, Kathryn (September 30, 1994). "Company Town: Some See Disney's Magic Dimmed With Pullout From Virginia Site". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  47. ^ Faiola, Anthony (March 3, 1995). "Disney selling Virginia land and the new theme is departure". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  48. ^ Stewart, Nikita (April 5, 2006). "Theme Park-Like Camp for Cub Scouts Built on Old Disney Site". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  49. ^ Ginsberg, Steven (November 24, 2003). "Disney's Defeat Didn't Stop Growth -- Or End Debate -- in Prince William". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  50. ^ a b c . The Walt Disney Company. 1994. Archived from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  51. ^ a b c d Zenzen, Joan M.; foreword by Edwin Bearss (1998). "11. More Battles: The Horse and the Mouse". Battling for Manassas: The Fifty-Year Preservation Struggle at Manassas National Battlefield Park. University Park, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press. ISBN 0-271-01721-X. Retrieved November 16, 2015. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  52. ^ a b . iCollector - Van Eaton Auctions. December 3, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  53. ^ Van Eaton Galleries Presents: Exploring The Disney Universe Catalog. Van Eaton Galleries. 2022. p. 208.
  54. ^ Hill, Jim (January 24, 2005). "Another great what-might-have-been: Disney's American Celebration". Jim Hill Media. from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  55. ^ a b c d e "You're KNOTT going to believe where "Disney's America" almost got built". Jimhillmedia.com. February 2, 2005. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  56. ^ Hill, Jim (July 12, 2007). "Why For Zac Efron doesn't have more fans in Mouse House management". Jim Hill Media. from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
  57. ^ Boehm, Mike (April 24, 1995). . Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023.

Bibliography edit

  • Crawford, Michael (2015). "33: Disney's America". The Progress City Primer: Stories, Secrets, and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Walt Disney. Orlando, Florida: Progress City Press. pp. 285–307. ISBN 978-0-9862050-6-4. Retrieved September 14, 2016.

External links edit

  • Disney and More The Disney's America Theme Park Project
  • Hill, Jim (May 24, 2004). "What would a trip to Disney's America have been like?". Jim Hill Media. from the original on December 15, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  • Hill, Jim (July 3, 2011). "On July 4th, let's remember that theme park which didn't go forth: Disney's America". Jim Hill Media. from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  • Hill, Jim (June 20, 2004). "An Imagineer's insight on "Disney's America"". Jim Hill Media. from the original on September 22, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  • Crawford, Michael (November 22, 2007). "Thanksgiving Special: Neverworlds, Disney's America (blog)". Progress City, U.S.A. from the original on August 19, 2010. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  • Gennawey, Sam (September 26, 2012). "SAMLAND: Disney's America, a Story of Desire and Failure, Part One (blog)". MiceChat. from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  • Gennawey, Sam (October 7, 2012). "SAMLAND: The Disney's America Story, Part Two (blog)". MiceChat. from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  • Gennawey, Sam (October 11, 2012). "SAMLAND: The Disney America Story, Part 3 (blog)". MiceChat. from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  • Gennawey, Sam (October 18, 2012). "SAMLAND: The Story of Disneys America Part 4 (blog)". MiceChat. from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  • Gennawey, Sam (October 25, 2012). "SAMLAND: Disney's America Part 5, The Story Comes To An End (blog)". MiceChat. from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  • Risse, Ed M (October 4, 2004). "Chasing out the Mouse". Bacon's Rebellion. from the original on December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  • Abandoned: Disney's America on YouTube

April 11, 2024
disney, america, proposed, disney, theme, park, early, 1990s, site, selected, haymarket, virginia, approximately, five, miles, from, manassas, national, battlefield, park, miles, west, washington, accessible, from, interstate, would, have, consisted, nine, dis. Disney s America was a proposed Disney theme park in the early 1990s A site was selected in Haymarket Virginia approximately five miles 8 0 km from Manassas National Battlefield Park and 35 miles 56 km west of Washington D C accessible from Interstate 66 Disney s America would have consisted of nine distinctly themed areas spanning 125 185 acres 51 75 ha and it would have featured hotels housing a golf course and nearly 2 000 000 square feet 190 000 m2 of retail and commercial development Disney s AmericaLocationHaymarket Virginia original concept Knott s Berry Farm Buena Park California revived concept Coordinates38 49 55 N 77 38 39 W 38 83194 N 77 64417 W 38 83194 77 64417StatusCancelledOwnerThe Walt Disney CompanyOperated byWalt Disney Parks and ResortsThemeAmerican HistoryAttendance11 million projected The 650 million project equivalent to 1 21 billion in 2023 1 was announced on November 11 1993 2 Its theme would have been dedicated to the history of the United States and it was scheduled to open in 1998 The project had initial support from various politicians and local officials but it soon faced opposition from citizen s groups and historians who objected to Disney s planned portrayal of historical events as well as the potential impact on nearby historic sites It was cancelled in September 1994 following disappointing early results for Euro Disney now Disneyland Paris the death of Frank Wells rising costs and the prospect of reduced profits with the park being closed for four months each year 3 When Knott s Berry Farm in Buena Park California went on sale in 1997 discussions to buy the park and retheme it revived the concept However the Knott family refused to sell to Disney citing concerns over Disney s plans and the project failed to take off Several of the proposed elements of Disney s America were incorporated into Disney s California Adventure which opened in 2001 Contents 1 History 1 1 Announcement and initial support 1 2 Opposition and protests 1 2 1 Opposition materializes 1 2 2 Eisner s response and continued opposition 1 3 Project abandonment 2 Park plans 2 1 Themed areas 2 2 Additional proposed development 2 3 Disney s American Celebration 3 Proposed conversion of Knott s Berry Farm 4 Ideas transferred to other parks 5 In media 6 See also 7 References 8 Bibliography 9 External linksHistory edit nbsp nbsp Disney s Americaclass notpageimage Proposed location for Disney s America Then Disney CEO Michael Eisner stated the genesis for Disney s America was sparked by a visit taken by him and other Disney executives to Colonial Williamsburg three to four years before the 1993 announcement After coming up with the concept Disney spent two years scouting potential sites near Washington D C 4 5 However officials from Explore Park a history theme park near Roanoke that opened in 1994 alleged that Disney stole some of the ideas for Disney s America from their park after a 1987 meeting between the officials from the two companies 6 Announcement and initial support edit At the time it was announced on November 11 1993 Disney had already purchased or held options on the 3 000 acres 1 200 ha of land needed for the proposed park 7 After concept plans for Disney s America were drawn up for the history based attraction in 1993 it became Eisner s pet project 8 Eisner obtained the support of outgoing Governor L Douglas Wilder D and incoming Gov George Allen R 7 9 as well as the Virginia Commission on Population Growth and Development 10 Wilder said he was pleased that you Disney have come to us and Allen promised to kick down any hurdles that would hold up the park 7 Wilder who had learned of the proposed park approximately two weeks before the announcement elaborated that Disney had not forced Virginia into a bidding war through government concessions to attract the development in contrast with the first American Legoland park which was the subject of an ongoing competition between Prince William County and Carlsbad California 5 Many local citizens including the head of the Haymarket Historical Commission supported the project for economic reasons 11 As originally proposed Disney s America would have created 1 900 jobs and generated 50 million annually in tax revenue 12 This is not a Pollyanna view of America We want to make you a Civil War soldier We want to make you feel what it was like to be a slave or what it was like to escape through the underground railroad Bob Weis Disney Senior Vice President November 1993 5 Peter Rummell president of Disney Design amp Development stated the park was designed to be a one day experience and the goal was to make history real but also make it fun Rummell acknowledged that creating entertainment around historical events such as slavery and the Civil War could be controversial but he elaborated that an intelligent story properly told shouldn t offend anybody But we won t worry about being politically correct 7 The location was chosen to tap into the tourist crowds visiting Washington D C and several local attractions including the battlefield at Manassas Kings Dominion Busch Gardens Jamestown Yorktown Colonial Williamsburg and the Dulles based Udvar Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum 13 Although Disney did not ask for concessions at the announcement in November 1993 7 the company warned the purchase of land options would not proceed without improvements in roads and infrastructure 14 Allen proposed US 163 200 000 equivalent to 335 490 000 in 2023 in State of Virginia spending one of the costliest incentive packages offered to date 15 to improve roads at the proposed Disney site defray relocation costs and promote tourism in the area 16 In addition Prince William County had requested US 50 000 000 equivalent to 102 780 000 in 2023 in loans from Virginia to improve water and sewer lines 16 The project was granted subsidies by the Virginia state government in March 1994 9 with Disney advancing the subsidy proposal on the last possible day and threatening to abandon the project if it was not passed 17 The Disney s America project received additional project support as late as September 18 Opposition and protests edit Opposition materializes edit nbsp The parcel intended to host Disney s America was close to the town of Haymarket and the Manassas National Battlefield Park Public opposition to the theme park and associated development was stronger than Disney expected especially from a vocal group of prominent historians named Protect Historic America 19 Historian David McCullough described Disney s America as a potential commercial blitzkrieg in May 1994 predicting the same urban sprawl that surrounds Disneyland and Disney World for Virginia 19 Other members of Protect Historic America included C Vann Woodward John Hope Franklin James M McPherson Barbara J Fields Doris Kearns Goodwin Shelby Foote Arthur M Schlesinger Jr William Styron Tom Wicker Richard Moe and Roger Wilkins 19 20 21 McPherson warned that sprawl would desecrate the ground over which men fought and died 22 These opponents advocated for the protection of some 8 700 square miles 23 000 km2 of land in order to prevent any large developments like Disney s America 23 45 Disney also faced opposition from groups concerned that historical events such as the Civil War and slavery could be trivialized by teaching history through entertainment and possibly selling little souvenir slave ships 20 In particular scholars objected that Disney s past portrayals of American history deviated significantly from the truth 23 45 Eisner would later disavow comments from Weis a senior vice president who had stated a planned exhibit on slavery would make you feel what it was like to be a slave saying that Weis had misspoken and was not used to speaking to the media 14 Rummell also rejected the fears as premature Those are harsh words for a production that not only hasn t opened but hasn t even been fully written 20 Weis later stressed the content of the park had not yet been decided saying I m not sure we have a certain direction yet Our thoughts are evolving in March 1994 24 By August 1994 novelist William Styron penned an opinion that any exhibit that would allow visitors to experience slavery would be inadequate 25 and soon afterward Disney announced the proposed slavery exhibit had been shelved 20 In addition the heavy subsidies proposed from Virginia faced opposition in the state legislature 16 By late February 1994 the planned Disney park was still locally popular in Haymarket 17 but faced opposition from nearby towns who echoed McCullough s prediction following the theme park will be all the things people want gas stations motels and God help us the fast food strips 13 A national farm conservation group the American Farmland Trust voiced its opposition to the project saying it threatened up to 50 of the state s orchards and 15 of its farmland 26 Proponents of the theme park project alleged Protect Historic America was merely a front to advance the interests of wealthy landowners who owned land close to the planned development Disney projected up to 35 000 automobiles per day which raised traffic and pollution concerns amongst local residents 20 The Disney official in charge of the project Mark Pacala penned an editorial touting planned road improvements as benefiting all motorists 27 Virginia Transportation Secretary Robert E Martinez announced the state would seek a full federal review of the planned freeway improvements which would delay the approval of road construction funds 21 Other residents citing the already low unemployment rates were skeptical of the economic boost generated by the park 20 An economic report commissioned by park opponents said that Disney had overstated economic benefits saying that only 6 000 not 12 000 jobs would be created in mostly low wage low skill categories and the park would only bring in an additional 1 5 5 1 million in annual tax revenue compared to the 14 1 million Disney had estimated 28 Operators of other area attractions including Colonial Williamsburg feared that Disney s America would siphon away tourist time and spending instead of adding another attraction for the Washington D C area 29 30 Disney Vice President John Dreyer dismissed these protesters as stereotypical NIMBY citizens saying I think it s very similar to the arguments you ve heard about a dozen projects around the country which is I m here I don t want anyone else to come 20 Despite the vocal opposition 28 polls showed a majority of Virginia residents supported the project 18 Rep Michael A Andrews D TX a Civil War buff introduced a resolution on June 16 1994 to send a message to Disney not to build the project in the proposed location 31 saying he was not opposed to Disney or the park as long as the project is built in another location 32 Andrews was joined in support by Reps Tim Roemer D IN and Robert Torricelli D NJ with Torricelli adding that Civil War history should not be taught by Minnie and Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck 32 In total there were 29 cosponsors for the resolution 23 47 But even as several representatives promised to take any federal actions to prevent Disney s America from being built near Manassas Eisner and House Speaker Tom Foley D WA hosted a lunch for Congress members in support of the project 33 On June 22 1994 a Senate subcommittee hearing was held in regards to the validity of the proposed development of Disney s America Elected officials and Disney executives testified in support of the project while historians testified in opposition Sens John Warner R VA Ben Nighthorse Campbell D CO and other officials argued that Congress had no business intervening in what was a state project 34 35 36 The same day a Prince William County judge dismissed a lawsuit that had been brought by Disney s America opponents on the grounds that the proposed park violated local zoning ordinances 36 Eisner s response and continued opposition edit Disney s America not only will not replace historic sites but rather will add to their luster by enthusing our guests about events that occurred there and the people who took part in them We are confident our project will actually encourage more people to visit historic areas And we believe our presentation of the American heritage can make a significant national contribution to the important cause of historic preservation We plan to use all of the tools available to us filmmaking animation environments music interactive media live interpretation to bring the American experience to life We are working with historians and other experts to make Disney s America an engaging and genuine encounter with America s past Together we have identified some common themes that run through the American experience our persistent resistance to injustice our quest for tolerance and inclusion our history of rising to challenges our faith in the promise of the future and our belief that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things We believe that every person particularly the children who can touch history and sense the emotions of a time or event will be impelled to learn more This is the vision and purpose of Disney s America Michael Eisner Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company June 1994 37 Eisner rebuked protesters and detractors especially the historian members of Protect Historic America saying in a June 1994 interview with The Washington Post that I sat through many history classes where I read some of their stuff and I didn t learn anything It was pretty boring I guess I can say that I object to some of their stuff 38 Eisner was surprised by the opposition stating that he had expected to be taken around on people s shoulders for both the economic stimulus of 19 000 new jobs and the entertainment value that would allow visitors to get high on history 38 In the same interview Eisner reiterated Disney s rights to develop on the 3 000 acres 1 200 ha saying it s private land that is not in the middle of a historic area 38 Eisner did not rule out moving the park to other sites noting that the governors of Maryland and North Carolina had begun to court the company 39 In order to try to convince historians who were opposed to the project Eisner brought a group of historians to Epcot to see The American Adventure However the historians reacted negatively to the exhibition and Eisner later said that the historians probably had the impression that Disney couldn t be trusted to depict American history in ways that were sufficiently complex subtle and inclusive 40 The group also went to see The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom which received generally positive acclaim from the historians 40 Disney s America faced new setbacks in the coming months A new analysis found that the park would need to be closed for four months per year instead of two decreasing potential revenue by 20 Further the projected construction costs were rising and Eisner was concerned that it would not be profitable to build Disney s America in the first place 40 In mid September 1994 a crowd of 3 000 protesters including Ralph Nader staged a march in Washington D C opposing the park 41 42 23 47 Specific objections at the march included Disney s precedent of lobbying for and receiving State concessions for a Disney owned privatized governing district in Florida and skepticism about Disney s plans to make you feel what it was like to be a slave 42 Project abandonment edit We remain convinced that a park that celebrates America and an exploration of our heritage is a great idea and we will continue to work to make it a reality However we recognize that there are those who have been concerned about the possible impact of our park on historic sites in this unique area and we have always tried to be sensitive to the issue While we do not agree with all their concerns we are seeking a new location so that we can move the process forward Despite our confidence that we would eventually win the necessary approvals it has become clear that we could not say when the park would be able to open or even when we could break ground The controversy over building in Prince William County has diverted attention and resources from the creative development of the park Implicit in our vision for the park is the hope that it will be a source of pride and unity for all Americans We certainly cannot let a particular site undermine that goal by becoming a source of divisiveness Peter S Rummel president of Disney Design and Development Co September 1994 43 On September 28 1994 Disney announced they would not build the Disney s America theme park at the originally proposed site near Manassas 43 44 45 despite the political backing of numerous officials 46 By the time Disney withdrew the project from Haymarket the New York Times reported that Disney felt they could gain official but not public approval resulting in unacceptable delays 18 Disney Parks and Resorts was also disadvantaged by the financial failure of Disneyland Paris which had lost nearly 900 million since its 1992 opening These financial troubles also led to the abandonment of other theme park projects in the 1990s including WestCOT and Port Disney 23 48 40 Further opponents of Disney s America had sizable financing with over 2 million allocated toward marketing campaigns against the project 23 48 Disney put the 600 acres 240 ha of land they had already acquired up for sale in March 1995 and relinquished options to purchase an adjacent 2 037 acre 824 ha property in December 1994 47 The land slated for the proposed park has instead since been used to build tens of thousands of single and multi family homesites in the Dominion Valley and Piedmont housing developments and Camp William B Snyder for the Boy Scouts of America 48 12 Since the demise of the Haymarket project the promised road improvements have been on hold and traffic has increased from the housing developments built on the site though some residents credit the new housing with attracting a wealthier more educated population the population of Prince William County grew by nearly 100 000 people in the 10 years following the end of the project 49 At the same time they announced they were abandoning the Haymarket site Disney announced they still intended to build the theme park at a less controversial site in either Virginia or Maryland 44 46 One anonymous Wall Street analyst claimed there was a schism in support for Disney s America amongst top executives at Disney including opposition from the recently ousted Jeffrey Katzenberg 44 Park plans edit nbsp Themed areas in the 1994 proposal for Disney s AmericaThemed areas edit The plans for Disney s America called for nine distinctly themed areas 50 51 within a 125 185 acre 51 75 ha theme park serving up to 30 000 visitors per day 13 24 Much of the information is taken from a promotional brochure published by The Walt Disney Company in 1994 50 Crossroads USA 1800 1850 A pre Civil War era village that would have served as the hub of Disney s America Guests would enter under an 1840s train trestle which would have featured antique steam trains circling the park 11 6 According to an early map this land would have featured large amphitheater a show named The Muppets Take America and something themed around Roots 52 53 Native America 1600 1810 A recreation of a Native American village that would have reflected the tribes that were known in that part of the country Guests would have also enjoyed interactive experiences exhibits and arts and crafts as well as a whitewater river raft ride that would have traveled throughout the area based on the Lewis and Clark Expedition 11 6 Presidents Square 1750 1800 A celebration of the birth of democracy and those who fought to preserve it The Hall of Presidents and The American Adventure 52 from Walt Disney World s Magic Kingdom would have been replicated or relocated in this section of Disney s America Civil War Fort 1850 1870 A Civil War fort would have plunged guests into a more turbulent time of American history with an adjacent replica battlefield where Civil War re enactments would be staged and an adjacent man made Freedom Bay where water battles between the Monitor and the Merrimac would have been staged as a thrilling nighttime spectacular 11 50 Enterprise 1870 1930 A mock factory town it would have highlighted American ingenuity where guests could have ridden a major attraction called Industrial Revolution traveling on a roller coaster type ride through a 19th century landscape with heavy industry and blast furnaces 11 On either side of the ride would have been exhibits of technology that defined America s industry and developments that would have defined future industries We The People 1870 1930 A replica of the Ellis Island building which acted as the gateway to America for many immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries Music restaurants and a live show would be here Family Farm 1930 1945 A recreation of an authentic farm where guests could have had the opportunity to see different types of industries related to food production in addition to hands on experiences 6 State Fair 1930 1945 An area based on the Midwest with a live show about baseball and Coney Island themed rides including a 60 foot 18 m Ferris wheel and a wooden roller coaster Victory Field 1930 1945 Guests would have experienced what America s soldiers faced in the defense of freedom during world wars It would have been themed to resemble an air field with a series of hangars containing attractions based on America s military might using virtual reality technology The air field would have also served as an exhibit of airplanes from different periods as well as for major flying exhibitions Concepts for what would have been the world s first dueling inverted roller coasters which would have been named Dogfighter were drawn up but were ultimately abandoned due to the projected cost of the attraction The ride would have had guests flying through the air in German and American biplane themed trains and would have featured several near misses Both tracks would have featured inversions the American track featured a cobra roll a vertical loop a zero g roll and two corkscrews the German track featured the same elements with an extra corkscrew leading into the final brake run and at one point the German train would have come close to hitting both the floor and walls of a trench and a tank as it looped over a tank that had crashed into the trench Some of the ideas alleged to be lifted from Explore Park for Disney s America include the Lewis and Clark themed water ride Native American village American main street and working family farm 6 Additional proposed development edit According to Rummell plans also included 20 51 resort hotels with 1 340 guest rooms an RV park with 300 campsites a 27 hole golf course nearly 2 000 000 square feet 190 000 m2 for retail and commercial development split into 1 300 000 square feet 120 000 m2 of retail and 630 000 square feet 59 000 m2 of commercial spaceAdditionally there were tentative plans to sell a portion of the land to a developer to build over 2 000 residential units and donate land for other municipal buildings including schools and a library 51 Disney intended to leave up to 40 of the total land undeveloped as a greenbelt buffer between the Park and its surroundings 51 Disney s American Celebration edit Faced with public relations issues in the wake of vocal opposition Disney put together a conceptual study of a park in August 1994 with an overarching theme celebrating common American themes and experiences The conceptual study was discontinued weeks later The planned pavilions for Disney s American Celebration would have included 54 Democracy the entrance area featuring attractions such as America A User s Guide the American Free Speech Forum and the American Hall of Fame Family or Generations featuring a multi media show called American Families following four generations of a family from 1929 to 1999 The Land based on the Epcot attraction of the same name Creativity and Fun similar to the original concept for State Fair featuring a full scale recreation of Ebbets Field and Coney Island themed attractions Work featuring factory tours of iconic American companies such as Apple Ben amp Jerry s and Crayola Service amp Sacrifice similar to the original concept for Victory Field featuring the attraction Soldier s Story taking guests through memorable moments in American wars and other interactive areas where guests could attempt military training American People telling the Immigration Story on a ride and film featuring the Muppets as well as the Dream of Freedom movie discussing the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality Streets of America a dining district featuring streets themed for cuisine from different cities including Chicago Chicago style pizza Los Angeles Hispanic and fast food New Orleans Cajun New York City Jewish deli food St Louis barbecued ribs San Francisco Chinese Disney s America Live the entertainment venue featuring outdoor stages and the State Farm Arena where guests could attempt hog calling and calf roping Proposed conversion of Knott s Berry Farm edit nbsp Independence Hall replica construction at Knott s Berry Farm March 17 1966 Courtesy of Orange County Archives A conversion of Knott s Berry Farm in Buena Park California near Disneyland into Disney s America was drafted shortly after the Knott family announced that they would take bids for its property The idea for the conversion reportedly came from the exact replica of Independence Hall which sits in the parking lot of Knott s Berry Farm 55 The plan called for stretching out the park s entrance across the street to the Independence Hall replica The new entrance to the park would then be built to resemble Walt Disney World s Liberty Square although the name of the entrance would have been changed to Presidents Square The major attraction for this area would have included the Hall of Presidents 55 Another section of the proposed park would have included the Native American territories as it would have paid tribute to America s native people The area would have included where the Mystery Lodge Indian Trail and Bigfoot Rapids are currently located Also Bigfoot Rapids would have had its name changed to The Lewis amp Clark River Expedition which was a similar attraction proposed for Virginia This idea was eventually scrapped because the Imagineers felt it was an inconsistent hybrid of thrills and education 55 Other proposed ideas would have been the conversion of the former Roaring 20s section into the Enterprise territory Reflection Lake would have been converted to Freedom Bay and would have showcased a recreation of the Ellis Island immigration center Finally the Old Ghost Town section of Knott s Berry Farm would have been mostly unchanged Camp Snoopy and Fiesta Village probably also would have been converted into different territories 55 The California Disney s America project was cancelled due to several reasons One was a lack of a practical means to transport guests from the Disneyland Resort to Disney s America Planners felt that extending the existing Disneyland Monorail System would be too expensive they also noted that bus transportation would not have been practical The main factor was that the Knott family had rejected Disney s bid since they were afraid that the Imagineers would replace much of what their parents had originally built Cedar Fair the company that bought Knott s Berry Farm in 1997 removed more original features from the park than Disney s plans would have done although keeping the Knott s name and layout intact 55 Ideas transferred to other parks editSoarin from Epcot and Disney s California Adventure evolved from some of the rides planned for Victory Field Other concepts originally intended for Disney s America were slightly re themed and re worked as elements of Disney California Adventure including the Bountiful Valley Farm Family Farm Grizzly River Run Lewis and Clark Expedition raft ride California Screamin State Fair roller coaster ride as well as Condor Flats Victory Field 56 In media editIn 1995 English musician Graham Parker released a song about the planned park on his album 12 Haunted Episodes The song was well received and considered the best of his latest batch according to Mike Boehm of the Los Angeles Times The song was considered a critique of soulless commercialism 57 See also editFreedomland U S A a defunct American history themed amusement park in New York City loosely based on the original Disneyland Marriott s Great America another unbuilt amusement park planned for Manassas VirginiaReferences edit Johnston Louis Williamson Samuel H 2023 What Was the U S GDP Then MeasuringWorth Retrieved November 30 2023 United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth series Plans Unveiled for Disney s America in Virginia Disneyland Line Vol 25 no 46 Anaheim California November 24 1993 p 6 Retrieved December 27 2022 A Deep Dive Into the Bloody Battle for Disney s America the Theme Park That Never Was Collider July 3 2020 Crawford Michael November 22 2007 Thanksgiving Special Neverworlds Disney s America Progress City U S A Retrieved September 8 2012 a b c Singletary Michelle Hsu Spencer S November 12 1993 Disney Says Va Park Will Be Serious Fun The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c d e Shear Michael D July 26 1994 Disney may have taken ideas from Va theme park officials say The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c d e Shiver Jr Jube November 12 1993 With Liberty and Justice for Mickey Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 9 2016 Michael Eisner s passion Disney s America Chotank com Archived from the original on August 23 2012 Retrieved September 8 2012 a b VIRGINIA APPROVES DISNEY SUBSIDIES The New York Times March 13 1994 ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved November 16 2015 Disney s America and Virginia s Growth Commission Archived from the original on May 7 2005 Retrieved April 3 2005 a b c d e Wines Michael November 12 1993 A Disneyland of History Next to the Real Thing The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved November 16 2015 a b Rojas C Suarez August 11 2019 Disney s lost America History derailed Virginia theme park 25 years ago Richmond Times Dispatch Retrieved August 16 2019 a b c Feinsilber Mike February 27 1994 Virginians in Civil War Over Disney Park Plans Los Angeles Times AP Retrieved December 9 2016 a b Opposition May Derail New Disney Park Los Angeles Times Washington Post December 19 1993 Retrieved December 13 2016 Hsu Spencer S February 6 1994 Disney deal feeds concerns about costly state incentives The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c Baker Peter February 1 1994 Virginia Lawmakers Back Away From Disney Aid Los Angeles Times Washington Post Retrieved December 9 2016 a b Fiore Faye September 25 1994 America as Disney s Land The Fantasy vs the Reality Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 9 2016 a b c Perez Pena Richard September 29 1994 Disney Drops Plan for History Theme Park in Virginia The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved November 16 2015 a b c Janofsky Michael May 12 1994 Learned Opposition to New Disney Park The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved November 16 2015 a b c d e f g h Mehren Elizabeth August 17 1994 An Uncivil War Over Disney Plan Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 13 2016 a b Hsu Spencer S May 11 1994 Historians Writers Organize Against Disney Theme Park The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Kennedy J Michael June 27 1994 The Historian and His Friend Abe Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c d e f Synnott Marcia G October 1995 Disney s America Whose Patrimony Whose Profits Whose Past The Public Historian 17 4 43 59 doi 10 2307 3378384 JSTOR 3378384 a b Hsu Spencer S March 9 1994 Disney Unsure How It Will Organize New Theme Park Los Angeles Times Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Styron William August 5 1994 OPINION Slavery and Disney Baltimore Sun Retrieved December 13 2016 Disney Called Threat to Va Farms Los Angeles Times March 24 1994 Retrieved December 9 2016 Pacala Mark January 28 1994 OPINION In defense of Disney s America The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b Bousian Mark January 21 1994 Report Says Disney Overstates Benefits of History Theme Park Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 13 2016 Hsu Spencer S May 4 1994 Virginia Attractions See Threat in Disney The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Williamsburg leaders voice concerns over Disney park Daily Press Newport News VA February 4 1994 p 17 Retrieved August 16 2019 via newspapers com nbsp H Con Res 255 a b Fehr Stephen C Shear Michael D June 17 1994 For Disney fight takes new twist The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Groer Anne June 17 1994 BATTLE OVER DISNEY PARK MOVES TO CONGRESS Chicago Tribune Retrieved August 16 2019 Hsu Spencer S Fehr Stephen C June 22 1994 DISNEY COMBATANTS MARCH UP CAPITOL HILL The Washington Post Retrieved August 15 2019 Seelye Katharine Q June 22 1994 A New Battle of Manassas Is Under Way in the Senate The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved August 16 2019 a b Hill hands off Mickey Daily Press Newport News VA June 22 1994 p 13 Retrieved August 16 2019 via newspapers com nbsp Eisner Michael June 20 1994 OPINION Let s Celebrate America The Washington Post Retrieved December 14 2016 a b c Powers William F June 14 1994 Eisner Blasts Critics of Disney Virginia Park Los Angeles Times Washington Post Retrieved December 9 2016 Powers William F June 21 1994 Virginia s neighbors are courting Disney s America project The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c d Gennawey Sam October 25 2012 Disney s America Part 5 The Story Comes To An End MiceChat Retrieved August 16 2019 Disney Park Is Protested The New York Times September 18 1994 ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved November 16 2015 a b Thousands Protest Disney History Theme Park Plans Los Angeles Times Reuters September 18 1994 Retrieved December 9 2016 a b Baker Peter Hsu Spencer S September 29 1994 Disney gives up on Haymarket theme park vows to seek less controversial Virginia site The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 a b c Harris Kathryn Sanchez Jesus September 29 1994 Disney Gives Up Plans for Park at Historic Site Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 13 2016 Perez Pena Richard September 29 1994 Disney Drops Plan for History Theme Park in Virginia The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved August 16 2019 a b Fiore Faye Harris Kathryn September 30 1994 Company Town Some See Disney s Magic Dimmed With Pullout From Virginia Site Los Angeles Times Retrieved December 13 2016 Faiola Anthony March 3 1995 Disney selling Virginia land and the new theme is departure The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Stewart Nikita April 5 2006 Theme Park Like Camp for Cub Scouts Built on Old Disney Site The Washington Post Retrieved December 13 2016 Ginsberg Steven November 24 2003 Disney s Defeat Didn t Stop Growth Or End Debate in Prince William The Washington Post Retrieved December 14 2016 a b c Disney s America Celebrating America s Diversity Spirit and Innovation The Walt Disney Company 1994 Archived from the original on December 14 2016 Retrieved December 14 2016 a b c d Zenzen Joan M foreword by Edwin Bearss 1998 11 More Battles The Horse and the Mouse Battling for Manassas The Fifty Year Preservation Struggle at Manassas National Battlefield Park University Park Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Press ISBN 0 271 01721 X Retrieved November 16 2015 a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a website ignored help a b Disney s America Park Site Plan Prospectus amp Buttons Auction iCollector Van Eaton Auctions December 3 2022 Archived from the original on May 22 2023 Retrieved May 19 2023 Van Eaton Galleries Presents Exploring The Disney Universe Catalog Van Eaton Galleries 2022 p 208 Hill Jim January 24 2005 Another great what might have been Disney s American Celebration Jim Hill Media Archived from the original on September 5 2012 Retrieved September 14 2016 a b c d e You re KNOTT going to believe where Disney s America almost got built Jimhillmedia com February 2 2005 Retrieved September 8 2012 Hill Jim July 12 2007 Why For Zac Efron doesn t have more fans in Mouse House management Jim Hill Media Archived from the original on July 19 2011 Retrieved December 15 2016 Boehm Mike April 24 1995 POP MUSIC REVIEW Graham Parker Mildly Angry These Days Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on January 25 2023 Bibliography editCrawford Michael 2015 33 Disney s America The Progress City Primer Stories Secrets and Silliness from the Many Worlds of Walt Disney Orlando Florida Progress City Press pp 285 307 ISBN 978 0 9862050 6 4 Retrieved September 14 2016 External links editDisney Documents thlus on park s defeat Disney and More The Disney s America Theme Park Project Hill Jim May 24 2004 What would a trip to Disney s America have been like Jim Hill Media Archived from the original on December 15 2016 Retrieved September 14 2016 Hill Jim July 3 2011 On July 4th let s remember that theme park which didn t go forth Disney s America Jim Hill Media Archived from the original on July 11 2011 Retrieved September 14 2016 Hill Jim June 20 2004 An Imagineer s insight on Disney s America Jim Hill Media Archived from the original on September 22 2011 Retrieved September 14 2016 Crawford Michael November 22 2007 Thanksgiving Special Neverworlds Disney s America blog Progress City U S A Archived from the original on August 19 2010 Retrieved September 14 2016 Gennawey Sam September 26 2012 SAMLAND Disney s America a Story of Desire and Failure Part One blog MiceChat Archived from the original on September 29 2012 Retrieved September 15 2016 Gennawey Sam October 7 2012 SAMLAND The Disney s America Story Part Two blog MiceChat Archived from the original on October 9 2012 Retrieved September 15 2016 Gennawey Sam October 11 2012 SAMLAND The Disney America Story Part 3 blog MiceChat Archived from the original on October 13 2012 Retrieved September 15 2016 Gennawey Sam October 18 2012 SAMLAND The Story of Disneys America Part 4 blog MiceChat Archived from the original on October 21 2012 Retrieved September 15 2016 Gennawey Sam October 25 2012 SAMLAND Disney s America Part 5 The Story Comes To An End blog MiceChat Archived from the original on October 27 2012 Retrieved September 15 2016 Risse Ed M October 4 2004 Chasing out the Mouse Bacon s Rebellion Archived from the original on December 14 2016 Retrieved December 14 2016 Abandoned Disney s America on YouTube Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Disney 27s America amp oldid 1213134552, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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