amusement and theme parks
Inside the collapse of Disney’s America, the US history-themed park that almost was
Disney faced criticism from both liberals and conservatives over cultural portrayals, leading to the cancellation of a controversial U.S. history-themed park near D.C.
Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder
As a top producer of children’s entertainment, Disney is no stranger to America’s culture wars.
Liberals have long criticized the company for its products’ promotion of gender stereotypes and racist tropes. Meanwhile, conservatives have excoriated the company for being “too woke,” whether it was casting actresses of color in live action remakes of the “The Little Mermaid” and “Snow White” or coming out against a Florida statute that curtails discussion of gender and sexuality in public schools.
As Disney CEO Bob Iger grapples with the unenviable task of navigating criticism from all sides, I can’t help but recall how executives decided to table an effort to “Disneyfy” American history 30 years ago.
My research and teaching investigates how media companies such as Disney construct historical narratives for popular consumption. I can only imagine how today’s culture wars would have expressed themselves at Disney’s proposed theme park, which would have featured everything from Civil War forts to Native American villages.
Disney eyes the outskirts of DC
From his early days as an animator, Walt Disney presented a sanitized and nostalgic view of America.
Mickey Mouse represented the “everyman,” while the company’s animators drew a largely optimistic portrait of America, first in the studio’s animated films and later in their theme parks. Anyone who has walked down Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., witnessed Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents or visited Epcot’s American Adventure can see how Disney strives to present an uncomplicated, uncritical view of the nation and its leaders.
In 1984, Michael Eisner became the company’s CEO. He was credited with revitalizing Disney’s brand through producing hit animated features such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid,” and spearheading theme parks such as Disney–MGM Studios – now known as Hollywood Studios – and Disneyland Paris.
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg inspired Eisner’s next venture: a theme park based on U.S. history that would be built outside of Washington, D.C.
Beginning in 1993, the company quietly started purchasing real estate in northern Virginia using shell companies. The land acquisitions became public knowledge only a few days before the announcement of the theme park, aptly named Disney’s America.
The news was largely welcomed by politicians. Eisner had already gained the support of the state’s outgoing and incoming governors, along with the Virginia Commission on Population Growth and Development. The plan was to build the park in Haymarket, Virginia, a small, wealthy area southwest of Washington, D.C., a few miles from Manassas, the site of two major Civil War battles.
History isn’t so simple
Although Disney had diligently worked to consolidate support ahead of the announcement, signs of conflict emerged during the first press conference, which featured Bob Weis, a Disney vice president who had helped oversee the planning of several theme parks.
“This is not a Pollyanna view of America,” he told the group of assembled reporters. “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.”
Questions over how Disney would tell the complex – often discriminatory – history of the nation spurred a group of historians, led by David McCullough, to lodge their concerns: How would Disney construct its narrative of the United States? And how would the park affect Manassas, one of the most important Civil War battle sites?
According to the original plans and brochures, Disney’s America would contain nine sections: a Colonial-era Presidents Square, an Indigenous village, Ellis Island, a factory town from the Industrial Revolution, a Civil War fort, a county fair, an early 19th-century port, a World War II-era battlefield and a Depression-era family farm.
On the surface, these themed areas seemed fitting. You could easily see them as exhibits at the Smithsonian. But issues emerged when people took into account that this was still a Disney theme park, with entertaining guests and making money likely taking precedence over historical accuracy and contemporary sensitivities and sensibilities.
The story of immigration, for example, would have been told through the musical-comedy stylings of Kermit the Frog and the other Muppets.
There were also concerns over how Disney would handle the exploitative and violent history of the treatment of a number of groups.
This included the enslavement of Africans and the genocide of Indigenous populations, the latter of which was also connected to the forthcoming 1995 release of “Pocahontas.” Historians later highlighted the film’s distorted history, and it isn’t far-fetched to imagine rides or attractions based on those misrepresentations at Disney’s America.
Mickey Mouse goes to Washington
Even as plans came together for Disney, criticism began to mount.
Disney issued an ultimatum to the Virginia legislature to improve infrastructure surrounding the site, threatening to abandon the project if the US$150 million for infrastructure improvements were not passed on the last day of the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session in March 1994.
In June, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution opposing the park, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing regarding the proposed project’s environmental impact.
The now-infamous hearing featured discussions regarding sewage, traffic and lodging, and even saw U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, who at the time was a registered Democrat, place a Mickey Mouse hat on the lectern in a show of support.
As criticism mounted, Disney decided to shift its approach. In the summer of 1994, it renamed the project Disney’s American Celebration.
Rather than highlight periods or events in American history, the new concept would focus more on themes: Democracy, Work, Family, Generations, Streets of America and the Land.
Many of the attractions featured in these lands would have resembled attractions already in Disney parks. For example, Generations would have been similar to the Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress, while the Land was already a pavilion at Epcot.
This would have also opened more opportunities for sponsorship. The Work section of the park would have included virtual factory tours of popular brands such as Apple or Crayola, while Streets of America would have featured cuisine from around the country, similar to Downtown Disney, which opened in 1997 in Disney World and in 2001 at Disneyland.
It all falls apart
Disney abruptly announced on Sept. 28, 1994, that it would abandon these plans.
Although the criticism from historians was a factor, there were also concerns about the park’s profitability in colder months. The company faced mounting debt from its Paris theme park and uncertain leadership after the death of senior executive Frank Wells in a helicopter crash in April 1994. Eisner, meanwhile, had undergone bypass surgery in July 1994.
Many of the attractions that were planned for the Virginia site found their way into Disney parks, particularly in Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim.
Disney, both under Walt’s leadership and after his death, has long leveraged patriotism for the sake of its media content and park experiences. From Mickey Mouse to the Hall of Presidents, Disney’s nostalgic, linear and uncomplicated view of American progress has been foundational to the Disney experience.
However, an entire park dedicated to this approach – just down the road from a real battlefield integral to the bloodiest war in U.S. history – was too much for historians and other critics to ignore.
Disney’s failure to profit from an uncritical celebration of America may have been a blessing in disguise, as it avoided constructing yet another battlefield in the culture wars.
Jared Bahir Browsh, Assistant Teaching Professor of Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Easter and School Holiday Escapes, A Family-Friendly Retreat at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
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In a bittersweet announcement, Six Flags Magic Mountain has confirmed the permanent closure of Superman: Escape from Krypton, once celebrated as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. The decision comes after the ride, which has been out of operation since September, faced an insurmountable challenge due to a “lethal dose of kryptonite”—or in less whimsical terms, the unavailability of necessary parts for refurbishment.
Magic Mountain President Jeff Harris shared insights with the Orange County Register, explaining that the ride was initially taken offline for routine maintenance. However, as the needed components did not materialize in a timely manner, the park deemed it more practical to close the iconic coaster permanently rather than leave enthusiasts in limbo.
Superman: Escape from Krypton was renowned for its thrilling experience, featuring two L-shaped tracks that soared upwards, promising an adrenaline rush like no other. Riders would be catapulted from a standstill to a blistering 100 mph in just seven seconds, reaching heights of 415 feet. It was a must-ride attraction for thrill-seekers visiting the park.
As for the future of the now vacant queue, station, and launch track, Six Flags has yet to announce any specific plans. However, fans of the park can take solace in the fact that the nearby Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, which shares its tower with the Superman coaster, will remain operational and is set to reopen next month.
The closure of Superman has sparked a wave of sentiment among roller coaster enthusiasts, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where many have expressed their disappointment. For numerous fans, Superman was more than just a ride; it was a highlight of their amusement park experience.
Despite this loss, Magic Mountain still boasts an impressive lineup of 19 roller coasters, maintaining its title as the amusement park with the highest number of coasters in the world. Looking ahead, a new roller coaster is slated to debut in 2026, which will restore the park’s count back to 20.
Originally opened as Superman: The Escape in 1997, the coaster underwent a significant transformation in 2011, being rebranded as Superman: Escape from Krypton. This revamp flipped the ride vehicles, allowing thrill-seekers to launch backward while facing towards the ground, enhancing the heart-pounding experience of the descent.
Even though Superman has left the tracks, fans can still encounter the Man of Steel in other forms within the park, including on the Justice League: Battle for Metropolis dark ride and through character meet-and-greet opportunities.
As the park moves forward, the memory of Superman: Escape from Krypton will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many who experienced its exhilarating ride. Magic Mountain continues to be a haven for roller coaster enthusiasts, promising exciting adventures for years to come.
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The Unfolding Drama of Mattel Adventure Park: Opinions Before Opening
Mattel Adventure Park, set to open in late 2025 in Glendale, Arizona, faces delays provoking mixed reviews online. While some express disappointment over construction setbacks, others exhibit excitement toward its promise of unforgettable experiences for families.
As the vibrant desert sun beats down on Glendale, Arizona, local residents and prospective visitors are filled with a mix of excitement and impatience, waiting for the highly anticipated Mattel Adventure Park to finally open its doors. Slated for its debut at the end of 2025, this first-of-its-kind theme park has become the center of online chatter, with people leaving their opinions long before the first guests even step foot inside. While the allure of this park is undoubtedly enticing, the reviews—both positive and negative—are creating a curious spectacle worth exploring.
The Anticipation and Its Delays
Initially set to open in late 2023, Mattel Adventure Park has faced multiple delays that have pushed its launch date back not once, but twice. Set amid the ongoing construction of the VAI Resort, the theme park aims to bring fan-favorite properties to life, including Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Hot Wheels, and Masters of the Universe, over a sprawling 9-acre indoor-outdoor area. While the design promises to provide air-conditioned spaces for those scorching Arizona days, the project’s enticing features have not prevented some pre-opening frustrations from flooding the online review platforms.
The Curious Case of Early Reviews
Despite the park being an unfinished dream, it has already attracted a litany of Google Reviews, with an overall rating of 4.1 from a total of 62 responses. It’s fascinating to see how public sentiment manifests in such a unique manner—especially when some reviewers seem to have more to say about waiting than the park’s actual attractions.
Braylon and Peyton’s one-star review is a prime example of pre-opening disappointment: “We have been waiting literally years, more than two now,” they lament, expressing the anxiety of every parent waiting for those joyous days when their children can experience their favorite characters in person. This sort of heartfelt feedback encapsulates a universal feeling among families eager to create magical memories but grappling with the gnawing frustration of unforeseen delays.
Similarly, Loura Petsche bemoans the lack of updates, noting, “Looks exciting for two years now but disappointing no updates for months.” It seems her grandchildren, once bubbling with excitement for Thomas the Tank Engine, are growing up too quickly—perhaps even before the park can open its gates!
A Mix of Optimism and Enthusiasm
However, it’s not all doom and gloom in the realm of reviewers. There are some brightly shining voices offering a different perspective. Jack Tang is a beacon of enthusiasm, eager for the park to open, stating, “My family will be regulars… This will replace my son’s current favorite theme park, Legoland, in Carlsbad.” His excitement breathes life into the conversation, reminding everyone that the dream of Mattel Adventure Park is still alive and well.
Adding to the positivity, Jose Armijo’s five-star review is a light-hearted nudge to his fellow reviewers: “Do people not understand that a theme park can’t be built overnight?” His perspective brings humor and a touch of realism to the table, gently reminding us that anticipation can be paired with patience. The prospect of a uniquely themed park is worth holding out for!
And let’s not overlook Ashley Stevenson, who somehow describes a great experience at a place that hasn’t even opened yet: “This place is great… Bring your own food and snacks…” Now, we must give her imaginative praise for what must be an extraordinary act of visualizing the yet-to-be-seen park experience!
Conclusion: The Waiting Game
In a digital world where opinions can be easily aired, the phenomenon of pre-opening reviews shines a light on the interplay between anticipation and frustration. While some voices express impatience regarding the construction delays of Mattel Adventure Park, others remind us of the potential joy that lies ahead.
As the sun sets behind the construction site in Glendale, we find ourselves in this curious waiting game—one that weaves together laughter, dreams, and the hope that when the park finally opens, it will indeed create unforgettable memories for families. So, here’s to the future of Mattel Adventure Park! May it soon be a place where the sentiment of childhood is realized, and where all the opinions can finally morph into joyous laughter and exhilarating experiences instead.
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Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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