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.

Published

3 mins ago

September 23, 2024

The Conversation

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.

Colorful balloons surround a vintage car transporting four men wearing suits. — Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, seated on the left, appears with former President Ronald Reagan at a Disney World parade in 1990. Mike Guastella/WireImage via Getty Images

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?

Two men walk across a green field with two portable cannons. — The proposed theme park was to be located just a few miles from Manassas National Battlefield Park. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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 proposed logo for Disney’s America. Wikimedia Commons

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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family fun

Get Ready St. Louis! Dave & Buster’s Reimagined Location Opens September 27

Published

6 days ago

September 18, 2024

Daily News Staff, Lynette Young

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Excitement is in the air as Dave & Buster’s prepares to unveil its completely reimagined location in St. Louis on Friday, September 27! Situated at 13857 Riverport Drive in Maryland Heights, the ultimate destination for dining and entertainment is back and better than ever, promising a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic games.

A Fresh Take on Fun

The newly updated Dave & Buster’s location brings a thrilling blend of dining and entertainment, perfect for families and friends looking to make unforgettable memories together. With its innovative gaming activities and new ways to engage with one another, this reimagined venue is designed to elevate your gameplay experience.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

The Arena

Step into The Arena, a game-changing experience exclusive to Dave & Buster’s! This wall-to-wall gaming environment offers guests an array of ways to connect, compete, and conquer alongside their friends. For a limited time, you can dive into this cutting-edge gameplay for just $5 per person, per session! With a transparent exterior and room for up to eight players, The Arena sets the stage for intense competition with intuitive tracking technologies and immersive media.

Interactive Social Bays

Looking for that next level of fun? The Interactive Social Bays are here to redefine the way you play! Enjoy high-tech activities like High-Tech Darts and Social Shuffleboarding in reservable suites for two to six players. These exciting games feature mind-blowing digital interactivity that makes socializing even more engaging and fun!

Immersive Watch Experience

Calling all sports fans! The brand-new Watch Experience elevates game day to a whole new level. Featuring a jaw-dropping 40-foot screen and surround sound, every seat is the best in the house. With additional oversized HDTVs surrounding the bar, you’ll catch all the action in style!

Evolved Menu

Bring your appetite because the revamped chef-crafted menu is packed with new and improved mouthwatering options! There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for classic pub fare or innovative new flavors.

Sleek New Design

Prepare to be wowed as you enter a vibrant, tech-forward environment that sets the perfect backdrop for eating, drinking, playing, and watching your favorite games!

Midway & Prizes

Dave & Buster’s wouldn’t be complete without its iconic Midway! With over 120 games, virtual reality experiences, and epic prizes waiting to be won, you’ll never run out of entertainment options. Plus, our Social Bays are available for booking private group events that are unforgettable!

Grand Opening Excitement

Don’t miss the grand opening on September 27! The first 200 people in line will receive free games for a year—a deal that’s too good to pass up! Doors open at 11 a.m., so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot and kickstart a year of gaming fun! Terms and conditions apply.

Celebrate with us during the opening day special, featuring a $5 Happy Hour where you can sip on delicious drinks like the new Tres Tequila Rita, 22 oz. Domestic Drafts, wine, Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade, and the ever-popular D&B Long Island Iced Tea.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – Midnight

Join us for an epic entertainment experience at Dave & Buster’s St. Louis! For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.

Gather your crew and join us as we embark on this thrilling new chapter in St. Louis! 🎉🏓🍔

and let your entertainment journey begin!

Authors

Daily News Staff

View all posts

Lynette Young

Lynette Young is a passionate writer and blogger, sharing insights on livable cities, urbanism, and transportation. As an experienced mom, she captures the essence of community through her engaging stories. View all posts blogger/ writer

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Consumer Corner

PMI to Introduce Booksy: New Patented Collectible Toys That Spark a Love for Reading & Play

PMI Kids World launches ‘Booksy’ this fall, collectible toys featuring miniature books from Monster Tales, PAW Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to inspire reading.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2024

Daily News Staff

This fall, families can collect toys with tiny books inside, featuring characters from Paramount’s PAW Patrol^™, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PMI’s very own Monster Tales!

Booksy’ collectible toy line

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Uniting the exciting world of toys with the imaginative world of books is the brand new patented and trademarked ‘Booksy’ collectible toy line by renowned global toy company, PMI Kids World. In an era where screens dominate, this collectible toy line offers children and families a unique way to foster a love for play and reading. Featuring tiny books cleverly housed inside unique collectible figures, Booksy engages children in the tactile and imaginative experience of play and reading, one Booksy at a time. The line will launch in October with PMI’s original Monster Tales at Amazon, followed by an expansion in November with licensed character versions from the hugely popular worlds of PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airing on Nickelodeon, and Paramount+ original series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, at Walmart.

Designed, written, and illustrated for children and families, Booksy collectible figures are the perfect steppingstone to nurturing children’s literacy through the excitement of collecting both books and appealing figures. The core Booksy collection, titled Monster Tales, introduces a series of original characters, stories, and a special Monster Tales bookcase for young readers to place and display their growing mini book collections. Characters from mega popular franchises, such as Chase and Skye, pups from PAW Patrol, and Raphael and Michelangelo from Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will also bring familiar faces to the world of Booksy, making reading even more exciting for young fans of the beloved franchises.

Patented and trademarked, the Booksy toy line and the Monster Tales brand are PMI’s very own intellectual properties that introduces an innovative story-focused product variety featuring the talents of Christian Tremblay, branding specialist and a titan of the family entertainment industry with over 30 years of experience.

“As a parent and lifelong reader, I understand the importance of encouraging children to discover a love for reading and play that truly ignites their imaginations,” says Omer Dekel, CEO at PMI Kids’ World. “Booksy is particularly special to me because it’s an IP we’ve developed in-house and patented, blending the excitement of toys with the educational value of relatable life lessons and adventures in collectible books. I’m incredibly excited to see how Booksy will inspire and nurture the next generation.”

In October 2024, the Booksy Monster Tales Six Pack, featuring Monster Tales Dome figures, will launch on Amazon in the USA. This collection offers six unique characters for children aged 3-8 to collect. Additionally, the Booksy Monster Tales Bookshelf Collector Set, including a Monster Tales Booksy figure and a Collector’s Bookshelf, will also be available on Amazon. The first licensed version will be launched November 2024, introducing Booksy One Pack PAW Patrol and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Dome figures at Walmart, and offering 12 beloved characters for young fans. Globally, the Booksy Monster Tales toy line is set for a Fall 2024 release, with key markets including the United States, United Kingdom (exclusively distributed by Character Options), France (exclusively distributed by Bandai France), the Middle East (exclusively distributed by iBrands), Canada (exclusively distributed by Red Planet), and more. The Booksy PAW Patrol and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy lines will be sold exclusively at 3,000 Walmart stores across the USA.

Renowned for turning trending IPs into must-have toys, PMI Kids World is excited to introduce their very own brand and line of Booksy toys, right in time for the holidays.

About PMI Kids World
Established in 1995, PMI Kids World is a leading gaming-sector toy manufacturer focused on licensing consumer products in over 170 countries. PMI Kids World gives licensed intellectual properties (IPs) a vibrant existence by creating high-quality, innovative, affordable toys and collectibles. We’re here to bring the mega children’s brands and the coolest lines to kids worldwide. Our lineup includes esteemed names like Sonic Prime, Pudgy Penguins, Brawl Stars, and many others. Rooted in our purpose is the aspiration to ensure that every child can partake in the delight of play, irrespective of their circumstances.

For more information on PMI Kids’ World, follow PMI on:

Instagram: @pmi_toys
Facebook: @pmiltd
Twitter: @pmitoys
TikTok: @pmi_toys

About Booksy
Patented and trademarked by PMI Kids World, Booksy is the global toy company’s newest innovation in collectible toys and storytelling. Launching with PMI’s very own Monster Tales IP in October 2024, each Booksy character figure houses a miniature, full-colored storybook that empowers kids’ imagination by merging engaging play patterns with storytelling. Following Monster Tales, Booksy will also release versions based on popular kids licenses such as PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in November 2024. Designed for boys and girls ages 3 to 8, each story introduces kid-relatable life lessons that children, families, and teachers will love and enjoy.

About Paramount Consumer Products

Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by a diverse slate of consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio is based on content from platforms including Paramount+, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), cable networks (including MTV, Nickelodeon and Showtime), and Paramount Pictures. Additionally, the division operates Paramount Game Studios. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. To view our range of consumer products and Paramount branded apparel, visit ParamountShop.com.

SOURCE PMI Kid’s World

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amusement and theme parks

Disneyland to Close 12-Year-Old Red Car Trolley Attraction to Make Way for Expansion

Disney California Adventure’s Red Car Trolley, introduced in 2012, will close in early 2025 to make way for Avengers Campus expansion.

Published

4 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

Rebecca Washington

Disneyland is known for constantly evolving, always adding new attractions to keep the magic alive for its visitors. However, with every new addition, some beloved classics must make way for the future. This time, it’s the Red Car Trolley that will soon be making its final rounds in Disney California Adventure.

A Farewell to the Red Car Trolley

The Red Car Trolley, introduced in 2012 as part of the much-needed renovation of Disney California Adventure, is set to close in early 2025. The trolley was one of the key features of the park’s first major revamp, transforming the Sunshine Plaza entrance into the nostalgic Buena Vista Street. This reimagining aimed to transport visitors back to the 1920s, reflecting the era when Walt Disney first arrived in California. The Red Car Trolley became a symbol of this transformation, offering guests a charming ride from Buena Vista Street, past the Carthay Circle restaurant, and down Hollywood Boulevard.

An Attraction with a Story

The trolleys were more than just another ride—they were a tribute to Southern California’s history. Disney Imagineer Ray Spencer led the trolley project, drawing inspiration from the Pacific Electric Railway, which served the region from the 1900s until the rise of freeways in the 1960s. Spencer had a personal connection to the trolleys; his father took him on the last Red Car line in 1961.

To ensure authenticity, Disney even added overhead cables and replicated the sound of the original car horns, despite the fact that the trolleys themselves were battery-powered. The trolleys were designed with meticulous attention to detail: Car No. 623 paid homage to the year Disney arrived in California and founded the Walt Disney Company (1923), while Car No. 717 was a nod to Disneyland’s opening day on July 17, 1955.

Making Way for the Future

As much as fans love the Red Car Trolley, the need for new experiences drives Disneyland’s ongoing evolution. The expansion of Avengers Campus, a growing favorite among visitors, will require the space currently occupied by the trolley’s car barn, where the vehicles charge their batteries. To make room for two new rides in this superhero-themed area, the Red Car Trolley will be retired, with its last trips taking place in early 2025. Specific closure dates will be announced this winter.

The closure of the Red Car Trolley is bittersweet, marking the end of an era that connected guests with a bygone time in California’s history. However, Disney’s commitment to bringing new and exciting adventures to its parks ensures that even as we say goodbye to old favorites, the future is full of possibilities. As Avengers Campus expands, guests can look forward to experiencing more of the Marvel universe in ways that only Disneyland can deliver.

While it’s always hard to see a piece of history go, the excitement of what’s to come at Disneyland is sure to keep the magic alive for generations to come.

For further reading, check out this link about Disney’s plans for California Adventure.

https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/disneyland-close-trolley-lattraction-expansion-19724616.php

Join us at 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 [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Author

Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts