Posted in Virginia Fun Facts, History, State Pride March 06, 2023 by

Few People Realize That Virginia Was Almost Home To A Disney Theme Park

When you think of the magical kingdom of Disney, you likely picture Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Yet Virginia was almost home to its very own Disney theme park, although it never came to be. However, the story behind this would-be Disney attraction in Virginia is positively fascinating. Here’s more on Disney’s America and why it never opened.

The magical world of Disney is one known around the world. The famous castle, the cast of familiar characters, and the fun-filled rides all evoke a sense of joy, wonder, and magic. And our very own Virginia was once part of the famous Disney storyline.
Walt Disney World / Facebook
It was the early '90s, and Disney's America was a proposed theme park that would celebrate the unique history of America.
Wikipedia
The company proposed building the park in Haymarket, Virginia, not far from Washington D.C., and just a couple of miles from Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Wikipedia
The map below indicates where the park was originally proposed.
Wikipedia
As you can see, there were 9 unique areas of the park, each representing a different chapter in American history. The areas proposed included Crossroads USA, Native America, Presidents' Square, Civil War Fort, Enterprise, We The People, Family Farm, State Fair, and Victory Field.
Wikipedia
In September of 1994, however, all plans for Disney's America were cancelled. This was mostly due to valid concerns from citizen's groups and historians about how the history would be portrayed, and in particular, the representation of Native American histories as well as those of enslaved people. Many historians noted that Disney's representations of historical events had deviated from the truth in the past. Other concerns were centered around the nearby historic sites and the commercialization of them.

Lastly, the American Farmland Trust voiced concern that the project would threaten up to 50% of nearby farmlands.
Some of the planned elements of Disney's America were later incorporated into Disney's California Adventure, which would open in 2001.
Wikipedia

Did you know about this? What are your thoughts on this Disney Park in Virginia that never opened? Feel free to share with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, check out this farm brewery in Virginia that’s also in Haymarket.

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Address: Haymarket, VA 20169, USA