AOL File Library: 4,101 to 4,200/aol-file-protocol-4400-4101-to-4200.zip/AOLDLs/Disney Adventures Library/Disney's America/disam.txt

Text File | 2014-11-30 | 7KB | 136 lines

PLANS UNVEILED FOR "DISNEY'S AMERICA" NEAR WASHINGTON, D.C.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA.  -- The Walt Disney Company plans to
create a unique and historically detailed environment celebrating the
nation's richness of diversity, spirit and innovation -- "Disney's
America" -- to be located west of Washington, D.C., it was announced
today by Michael D.  Eisner, chairman and CEO of the company.

"In 'Disney's America' we will create a totally new concept using the
different strengths of our entertainment company -- our motion
picture and television talent, our park Imagineers, our interactive
media and publishing executives as well as our sports enterprise and
education executives -- to celebrate those unique American qualities
that have be en our country's strengths and that have made this
nation the beacon of hope to people everywhere," Eisner said.  "We
bring seventy years of entertainment experience -- many of them
creating the world's most original parks -- to this project."

The park will be located on a 3,000-acre site the company has
purchased or optioned in Prince William County.

Peter Rummell, president of Disney Design and Development Company,
said the new park will differentiate itself from all others in both
subject matter and presentation.  Said Rummell, "'Disney's America
will allow guests to celebrate the diversity of the nation, the
plurality and the conflicts that have defined the American
character."

Bob Weis, senior vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, in
charge of the project's creative development, said the park is
envisioned as "an ideal complement to visiting Washington's museums,
monuments and national treasures."

"Beyond the rides and attractions for which Disney is famous," said
Weis, "the park will be a venue for people of all ages, especially
the young, to debate and discuss the future of our nation and to
learn more about its past by living it."

The park will have facilities to host and televise political debates,
public forums and gatherings of write rs, educators, journalists,
students and historians to discuss issues of the past, present and
future.  The Disney-inspired American Teacher Awards also will be
broadcast from the site.

At "Disney's America" guests may also find themselves piloting a
World War II fighter by way of virtual reality or participating in a
harrowing Lewis and Clark river expedition inside a Native American
Indian village or in the center of Revolutionary War and Civil War
battle re-enactments.  They will even have an opportunity to meet
every American president through the magic of Disney's
Audio-Animatronics technology.

"Disney's America" will include a number of unique guest experiences:

Entering the park, guests will find themselves in a detailed Civil
War era village, which is the hub of "Disney's America."

From there guests may venture to Presidents' Square, celebrating the
birth of democracy and those who fought to preserve it.

Native America explores the life of America's first inhabitants and
offers an exciting white water river raft expedition.

Civil War Fort plunges guests into the most turbulent time in
American history, and outside its ramparts the historic battle of the
Monitor and the Merrimac will once again be fought.

We the People introduces the compelling immigrant experience through
music, ethnic foods and a powerful multimedia presentation, all
inside a building resembling Ellis Island.

Enterprise, a factory town, highlights American ingenuity and
features a high speed thrill attraction called the "Industrial
Revolution."

Victory Field lets guests experience what America's soldiers faced in
the defense of freedom.

The location of the park and many of its historic themes are closely
tied to the importance of the Commonwealth of Virginia to American
history.  Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in
North America.  The surrenders ending both the American Revolution
and the Civil War occurred in Virginia.  Four Virginians (Washington,
Jefferson, Madison and Monroe) were among the first five presidents
of the Republic, serving a total of 32 years of the country's first
36 years of life.  The state is called the "Mother of Presidents"
because a total of eight presidents (the others being Zachary Taylor,
John Tyler, William Henry Harrison and Woodrow Wilson) were born
there.  The state also counts among its most famous native sons
important figures such as Booker T.  Washington.

In commerce and inventiveness, Virginia also is rich in historic
heritage.  It was the site of the first manufacturing plant in the
U.S.

, the first iron furnace, the country's first transportation canal,
the state where the mechanical reaper was invented, and the location
of what is believed to be the oldest daily newspaper in the Republic.

"Disney's America," which includes the park and recreation area on
1,200 acres, will create nearly 3,000 jobs, making The Walt Disney
Company the largest private employer in Prince William County. Direct
and indirect economic ac tivity generated by the project will result
in $1.5 billion in new tax revenues for the Commonwealth of Virginia
and Prince William County over the next 30 years.  Of that,
approximately $1 billion will go to the state and $500 million to the
county, Disney officials estimate.

The Walt Disney Company will work with state and county officials
over the next several months to put together a package of public
improvements that will make the project possible.  They also will
consult with local residents and businesses throughout the planning
of the project.

While long-term plans are not final, The Walt Disney Company proposes
to build a golf course, residences, hotels and mixed use development
on the remaining land, much of which was slated to become the Waverly
Farms housing development.  These projected facilities, like the
park, would be surrounded by greenbelts and open spaces for the
benefit of the environment and neighbors.

"Disney's America" could open as early as 1998 if agreements are
reached with the state and county governments.  The Prince William
site is currently the only one under consideration.

"There is quite a bit of work ahead of us and many hurdles to
overcome," said Rummell.  "But The Walt Disney Company is very
excited and very enthusiastic about this project and is committed to
making it become a reality."

"Disney's America" will be the company's third location for a U.S.
park, joining Disneyland in Southern California and the Walt Disney
World Resort in Florida.  Other Disney parks are located in France
and Japan.