Disney’s America: The Failed Theme Park That Almost Changed Haymarket, Virginia Forever

The bold $650 million Disney plan that sparked outrage, shaped real estate, and left a lasting mark on one of Northern Virginia’s most desirable communities.

Looking to move to Haymarket or explore the communities Disney almost transformed? View homes for sale in Haymarket, VA.

Disney’s America: The Proposed Theme Park That Never Was

In the early 1990s, The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans for Disney’s America, a history-themed amusement park unlike anything else in its portfolio. Shortly after, Disney announced its intention to build Disney's America in Haymarket, Virginia—a rural town just 35 miles from Washington, D.C.—with the goal to create a new theme park that would blend immersive storytelling with pivotal moments in American history. Disney's proposed theme park was projected to cost $650 million and aimed to be a major development in the region.

From a Civil War fort experience to a whitewater rafting ride based on the Lewis and Clark expedition, Disney's plans for Disney’s America were poised to make Prince William County a national tourist hub. However, the Disney project met intense backlash—and was ultimately canceled in 1994.

Today, the failed theme park lives on as a turning point in land use, preservation, and suburban development. In fact, the land once reserved for Disney is now home to top-tier communities like Dominion Valley Country Club and Piedmont.

What Was Disney’s America?

Disney’s America was more than a history theme park—it was a vision for storytelling through history. The project was conceived as an entire park dedicated to exploring America's past, with a focus on immersive and educational experiences. Like several theme parks Disney has developed, such as Disney World, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, Disney’s America aimed to create themed areas that reflected different eras and aspects of American history. The aptly named Disney's America was intended to stand alongside these flagship parks, but with a unique mission to educate visitors about America's past.

Planned attractions included:

• A whitewater raft ride alongside Lewis and Clark

• A roller coaster through the Industrial Revolution, complete with steel mill scenery

• “Victory Field,” a World War II airstrip with airshows

• A re-creation of a Civil War fort, where guests could experience what it was like to be a civil war soldier

• Immersive exhibits on slavery, the Underground Railroad, and Ellis Island

• Ride steam trains, 1800s family farms, and included virtual factory tours featuring brands like Apple and Crayola

The park’s creative approach was rooted in Disney design and development, aiming to blend entertainment with historical education. Disney’s America would have used the Disney construct to present a narrative of American history through its attractions, much like how the studio's animated films and hit animated features have shaped cultural perceptions with optimistic and nostalgic storytelling. The themed areas were to be reminiscent of the Magic Kingdom, but with a focus on real historical events, such as major civil war battles near the park’s location.

Why Haymarket?

The location was no accident. Haymarket sits near Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of major Civil War battles that are central to American history, and offers quick access to I-66 and Washington, D.C. The proximity to these historic battlefields has sparked efforts to protect historic America, as many believe that development in this area could threaten the preservation of our nation's heritage. Organizations like the National Trust have voiced concerns about projects that may impact these significant cultural landmarks.

Thinking of buying in this historic area? Browse Haymarket homes for sale.

Inside the Dream: Proposed Location and Features

When the Walt Disney Company set its sights on Haymarket, Virginia, for its next big venture, it wasn’t just about building another theme park—it was about making a statement in the heart of historic America. The proposed Disney’s America theme park would have spanned up to 185 acres in Prince William County, just a short drive from Washington D.C. and only five miles from the storied Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Why the Backlash?

Despite support from Virginia’s governors and the potential for 3,000 jobs and $1.5B in tax revenue, the resistance was loud and swift:

• Traffic and infrastructure worries over I-66 congestion

• Environmental concerns about wetlands and rural disruption

• Historical integrity—critics feared Disney would oversimplify or “sanitize” America’s painful past

• Commercialization fears over fast food restaurants, overdevelopment, and the proliferation of chain businesses

• Cultural sensitivity—Ken Burns and other historians argued Disney wasn’t equipped to responsibly portray slavery, Indigenous history, and war

What Happened to the Land?

In a twist of irony, the land intended for Disney’s America became something different—but still transformative. It now houses two of Northern Virginia’s most desirable planned communities:

• Dominion Valley Country Club: A gated golf course community offering resort-style amenities, walking trails, and luxury homes

• Piedmont: A vibrant neighborhood with pools, tennis courts, and access to beautiful natural spaces

Want to learn more about life in these neighborhoods? Contact me today for a personalized real estate consultation.

Haymarket Today: Where the Future Meets the Past

Haymarket has grown into a sought-after real estate destination that blends suburban luxury with small-town charm. Homebuyers are drawn to:

• Proximity to D.C., I-66, and Route 15

• Top-ranked schools

• Golf course neighborhoods and master-planned communities

• A strong sense of local identity and history

Even without Disney, the area has seen substantial growth—families, professionals, and retirees all call Haymarket home. Start your Haymarket home search.

Final Thoughts: Haymarket’s “What If” and Your “What’s Next”

Disney’s America was a bold idea that never came to be—but it forever changed how we think about community planning, local culture, and development in Prince William County.

As a lifelong Northern Virginian and a top local agent with over $1 billion in real estate sales, I’ve watched Haymarket evolve from rural crossroads to high-demand community. Whether you're a history buff, a commuter, or just looking for a beautiful place to raise a family—Haymarket should absolutely be on your radar.

Curious about life in Haymarket? Explore listings now or schedule a consultation.

Curious about life in Haymarket? Explore current listings or contact me directly for a local expert’s insight.

About the Author

Chris Colgan is a top-producing Northern Virginia Realtor, founder of the Colgan Team, and creator of the Real Nova Network—Northern Virginia’s go-to source for real estate, lifestyle, and local development. With over $1B in closed sales and 10M monthly social media views, Chris is the trusted voice for real estate in Prince William, Loudoun, and beyond.

Email: info@colganteam.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was Disney’s America theme park?

Disney’s America was a proposed $650 million historical theme park by The Walt Disney Company in the early 1990s. It was designed to immerse visitors in pivotal moments of American history, featuring themed lands such as Civil War Forts, Native American villages, Ellis Island experiences, and an industrial revolution zone.

2. Where was Disney’s America supposed to be built?

The park was planned for Haymarket, Virginia, in Prince William County — just 35 miles west of Washington, D.C. The selected location offered easy access via I-66 and was seen as a gateway to the nation’s capital for millions of potential visitors.

3. Why did Disney choose Northern Virginia for the project?

Disney chose Northern Virginia due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., rich historical relevance, and access to millions of tourists visiting Civil War battlefields and the National Mall each year. The company believed the area would align well with the park’s patriotic and educational themes.

4. Why did the Disney’s America project fail?

The project faced intense local and national backlash. Historians, environmentalists, and residents raised concerns about historical accuracy, traffic congestion, environmental impact, and the commercialization of sensitive topics like slavery and war. The controversy grew too large, and Disney officially canceled the project in 1994.

5. What were the proposed attractions at Disney’s America?

Proposed attractions included:

• A Civil War-themed roller coaster

• A recreation of Ellis Island

• A Native American village

• A 1930s airstrip with vintage planes

• A replica of an 1800s industrial town

• A Revolutionary War reenactment area
  Each zone aimed to portray a different chapter of American history.

6. How did local residents react to Disney’s plans?

Many locals were split. Some welcomed the economic boost and job creation, while others feared traffic, environmental damage, and cultural insensitivity. Prominent historians like James McPherson and Shelby Foote criticized Disney’s attempt to simplify complex historical events for entertainment.

7. What happened to the land after the project was canceled?

After Disney abandoned the project, the land eventually became part of private residential and commercial developments. Some of the area near Haymarket and Gainesville has since been developed into high-end neighborhoods, shopping centers, and preserved green space.

8. How would Disney’s America have affected Northern Virginia real estate?

Had it been built, the park would have drastically accelerated local real estate development. Experts at the time predicted a surge in property values, job growth, tourism-related businesses, and infrastructure upgrades like new roads and hotels.

9. Are there any remnants of the Disney project in Northern Virginia today?

No physical structures from the proposed Disney’s America park were ever built. However, the legacy of the project lives on in planning discussions, urban development debates, and the “what could have been” narratives among locals and historians.

10. Could Disney ever revisit a Northern Virginia project in the future?

While there are no current public plans from Disney to build in Virginia, the state remains a strategic location with a strong tourism economy. However, given the intense backlash of the original project, it's unlikely a similar large-scale park would be attempted again without major community involvement and historical oversight.