Today, Explained Disney's America
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Jul 3, 2025 
Jackie Shine, a historian and expert on Disney's America from DePaul University, discusses the audacious yet controversial theme park envisioned by Disney in the '90s. They delve into the complexities of intertwining entertainment with sensitive historical narratives, particularly regarding slavery. Jackie highlights the backlash against Disney's land acquisition in Virginia and the protests that culminated in the project’s demise. The conversation critically examines the struggle over how American history is portrayed and the challenges in addressing racial and social issues within a commercial framework.
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Disney's Secret Land Purchase
- Disney secretly bought land near the Manassas Civil War battlefield for a new theme park in the early 1990s.
- They used shell companies and fake personas to keep the land purchases hidden.
Ambitious Honest History Promise
- Disney promised to portray American history honestly, including its painful and controversial parts.
- CEO Eisner committed to showing brutal chapters like the Civil War with its racial conflict, not just sanitized stories.
Disney's America Brochure Highlights
- The park brochure detailed immersive historical experiences like Civil War soldier life and a Native American village.
- It also promised fun activities including a Muppets show and a barn dance with homemade ice cream.