THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 18, 1994 TAG: 9407180212
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: ROANOKE LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
If imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then the original designers of the recently opened Explore Park must have been blushing after seeing the plans for Disney's America.
``My first thought was, `Holy cow, they got that idea from us,' '' said Richard Burrow, an Explore engineer.
The proposed Walt Disney Co. theme park in Prince William County is based on American history. The Explore Park outside of Roanoke originally was envisioned as being based on the exploits of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Plans were later revised because the park was ``too Disney-like,'' according to critics.
Explore park officials say that Disney visited the park while it was under construction back in 1987.
At the end of the two-day visit, the Disney executives said, in effect, ```You've got a great idea, but it's a little too small for us. We wish you luck,''' Burrow said. The Disney people recommended some financial consultants, then went on their way.
In November 1993, Disney announced plans for their history-oriented theme park. When the artists' sketches of Disney's America were released, Explore planners were flabbergasted by the similarities.
One longtime planner ``told me she was almost speechless,'' said Explore Park director Rupert Cutler.
Where Explore once planned to build its park around the Lewis and Clark expedition and send visitors down a log-flume ride, Disney's America talks of a ``breakneck white-water ride'' with the two Virginia-born explorers.
Where Explore once planned to have visitors enter a frontier town on a bridge over a canal, Disney's America wants to have visitors enter a frontier town on a bridge over a canal.
And where Explore once planned an authentic Native American village, a frontier fort, a steam train and re-enactments of early American industries, Disney's America proposes the same.
Disney spokesman Tony Hatch said the idea for Disney's America came from Michael Eisner, the company's chairman, after a visit to Colonial Williamsburg four years ago.
Hatch said the evidence that Explore influenced Disney's America is circumstantial at best. He also said there's no copyright on history.
KEYWORDS: DISNEY'S AMERICA by CNB