From today's edition of Walton Sun (p. C1) :
"Disney Partners with Eglin -- Corporate giant and Air Force base partner for military-style theme park"
Many people have been wondering where or if this was happening, and I think the article in the Sun will enlighten everyone, scarry as it is.
Full article below:
Disney partners with Eglin
Corporate giant and Air Force base partner for military-style theme park
BY RACHEL KYLER AND ANDY MEINEN
SUN REPORTERS
"Disney Inc. announced to investors early Thursday that they are partnering with the Department of Defense to create a military themed action park on Site C6 at Eglin Air Force Base.
?We are truly excited about this partnership,? Disney CEO Robert Iger said. ?We think that Disney and the military are a perfect fit. We need to update Mickey?s profile for the 21st Century. With kids increased interest in games like Grand Theft Auto, we felt we needed to make Disney edgier.? The new theme park would employ real military tactics in a safe controlled environment. Families with children of all ages can experience the superior United States arsenal first hand. Sgt. Joe Reef explained paintballs and water balloons will replace live ammunition. ?We don?t want to see anyone get killed, we just want to mimic the effects of war,? he said. The DOD hopes that the theme park will encourage kids to see the merits of a military career. ?We think getting kids interested in the military at a young age will ensure a safe future for generations to come,? Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said. The proposed 5,000-acre theme park will include rides such as Mickey?s Minefield, Peter Pan?s Paratroopers, Goofy?s Grenade Toss, Bambi?s Bazooka Range and Belle?s B-52 Bombing Run. These are a few examples of the rides in the design phase, Iger said. Children around the area were elated with the news of the upcoming park. ?I can?t wait to shoot something!? Tommy Thompson of Blue Mountain Beach said. ?I love Belle and if she loves B-52?s - then so do I,? Lizzie Madison, of Paxton, said. Patrons will be able to pick up snacks at Mickey?s Mess Hall or Aladdin?s Ammo Depot. On site hotel accommodations will be provided at Baloo?s Barracks, a four-star resort that will include a spa and fine dining. Wolf Gang Puck has been commissioned to design the featured restaurant and menu. ?It?s been a challenge working with MRE?s, but I think we?ve elevated the taste of standard issue military cuisine,? Puck said. This is the DOD?s first foray into the hospitality industry. Military brass are hoping this makes the armed forces more accessible to the general rank and file. ?If this is a victory, we plan a succession of theme parks around the country. We?re thinking Bush Gardens, Six Flags and maybe even Hershey Park. Dancing candy bars in camo has a nice ring to it. Civilians will be pleased,? Rumsfeld said. The park is slated to open its doors April Fools Day 2006. If you have read this far down into the story then the joke is on you. APRIL FOOLS!!! "
"Disney Partners with Eglin -- Corporate giant and Air Force base partner for military-style theme park"
Many people have been wondering where or if this was happening, and I think the article in the Sun will enlighten everyone, scarry as it is.
Full article below:
Disney partners with Eglin
Corporate giant and Air Force base partner for military-style theme park
BY RACHEL KYLER AND ANDY MEINEN
SUN REPORTERS
"Disney Inc. announced to investors early Thursday that they are partnering with the Department of Defense to create a military themed action park on Site C6 at Eglin Air Force Base.
?We are truly excited about this partnership,? Disney CEO Robert Iger said. ?We think that Disney and the military are a perfect fit. We need to update Mickey?s profile for the 21st Century. With kids increased interest in games like Grand Theft Auto, we felt we needed to make Disney edgier.? The new theme park would employ real military tactics in a safe controlled environment. Families with children of all ages can experience the superior United States arsenal first hand. Sgt. Joe Reef explained paintballs and water balloons will replace live ammunition. ?We don?t want to see anyone get killed, we just want to mimic the effects of war,? he said. The DOD hopes that the theme park will encourage kids to see the merits of a military career. ?We think getting kids interested in the military at a young age will ensure a safe future for generations to come,? Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said. The proposed 5,000-acre theme park will include rides such as Mickey?s Minefield, Peter Pan?s Paratroopers, Goofy?s Grenade Toss, Bambi?s Bazooka Range and Belle?s B-52 Bombing Run. These are a few examples of the rides in the design phase, Iger said. Children around the area were elated with the news of the upcoming park. ?I can?t wait to shoot something!? Tommy Thompson of Blue Mountain Beach said. ?I love Belle and if she loves B-52?s - then so do I,? Lizzie Madison, of Paxton, said. Patrons will be able to pick up snacks at Mickey?s Mess Hall or Aladdin?s Ammo Depot. On site hotel accommodations will be provided at Baloo?s Barracks, a four-star resort that will include a spa and fine dining. Wolf Gang Puck has been commissioned to design the featured restaurant and menu. ?It?s been a challenge working with MRE?s, but I think we?ve elevated the taste of standard issue military cuisine,? Puck said. This is the DOD?s first foray into the hospitality industry. Military brass are hoping this makes the armed forces more accessible to the general rank and file. ?If this is a victory, we plan a succession of theme parks around the country. We?re thinking Bush Gardens, Six Flags and maybe even Hershey Park. Dancing candy bars in camo has a nice ring to it. Civilians will be pleased,? Rumsfeld said. The park is slated to open its doors April Fools Day 2006. If you have read this far down into the story then the joke is on you. APRIL FOOLS!!! "
