I remember the shitstorm when it was announced back 1993. State leaders and Disney held a huge press conference. There may be some videos out there. Within a few days the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and several other environmental groups condemned the project. The CBF claimed the project would lead to uncontrolled development similar to Disneyland and subsequently damage to the Chesapeake Bay. CBF claimed that the area would be inundated with subdivisions, strip malls, big box stores, etc. Claims were also made that the project was to be built on Civil War battlefields. The project would not have been on any battlefields. Yes, there were some close, but they would not have been impacted.
Unfortunately, CBF missed a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor with Prince William County to help them craft a well thought out comprehensive plan as well as environmental and stormwater requirements. Back in 1993 many of the regulations and requirements we use today were in their infancy and not fully developed. CBF could have been a great watchdog to ensure that the project was environmentally friendly as well as any adjacent developments.
Within a few weeks Disney cancelled the project. They ultimately sold off all the property. The area is now a mishmash of subdivisions, strip malls and big box stores.
Disney's on-site plan, based upon the graphics I saw, was well thought out. They had lots of water features and green space. Stormwater discharges would have been minimal. I'm sure there would have been some sensitive environmental impacts, but mitigation back then was fairly easy. I think the project would have been successful, provided the weather was cooperative.