Disney urged to pick site in Phila.

Mickey Mouse and the rest of the "mouseketeers" could become Philadelphia citizens if City Councilman Joseph Vignola has his way. Vignola's Press Secretary Vernon Anastasio said the councilman sent a letter this week formally asking the Walt Disney Company to build its newest theme park -- Disney America -- in Philadelphia. "We are primed for a theme park," Anastasio said. "We need to concentrate on getting Disney interested in Philadelphia." Anastasio suggested the "grossly underdeveloped" Naval shipyards, along with Christopher Columbus Boulevard and portions of Fairmont Park, as possible building sites for the 3000-acre amusement park. He said he was confident people would come to the new attraction that is planned to focus on the American past because of Philadelphia's historical importance. "Millions of people are already involved in the practice of visiting Philadelphia for history," Anastasio said. "If we build it they will come," he added. "The ball is in Disney's court." But Disney may not be willing to play. Disney America Spokesperson Claudia Peters said theme park organizers still consider Virginia as the leading contender for the site. Last month Disney America was forced to pull out of developing a location in Virginia's Prince William County. The area was near a national Civil War landmark -- the Manassas battleground -- and preservationists expressed concern that increased traffic would detract from the battlefield's historical importance. "Virginia is still our first choice," Peters said. "We are hoping to find the appropriate site in Virginia. We are committed to making Disney America a reality." Peters would not comment on Vignola's proposal. Yesterday, Anastasio claimed Virginia was out of the running for the theme park. He said Philadelphia's major competitors would be Maryland and West Virginia. He added that he did not think those locations would be chosen over the City of Brotherly Love. "When we look at the alternatives [Philadelphia] is the only logical, practical and future choice," Anastasio said. "All roads lead to Philadelphia. It only makes sense that the theme park should be in the middle of the east coast." One hurdle Vignola may have to overcome is an ongoing dispute between the Philadelphia Orchestra and Disney. The orchestra recently filed a lawsuit against the company seeking damages and half of the $120 million in profits Disney earned from the videocassette sales of the movie Fantasia since 1991. The orchestra earned $2,500 for performing the film's classical music score over 55 years ago. A jury was chosen on Tuesday to hear the case and opening arguments were held yesterday in Center City.