Epcot, DCA, and Animal Kingdom were all Disney parks that were built with an educational aspect in mind but it didn't pander out so well...especially for DCA. Epcot had to Disney-fy itself in order to get more people in. Animal Kingdom survived because of Expedition Everest. DCA speaks for itself through its billion dollar makeover.
They way I see it had, they gone though with Disney's America as an educational theme park it would've likely failed because today's guests don't like associating Disney with education. They associate Disney with entertainment and familiar characters.
I still hope they plan to go with the DVC resort they were planning for National Harbor though. I'm hoping for something colonial themed. That would make for a gorgeous hotel.
I agree. People want Mickey Mouse when it comes to Disney Theme Parks. When they try to give something else then that, people go, "But I can get that at other theme parks, why do I need to come here?" So then Disney gives Mickey Mouse and the people are happy again. That defiantly was what happened at California Adventure.