River Country

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jan Sun 14, 2007 8:45 pm

So I was on the ferry btwn Wilderness Lodge and MK last week and saw River Country for the first time in years. I never went there before it closed down but it is pretty interesting how the former park is still there and relatively intact from what you can see from the water... An interesting side note, on at least one or two pieces of new merch they have the old River Country logo ...

Post by **js3901** » Jan Sun 14, 2007 10:30 pm

yeah, we saw it too when we went in early December. Also, we saw the dock and a few buildings (among ALOT of foliage) on the old Discovery Island. It's sad that those 2 places were shut down, yet everything is still standing just growing old and deteriorated...

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Jan Sat 20, 2007 2:48 pm

It's sad to see it in its current state.

CDAbleson · Post by **CDAbleson** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 7:11 am

It is sad to see, as I grew up at RC...I can't imagine they will continue to leave these areas unattended...especially RC

Sarah Turp · Post by **Sarah Turp** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 7:19 am

Does anyone know why they were shut down? I used to love River Country when I was little.

jd3921fl · Post by **jd3921fl** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 2:08 pm

It's all about the bottom line and operating costs. WIth BB and TL the cost of manning and operating RC was not worth it That's my guess.

Post by **rdeacon** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Here are 3 unconfirmed reasons that I have heard of

1. The first reason for the closing was new state rules concerning water parks. Pools and water activities must have their water originating from municipal water systems, not natural bodies of water

2. The water park was located on the shores of Bay Lake, by Discovery Island - Magic Kingdom area. It was closed in November of 2001 for safety reasons. I was a cast member then and was disappointed because I never got to visit it. My now husband, who was lifeguarding at the time, explained to me why they closed it and it made perfect sense.

The water was true river water and murky. Lifeguards could not see the bottom of the pool. If someone was in trouble, it would be very hard to tell.

3. Disney also claimed that the park was much smaller than their other two water parks and in turn, brought in less money. They announced in 2005 that the park would remain officially closed.

Rich

Sarah Turp · Post by **Sarah Turp** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 3:15 pm

Thanks Rich.

I still feel that we have all been made to suffer a great loss at it's closing, but I suppose the reasons do make sence. Particually if there were concerns over safty.

Ah well.... back to my memories

csquare77 · Post by **csquare77** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 3:57 pm

I thought they also said something about Bay Lake being polluted?

Post by **rdeacon** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 6:43 pm

Yeah that was another rumor.. but I hope that one is not true since they still allow the rentals of water craft in Seven Seas Lagoon.

Rich

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 7:10 pm

You used to be to swim in the lakes at the resorts, but in Florida water there's a small amoeba that can get into your ear and kill you (in extremely rare cases). I assume it was always there, but then someone lawyered up and ruined it for everyone. It's possible that it's a new environmental phenomenon, I guess.

I'm not sure if this was the nail in the coffin for RC or not.

Personally, I think they should keep it open as a freebie for Fort Wilderness as sort of a deluxe "hotel pool". It's not as if people wouldn't buy enough lemonade, BBQ chicken, souvenirs, etc. to pay for it...

After visiting Typhoon Lagoon, it's a huge letdown, but it would be one hell of a nice extra for those staying at Fort Wilderness.

Does anyone know if there is a path connecting Fort Wilderness and the Wilderness Lodge? That seems like it would be an awfully nice walk.

Post by **js3901** » Jan Tue 23, 2007 7:27 pm

there is a bike/jogging path that starts near the petting farm/pony rides at Ft Winderness heading towards the Lodge. then, there is an intersection to the Nature Trail which heads right for the docks at the wilderness lodge. you'd be walking right past RC. it's right at the intersection (you'd probably be able to see some signs still up)

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jan Wed 24, 2007 11:13 am

Cool, thanks. Maybe next time I go to Islands of Adventure, I'll drop by and check that out. I just can't bring myself to pay to be depressed inside the parks these days, but that would be nice and nostalgiac without giving any cash to Soulcrusher World.

csquare77 · Post by **csquare77** » Jan Wed 24, 2007 2:10 pm

Last time my Brother was down in Disney I think he said at the Polynesian they had no swimming signs by the severnb sea's lagoon. I remember swimming there years ago with no problems.

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Jan Wed 24, 2007 3:53 pm

I think they should have at least left the pool segment open as a WL and FW swimming pool. I loved the drop-off slides.