When did River Country close?
Disney closed the water park in November, 2001, but didn’t make an announcement that it would not reopen until 2005.
Why did Disney build River Country?
Part of the reason why Disney built River Country was to get people out of the existing Disney resort hotels and into something that would cause them to spend more money. Disney built the water park in 1976. It was far more popular than expected. In fact, it was so successful that it was constantly full.
What are the problems with River Country?
But here were two problems with that set up. The first is that Bay Lake, like every other natural body of water in Florida, has alligators. The second is that the lake, like nearly every other natural body of water, contained amoebas and other nasty microscopic critters that can create health issues. These are issues that are difficult to solve (in the case of the water source) and impossible to solve (in the case of alligators).
How to get to River Country?
To get to River Country, you had to park in the Fort Wilderness entrance area, take a bus through Fort Wilderness to near Bay Lake, and then walk to the water park. It just wasn’t in a convenient place for most guests.
What was the first water park in Disney?
Do you remember River Country? Disney’s first water park that was modeled after the ‘ol swimming hole , and featured items like two water slides, a tire swing, and a barrel bridge. After it opened it was a smash hit.
Who was the CEO of Disney?
Jeffrey Katzenberg, a top executive at Disney back when Michael Eisner was CEO, found this out himself. He took his family to Disney World and tried to go to River Country. It was full, and he couldn’t get in – even though he was a top executive with the company!
Is River Country in Disney?
According to Jim Hill, rumors have it that a new Disney Vacation Club resort might someday take over the current location where River Country sits. It would be a great location for a new vacation club property – with beautiful natural views and boat access to the Magic Kingdom. But I think we would still miss River Country.
Why is River Country closed?
Rather, the biggest reason for River Country’s closure is that the park simply couldn’t sustain demand next to its much larger siblings, especially in the midst of the massive travel slowdown following the attacks of 9/11. However, the park’s closure isn’t the end of its story. Disney, uncharacteristically, didn’t demolish River Country ...
How long was River Country at Disney?
River Country was a staple of the Walt Disney World attraction lineup for 25 years, and over that period it was witness to the evolution of the vacation kingdom. When the park opened, the entire complex was made up of the Magic Kingdom theme park, two resort hotels, a campground, and a small shopping village.
What is River Country like?
The park’s Life After People -like state attracted many urban explorers who illegally broke-in to explore and document the crumbling slides and pools, sharing their images on the internet for all the world to see. This led to River Country attaining an almost cult-like fame among many, even those with little interest in the rest of Disney’s parks.
Is Disney Lakeside Lodge tearing down?
Over the next two years, the company continued tearing down and removing the park despite making no official announcement of what they’d be doing with the land. Finally, in October of 2018, Disney announced that the new Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge vacation club resort would be constructed on the site.
Is River Country a true story?
Would you believe that the Walt Disney Company allowed a full theme park to rot away in the middle of Walt Disney World for nearly two decades? We’d forgive you for being skeptical, as the story sounds completely antithetical to Disney’s usual M.O.. However, it’s true. This is the story of that park – River Country – from its construction to its awkward closure and what the future holds for the land.
Did River Country have minnows?
Yes, we spent a great day at River Country in 1980, back when we stayed off property. It was such a relaxing day. My 12-year-old nephew absolutely loved the fact that there were minnows the lake. He really enjoyed swimming with the “tiny fish”.
Do we stay at wildernesses?
We always stayed at wildernesses (still do). Many good memories of the waterpark as a child. We do not do the other water parks. I anxiously waited to hear what they would be doing with the area only to be disappointed to hear another resort. Was hoping they would expand campground or something on those lines. That’s what’s so nice of the campground, you can truly quietly relax after a busy day at the parks.
Why is River Country closed?
There have been rumors that the park closed due to pollution from firework displays. Even more sinister: the possibility a visiting child had been killed by a bacterial infection he contracted from the park. Whatever its reasons, there's no denying that the scene left behind at Disney's River Country is eerie.
When did Disney shut down?
Disney's River Country and Discovery Island theme parks were mysteriously shut down in 2001. To this day, no one knows what exactly happened at what was once "The Happiest Place on Earth.".
How did Seph Lawless get close to the site?
To get close to the site, Lawless hired a boat at Disney World and used a high tech drone camera to snap pictures of the abandoned theme park. Seph Lawless
When did Disney shut down Seph Lawless?
The shift from thriving park to neglected wasteland started in 2001, when Disney officials closed the park without prior warning. Seph Lawless
Did Disney World suffer bad press?
Seph Lawless. 17 of 30. While Disney suffered a bout of bad press, business didn't suffer much. In fact, at the time, the Associated Press claimed that there was "no reason to blame Disney World for the tragedy," as amoebas of this type are common throughout U.S. lakes and happen to thrive in hot weather.
Is Disney World swimming in the lakes?
16 of 30. Ten years later, Walt Disney World began prohibiting swimming in the lakes near Discovery Island and River Country. They also issued an explicit statement telling visitors that the beaches were only for sunbathing. Seph Lawless.
Is River Country ruin?
Years ago, River Country would have been bustling with families who had traveled far and wide to visit the attraction. Fast forward to the present and the park lies in ruin. Seph Lawless
How long has River Country closed?
Want to tour a Disney property you’ll have no temptation to visit? We know just the one! River Country, Disney’s first water park, has been closed for almost 20 years. Take a peek at its history.
How big is River Country?
Compared to the scale of Disney’s current satellite parks and main properties, River Country was a teeny-tiny affair. Covering scarcely six acres, it was barely bigger than a city park and could only hold around 4,000 guests.
