River Country Boardwalk, Gazebo and other changes.

[ynottony99]

I expected to see all of River Country bulldozed and being hauled out by the dump truck load when we arrived today. However that was not the case. There was activity in 2 areas that we could observe today.



The most dramatic was the already reported on removal of the board walk and gazebo on the lake.


From the boat dock looking west.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/1.jpg


The crew was removing the walk way and appeared to be loading the old wood onto this boat.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/2.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/3.jpg


Not much left at this point.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/4.jpg


They have a lot of tools piled on the floor of the gazebo, and have already started tearing it down.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/5.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiverC.jpg

[kazlac4]

Thanks so much for the update!:thumbsup2

[OK GRUMPY]

:surfweb:popcorn::

[ynottony99]

Inside the entrance to River Country there was a lot of activity. Lots of workers, both contractors, and Disney made it impossible to launch any sort of stealth mission behind the fence.

What we did find is a new construction fence that is preventing access to the buildings just west of the Backyard BBQ.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/1-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/2-1.jpg


This area has been open in the past, and has Restrooms. The focus today was not on removing something, but they were putting up new siding on this existing building. I will look back and see if I have a good photo of this building from before to see just what they have changed.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/3-1.jpg


At any rate it is good to see that they are not leveling the whole place. Like I said there were lots of people working here, and walking in and out of the area. Several 'hardhats' were walking around with blueprints, and this truck was sitting out back in the parking lot.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/4-1.jpg

I could see nothing going in in the water park area itself. The only thing besides the guys tearing out the boardwalk was a that 2 lake patrol boats seemed to stay stationed in the area between Discovery Island and River Country. I presume they are keeping an eye out for TCD!!!

There are a few more photos, but sadly, this is pretty much all I have to offer on this.

[SandrA9810]

where they guy is standing in the third to last photo is where i took this one.

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss31/SandrA9810/rivercountry.jpg

I don't really know what they tore down off of it. But I thought it was strange they were tearing down the bathrooms... guess a bit of refurb on it.

I wish I had a better camera than just my phone to take pictures like that.

[SandrA9810]

I've also noticed there's a guy from Lake Patrol that comes into qdoba in the later afternoon. This was my second time seeing him there today, but I didn't have the chance to ask him what lake he was on.

[LONE-STAR]

Thanks for the update.

[DaveInTN]

Great update Tony! It is kind of sad to see the walkway and gazebo disappearing. I always enjoy seeing those from the boat, even in a state of decay. They were just a nice landmark.

[des1954]

It broke my heart when they closed R.C. Now, it breaks my heart even more to hear of its' destruction. I always held hope that one day they would refurbish and reopen it. My hopes are officially dashed. :sad1:

If they replace R.C. with a nice food court, I can live with it - but I'm doubting that will happen.

Just how popular is the Backyard BBQ for them to refurb the pavillion? Isn't it only open on select days?

Anyhow - thanks for the update, Tony.

[Born 2 Fish]

I think Disney is gonna replace RC with a Flea Market/Swap Meet kind of a place for the campers.

[DaveInTN]

I think Disney is gonna replace RC with a Flea Market/Swap Meet kind of a place for the campers.
With the prices they are charging for sites, I may need to rent a booth.

[Robert6401]

It broke my heart when they closed R.C. Now, it breaks my heart even more to hear of its' destruction. I always held hope that one day they would refurbish and reopen it. My hopes are officially dashed. :sad1:

If they replace R.C. with a nice food court, I can live with it - but I'm doubting that will happen.

Just how popular is the Backyard BBQ for them to refurb the pavillion? Isn't it only open on select days?

Anyhow - thanks for the update, Tony.

I guess the Backyard BBQ is quite popular. Next week will be our third trip to the Fort this year and the first time we have been able to get a ressie for thw BBQ. They book up within a couple of days of 90 days out.

[we3peas]

Maybe they are adding showers to the restrooms in the siding photo??? If they do an upgraded camping area they will need some.

[3gr8kids]

Thanks for the pics/report Tony!

[mreyes01430]

Permit Request Info: In the Construction Industry - found this info in the permit application center.

Renovations? just Drinking and Wastewater Permit at this time.

Permit Application Under Review
Site Name: RCID (DW)
FDEP Office: CENTRAL DISTRICT
Florida County: ORANGE
Permit Type: Water - Domestic Wastewater Collection/Transmission System
Application Number: 182538-013
Applicant Name:
Applicant Company: WALT DISNEY WORLD
Application Received: FEB-09-2010
Current Processing Status
FDEP is currently reviewing this permit request.

[mnsprk]

Just walked over there and what ever the building was/is they are working on they are putting new shingles on the roof..

[Figment Chick]

They certainly know how to stir our attention! I feel like it's just a matter of time before word leaks out on Disney's intentions at RC. I'm staying tuned!

[m1tchells]

popcorn::

[Tigger1966]

popcorn::

[Tab2Disney]

OMG!!
I didn't know. I hate to see the boardwalk and gazebo are gone.
Pictures of the Fort including these are on my desktop!
I will miss them on our future trips.
No more news on why they took them down?

Thanks for the updates!

[ynottony99]

I asked Ken yesterday morning when we were at breakfast, just what was happening with RC. If he knows what the plans are, he isn't telling. I know we have heard lots of rumors about possible expansion of the campground into this area. Lake front camping would be awesome, but I'm skeptical.

[loveDmouse]

I asked Ken yesterday morning when we were at breakfast, just what was happening with RC. If he knows what the plans are, he isn't telling. I know we have heard lots of rumors about possible expansion of the campground into this area. Lake front camping would be awesome, but I'm skeptical.

Lake front camping would be cool. I would hate to see how much that would cost though.

Thanks Tony for the updates and photos. Great work. :thumbsup2

[jenscourt]

:surfweb:

[lucy_love]

I'll be there tomorrow but not bringing my laptop. I will report what I see when I get back on Monday. :thumbsup2

[OK GRUMPY]

Just walked over there and what ever the building was/is they are working on they are putting new shingles on the roof..

thats interesting...

[ynottony99]

I'll be there tomorrow but not bringing my laptop. I will report what I see when I get back on Monday. :thumbsup2

Don't forget to get some super sleuth photos!:thumbsup2

[stacktester]

I asked Ken yesterday morning when we were at breakfast, just what was happening with RC. If he knows what the plans are, he isn't telling. I know we have heard lots of rumors about possible expansion of the campground into this area. Lake front camping would be awesome, but I'm skeptical.

If you would've just asked a bus driver or lifeguard then we wouldn't be wondering anymore. Tony, Tony, Tony.:sad2:

[ynottony99]

If you would've just asked a bus driver or lifeguard then we wouldn't be wondering anymore. Tony, Tony, Tony.:sad2:

Doh!!!! :3dglasses

[ynottony99]

I believe I have only been back into the Backyard BBQ area once or twice before. I have some photos I took, but nothing that shows what the building they are working on looked like before they started this project. I don't know if they have removed part of the building, or if they are just replacing siding and shingles, etc. that were in bad shape.

Does anyone have any pictures or recollection of what it looked like before?

[DisCamper]

I know all the best info we get comes from bus drivers or lifeguards. Some times I just ride the bus or go to the pool to get info. Those people have there finger on everything going on at Disney:thumbsup2

[indimom3]

Something that popped into my head, seeing that pic of all the boards stacked on the boat like that - I wonder if they are going to try and reuse the planks somewhere? Maybe recycle a bit of atmosphere into whatever they are building there?
Or maybe in a few weeks we'll see them on ebay?

[Born 2 Fish]

I know all the best info we get comes from bus drivers or lifeguards. Some times I just ride the bus or go to the pool to get info. Those people have there finger on everything going on at Disney:thumbsup2

My secret source is the garbage man,,,but don't tell anyone.

[DisCamper]

I never thought of the garbage man! They have all the secrets...al the paperwork from all the executives.So, my next trip I'm going to spend at least 3 or 4 days riding along with one of them to learn all of the new secrets.

[itch1]

Rest room attendants or the ice man have always been a wealth of knowledge!

[YensidCamper]

:surfweb: Enjoying reading about RC changes!

[thegooftroopfla]

i think the best information comes word of mouth. i had heard this trick before and tried it. i was sitting under the ball at epcot and started telling someone in my group loudly that the ball was so light it was held up by the equivlent of pieces of paer that were in the exterior columns and they have to remove it for hurricanes. because they were just paper mache hollow pillars. he then asked how is it so light. i told him it was full of helium. he said how come our voices are not high pitched when we ride spaceship earth. i said because the breeze you feel in your face was humidified oxygen to keep you from doing that.
5 minutes later the guy sitting on the fountains family walked up. he started telling them in depth about how they remove it for hurricanes, and retold the same story. then i heard it again later at epcot. later on that night on the way back to the fort we were taking the monorail and someone who i had never seen was telling his family the bogus story i had made up. i asked him where he heard it from he said an employee. believe it or not two days later i am at bongos in dtd and people at the bar are talking about that same story but way outta whack. so i had more fun. and asked do they move the paper mache stilts or does the ball go to. beacause where would they store it. he then goes off on a tangent about that is why they filled it with helium so it will stay floating and they only remove the paper mache stilts. and it is designed as a ball to be aerodynamic and float and not get damaged. he had read it in a disney facts book he told me. he had no idea i had made the story up days earlier. the person with me was hysterical laughing about what was going on not believing how fast this crap traveled. the guy thought he was laughing at him got very deffensive and told us we were idiots for not believeing that disney has the knowledge and know how to accomplish this. we just laughed walked out and told our wives who were looking at us with disbelief. at this point my teenage daughter tells me she heard the same story while going to the bathroom at the contemporary. it is funny how peopl believe anything when they are in disney

[SandrA9810]

One of my coordinators at work (at disney) told me this story. It was between his and another co-worker.

him: "I don't know what is up with this weather..."
cw: "what are you talking about?"
him: "why it's so rainy today, it must be acting up again..."
cw: "what's acting up?"
him: "the weather dome."
cw: "the weather dome?"
him: "yeah, didn't you know disney had a weather dome"
cw: "nooo..."
him: "yeah, well disney has to do something about all the thunderstorms and stuff"

After a short while, he actually managed to convice a co-worker, that had been with the company for a few years already, that there was a weather dome over Disney that controlled the thunderstorms.

It doesn't surprise me one bit to hear crazy stories. Sometimes I'll sit and laugh in my own little corner, because the story the person is telling is too outragous. Other times, I'll go over and correct the story, if they're not too far off from the truth.

[Shasta]

My secret source is the garbage man,,,but don't tell anyone.
It worked for G. Gordon Liddy.

[ynottony99]

SandrA9810 and thegooftroopfla, those are great stories. The more sensational stories are the most appealing. That's why the tabloids do so well.:)

[Born 2 Fish]

It worked for G. Gordon Liddy.

:lmao:

[lucy_love]

Got back yesterday, left my memory card at home= no pictures :eek:

things I noticed:

1.) still working on taking down wood, gazebo was still up when I was there but the boardwalk is gone,

2.) Fence that was pictured above is still up so you cannot see much.

3.) There were odd spray paint markings in the pavement on the loop roads (not near RC). There were several 3 x 3 inch blue squares all over, couldn't figure out what they were for? Also some circles with numbers and arrows.

4.) Trails End- we were with another family and had breakfast, lunch, and dinner at TE by the end of the trip and everyone enjoyed it. We think they added items, my family all thought there were more items? Anyone else notice who has been recently? We also had Ken and Mean Jean :thumbsup2 We have been going to TE for years and will continue to keep going!

TE part 2: above some pp's were talking about a discount at TE, don't remember what it was called and some posters said they accepted it and others said they did not accept it? Well when we were they this weekend they WERE accepting it, the party in front of us had it.

5.) That's all I can think of for now, the fort was packed!

p.s. about the FL $99 deal going on, if you do the volunteer thing, they will deduct the free pass from the $99 so it ends up being $21 for 4 days! A little over $5 a day for 4 days, crazy!

[ynottony99]

Ashley, thanks for the info. :thumbsup2 I think we are going to have to wait just a little longer to find out just what is going on.

I think there have been some small improvements to TE's breakfast. Selection is a little better, and quality was good on our visit last Tuesday.

Thanks!

[YensidCamper]

Lucy_ Love, thanks for the update. I am sure all of us would love to see your pictures when you get a chance. :surfweb: If it weren't for this website I would go nuts without a Disney Fix between trips.

[disneyholic family]

very interesting update!
i do have pictures from RC from just a few months before it closed, but i don't know where they are :eek:
i've found a few of them, but only of the kids in the water...
but i remember taking pictures all over the place on that visit...
one day i'll come upon them....

[OK GRUMPY]

p.s. About the fl $99 deal going on, if you do the volunteer thing, they will deduct the free pass from the $99 so it ends up being $21 for 4 days! A little over $5 a day for 4 days, crazy!

WOW! what a deal!

[ynottony99]

I thought I would put up a few more photos from a couple of weeks back. Maybe someone will spot something that is of interest.

One thing I have never paid much attention to is the area to the west or right of RC as you look from the lake. There is a metal building and boat dock there. Anyone know just what it's function is?

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-17.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-16.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-15.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-14.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-13.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-12.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-11.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-10.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-9.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-8.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-7.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-6.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-5.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-4.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-3.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-2.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/WaltDisneyWorldFortWildernessRiv-1.jpg

[Tigger1966]

I like this view just not what I see
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz225/theoneandonlytigger/rc-3.jpg
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz225/theoneandonlytigger/rc-2.jpg
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz225/theoneandonlytigger/rc-1.jpg
Not sure if I am suposed to repost these:confused3 If not let me know and I will remove them. Otherwise enjoy:thumbsup2

[DisCamper]

Over the Summer while we were sneaking around taking pictures of RC, we ran across that building. It looks to be a break room used by Lake Patrol.

[SandrA9810]

It's a break area for cast, life guards, rec, watercraft.

I really want to get back out there, but chicken out with the cold. Although this week is supposed to be warming up again.

[ynottony99]

It's a break area for cast, life guards, rec, watercraft.

I really want to get back out there, but chicken out with the cold. Although this week is supposed to be warming up again.

Yes it is suppose to be warming up this week. I hope you can make it over, and come back with some info./photos of whats happening.:)

[ynottony99]

Inspired by Tigger1966's post, I started doing some Google Earth snooping. I wanted to see where the road from the break area went to. It simply goes to the service area behind the TDC. But I did notice something I was unaware of. There is a trail along the lake that runs from the WL DVC. Now I knew there was a jogging trail that ran from FW to WL, along side of the service road.
But this seems to be a well defined trail that leaves the beach behind WL and then comes to an end well before it would make it to the RC area.

Has anyone explored this area?

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/ynottony99/River%20Country%20Gazebo%20Removal%20Feb%202010/googletrails.jpg

[cavecricket]

This makes me so sad :(

I grew up at River Country and have such fond memories. I try not to see the emtpy deserted graveyard as it stands and instead try to vision what it once was.
I have some amazing footage I recently put on DVD from reel to reel of River Country when I was a child. It brings tears to my eyes when I watch it.

[ftwildernessrick]

I had always hoped they would have rehabbed RC. It was kind of like having our own water park. Before they closed it, there were rumors of allowing FW guests free access to it. I used to keep an annual pass for it for our use while staying at FW.

I always assumed they would just seal RC water off from the lake, drain it, then concrete the bottom and reopen it as a self-contained water system, like the other water parks. Since it was used a lot even after the other water parks opened, I assumed it would be justification to keep it open. But after a year of being abandoned, I knew that was not going to happen.

Now it is a fading memory of the ole' swimming hole that I and my kids grew up with.

Goodbye RC, we will miss you.

[SandrA9810]

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss31/SandrA9810/joggingpath.jpg


If you notice where the circle is, there's a fork in the path. To the left takes you past a fence, and towards the cast area. To the right, takes you back out towards the service road and onto the paved bike path.

The jogging path leads you to behind the WLV, the bike path leads you to the front of it.

[ynottony99]

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss31/SandrA9810/joggingpath.jpg


If you notice where the circle is, there's a fork in the path. To the left takes you past a fence, and towards the cast area. To the right, takes you back out towards the service road and onto the paved bike path.

The jogging path leads you to behind the WLV, the bike path leads you to the front of it.

Thanks for the info. I always thought the bike path and jogging path were one in the same. I guess I need to explore this jogging path, just to say I have been there. Hope it's ok to walk on the jogging path! :rolleyes:

[fla4fun]

Thanks for the info. I always thought the bike path and jogging path were one in the same. I guess I need to explore this jogging path, just to say I have been there. Hope it's ok to walk on the jogging path! :rolleyes:

I have walked on the "jogging path" before. I prefer the paved path though - I always end up with a lot of sand in my shoes on the "jogging path". I would think joggers would prefer the paved path as well. The "jogging path" takes off from WL right near the bike rentals, and I've seen a lot of cyclists take it as a shortcut to the paved bike trail.

[Disney Ron]

I have walked on the "jogging path" before. I prefer the paved path though - I always end up with a lot of sand in my shoes on the "jogging path". I would think joggers would prefer the paved path as well. The "jogging path" takes off from WL right near the bike rentals, and I've seen a lot of cyclists take it as a shortcut to the paved bike trail.

I don't believe that is called a jogging path, I think it's called the Nature Trail. The jogging and bike paths are one in the same.

[I'mDownWithDisney]

I rode my mountain bike down the trail to WL and then back up to the little shed. There is really not much to it....just a table, building, some fenced off pipes and such for RC. I also rode up behind the stables and into the cast member parking area, but I didn't stick around too long.

[John VN]

I don't believe that is called a jogging path, I think it's called the Nature Trail. The jogging and bike paths are one in the same.

I concur. It would have to be called, "Extreme Jogging Path" since the chance of twisting an ankle is high.

I liked it when the Bike/Jogging Path was a Fitness Trail. Much more nature like and the exercise stations were neat. Used very little also.