3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[annie170]

I have never understood why they didn't resurrect River Country for the Fort Wilderness Guests. Makes no sense to me whatsoever. If you were able to get on the property that easily, I would think RC is a huge liability. Demolish it already! From what I understand, Discovery Island is in a similar state.

My first visit to WDW was in 1985 and these things just make me sad.

 

[hstrickland]

I loved seeing the old pictures, thanks so much for that link! I'm so glad your folks took pictures of that trip, what fabulous memories!!!!

Now this is very un-Disney to leave the place crumbling to ruins. Maybe it would be a huge expense to tear down? I had no idea River Country even existed.

You got some beautiful pictures of the morning

Yep...that's exactly what Bill said...would be super expensive to demolish it. Of course Disney isn't exactly hurting financially

I have a pic of our oldest daughter coming off that rock slide! The treatment of this area is so unlike Disney. I don't get it either. Pretty morning though ...

No kidding! Don't ya love old pictures? And you're right, it's very unlike Disney to keep it as is.

By the way, I just saw Hilton Head under you avatar! We're super close. In fact, Bill does a lot of flats fishing over that way...usually by Parris Island. He and the boys were just over there last weekend.

Love all the RC pictures! Are you able to see through the fencing our are you somehow looking over the fence?

There's actually some rather big holes in the fence that you can stick your head through. Bill asked me last night if I had gone through the fence Absolutely not!! I value my resort stays too much...wouldn't want to get kicked out. However, not sure if you saw in my RC post, but there is a link to someone's thread that actually walked around in there and got some AWESOME pictures. I'm not that brave

Thanks for sharing those pictures of River Country Heather, it is very eery but intriguing. I loved that pic of you!!

Like a ghost town, really. Just weird.

Sounds like y'all had a great meal @ House of Blues. I've always heard good things about the food there.

It really is a travesty that Disney has allowed River Country to rot away like that. I'm with you - at least demolish it.

Bill said the reason they keep it is to annoy people like me... and it also gives people like me something to talk about

I had never heard of River Country until I got on the Dis. I am so curious as to why it has not been torn down. It is not like Disney to leave something in such a horrible state! Especially where it can be easily seen by guests! I'm sure Walt is shaking his head!

Walt is most definitely shaking his head

I am loving your trip report so far! Your pictures are great! I especially like the ones of the sunrise on the lake.

Thanks! Dad and I rarely go without our camera at Disney Glad you joined in!!

Love the report! Looks like a really relaxing time with the family

Very relaxing...usually. With 3 kids, though, things can get a little hetic at times.

I have never understood why they didn't resurrect River Country for the Fort Wilderness Guests. Makes no sense to me whatsoever. If you were able to get on the property that easily, I would think RC is a huge liability. Demolish it already! From what I understand, Discovery Island is in a similar state.

My first visit to WDW was in 1985 and these things just make me sad.

I'm sure RC would be a huge liability if it weren't fenced off. However there are big holes in the fence that you can poke your head through and get pictures

If I remember correctly, one of the reasons they closed RC was because of the lake water that was being used. Also, the other 2 larger water parks were much more popular.

Here are 2 links that are very interesting about the "death" of RC...

Death of River Country Part 1
Death of River Country Part 2

 

[farrahalex76]

Great pictures of River Country. I think it is so awesome that you have childhood memories there. I do wish Disney would do something there, tear it down and do a pool or splash area that doesn't use lake water or something. The DVC rumors are always popping up I figure that's what Disney will end up doing. I've never stayed at the Fort but I really don't think villas really go there. I know they would theme them great but still.

I grew up going to Astroworld in Houston, TX and they just completely demolished that place. At least it's not sitting there rotting away but still makes me sad it's not there anymore.

 

[SusieBea]

No kidding! Don't ya love old pictures? And you're right, it's very unlike Disney to keep it as is.

By the way, I just saw Hilton Head under you avatar! We're super close. In fact, Bill does a lot of flats fishing over that way...usually by Parris Island. He and the boys were just over there last weekend.


Heather, we're from Indiana, and I'd never heard of Hilton Head until Disney built the resort there. We stayed a few times, and loved HHead so much that we purchased a vacation home there. It's Disney's fault we spent that money! Love HHead!

 

[Marsheliz]

I know all about " attitude adjusting" in the restroom.. Lol!! I think it's the mom's right of passage or something.... All I have to do is whisper in their little ear.. " Do we need to go to the restroom and talk"?? )

Beautiful lake pics! I have never heard of RC before but glad you have great memories with your family! People ask me all the time.. " Why do you guys go to Disney so much" and just looking at your older and knowing how you take your family now... I'm sure no one ever looks back and says " Man, I shouldn't have made all those memories at Disney"... Life is short.

 

[pas130]

That's called, you have too much going on....SLOW DOWN!!




They do have burgers

Not sure how you keep up with 5 kids at DTD!! I have trouble with 3! In the stores, out the stores, in again...where's Jesse?? It exhaust me thinking about it

I'm sure they aren't as crazy as you think. One big happy smiling family Your kids are precious, Pas!

My Jesse is DS5 Brian Jr. he is all over They are sweet kids, thank you (as are YOURS!!! ) We had company last night to sign some house paperwork and they made it a point to say how well behaved my kids are So we all went to the park and out for slushies as a reward!!

And burgers would work!!!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I have to agree with you on the food at House of Blues. It's fabulous! I've never had anything there that wasn't great. It's been a couple of years since my last visit but definitely won't be my last.

 

[hstrickland]

Great pictures of River Country. I think it is so awesome that you have childhood memories there. I do wish Disney would do something there, tear it down and do a pool or splash area that doesn't use lake water or something. The DVC rumors are always popping up I figure that's what Disney will end up doing. I've never stayed at the Fort but I really don't think villas really go there. I know they would theme them great but still.

The CM also told us if they did a DVC, they would have to move the stables, etc.....was going to be a mess and lots of unhappy people. I'm like you...can't imaging that a DVC would fit there.

I grew up going to Astroworld in Houston, TX and they just completely demolished that place. At least it's not sitting there rotting away but still makes me sad it's not there anymore.

Funny how some childhood memories stay locked in our brains forever. And you're right...at least you didn't have to watch Astroworld fall apart.

Heather, we're from Indiana, and I'd never heard of Hilton Head until Disney built the resort there. We stayed a few times, and loved HHead so much that we purchased a vacation home there. It's Disney's fault we spent that money! Love HHead!

Of course it is! It is a great place. We have spent many a week at HH during the summer.

I know all about " attitude adjusting" in the restroom.. Lol!! I think it's the mom's right of passage or something.... All I have to do is whisper in their little ear.. " Do we need to go to the restroom and talk"?? )

Wished that worked for us! Sometimes it does....most of the time it doesn't. It's usually a literal trip to the restroom!

Beautiful lake pics! I have never heard of RC before but glad you have great memories with your family! People ask me all the time.. " Why do you guys go to Disney so much" and just looking at your older and knowing how you take your family now... I'm sure no one ever looks back and says " Man, I shouldn't have made all those memories at Disney"... Life is short.

Sounds funny...but you're so right. Who would ever say that??! I have some of the best memories with my husband, kids, and parents...just an awesome place. Our kids are constantly saying...."Remember when we were at Disney and...."

My Jesse is DS5 Brian Jr. he is all over They are sweet kids, thank you (as are YOURS!!! ) We had company last night to sign some house paperwork and they made it a point to say how well behaved my kids are So we all went to the park and out for slushies as a reward!!

And burgers would work!!!

See...you're doing something right!!! Just when you want to pinch their heads off, they surprise you

I have to agree with you on the food at House of Blues. It's fabulous! I've never had anything there that wasn't great. It's been a couple of years since my last visit but definitely won't be my last.

I'll definitely be back....soon

By the way, did you realize you will be leaving out on the Dream the week before we leave on the Fantasy? You're going to have such a great time!! Now that Bill has experienced a Disney cruise, he would rather do that than the World

 

[hstrickland]

Day 3
A Trip Around the Monorail Resorts… w/ Poly Construction Pics!
Part 1




After my early morning and some breakfast, it was time to hit the pool once again! Didn’t have to twist the kids’ arms at all. It was going to be another relaxing day.



A little underwater action with Pop’s camera….not that you can see much.







And what’s a day at the pool without a Mickey Bar??!!







Ok….there ya have it. The only 2 pool pics I got on this day. I seriously can’t believe there aren’t more. Really. I’m starting to wonder if I forgot to download the pictures from the disk. Who knows?!




Anyway…moving right along.



We decided to head over to the CR for dinner at the Contempo Café. Then make our way around to the Poly and GF. I was dying to see the construction!!



Jumping on the golf cart – all 6 of us – we made it quickly to the dock to board the boat.







This boat travels between FW, WL and CR…kind of like a triangle.







It was a scorcher so we were glad to get going and feel a little breeze on our faces.







I like to sit right up front…not sure why…I just do.











Aren’t they the sweetest??!! My parents still love spending time together…and with the grandkids, of course. They just tolerate Bill and me…







I promise not to start my ranting again about River Country…but I’m still gonna point out the obvious ruins that Disney has left behind…











No more, I promise….



Moving along to the WL!!! We’ll be there soon!!! One of my favorites!!!







Ok…you’ll probably hear me say this phrase quite often… “This is one of my favorite resorts.” I know, I know. You’re not supposed to have a plethora of “favorite” resorts. However… all the Disney resorts are so different. It’s hard to really compare them because they each have their own individual charm. They’re all special to me in their own unique way. A bit strange, I know…







And the CR… this is one of my favorites because it holds so many childhood memories. Very nostalgic for me. My sister and I had lots of laughs at the Contemporary!







Getting pictures at the Mickey Ears almost turned into an ordeal….I’m sure a comic scene for any bystanders….







Jesse didn’t want to cooperate…he refused to do what we asked. I could tell it might be a long night with him. MaHopie was having difficulty getting into the actual ear. Stephen was arguing with Faith…and I was getting very impatient as I was the one holding the camera trying to get pictures! I’m tellin’ ya….a comedy act for all to see.















Finally moving on for some dinner! And here’s my one complaint about the CR (there aren’t many) but here’s one. The darn elevators!!! I had forgotten how long one can wait on these things…forever!!! It literally gets congested at times trying to get one. It’s like survival of the fittest! Make a mad dash and go!



After we arrived on the 4th floor, I was starved. The food was really good for counter service….really good!! We had pizzas and salad.







Do you notice the long faces??? Do you care to guess what they’re peering at?? The characters! I wasn’t even thinking about the characters being right there at Chef Mickey’s. Poor things…they totally wanted to go see them. I felt terrible that Faith and Jesse had to just sit there and watch.







After a very tasty dinner, we caught the monorail and rode over to the Poly. I had been waiting for this for days!!! I was sooooo curious about all the construction. While I have seen plenty of pictures, we just had to see it for ourselves. And boy am I glad we did!



When you get off the monorail and walk into the lobby, this is what you see…







Ok…wow!!! Unbelievable. What a sight! To the right, you’ll see this…







And then to the left, it’s even worse…








Continued to next post…




​

 

[hstrickland]

Continued from the previous post...





Day 3
A Trip Around the Monorail Resorts…
Part 2




Now before you get too irritated with me for voicing my disdain about the Poly construction, let me say this. I totally get why Disney is giving the Poly a facelift…it’s time for sure. I’m a huge Poly fan…LOVE the place. However, I felt really bad for those guest who came here without knowing that the entire lobby was under renovation…and a couple of the longhouses…and some of the lagoon. Hopefully Disney offered major discounts.


I wanted to go downstairs to see how check-in was faring. And to no surprise…it was just as bad. When you drive up or get off the bus, this is what you’re looking at…











We did do some pin trading with the front desk, and the CMs were as friendly as ever. That hasn’t changed a bit!



We thought we might get a dole whip, so we headed to Captain Cook’s. Another ‘wow’ moment. It looked like a fast food restaurant!








Dole Whip’s weren’t there anyway, so no big deal. Time to head out to the beach. These villas are going to be super nice when completed! And holy cow what a view they will have!!!







We looked at the pictures of what the Poly will look like when all is said and done. Going to be absolutely gorgeous!!!! BEAUTIFUL!! Time to head over to the GF for some dessert.



This was taken from the boat dock…











Still a pretty view….










So I have an excess of GF photos....sorry. It was truly a picturesque sunset.































Did I mention that this is one of my favorites, too…. Everything is so crisp and clean.








Ok…I’ve bored you enough with the sunset pics. Sorry.







We were craving one of those big delicious cupcakes! And don’t they look outstanding!!??







They weren’t!! Dry as dust. So disappointing.



After a substandard dessert and a very relaxing stroll around the GF, we had to head back to the Fort via the boat.







We did make it back to the Fort beach just in time for the Electric Water Pageant. And here’s a fabulous picture to prove it….







Just kidding….not fabulous…blurry.




Up next….more Fort pictures!




​

 

[SusieBea]

Ok, I had to stop reading to write when I saw the pics at that Mickey thingy w/ the ears where you can sit in them ..... you know. Those are just priceless! Ma Hopie and grandpa! There's the Christmas card! And the kids?!?!? Goodness - Ok, I need to go back and read the rest now. . .

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Your pics are truly great!

I totally agree re: the eyesore that is River Country, very unDisneylike. The abandoned section of Pop was an eyesore for a long time and look what they finally did there, so maybe there is hope

 

[pigletgirl]

Finally all caught up!! Can I just say what gorgeous green eyes, Faith has? Omg! They are totally stunning!

And I had no idea River Country even existed! Shame on Disney for not doing something about it. It's very much an eye sore!

Loving your TR and photos so far!

 

[hstrickland]

Ok, I had to stop reading to write when I saw the pics at that Mickey thingy w/ the ears where you can sit in them ..... you know. Those are just priceless! Ma Hopie and grandpa! There's the Christmas card! And the kids?!?!? Goodness - Ok, I need to go back and read the rest now. . .

Not exactly sure what you would call that ...but your description works! Here's one from 2011. Kinda makes me sad because the kids are getting so big now.

Your pics are truly great!

I totally agree re: the eyesore that is River Country, very unDisneylike. The abandoned section of Pop was an eyesore for a long time and look what they finally did there, so maybe there is hope

Do tell. I had no idea the Pop resort had the same problems years ago Wish I could see some pics of the mess.

By the way, you'll be in my neck of the woods in a couple of week I noticed your ticker says 2 weeks until HHI! Bill fishes over there quite a bit...and I like to shop at the Tanger Outlets I'm sure y'all are getting excited!!

Finally all caught up!! Can I just say what gorgeous green eyes, Faith has? Omg! They are totally stunning!

Thanks

And I had no idea River Country even existed! Shame on Disney for not doing something about it. It's very much an eye sore!

Loving your TR and photos so far!

It's there...for all to see. Well, kind of You just have to find the fence, then peer through. Some brave souls have even gone through and gotten excellent pictures. That makes me too nervous....it's a haven for many snakes and probably alligators, too

 

[pas130]

Poor kiddos staring at Chef Mickey's I remember being at GF and Aurora was at the Tea. I got some dirty looks for that..I didn't know....I giggled at the CR pics..I never get all to cooperate at least..ah fight that's what the kiddos do best sometimes. And the Poly ~sigh~ it is a shame, but I get why it needs to be done..same with the WL pool/waterfall. I just wish it wasn't THIS summer The boat from FW and WL is so cool isn't it???

 

[ProudMommyof2]

We are very excited to be back on HHI in a couple of weeks! The DVC resort there is wonderful!

Art of Animation was built from the abandoned plans for phase 2 of POP Century. I had read a few accounts of people sneaking over to take pics over the years (sound familiar )

Here is an article that talks about it http://www.yesterland.com/legendary.html

here is a youtube ► 3:02► 3:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSc1fG0ETeY

 

[amandaw]

Another nice, relaxing day!

The CR is #1 on my bucket list of resorts to stay at. I know we would love it. I've booked it so many times just to cancel b/c I feel guilty about paying that much for a hotel. But, one of these years & I'm going to just do it. Maybe for my 40th! That gives me a few years to save......though not that many years.

Love all the pics in the Mickey ear thing. Those are priceless! I need to get Reid's pic there in Oct since the last time I took his pic there was back in 2011!

Dinner sounds yummy. Though the kids' faces are pitiful looking over to the characters. But I bet, like most kids, they got over it pretty quick.

That construction at the Poly! It was definitely overdue though. I think it will be great when completed and it may even make Poly go onto my resort bucket list. Maybe.

Sorry for the dry cupcakes. There's nothing worse than being all excited about good food and then.....it just disappoints.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Do you notice the long faces??? Do you care to guess what they’re peering at?? The characters! I wasn’t even thinking about the characters being right there at Chef Mickey’s. Poor things…they totally wanted to go see them. I felt terrible that Faith and Jesse had to just sit there and watch.

Hi Heather,

I have been loving your trip report. You did a great job of capturing the longing in your children's faces. Poor Faith and Jesse. At least they still had their Disney park days ahead of them for consolation.

We "accidentally" ran into River Country when we were walking the trail from WL to FW. It was the part of the trail that starts behind the bike rental building and goes along the lake. We "kind of accidentally" went down the road that says "do not enter - cast members only" and it went to the parking area for the maintenance area by RC. We couldn't see much of the old water park, though. Your view was much better.

 

[Marsheliz]

Those pictures of the kids staring off at the characters are sweet! Poor babies!! )) Love the pics at the Contemporary too! My sister stayed club level the other week there & it sure was nice there! We also took the boat that goes between the resorts for the first time... I'll get to that evening sometime in my TR!

 

[hstrickland]

Poor kiddos staring at Chef Mickey's I remember being at GF and Aurora was at the Tea. I got some dirty looks for that..I didn't know....I giggled at the CR pics..I never get all to cooperate at least..ah fight that's what the kiddos do best sometimes. And the Poly ~sigh~ it is a shame, but I get why it needs to be done..same with the WL pool/waterfall. I just wish it wasn't THIS summer The boat from FW and WL is so cool isn't it???

Rehabs are certainly not pleasant to see BUT Disney has to freshen up the resorts and parks. I CAN NOT WAIT until the Poly is complete! I'll be there for sure!! Gonna be beautiful!!

We are very excited to be back on HHI in a couple of weeks! The DVC resort there is wonderful!

Art of Animation was built from the abandoned plans for phase 2 of POP Century. I had read a few accounts of people sneaking over to take pics over the years (sound familiar )

Here is an article that talks about it http://www.yesterland.com/legendary.html

here is a youtube ► 3:02► 3:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSc1fG0ETeY

You are the best!!! I love reading about old Disney stuff. The video is like looking at a ghost town. So odd, isn't it?! It literally looks like an old abandoned motel you would see in a remote area....NOT Disney
Thanks for sharing!!!!

The CR is #1 on my bucket list of resorts to stay at. I know we would love it. I've booked it so many times just to cancel b/c I feel guilty about paying that much for a hotel. But, one of these years & I'm going to just do it. Maybe for my 40th! That gives me a few years to save......though not that many years.

Have you looked at the Garden Wing rooms? Same rooms, lower price. I booked those rooms several years ago then got a pin code and upgraded to a Tower lake view. Their beds are the most comfortable at Disney (JMO )

That construction at the Poly! It was definitely overdue though. I think it will be great when completed and it may even make Poly go onto my resort bucket list. Maybe.

Sorry for the dry cupcakes. There's nothing worse than being all excited about good food and then.....it just disappoints.

You have to go over there and look on your next trip. It's amazing what they're doing. Those villas/bungalows are going to be something!!

Hi Heather,

I have been loving your trip report. You did a great job of capturing the longing in your children's faces. Poor Faith and Jesse. At least they still had their Disney park days ahead of them for consolation.

Thanks I should have booked a character meal there for dinner while we were at the FW but just didn't think about it.

We "accidentally" ran into River Country when we were walking the trail from WL to FW. It was the part of the trail that starts behind the bike rental building and goes along the lake. We "kind of accidentally" went down the road that says "do not enter - cast members only" and it went to the parking area for the maintenance area by RC. We couldn't see much of the old water park, though. Your view was much better.

Love a curious mind

You've given me an idea. I didn't even think about walking that trail. I bet there are spots all along the trail that you could gain access - accidentally of course - to RC! Perhaps a really cool January or February morning would be better for venturing in....less snakes!

Those pictures of the kids staring off at the characters are sweet! Poor babies!! ))

What on earth was I thinking??!! Torture, I say! Pure torture for a kid!

Love the pics at the Contemporary too! My sister stayed club level the other week there & it sure was nice there! We also took the boat that goes between the resorts for the first time... I'll get to that evening sometime in my TR!

Bet she loved the CR CL! We haven't tried that one, yet. The pics I've seen look really nice. The CR rooms are some of my favorite....comfort wise.