River Country

[WeRblam]

Just wondering if you can walk around the old river country? If you rent a boat, can you get out and walk the old property. Would love to see it, one more time...Thanks.

 

[LegoMom3]

When we were there last fall the entrance was roped off. I wouldn't imagine you could just get in and wander around, that's a liability waiting to happen! You might be able to see more of it from a boat, but I doubt there's access there, either.

It really is too bad they can't do something with it, it was such a nice relaxing place to go.

 

[stacktester]

They had to spend 17 Million on the bus satellite system which several drivers say still doesn't work. If any resort deserves a themed pool it's FW. It stays packed all the time. I would be willing to pay extra to use RC if they re-did the place.

 

[LegoMom3]

... I would be willing to pay extra to use RC if they re-did the place.

Ditto here. Does anyone remember exactly why they closed it in the first place?? I read it once somewhere but can't remember now the real reason.

 

[tim5055]

Ditto here. Does anyone remember exactly why they closed it in the first place?? I read it once somewhere but can't remember now the real reason.

The actual reason given was the same a closing the swimming beach, bacteria in the water was unhealthy. RC drew its water from the lake, rather than being a closed system like a pool that could be treated.

Now, my guess is that it just became too expensive to operate. When it opened, it was the only water park and folks from all resort hotels visited. Add themed pools at resorts and new activities around the world and you get declining visitation at RC. The expenses stay the same and you have a recipe for closure. Again, just a guess but i think it was more of a money thing rather than a health issue.

 

[GbG]

Anyone know where we can send WDW suggestions on what we want done with it? I'd like to see one of two things done.

First, I'd like to see it refurbed - even if they have to do it without the lake water section- then opened to resort-guests only as a perk like EMH - preferrably free of charge. But even if its a fee, I'd like to see it be resort-guest only waterpark.

If that can't be done, tear it down, then use the parts of it that can be reused to rebuild the Meadows pool into a big theme pool with rocks and water slides.

But I don't know where to call or write to make my suggestions known.

 

[tim5055]

First, I'd like to see it refurbed - even if they have to do it without the lake water section- then opened to resort-guests only as a perk like EMH - preferrably free of charge. But even if its a fee, I'd like to see it be resort-guest only waterpark.

IIRC it was all lake water. From reports of folks who have been able to get inside, it is falling apart. The cost to referb would probably be too high.

If that can't be done, tear it down, then use the parts of it that can be reused to rebuild the Meadows pool into a big theme pool with rocks and water slides.

My I'm sounding negative today, but again I don;t think there is much of value that could be "transferred" to make a themed pool. Thechnology has changed between the construction of RC in the 70s and today. I agree, they need a themed pool, but build it with new materials.

But I don't know where to call or write to make my suggestions known.

YOu can just use the Contact Us Page on the WDW web site to make a comment or suggestion.

 

[Donna]

If they were willing to put the money into it, they could easily make a river-themed water recreation area there with modern-day new materials. You could use a darker lining for the pool and then the water would LOOK like river water (in lieu of the robins-egg blue color of regular pools). I don't think it'd be THAT hard for disney imagineers to come up with something, it's all about the money i think.

FW is in DIRE need of at LEAST one other pool. Am i looking at this map right, for this HUGE resort, there are ONLY TWO POOLS? There should be NO LESS than FOUR pools for this size of resort, themed or not. It'd be different if the beaches were usable, but they're not as far as swimming in them goes. Something is needed closer to the marina.

 

[LegoMom3]

Has there EVER been swimming in the lake?? Seems weird to have a campground, with a beach, that you can't swim in.

And I agree, The Fort is in dire need of a pool upgrade.

 

[tim5055]

Has there EVER been swimming in the lake??

Yes, when FW opened the area to the right of the pier (facing the pier) was a swimming beach. I swam there several times on my early trips.