river country?

[a_hobden]

does anybody know what happened to river country? thanks

 

[mbb]

from what I've read,
it was closed just prior to 9/11 for refurbishment, maybe...
then after 9/11, and downturn in tourist traffic, it wasn't scheduled for re-opening...
then there's the water bacteria/parasites,...

I'm really not sure if there ever was an exact reason for it closing...but that the several factors may be involved...if anyone knows any different, here's hoping they'll post

HTH!!

 

[MELSMICE]

Just guess they decided to close it - I'm sure they have their reasons. It's sad because it's just sitting there. One rumor was that it wasn't cost efficient because of the lake water, but who knows.

I really, really, really wish they would at least open the pool back up for FW guests. It was a large pool with a fun slide & I'm sure it would be a major attraction for people at both FW & also the WL. But..................they didn't ask my opinion or wishes!

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Back in the summer of 2002 I emailed Disney asking why River Country wasn't listed with Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon on their website ... got an email back saying that BB & TL were enough to handle expected guests.

I was REALLY disappointed as I had planned on going to RC in the afternoons for a break (we were staying at FW in a cabin).

Sure wish Disney would re-open it.

 

[cavecricket]

it is sooooooo sad

RC was my backyard thru my entire childhood. I would have loved to share it with the new generation. and i agree with melsmice....they should open the pool for FW guests, the campground pools are very motel 6ish at least RC would depict a bit better the magic of disney. I did think it was a bit odd that they even mentioned RC in my intinerary??
maybe they will reopen seasonally or something, until then I will continue to blow kisses from the boat on Bay lake to our lost but never forgotton friends River Country and Discovery Island.

 

[CarolA]

I have read several times that RC has some major structural problems. I don't think it will ever reopen.

 

[Gomez Gang]

I have heard that it would be cost prohibitive for Disney to re open the park. There were several issues at hand. I can't remember exactly where I read this but this is what I recall:

~The new standard for bacteria vs. the lake water....they would have to re-do the whole filtration system.
~The slides were no longer up to code and some of them were in need of major repair, cement, wooden structure, the whole 9 yards.
~9/11 impact on fewer tourists were also a small consideration
~they felt the 2 newer water parks fitted the needs of all guests

Hope this helps!

I too was a River Country kid....I would love to someday share that park with my kids.

 

[a_hobden]

thanx for the info it's a shame they dont plan to re-open i really liked the place. it was great to get away for a quite day.

 

[Rozzie]

I thought I was the only one out there that still day dreamed about all those afternoons at river country. I even built my own fort in the woods by my house which i named river country. (My fort now is home to a tacky neighborhood.)
I wish disney would open it up. You know they have the $$$ to fix it!!!!!!! we can still "wish" right?

 

[Disnutty]

River Country closed and never reopened as of April of 2002. It has been rumored that Disney would have to completely raze all of the slides and it would have to be completely rebuilt due to its age (Built in 1976) and current code issues. The attendance at River Country was low and getting lower as Disney opened their two newer water parks so there does not appear that there is any plan in the near future to reopen the original water park. Its sad, but I do remember going there and staying all afternoon. and even hearing the MK train whistle in the background. Typhoon Lagoon has a boat whistle but its just not the same. Does anyone remember a rope swing at River Country or was I just dreaming?

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by Disnutty
Does anyone remember a rope swing at River Country or was I just dreaming?

I remember the rope swing at RC - if there wasn't then I guess we both had the same dream.

It's too bad they don't just redo the pool & update the slides & use at the FW pool. It is such a great area - they already have the facilities for food & a great locker room.

Oh well, maybe someday!