They are going to drain The Rivers of America

[mystic_path]

Did you read Al Lutz's column "Return to flash mountain"?

He was talking about the Rivers of America being drained in winter and spring of 2010 for a refurb on Fantasmic.

How weird would that be to see the rivers drained????? Here is the quote from Al's page

When the huge and lavish World of Color show opens next March however, direct comparisons to Fantasmic! will be hard to make as the Rivers of America is scheduled to be drained for refurbishment for several months in the winter and spring of 2010, with Fantasmic! returning for the 55th Anniversary summer in June, 2010. That suits the World of Color designers and TDA planners just fine though, as they want the new DCA show with its massive scale to debut early in the spring and establish itself as the premiere nighttime North American Disney spectacular without competing against Fantasmic! next door.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I have pictures of the Rivers of America from the last time they drained it. It's not as deep as I had initially thought.

 

[wendylady36]

I have pictures of the Rivers of America from the last time they drained it. It's not as deep as I had initially thought.

I have pictures too.

So this means no going to Pirates Lair/TSI, right?

 

[LuLusApple]

I read that too. Does that mean it (fantasmic!) won't be back for a June performance like initially thought?
It sounds like it would be down for the rest of the year.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

I read that too. Does that mean it (fantasmic!) won't be back for a June performance like initially thought?
It sounds like it would be down for the rest of the year.

It should be back. And then they'll refurb it again same time next year possibly.

 

[Sherwin]

I have pictures too.

So this means no going to Pirates Lair/TSI, right?

Well, hey they could leave it open, and instead of rafting there, we could all walk there.

 

[Stacerita]

I have pictures of the Rivers of America from the last time they drained it. It's not as deep as I had initially thought.

Can you post those pics Mary Jo?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I believe these pics are from 2003


While the river was dry they had Huck & Becky out there whitewashing the fence. Kids could help them paint.





Here is the Mark Twain at dock with a peek at the river





Here is the river w/a view of some work being done on it. You can see the track that the boats use





And finally, here is a pic of the area in front of the island. You can see all the gas jets.





Wendy, during this time I'm pretty sure the island will be closed.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Wow, that's not that deep at all.

Genius idea to have them out there painting the fence, cute!

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

well, that is a real bummer. we were hoping to go in march 2010 for our 55th Anniversary Trip and of course it will not be the same with an empty rivers of america! maybe we will push back to november/december 2010...

 

[PrincessYessenia]

Wow, that's not that deep at all.

Genius idea to have them out there painting the fence, cute!

I totally agree, absolutely GENIUS!

 

[Sherwin]

It should be back. And then they'll refurb it again same time next year possibly.

I don't think they would send it into extensive refurb again. I think what Al meant was Winter and Spring, as in Jan/Feb months into Spring, as opposed to another renovation in December that year.

 

[mechurchlady]

Normally the Rivers of America is drained and cleaned about every 5 years so it is due for a cleaning this year or next year. I doubt World of color would have anything to do with the timing of this. Someone might want to pull up the dates of refurbs for Rivers of America.

 

[DizNee Luver]

When we were there in October of 84, the rivers were drained...... really weird to see.......... I thought I had some pics, but I can't find them...sorry

Can you imagine what they must find in there after the water is drained????

 

[pixiewings71]

Anyone else notice that Becky looks a lot like Sallie Mae? LOL

 

[mystic_path]

WOAH it looks so weird without water, and yeah its crazy shallow. Not deep what so ever. I mean seriously if someone tried jumping from the boat they could break their legs hitting the bottom.

 

[Stacerita]

I knew it was shallow, but wow, to see it is crazy.

 

[BillyFan]

Anyone else notice that Becky looks a lot like Sallie Mae? LOL

I was thinking the same thing!

 

[disheadz]

I believe it averages about 5 ft deep. If they didn't color the water you could easily see the bottom.

 

[Disney Dreams]

EVERY report, CM comment, etc that I have heard indicates that Fantasmic! is returning in the summer.

I think it's funny that we all are surprised it's not very deep. After all, there really is no reason for it to be deep - and yet we are all surprised. Funny.

...Can you imagine what they must find in there after the water is drained????

OMG, one can only imagine! I don't think I would want to know. LOL

I've always believed the ducks on the river must have a twisted view of humans. hehe