What is on the mystery island?

[Carrie772]

Anybody know the story abnout the island in the 7 seas lagoon? It kind of reminds me of Jurassic park with all the trees, buildings partially hidden and the dock that's in disrepair...Spooky!!

Anybody know the story about the water park between WL and FW??

 

[safetymom]

The water park was River Country. The island in the middle of the lake was Discovery Island. They had lots of birds and animals. They moved them to AK when it opened so the island isn't used anymore..

 

[DVCJEN]

The waterpark was called River Country-- I think it closed in 2001(but don't quote me on it) One of the boat crew on a trip to the WL said the island is a bird sanctuary.

 

[smolensk]

Here is a link for the history of Treasure/Discovery Island

http://allearsnet.com/tp/di.htm

 

[PrincessAurora]

Yeah, that island. I saw these hippie kids and this big dog over there. Heard "jinxies" a great deal and then some glow in the dark pirates showed up. Sorry - that was Scooby Doo.

That is Discovery Island. It is currently a bird sanctuary while Disney decides what to do with it. At one time, you could go over there. No longer.

The water park was called River Country and also looks like its straight out of some haunted Scooby Doo episode. It use to be the Huck Finn flavored water park. It was closed for "renovation" many years ago and never re-opened. It appears after the two other water parks opened with cool, new fangled slides and a wave pool and swimming with sharks and tubing around on a river - who wants to dive in a swimmin' hole via a tire swing?

Rumors abound that they will reopen it some day but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[All Aboard]

These links should help:

Discovery Island

River Country

 

[philaround]

Until this year all the signage for River Country was left in place, leading to all the rumors that some day it would re-open but earlier this year all the signs were taken down. I always said "Someday I'm going to go to River Country". I quess I waited for too many somedays.

 

[safetymom]

I always wanted to go to River Country. The time we drove over there they were closed because of the cold weather. We never did get to go.

 

[Carrie772]

Neat information!! Thanks so much for the help. Although, I do like the Jurassic park and Scooby theories a lot better!
Ha!

 

[chamonix]

Isn't Discovery island in Bay Lake not 7 Seas? I assume the island in 7 Seas is not the one being discussed here.

Oh, and I got to go to River Country as a kid. It was great! I miss it too, it was more my style than the newer water parks with their "big thrill" kind of slides. I'm much more of a Huck Finn and shipwrecked kinda girl.

 

[Carrie772]

Bay Lake. Right. See? I am just learning! Thanks everyone for playing along with me!

 

[brack]

I too had the opportunity to go to River Country and the island in Bay Lake. The island had a nature reserve with various animals and birds. The "main" attraction was this huge turtle. It is good to at least say that I have been there.

 

[sharibrat]

As a kid, we always camped at Fort Wilderness, walked to River Country and did the island too. River Country was so cool, I am so upset it is closed I just found out a few weeks ago (it was still open in 98 when I went). Just some of my childhood memories that I can't live with my kid!

 

[grammynelliebelle]

We also enjoyed River Country and Discovery Island when camping at Fort Wilderness. Tent and van accommodations! I think the last time we were there was in the late 80's(?). It was really fun. Also remember when there was a train ride is the campground.

 

[LoveWDW]

We used to go to Discovery Island every visit. It had birds and other wildlife. I remember the birds that would dance around to get attention- parrots for one, and the CM's would hold and talk about them. There was an area on a walkway with flamingos if I remember correctly. We strolled around the various walks. It was a peaceful and pleasant time.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Two humorous stories.....

Back in the day, they did some catering now and again on Discovery Island. All of the food had to be prepared at Pioneer Hall and taken over on a barge. On more than one occasion the barge would hit a wave, and trams of kitchen supplies and food would sink to the bottom of Bay Lake. If you wanted to dive down there you could probably furnish a rather large kitchen with everything that is down there.

Second story, at one point in time, they decided to add a wave machine to the island in Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Polynesian. The thought was that the guests at the Poly would enjoy playing in the waves. The waves washed away the sand on the beach, and eventually almost flooded the hotel. The wave machine was removed.