It's walking distance from WL, but still a little ways away from it. It's not exactly next to it, but not too terribly far. Basically the best way to describe it is this: If you're at the WL, there is a spot down by the lake where you can rent boats, bikes, etc. Just to the right of that, as you're facing it, if you just keep walking in the direction where the lake is on your left, you'll eventually get to the outside of where River Country is. The trail eventually turns to the right and ends up on a paved road that leads to the stables, petting zoo, etc. You're walking past RC before you get to those spots.
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River Country Pics
- Thread starter Next Big Thing
- Start date
It's walking distance from WL, but still a little ways away from it. It's not exactly next to it, but not too terribly far. Basically the best way to describe it is this: If you're at the WL, there is a spot down by the lake where you can rent boats, bikes, etc. Just to the right of that, as you're facing it, if you just keep walking in the direction where the lake is on your left, you'll eventually get to the outside of where River Country is. The trail eventually turns to the right and ends up on a paved road that leads to the stables, petting zoo, etc. You're walking past RC before you get to those spots.
Amazing, indeed. But at the same time, it's a very sad state of affairs to see River Country just rot away. You'd think WDW management would of actually done something about it, at least level the whole thing before vegetation started spreading into the area. I really wish they'd just do...well, something to that land.
Once again, you'd be surprised. I've spent a lot of time in that general vicinity and on more than one occasion, I've wandered into that dock area that you're referring to. I've actually walked past the small buildings and sat in the boats that are docked there and taken pictures from them. I've seen Lake Patrol whizzing by and not bother me or radio anyone that I was there. Nothing in the area indicates that it's off limits to guests... no signs, no fences, nothing. I always got the feeling that if I ever did encounter a CM in that area, they wouldn't really care that I was there.
TheAmazingBobbo
Well-Known Member
Thanks. Right after I posted that, I was able to find it on Google Earth. It looks a lot closer on there than everyone has described, but it was really neat to use the time function on Google Earth to look back over the past years to see how the site went from functional to overgrown and half-buried.
Like you guys said, demolition costs money, I'm just surprised that Disney would just let something deteriorate like that without at least removing some of the remaining buildings and structures.
_Scar
Active Member
This could be a huge liability then if someone ever got hurt exploring here. After all, they encourage you to travel all around the resort in the golf carts.
I predict disaster!
heartodisney
Active Member
Interesting pics and post. Has there ever been a thought on some sort of museum that would house items from old places like this and more...sad..if not and what a loss of history!
Kelsybelle
Active Member
Tetanus shot anyone?!? I'm going to be haunted by those photos!
Figment632
New Member
The first thing I thought was Alligators!
xtina72
New Member
Screen captures from Google earth:
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3873/rc1y.jpg
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/9228/55575250.jpg
Little off subject but I found out something interesting about Discovery Island that I did not know...
From the early 1900s, the island was known as Raz Island, named after the family that lived there. In the late 1930s, it was purchased for $800 by a man named Delmar "Radio Nick" Nicholson, who renamed the island "Idle Bay Isle" and lived there for 20 years with his wife and pet crane. It was later sold, renamed "Riles Island," and used as a hunting retreat. Disney bought the island in 1965 as part of its secretive property acquisitions before building Walt Disney World Resort.[1]
After its closing, Disney considered teaming up with the makers of the Myst video game to create a cutting-edge interactive experience to be called "Myst Island". Guests to the island would explore unusual locations and unravel a mystery about the island's previous inhabitants. This unusual attraction never got beyond the concept stage.[2]
The island's facilities were the home of the last known dusky seaside sparrow before it died in 1987. The species was declared extinct in 1990.
The island remains closed to the public. It can easily be seen from Disney's Contemporary Resort and from Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, as well as from boat trips between them. The island is adjacent to Disney's River Country water park, which is also closed.
Sometimes its hard to remember that Disney world was something else BEFORE it was Disney World.
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3873/rc1y.jpg
http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/9228/55575250.jpg
Little off subject but I found out something interesting about Discovery Island that I did not know...
From the early 1900s, the island was known as Raz Island, named after the family that lived there. In the late 1930s, it was purchased for $800 by a man named Delmar "Radio Nick" Nicholson, who renamed the island "Idle Bay Isle" and lived there for 20 years with his wife and pet crane. It was later sold, renamed "Riles Island," and used as a hunting retreat. Disney bought the island in 1965 as part of its secretive property acquisitions before building Walt Disney World Resort.[1]
After its closing, Disney considered teaming up with the makers of the Myst video game to create a cutting-edge interactive experience to be called "Myst Island". Guests to the island would explore unusual locations and unravel a mystery about the island's previous inhabitants. This unusual attraction never got beyond the concept stage.[2]
The island's facilities were the home of the last known dusky seaside sparrow before it died in 1987. The species was declared extinct in 1990.
The island remains closed to the public. It can easily be seen from Disney's Contemporary Resort and from Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, as well as from boat trips between them. The island is adjacent to Disney's River Country water park, which is also closed.
Sometimes its hard to remember that Disney world was something else BEFORE it was Disney World.
yet so sad 
Big Cheese
Member
Looks like their just "aging" the place for a new Disney Thriller.:lookaroun
This could be a huge liability then if someone ever got hurt exploring here. After all, they encourage you to travel all around the resort in the golf carts.
I've thought the same thing. In a way, though, I have to admit it's always been kind of cool how you can do that (go off the beaten path and explore) on Disney property. Not as much as you used to be able to, but still quite a lot of areas where you still can. I worry about that changing at some point, but at the same time I would of course feel terrible if someone ever did get hurt.
I'll have to dig up the ones I have and post them on here. It is pretty sad, but also pretty interesting at the same time.
protiius
Member
i know the idea of a disney museum has been discussed on these boards in the past...particularly recently as an option to fill the gap left by pi at dtd...i would love to see something like that built...
EPCOTPluto
Well-Known Member
Very fascinating and creepy pics. Actually makes me want to go there now. :lookaroun
With all these photos circulating, what's the possibility that Disney may tighten security there?
With all these photos circulating, what's the possibility that Disney may tighten security there?
E102_Gamma
Member
I went to River Country when I was young, only got to go there a couple of times before it closed down. I remember doing flips into the pool when there was a diving contest, and my dad was one of the judges lol. Sadly enough, I really hate how River Country has become today, although I must say, after all these years of hurricanes, storms, and anything else mother nature has thrown at it... River Country has stood the test of time, despite having fallen post and other things.
If was the one in there, I would have pick up that employee recognition plaque and hang it outside Trail's End or somewhere outside the River Country entrance to show that River Country is still there, and those who work so hard to make that piece of magic grow be recognized.
If was the one in there, I would have pick up that employee recognition plaque and hang it outside Trail's End or somewhere outside the River Country entrance to show that River Country is still there, and those who work so hard to make that piece of magic grow be recognized.
EPCOTPluto
Well-Known Member
As much as that plaque would look great on my bedroom wall, that is a pretty good idea. A little memory for RC indeed...
ShookieJones
We need time for things to happen.
wow, wow, wow..
I went there once as a kid...Loved it.....It was my first time in a waterpark.
Hmmm I'll tell you I'd love to know how this guy got back there and took ALL these photos undetected. Amazing really.
In terms of Disney Memorabilia..I'd love to have a couple of those signs....Hmmm..that hoop and hollar Hollow one...:lookaroun
How about they get in there and pull that place apart I'm sure if they ebay'd some of that stuff they'd make some dough for charity...
give a day get a day no...???
I went there once as a kid...Loved it.....It was my first time in a waterpark.
Hmmm I'll tell you I'd love to know how this guy got back there and took ALL these photos undetected. Amazing really.
In terms of Disney Memorabilia..I'd love to have a couple of those signs....Hmmm..that hoop and hollar Hollow one...:lookaroun
How about they get in there and pull that place apart I'm sure if they ebay'd some of that stuff they'd make some dough for charity...
give a day get a day no...???
It's pretty easy to do if you know the spot. Not that I'm saying I advise it or condone it. But I can tell you that Disney does not go out of their way to make it difficult to get in, and there are no signs saying to keep out.
xtina72
New Member
Please do!!