River Country

[205730]

Can anyone tell me whether or not RC will ever reopen? I so enjoyed going there when I was a kid. My kids love staying at FW campground and they often ask me what RC was like. It would be great to see it refurbished and up and running. Not as high tech as the other water parks but serves its purpose as a lazy ole' river.

 

[donaldduck1967]

Disney announced a few weeks ago that it is closed for good. Do a search there are a few threads on it.

 

[jedimaster1227]

too bad, I remember RC since I was really young. Hopefully, somesort of refurbishment to revive the area, not the park but the area, maybe it could become a Disney camping ground like at Ft. Wilderness.

 

[Fordlover]

I doubt it. When I was there last, I went for an unofficial behind the scene tour of the area, and it's had no maintaince done what-so-ever, everything is overgrown and falling apart with lack of repair. It does seem like all the equipment is still in place, so ideally it could be reopened, but I believe disney thinks there is no use for it or worthwhile to staff it and pay maintaince costs when there are the other water parks that are more modern and probably safer and more efficient.

 

[205730]

That must have been an experience Fordlover. We stay often at the FW campground and many times I have wanted to take an unofficial tour just as you did but ive been afraid of getting caught. By where did you get in (if you dont mind saying)?

 

[Robfasto]

When I was there last month the gate was open and I just walked in to take a tour. The restrooms are still being used for Mickey's Backyard BBQ...

Pictures will be posted tomorrow...

 

[OliveMcFly]

I know there was a rumor going around about re-opening for campground guests but, I don't think it will ever see the light of day. Such a shame.

 

[Fordlover]

That must have been an experience Fordlover. We stay often at the FW campground and many times I have wanted to take an unofficial tour just as you did but ive been afraid of getting caught. By where did you get in (if you dont mind saying)?

Wow, a really old thread, but I just now ran back across this. I can't remember exactly where we went in, but we walked straight up a path (that used to be the main entrance i believe, from the beach area. the gates were closed, but are only waist high. Sign said we're sorry river country is closed etc. etc. I'm currious if disney has taken anything apart since I was there last in 04.

 

[ctwhalerman]

I think River Country has just sat there for years since it has closed. There was always the rumor that Disney needed to retrofit the whole park because its semi-connected to Bay Lake, and another rumor that said Disney would simply open it up for Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge guests, but nothing has happened since. The cost to fix the place up is probably too much, so they'll just let it rot until they figure what to do with it.