| # | Author | Message |
1
| jonnyrzone420
Wed 11/21/2007 5:02p | I was just thinking about river country. From what I have been told by cast members the entire property is sitting there unused and ready to go. I heard rumors of a third water park at WDW. Does anyone know if they are going to do anything with the property like turn it into a new water park since the groundwork has already be laid, or are they just going to get rid of it? |
2
| FerretAfros
Wed 11/21/2007 5:30p | My guess at this point is that they aren't planning on adding a new water park there. They have really let that area go, and the only thing that would be realistically salvageable would be the bathroom building that is still being used for Mickey's Backyard BBQ. Since, all things considered, that doesn't really save them much money when they are building a brand new park, I would expect that if they build another, it would be in a location accessable to more people, and on more of a main route through WDW. |
3
| Spirit of 74
Wed 11/21/2007 7:14p | They are letting it sit and rot away, and there are no plans to do anything with it.
It will likely remain that way until some kids or drunken guests walk in, it's quite easy to do, and wind up drowning.
Then, they'll likely invest in removing the area and -- probably -- returning it to nature.
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4
| Sport Goofy
Thu 11/22/2007 7:52a | River Country's biggest problem is that the focal point for its largest swimming area, Bay Cove, was directly connected to Bay Lake. Even though they heavily chlorinated the water there and had a barrier to ensure water flowed from the cove to the lake and not vice versa, scares over bacteria in natural lakes and streams throughout Florida that began over 10 years ago really made the whole facility unattractive from a liability standpoint. |
5
| TDLFAN
Sat 11/24/2007 6:06p | >>They are letting it sit and rot away, and there are no plans to do anything with it<<
I think they should re-name it "Gatorland" since some report seeing alligators hanging in those water in the last few years... Oh wait! That name is already taken, but that would not stop Disney from stealing someone else's concept in hopes to discourage yet another mom and dad operation from operating. And we all know the Brits loves Gatorland in Kissimmee, and Disney for added insult.
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6
| ExplorerDave
Sun 11/25/2007 8:36a | It seems like all of the Disney World hotels have slides etc. Some built that way and some recently renovated. At this point the Fort Wilderness Meadow pool seems to be the blandest pool on the property. With River country so close, it seems like they should be able to reuse some of those things at the meadow pool area, and make that a great pool too. |
7
| dshyates
Sun 11/25/2007 9:09a | It will be interesting to see what Disney does about the new crop of hotels with attached indoor water parks. If Disney does this it will kill Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Island. If they don't they will lose a lot of business to competitors. Marriot has a giant Nickalodeon one on the way and Great Wolf and Kalahari are planning on moving to Otown. |
8
| ExplorerDave
Sun 11/25/2007 9:45a | ^^^ Actually I think that would be a great business for disney at their parks and in stand alone locations. Disney Quest did not work as a stand alone, but I think if you did something like that or a few attractions with a resort, plus indoor waterpark, shopping and dinning that it could do very well. |
9
| DVC_dad
Sun 11/25/2007 9:57a | I went to River country one time and was someone ill at ease of the swimming area...it seemed too natural for my tiny tots.
Once was enough for us and evidently we weren't alone in that respect. |
10
| Sport Goofy
Sun 11/25/2007 10:42a | << It will be interesting to see what Disney does about the new crop of hotels with attached indoor water parks. If Disney does this it will kill Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Island. >>
I don't see the indoor water park business making much of a dent on Florida's water park market -- people go to Florida for the warm weather and sunshine. For all the fun, these indoor parks don't have the greatest atmosphere when it comes to the overpowering chlorine odor that fills up the facility -- sometimes it feels like you are just inside a giant stinky gym locker room. These facilities have appeal in cold weather climates, not so much when you know you have warm weather and sunshine right outside the door. |
