When Walt Disney World‘s River Country opened its gates in 1976, it marked a new era for water parks, blending rustic charm with Disney’s much-loved magic. Located along the shores of Bay Lake, it was the resort’s first try at such an attraction, and it quickly became a beloved destination for families visiting the the Florida locale. Despite its initial success, River Country sadly experienced a years-long dip in popularity, leading to its closure in 2001.
Popular and unique attractions of Disney’s River Country
Disney’s River Country was a trailblazer of themed water attractions. Inspired by the works of Mark Twain, it featured natural-looking lagoons, sandy beaches and lush greenery, creating an environment that transported guests to a much simpler time. Its attractions included water slides, a lazy river and a sand-bottom lake, all of which were fed by filtered water from the Bay Lake.
Visitors to River Country were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience that combined the thrill of a water park with the charm of a natural swimming hole. Its innovative use of filtered lake water was a highlight, offering both a refreshing and unique swimming experience. Reviews of the park during its heyday praised its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly attractions.
Guests lost their lives…
While Disney’s River Country was known for its fun and excitement, it wasn’t without its controversies. Over the course of its operation, the park was the site of several unfortunate incidents, including two drownings in 1982 and ’89, and a fatal case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by amoebae from warm freshwater environments entering via the nose and attacking the brain.
While the confirmed case of amoebic meningoencephalitis involved an 11-year-old boy who’d contracted the infection at River Country in 1980, there were at least three other cases of children dying from similar circumstances, understandably sparking concerns over the safety of the park’s water.
These incidents, while rare, cast a shadow over River Country. It’s use of natural, filtered water was called into question, leading to debates regarding the safety and sanitation of such attractions. Despite these controversies, Disney maintained that the park’s water filtration system was up to standard.
Gradual decline and closure of Disney’s River Country
By the late 1990s, River Country faced growing competition from newer water parks, such as Disney’s own Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They offered more thrilling attractions and larger facilities, drawing guests away from the quaint charm of River Country.
As attendance declined, Disney made the difficult decision to close the park indefinitely in 2001. Its closure was initially described as temporary, with the possibility of it reopening if demand returned, but, as years passed with no signs of revival, it became clear River Country’s days were numbered.
In 2005, Disney announced the park would remain permanently closed.
Left abandoned
Following its closure, Disney’s River Country was left to the elements, gradually turning into an eerie, overgrown relic of the past. The park’s once-bustling attractions became silent and abandoned, attracting the attention of urban explorers and photographers alike, who were eager to capture its haunting beauty.
Photos of the abandoned site began circulating online, sparking interest and nostalgia among those who remembered it in its heyday.
Demolition of Disney’s River Country
In 2018, Disney announced plans to redevelop the River Country site into a new hotel resort, signaling the end of the park’s long-standing abandonment. Demolition of the remaining structures began in 2019, paving the way for the construction of Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge.
This new development promised to bring a fresh chapter to the area, combining nature-themed accommodations with Disney’s signature storytelling, with rooms dedicated to specific movies, including Bambi (1942), Brother Bear (2003) and Pocahontas (1995), to name a few.
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Sadly, the lodge never came to fruition, as the concept was silently scrapped in 2020. Instead, a Disney Vacation Club tower is now slated to take its place.