River Country --- The Story of What Happened! - Pt. 1

[MadameBookworm]

Could you please repost the link for the pictures that you talked about in the video? Thanks in advance!

[Kaldaryn]

"whatever was in the lake"... sounds like the start of a horror movie.

[thebakerman1]

I was there this past weekend and saw the high green fence blocking the swimming area from view but was able to stick my hand through the fence and collect some video of the old swimming area. What's still odd though is the old ticket counter is still there and you can walk past it and into the old recreational portion of the park without a soul present.

I'm glad to see this video and the all-in-one info provided here, as various info seems to be strewn all over regarding this old park.

[NJDizGuy81]

@thebakerman1 - The whole thing is a little creepy isn't it!?! ;-) Thanks for watching the video! I'm glad you enjoyed it!!!

[keylow3000]

thanks for posting this information well done

[NJDizGuy81]

@keylow3000 - No problem KeyLow! I'm glad you enjoyed it! THANKS for watching!

[abehammy]

My uncle and aunt both used to be imagineers. I'll ask them about River Country and I'll report back if there's any noteworthy info that wasn't mentioned here.

[NJDizGuy81]

@abehammy - Wow! Really? That's pretty cool to have such close ties to the insiders of Disney! I'm sure they have some interesting stories to tell ... not just about R.C. but about a lot of Disney Magic!!!

[theschoolbusman]

Did they every knock it down?

[NJDizGuy81]

@theschoolbusman - Not yet! It still stands!

[theschoolbusman]

@NJDizGuy81 Thank you for replying Quickly as possible!

[MattsWorld95]

I watched the video got a minute in flipped out and closed it. It's creepy, I feel like there might be cast member who "still" work there.

[NJDizGuy81]

@MattsWorld95 - I agree. It's like time just stopped! It's one of those Life After People type things where everything is still in place ... but everyone's gone!

[Ronmark48]

Ron King - Con't: We were taught values, developed strong friendships, and many of us met our wives/significant others there, fell and love and got married. If you never lived it, it is difficult to explain or understand it, in short...The Happiest Place On Earth

[Ronmark48]

Ron King - Con't: It was smaller than the other water parks, so you knew everyone on a personal basis and it was like a family. When it closed, if was like the dissolution of a family, so my fellow cast members are going to have strong feelings about - what we consider - the best times of our lives.

[NJDizGuy81]

@Ronmark48 - That's pretty awesome Ron! Glad to see that people developed strong friendships! It's nice to hear!

[Ronmark48]

Ron King - As you can see, working at Disney is a lot like serving in the military, except everybody that worked there, from being poor, middle class, or wealthy WANTED TO BE THERE! It was and is like a family and we ex-Disney cast members or current cast members tend to treat each other like family and are very protective of what we love. And the cast members that worked there loved River County.

[Ronmark48]

Tad Brown: I filled those bromine tanks more than a few times. Remember jumping in the lagoon to get the bromine dust off our bodies. Probably not OSHA complaint

[Ronmark48]

Tad Brown: Debby, you reminded me of my one of my first tasks at RC as a MK. When we arrived the park was closed for maintenance, and the fiberglass slides had just been refinished. So us MK's had to go down on our hands and knees with towels to get all the loose fibers dislodged, and then after that the water was tuned on and we went down the slides over and over until no one reported getting fibers stuck in our bodies. Damn we were stupid! But had fun

[Ronmark48]

I too filled those bromine tanks. I wore a paper mask when dumping the buckets of bromine in. Then I jumped in the cove to wash off. I also dove on the intake from the lake to get the weeds off. I had a blast there put I wonder how we made it out alive . I also remember acid washing the slides with a mop, gloves, and a towel wrapped out the mouth and nose!

[Ronmark48]

I had to go through the chemist reports to show the levels of bromine were good. Later we learned that the boy had swam in other Florida lakes that tested positive for the amoeba. Later we learned that the boy had swam in other Florida lakes that tested positive for the amoeba. There were about 40 jet points in the cove that we tested the bromine levels at on a rotating schedule.

[Ronmark48]

Debby Hoyt Hawkins: I agree with Reggie. I worked there from 83-88 as a guard, chemist, and lead. Before I got there the collapsible dam was replaced with the permanent metal one which got rid of the fish living in the cove. The bromine system was put in place before I got there too. During that time the news reported that a 15 year boy picked up an amoeba at River County.

[Ronmark48]

Nathan Hebert: Disney also lost their self governing status in 2000. They have to go through the "Man" now for building codes and such. (even though their own standards exceded anything the state or county requires)

Tuesday at 11:42pm · Like

[Ronmark48]

I use to work there and you are pretty much correct. Disney put a moratorium on swimming or even wading in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon in the late 90"s because of an amoeba outbreak and didn't want the liability. I worked at the poly at the time and we had the beach closed and would allow anyone in the water.

[NJDizGuy81]

@Ronmark48 - Ahh! First, Thank-You for watching my video! Second, thank-you for corroborating my story. Finally, are you still a cast member at Disney or have you since parted ways? How was it working for Disney?

[levi0100]

So is River Country connected to an actual working park?? I.E Thats 1 section of a park which is still open???

[NJDizGuy81]

@levi0100 - Nope. River Country was it's own independent park and the entire thing is officially closed. If you use the Google Earth program you can get some really interesting views!

[Centaurmanexe]

Umm you forgot the deadly brain-eat amoeba !

[ballplayer1799]

DAMN NEW LAWS

[DarkGates8]

Thanks for the information. :)

[NJDizGuy81]

@DarkGates8 - No problem! THANK-YOU for watching! ;-)

[DarkGates8]

@NJDizGuy81 You're welcome. :)

[AG3304]

Sounds like more health and safety killjoy nazis to me,we get exactly the same here in England.

[LeavingForVenus]

Thanks for posting this video it was very informative. Sad to see it go being it looked like such a good time in it's earlier years. But sadly as time goes on people can't enjoy a good thing without nit picking it to death. They were wise to close it because now a days people want to sue one another for anything. So they did it to protect themselves from law suits. But you're right they really should of demolished it and used some of the stuff from it to add to another park.

[LeavingForVenus]

I saw a video with two guys walking around and taking videos of the place and the lights still were on, and the music still playing...TEN years later. That is odd to me. Any insight on that?

[NJDizGuy81]

@LeavingForVenus - The video you're referring to, I think, is the one by AdamTheWoo that I linked on my video description. If you're asking why things like lights and water fountains still function I think it is 1 part lazy and 1 part complication. I think stuff like that still functions for the same reason that the park is still there to begin with, in that, it would probably be more trouble than it was worth to completely shut down that section of property.

[NJDizGuy81]

@LeavingForVenus - The video you're referring to, I think, is the one by AdamTheWoo that I linked on my video description. If you're asking why things like lights and water fountains still function I think it is 1 part lazy and 1 part complication. I think stuff like that still functions for the same reason that the park is still there to begin with, in that, it would probably be more trouble than it was worth to completely shut down that section of property.

[huntingfreak18]

@LeavingForVenus The reason the music was still on was because the backyard bbq is right before the entrance of river country. The backyard bbq is still going on to this very day. That is why the music is on.

[CuteCatFaith]

Uprated. I have been studying Disney for decades and they are so weird. I worked for them on two continents. Total, high weirdness. You don't wanna know.

[BooBooBetsy]

so i dont get it, if aparraently new laws were passed, why not just cholornize river county?

[NJDizGuy81]

@BooBooBetsy - River Country used water from Bay Lake and also had a sandy bottom so chlorinating the water would have been a logistical nightmare. They did have pumps to circulate the water and clean it up to a certain extent but to sanitize it to the level where a pool is would have been too big a task. Besides, the law was that you cannot use standing water from lakes ... period. There were no exemptions made for trying to "clean-up" the water ... you just can't use it.

[vikkkilouise]

Great video, best ive seen, thanks :)

I can't see the link to the video of the father and son who visited and heard the music etc (what a waste of electricity aside being creepy!)

[NJDizGuy81]

@vikkkilouise - Thank-you for the compliment ... I appreciate your watching! The link is in the video description underneath my video. Make sure you click the little "Show More" tab to open up the full description. ;-)

[1bonjovialways]

nj guy ur cool... but ur buying a fake disney line ..........no one ever got sick or died in disney water except fr mabye drowning ... they still have swiming at resorts lakes there and sking...i like ur videos man... but no law fr fla water happened ...people swim in lake water every day around the world and dont get sick...shame river country is closed..but disney has shut down other cool things there also... sad sad - i say open it all and expand they have the room to do it,,

[NJDizGuy81]

@1bonjovialways - Never said anyone was made sick or died from contaminated DISNEY water. My point is that the standing, stagnant lake water in FLA IS contaminated with many waterborne pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Giardia to name a few. Nowhere in ANY Disney hotels is swimming in natural lakes permitted! My comments were limited to Florida only ... what goes on in other parts of the country & world are not my concern & not part of my message. R.C. is a money pit and will never reopen!

[kevanos1]

@1bonjovialways - The story about Florida laws affecting Disney and River Country are NOT true! Florida state laws do not regulate things in Disney the way they do elsewhere. See Wikipedia under "Reedy Creek Improvement District", which is wholly owned and controlled by Disney, gives Disney rights over their land, land-use, utilities, etc... and protects them from new laws restricting any land use and such.

[NJDizGuy81]

@kevanos1 - While R.C.I.D. does have significant powers, when compared to that of a normal municipality, they are still subject and bound by state and federal laws. They do have far reaching powers like being able to annex land, move tolls, change toll fees, etc. They have been granted exemptions from specific laws but all that is laid out in the Reedy Creek Improvement District Legislation Chapters 67-764 and nowhere in there are they exempt from Public Health Laws or Statutes.

[1bonjovialways]

heres the real reason it was shut down... they have 2 bigger more popular water parks there..... and in 2001 the economy was terrible so they closed it...... not do to a water law........most people would rather go to blizzard beach and typhoon lagoon...sad its gone- but the water is safe

[NJDizGuy81]

@1bonjovialways - You're correct that Disney having two new, bigger, badder water parks was contributing to a big slide in attendance for River Country. Let's face it, who wants to swim in a scummy lake when you can catch a wave at Typhoon Lagoon or get water powered wedgies on Summit Plummet at Blizzard. However, the new laws placed final judgement on River Country and sealed its fate. Standing lake water in Florida has been deemed unsafe. Many illnesses & a few fatalities are on record!

[CuDiSound]

You gotta be from Jersey?

[NJDizGuy81]

@CuDiSound - Yes, I am from New Jersey ... and depending on what you are talking about that could either be a good or a bad thing ;-)

[CuDiSound]

@NJDizGuy81 Ha its a good thing my mothers from jersey and I kinda noticed your hand motions

she calls it talking with your hands :)

[AntiMusick]

It's a Disney Ghost Town

[PrimeTargetSecurity]

is florida dying too?

[NJDizGuy81]

@PrimeTargetSecurity - Nope ... as long as Disney is in Florida there will always be life in that state!

[Manafichu]

Did any other water parks have the same problem as River Country?

[Manafichu]

@Manafichu I was also scared of the "Amoebas can make you vomit, and they can kill you!" part.

[NJDizGuy81]

@Manafichu - I hear ya Mana! Strange isn't it? A tiny, tiny, tiny, little thing that you can't even see can make the biggest strongest person deathly ill.

[NJDizGuy81]

@Manafichu - Not that I am aware of ... most other water parks are self sufficient and self contained. A place like Wet & Wild or Blizzard Beach for example were built ... to put it in the simplest terms ... like an average pool ... filled with municipal water (Hose water), then switched on.

[AlexTubed]

Demolition costs money, why spend tons of money to demolish the place when you can just close the gates?

[NJDizGuy81]

@AlexTubed - And that is exactly what Disney did ... and, if I had to guess, probably was put into terms like that at a meeting at some point! ^_^

[cody092402]

Live in Orlando for 20+ years & any mention of Disney will make you want to drink some of that water.

[NJDizGuy81]

@cody092402 - Hah! I understand Cody ... most of us outsiders visit for a week or so and then leave where you have to hear the same shtick OVER and OVER ad nauseum! There is a Six Flags VERY near and I get bored seeing the commercials for it all summer!  ;-)

[TheDoucheFairy]

they should set up tours for 18 and older to look around

[984LUIGI]

part 1 of this story below this one:::::::::after that i ran to my mom and screamed i found river country me my bro and my sis went to see it but they were to scared to go because they did not want to get introble so they went back. what i did is i found a big rock and stood on it and i saw a lot of river country but i almost cryed it was so bat the water was gone every thing has rotted and then i got cought so i had to leave

[984LUIGI]

i think i went there ones but that was a long time ago i was to young to remember and so now im like 12 turning 13 and one day i was up on utube and i saw a video takin the vewer into river contrey it was sad i showed every thing all rotton.Wen it was my big bros and my moms birthday we went to disney and i think it was the last day and we were at fort wilderness i was just walking on thae beach and the isaw a path iv neverseen so i went on that path and it took me to river countrey: # 2 up ^

[retroEddz]

degrading? you mean decaying?

[NJDizGuy81]

@retroEddz - Either word would be acceptable and applicable. ^_^

[robindeisimone]

We were just at Ft. Wilderness last week and my son was talking to a CM about the fact that RC had closed due to the fact they used natural water sources; and she tried to tell him, that was untrue. I don't know if she was ill informed ,or Disneys official response is to deny it. Also we were told the reason the music, water fountains, and lighting still work is that those system are all linked to Ft. Wilderness.

[NJDizGuy81]

@robindeisimone - First, thank-you for watching my video! I think the C.M. is either mis-informed or non-informed. Over all these years I have not heard any CREDIBLE, fact based, ideas as to why the park closed other than the one I spoke of in these two videos. I do however believe the explanation as to why the utilities are still on and working ... the amount of effort needed to cut off water and electric to that site just isn't worth it and in the grand scheme isn't costing them that much.

[GeneralVariety]

Really good video, very engaging, it answered most of my questions :) Thank you!

[NJDizGuy81]

@GeneralVariety - Anytime! Glad it answered some of your questions! Thanks for the comment!!!

[lonnieherbals]

this blows my mind

[lonnieherbals]

He sounds like casey kasem Jr

[pounkat]

It is very easy to get into river country. My Daugther and I Went exploring in their 1 year ago.... took Pictures and everything... We took the Sign from the Nature Trail that use to go around the park.... we found it laying in the mud and dirt.... we are still planning on going back because its like being in a Indiana Jones Movie... But to get in to the old park,  you have to find the Secert Path tht leads you right inside..... Good Luck!!

[JediqueenxD]

Awesome video. I was recently interested in River Country and discovery island and this video was very informative. I knew that they kept there lights on but I didn't know about the music. That is extremely erie. Makes me think of I am legend.

[cuntbollockswank]

Your facts are correct. The temperatures were almost perfect for many bacterial organisms, some of which if inhaled by suspension within airbourne water particles (mist & spray) can be VERY dangerous. It wasn't so much about 'ingestion' but 'inhalation'.

Thanks for sharing. I was there in the early 80's, left a huge impression on me, went to see what was left in September 2009 through a gap in the huge green screens. Shame about that law, because todays technology could easilly fix that.

[NJDizGuy81]

@cuntbollockswank - Thanks for writing! I'm glad you liked the video! I know, it's really a shame Disney let the park get as bad as it is because I think they could have done something with it but now it's just a total loss. I am glad that there are so many of us here with a lot of good memories!!!

[animefan6753]

I went there when i was like 3 or 4! It was fun, i miss it

[funkyfreshjive]

Nice job...thanks!

[NJDizGuy81]

@funkyfreshjive - Thank-YOU! Just tryin to help! ;-)

[pete01ize]

The swimming pond at River Country was fed by pumping water from the lake thru a filter system then a Bromide treatment system and onward to the water slides .the level of bromide was kept higher then public swimming pools The reason for River Country’s closer, was Finical. The cost of transporting all the daily visitors from the Front Fort Wilderness Parking lot became to much for the cost to get in the water park .

[NJDizGuy81]

@pete01ize - You are suggesting that every post on the internet is incorrect. I am willing entertain any differing ideas but you must have some references to back up your claims. What you said contradicts every point that I made.

[pete01ize]

@pete01ize No im just into facts and I would like to get the story straight

[NJDizGuy81]

@pete01ize - I am also into facts and I can back mine up through correspondence with Disney and their representatives ... where is your back-up? Saying that Disney closed River Country because the transportation costs of moving guests around doesn't even make sense. They transport millions of people to every point in their World every year ... somehow I don't think transportation costs alone called for the abandoning of an entire park.

[NJDizGuy81]

@pete01ize - And, as I said in an earlier comment ... even iodine treatment of the water would not have made it completely safe because iodine will not kill certain bacteria like Cryptosporidium.

[dhdgonzo]

Is the new construction from the golden oaks community project?

[NJDizGuy81]

@dhdgonzo - That construction is not what is going to taking over the River Country Site but it is certainly one of the projects that is currently diverting Disney's attention and energy!

[lefsepowered]

Sounds cheesy, but some of my best memories with my family happened at River Country. When I saw the video of what it looks like today, I was shocked to say the very least. Why did Disney not return the park to a natural state and remove everything? If possible, could you get an official response from the management of Disney to confirm what is happening next at the site? Thanks for posting this video.

[NJDizGuy81]

@lefsepowered - No, it doesn't sound cheesy to me ... good memories are good memories and I'm just glad people have them! There is no "official statement" from Disney except for the standard response of Disney is always looking for new and exciting ways to use their land and properties. The only substantial rumor I have heard is crashing it in favor of Premium Campground hook-ups and vacation clubs. However, at the moment, Disney has it's hands full with current building projects.

[lefsepowered]

@NJDizGuy81 Have you ever considered making videos about new attractions at disney. That would be cool too. It would also be helpful to provide insider information about Disney, Universal and Seaworld to the You Tube community. You did a great job at explaining River Country to me and I appreciate it.

[NJDizGuy81]

@lefsepowered - I'm glad that you enjoyed my R.C. video! Actually, I hadn't thought of covering new rides in the way I think you are suggesting. Part of the problem being that I'm not so much of an insider as a Disney-ite with a lot of vacations of experience under my belt. I wouldn't have a problem with making videos about rides and attractions if there was information I could provide that wouldn't waste people's time. I don't want to rehash the same info that could be in a travel guide.

[classicphile]

Its indeed sad to see how Disney left River country years after they closed it. I mean, when one moves into a new home/apartment, its completely empty & you fill it up with your stuff. Years go by & you move to a new place. You pack up all your belongings, throw out what youre not taking with you to your new place & leave it completely empty for the new tennant/owner. Yet to leave all those tables, equipment, etc in place....youd think they would have cleared it all so that it was bare & empty

[ZackyThaKid]

I like your swag ! lol

[NJDizGuy81]

@ZackyThaKid - HA HA! What swag???

[SEVENTEENCINEMA]

My parents didn't want to take me when it was open. Even before the laws they were afraid of me getting poisoned by the unsanitary water.

[EpicNoobBoyTV]

There is an island on the Bay Lake across from River Country called Discovery Island, do you know about that? A blogger went a found preserved animals, items, and employee info they left behind.

[NJDizGuy81]

@EpicNoobBoyTV - Yes, Discovery Island is yet another example of how Disney seems to just abandon things without removing them. Discovery Island was made obsolete by the opening of Animal Kingdom and, just as they did with River Country, they closed it off to the public and left everything there to rot. The only thing they did move was all the animals ... there are some animals living there like birds and bats but they came after the island was abandoned ... Disney didn't leave anyone behind.

[abl7379]

The water in the River Country attractions was sourced from Bay Lake, but WAS treated for sanitary purposes, not merely "clump filtered" as described in the video. Iodine was the primary sanitation process used, at least near its last operating days.

[NJDizGuy81]

@abl7379 - That may be entirely possible! I honestly cannot debate that point too much because I had not heard that, however, while iodine will work to eradicate many different germs, bacteria, and little buggers in the water it cannot kill them all. There are bacteria like Cryptosporidium that iodine will not effectively eliminate. The bottom line was that River Country was a lawsuit waiting to happen and simply couldn't compete with it's two larger counterparts ... Blizzard and Typhoon.

[NatashaDumbeldore]

I saw the pictures and it's so sad. To those who have been it must be real depressing, seeing how the place has fallen apart, but to people like me who never got to go (the park closed when I was about 4) it's like looking at the ruins of a great place that is now gone. I think that Disney was better back then, than it is now.

[NJDizGuy81]

@NatashaDumbeldore - Agreed!

[AxisPowersChibitalia]

@NatashaDumbeldore I absolutly agree with you! The park closed when I was about six, but my family traveled all the way from Russia to the Walt Disney World, and it was so much more beautiful, now it's still fun and entertaining (We go every year to escape the Russian cold) but it's just missing something, da? I mean I liked the old styles of Disney, but now it's just too much for me..

[NatashaDumbeldore]

@AxisPowersChibitalia For reals! It was way better back then. I don't know it just seams like they worked harder to make it a better experience back then and now it's like it's missing something. Also it's funny how you mentioned that you go to Disney to escape the cold. For me it's usually the opposite. It's usually warm in the winter in where I live but it's cooler in Orlando and I love the fake snow (I've never seen snow.) Your lucky to live in Russia I've always wanted to go there.

[NatashaDumbeldore]

@AxisPowersChibitalia Have you ever gone during christmas? If you haven't you should really go. It's amazing! Especially Magic Kingdom. It's all decorated with wreaths and garlands, carolers singing, snow falling, a tree higher than the eye can see. It's like a scene in a storybook or a long forgotten memory. It feels so.........magical.

[AxisPowersChibitalia]

@NatashaDumbeldore I have gone once! It is so pretty, but also very crowded! I don't celebrate Christmas though, I celebrate I guess you can say a type of Christmas on January 7th, because we are Orthodox, not that that really matters, we just never thought Christmas was a big deal. Disney really does some crazy stuff though!

[MehofJ]

As far as some of the music and lighting goes, part of the park is still in use. The original entrance to River Country is now the entrance to Mickey's Backyard BBQ, which is held in the old picnic pavilion. Can't remember the name of the one quick service place there, but the kitchen and restrooms are used for the BBQ. I suspect that Disney found it was cheaper to keep some electrical circuits active that go into the abandoned areas than have them cut off.

[th3r4nd0m3m0k1d]

what i dont get is if there something to do with the lake then y is wet n wild aloud to have the knee board and wake board area y is there the orlando water sport complex the whole thing is a lake

[NJDizGuy81]

@th3r4nd0m3m0k1d - I'm not 100% sure so don't quote me in a report ;-) but I think it is in the way that they are using the lake. As far as I know there is no swimming allowed in that lake; it is only used for the skiing and wake-boarding and not for swimming. What's the difference you're asking. The difference is that the amoebae, which is one of the more harmful organisms in the water, lives in the shallower water on the bottom where swimmers would actively be stirring up the water.

[MrLamontSanford]

@NJDizGuy81 So, if the amoebas live at the bottom of the lake, Disney should re-open River Country and just remove the bottom of the lake. This would solve the problem.

[NJDizGuy81]

@MrLamontSanford - HA! ;-) Nice, I guess that might solve some of the problem! LOL

[NatashaDumbeldore]

@MrLamontSanford I wish it could be that simple. Hell, I wish everything should be so simple. LOL = D

[NatashaDumbeldore]

@MrLamontSanford I wish it could be that simple. Hell, I wish everything could be so simple. LOL = D

[MrLamontSanford]

Well, now you can go to Cirque du Soleil, see gay gays in blue tights wrap their legs around eachother, hanging from a trapeze, whilst flames leap up. THIS is now 'Disney' -forget yer Hoop N' Holler Hollow, Raft Rider Ridge, the sites and scents and sounds you guys all miss from River Country.

[MrLamontSanford]

The lake part of River Country was very specifically called 'Bay Cove', and indeed was water from Bay Lake. There was always a park legend that an amoeba went up someone's nose and killed him/ her, but I've never substantiated this claim.

[MrLamontSanford]

Very articulate and informed guy here. Here's what's funny (ironic): we are taught by environmentalists that 'nature' is good for us, 'man-made' bad for us, right? So, lakes and their germs will make us sick or dead, but a chlorinated (chemicals) pool is healthy. Just an irony

[disneylandbiggestfan]

sre they realy knoking down river country. and couldent the drain the pool and shut is off from the lake the shoulded shut it down they should kaeep it like it is and get rid of some of the vegatation and keep it up

[NJDizGuy81]

@disneylandbiggestfan - As far as I know they are going to knock it down in favor of more timeshare spots. They could drain the pool, clean up that area and re-open it but it wouldn't be cost effective. The main attractions of River Country were the slides and tubing rivers and to put a lot of work into that area just for the sake of re-opening a pool wouldn't be the smart thing to do.

[junkyard123100]

hay why cant make a wall all the pool not the lake so its close off and dran the water build pumps than can thay open again?? comment me for true or vote up plz its a cool water park

[NJDizGuy81]

@junkyard123100 - Hi Junkyard! I hope I am reading your comment correctly. You're wondering why they don't wall off the lake, drain and then refill the swimming area? Simply put ... WAY TOO EXPENSIVE! Even walled off you are still talking about a sandy porous bottom. There just isn't an effective and cost efficient way to chlorinate and circulate the water in that area.

[junkyard123100]

@NJDizGuy81 no the not the big lake where the water fun thing i see pic and where the cool ride is not in in the lake its on a shore ok than the lake water runs in the part the one pool so thay just close it off the than drain than fill it back up

[LuNaIsLoSt]

Where is the link that you talked about??

[NJDizGuy81]

@LuNaIsLoSt - Both links are at the bottom of the description ... just make sure you press the little button to expand it and you should see it! ;-)

[kitkel4]

nice job, i have fond memories of river country. a shame it couldn't be saved.

[adamthewoo]

nice work man, thanks for the plug

[tk4227]

amobea is an single cell eukaryote, bacteria are prokaryotes. nonetheless good vid!! very informative

[Jin3245]

It is very "unDisneyish" to let a situation like this develop. It makes sense that during the traveling downturn following 9/11 that they wouldn't properly take care of the old River Country site but I still can't help but feel with ever rising prices that they can't afford to clean up? At least give it back to nature.

[NJDizGuy81]

@Jin3245 - I completely agree Jin but I think it comes down to Disney being lazy rather than not having the money to do something. Listen, I am NOT a Disney employee and I don't have inside knowledge of anything but it may be safe to say that profits following 9/11 were down but I don't think Disney was ever in the red. If nothing else Disney knows how to make money. River Country was a result of sheer lazy! Park was closed for legal reasons and they chose to do NOTHING with it!

[LetsThrowAnOrange]

im exactly like you, i dont want to go in there to graffiti and smash things up etc. , i just want to see it all like exacxtly how it was left back in 2001 , it just draws me to there, im english and i can honestly say id love to live over in america, im planning a trip soon to visit there and rock-a-hoola(:

[cindymouse6]

Great info. We camped at Ft Wilderness April 2010 and the boat captain from the Ft to MK gave all the info you just stated and more. He stated that when TL opened and I believe BB, attendance levels dropped and due to low # guests RC could accomodate compared to TL and BB, they didn't see it feasible to install a newer filtration device for a park that had a low profit margin (low #guests=low revenue). of course in 2001 TL/BB didn't reach capacity. no longer true thus our quest for 3rd park

[Jzs20]

Good job Bro

[NJDizGuy81]

@Jzs20 - Thank-You!

[chartle1]

It not a bacteria that causes gastric distress, its an amoeba called naegleria fowleri that gets in your nose and infects your brain.

Also besides the amoeba, the design would never work today liability wise.

The pool is too deep, promotes diving, and the body slides dumped you into 8 feet of water.

[NJDizGuy81]

@chartle1 -Yes, I know that amoeba causes some nasty and potentially deadly problems. I was just trying to convey that the lakes in Florida harbor so many pathogens that Disney would never want to assume that kind of risk and liability ... and rightfully so!

[amthomas0412]

haha idk man im gonna look more into it though and post what i can find

[amthomas0412]

dude..u are a true disney fan rock on:D, i watched the same video and yeas it was creepy...so i reasearched it and i found an article that said a portion of it was sometimes rented out to private parties, that may be due to why its all still working

[NJDizGuy81]

@amthomas0412 - Thank-You for the compliment AmThomas ... I LOVE Disney and try to stay as up-to-date on things as I can. Yeah, I read that too about them renting out R.C. ... the real question is ... who would want to? I mean other than JUST for the shock of seeing it who would want to have a party or get together next to a festering, mosquito infested, swamp like that!