River Country

[Goofyernmost]

I poked around on the internet but couldn't find any answers. Why did River Country close, anyway? What was the reasoning or the explanation?

I think the most logical reason is that they built two other water parks with bigger capacity and modern easy to operate facilities. It was a problem to keep the unfiltered Bay Lake water out of the water at RC and really was outdated and way too back woodsy for the resort. Look what happened to it when they stopped maintaining it and you will see what they had to fight everyday to keep it looking good.

However, it is more easily accepted by the public to allow the "contaminated water" rumor to just stay out there. Then they don't get mad at Disney for closing their personal favorite water park...it's the fault of nature and Disney is only looking out for your safety.

[Zazu]

I too have heard many stories about River Country's closing. Here's one more:

The structures in the park were built on wooden pilings hammered into the sand. Wood doesn't last all that long in Florida, and after some years these began to rot out, undermining the flumes, hills, and elevated walkways. When an inspector was brought in from Reedy Creek to see what additional changes would be needed to bring the place up to code, he discovered not only that the rot was more extensive than expected, the rock shapes were full of asbestos, and the fiberglass in many areas had not only worn through but had gotten infected with algae and bacteria, requiring a complete replacement of basically the whole park.

With Typhoon Lagoon in operation, and its concrete being easier to maintain, added to all the other liabilities of RC, the decision was made to abandon-in-place.

Don't know if this story is true, but the Reedy Creek inspector who told it to me seemed to believe it.

[KieranDotW]

Can't tell if really good Disney theming or if it's actually a dump.

Just kidding. They ought to tear the place down by now.

[Goofyernmost]

I too have heard many stories about River Country's closing. Here's one more:

The structures in the park were built on wooden pilings hammered into the sand. Wood doesn't last all that long in Florida, and after some years these began to rot out, undermining the flumes, hills, and elevated walkways. When an inspector was brought in from Reedy Creek to see what additional changes would be needed to bring the place up to code, he discovered not only that the rot was more extensive than expected, the rock shapes were full of asbestos, and the fiberglass in many areas had not only worn through but had gotten infected with algae and bacteria, requiring a complete replacement of basically the whole park.

With Typhoon Lagoon in operation, and its concrete being easier to maintain, added to all the other liabilities of RC, the decision was made to abandon-in-place.

Don't know if this story is true, but the Reedy Creek inspector who told it to me seemed to believe it.

If the asbestos part is true that would sure explain why they haven't torn it down. Encapsulated asbestos offers no threat. Start to knock it apart and you have very expensive and tedious procedures to deal with. With that in mind, unless they come up with a use for that spot that will make them millions, I'll bet that it will be there for a long, long time to come.

[Penny]

[quote="Darksin"]Boardwalk and Baseball- Abandoned/Demolished 2004QUOTE]
I was at Boardwalk and Baseball in 1986. In 1979 it was Circus World. Nobody believes me when I tell them you could ride an elephant or swing from the trapeeze. Good thing I had pictures! The only thing they had in common was a red loopy coaster type thing in the front of the park.