River Country
[Disney Vacation Planner]
At A Glance |
Disney's first attempt at
a themed water park, River Country is more of a lakeside swimming
hole than anything. |
Update |
River Country is unlikely
to open at all in 2002 and won't open in the future unless
guest attendance is such that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard
Beach repeatedly reach maximum capacity. |
River Country was Disney's first attempt at a themed water park.
It was built early in the life of Walt Disney World, and was originally
considered just a part of the Fort Wilderness complex. It wasn't
until the non-themed waterparks like Wet 'n' Wild and Water Mania
began to open outside of the WDW borders that Disney decided to
open Typhoon Lagoon and later Blizzard Beach.
River Country is located on the south edge of Bay Lake inside
the Fort Wilderness campground complex. The entrance to River
Country from the Fort Wilderness Campground is next to the Pioneer
Hall restaurant complex. The only way to get there is by bus from
the Fort Wilderness bus station or on foot, but it's quite a long
trek. There is no convenient parking area specifically for River
Country.
There certainly isn't as much to do as there is at the bigger
water parks. also if you plan to visit during the winter keep
in mind that the main section of River Country, Bay Cove, is not
heated and can get quite cool.
River Country is usually closed for refurbishment during part
of the Fall or Winter. Guests can call (407) 824-4321 for up-to-date
information.
There are three main sections to the park:
Bay Cove
This is the area of the park with the 'Ol Swimmin' Hole
theme.
The Old Swimming Hole
The Old Swimming Hole is unique in that it is actually part of
Bay Lake. The water is murky, but the bottom is solid sand (not
mushy muck like some lakes are). There are a number of rope swings,
T-Bars, large platforms, a ship's boom and other areas from which
swimmers can plunge into the water. There is a barrel bridge across
this area to make it easier (albeit not by much) to cross and
catch the slides...
Whoop-'N-Holler Hollow
This area of the park is actually two different "flume" slides.
They are similar to the "storm" slides at Typhoon Lagoon, but
are much shorter.
White Water Rapids
This ride, even with it's wild name, is tamer than the flume
slides at Whoop-'N-Holler Hollow. It's a nice tube ride...not
too severe, but alot of fun.
Upstream Plunge
A 330,000 gallon heated swimming pool is located between the
entrance and Bay Cove. Upstream Plunge has a built in rock formation
along one side which houses Slippery Slide Falls - two slides
that begin high up in the "rocks" but end well above the surface
of the water.
Beach Area/Mini-Bay Cove
This area is located on the inland end of Bay Cove. It offers
a tamer version of Bay Cove which is better suited to younger
children. There is a beach with lounge chairs along one side and
a grassy area with picnic tables and a fountain which children
can't seem to get enough of.
In addition there is a Nature Trail which is located along
the shore of Bay Lake.
Admission:
About $16 for adults, $12 for kids 3-9 years old. As with all
Disney parks you can leave and return again later on in the day
providing you get a hand-stamp on your way out. When you return
the Castmember at the entrance will ask to see your handstamp
and your ticket or all-inclusive pass.
Locker rooms are located near the entrance to River Country.
Both the Men's and Women's facilities offer changing rooms and
showers as well as lockers.
Large lockers cost $5 (plus a $2 refundable deposit) and smaller
lockers cost $3 (plus same $2 deposit) per day.
Towels are available for rental at River Country. Each towel
costs $1 but they are not very big so you may prefer to bring
your own. Towels are also available for purchase at the Beach
Shop.
There is a small first aid station located near the locker rooms.
Food / Drink:
Lunch is available at "Pop's Place". "The Watering Hole" is a
small stand that is open during the busier seasons.
Pop's Place, a fast food restaurant, is located near the
changing rooms. Hamburgers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads
and beverages are on the menu.
The Watering Hole opens during busier seasons and has
a limited menu. You can also exit River Country and eat at one
of the restaurants in Fort Wilderness's Pioneer Hall complex.
Finally, Fort Wilderness's Settlement Trading Posts offers a number
of items for take-out.
Picnics are welcome at River Country, although alcohol and glass
containers are not permitted. There are picnic tables scattered
throughout the park or guests can eat right on the beach.
The Beach Shop is the place for sunscreen, as well as
pails, shovels, film, beach towels and a limited selection of
swimwear.
How to get there
- By Car - Enter through the Magic Kingdom toll booths
(stay to the right as you approach them) and then follow the
signs for River Country. Buses take guests from the parking
lot to the River Country entrance.
- By Bus - Buses bound for Fort Wilderness depart from
the Transportation & Ticket Center regularly throughout the
day. These buses will drop guests off at the Pioneer Hall bus
stop in Fort Wilderness. From here it is a short walk to the
River Country entrance. After exiting the bus guests should
follow the path to their left. The River Country entrance will
be just after the Pioneer Hall Restaurant complex on the left.
- By Boat - Guests who are at the Magic Kingdom or the
Contemporary Resort can take motor launches directly to the
Fort Wilderness docks. The entrance to River Country will be
straight ahead and to your right.
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