RUMOR: RIVER COUNTRY RUINS REVAMPED

A very interesting rumor has been brought to my attention in the last week, and I have been trying to shed some light on the subject. The rumor began around spring of 2010 and has been floating its way around Disney forums since, popping up now and again on almost all of the major sites.  This rumor?  A new DVC is being planned.  While this is pretty cool, the biggest part of this rumor is the possible location – the land that once was River Country.

River Country was a water park that was located near Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness and was around from 1976 until 2001, providing families with endless amounts of fun.  After this park closed, Disney seemed to forget about the land almost entirely.  Photos, taken in November of 2009 of the property, show pieces of the water park still standing, though hardly recognizable from the park’s glory days.  Muddy water and thick branches are covering water slides where children used to play.  Those who have seen the photos have openly voiced their anger with Disney’s lack of upkeep with the property.  (Click Here to go to a link with a map of River Country and the photos taken in 2009)

The rumor has been going around for a while, and even blueprints and charts were spread at one point, though we do not know the legitimacy of them.  Recently there has been evidence from Disney that has fanned the fire.  There has been talk of permit applications being filed by Disney for the demolition of the property.

Disney has not announced anything yet.  Across the forums there is much debate over the legitimacy of any part of the rumors.  Some boards say there is just a DVC planned, but not for the River Country area.  Some insist that the entire story is just that, a story, and nothing more.  Still other forums are buying into the rumors and even debating if they will buy points at the possible resort.

The theme of the resort is highly debated but seemingly unknown.  This is a rumor that will have to be followed this year.  I mean, there is a D23 expo this August, and you know there will be some big announcements then!

Contributed by: Jessica Clawson (NDI#21) Jessica is the News and Current Events Blogger. She is also the creator of The True Disney Fan.