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3. Disney's River Country (Walt Disney World)

River Country map

“Bring a swimsuit and a smile. You're likely to wear both out, at River Country!”

That was the promise from Disney when River Country, the company’s first water park, opened at Walt Disney World in 1976. You’ll need a little more than a swimsuit to explore the park now, though, as it stands abandoned and horribly overgrown.

River Country was originally installed to expand the very limited roster of attractions at early Walt Disney World, and proved to be very popular. It was designed to resemble an old fashioned swimming hole, with the slides’ supporting trestles carefully disguised by fake rocks.

River Country

The entire park sat on the shore of Bay Lake, and actually drew in water (via a filter) from the lake itself. This was pumped to the top of a faux mountain, before cascading down into the park’s various pools via its slides.

When Michael Eisner took over as Disney CEO in 1984, he took a more competitive approach than his predecessors. He decided to build a full water park, Typhoon Lagoon, to take on nearby Wet 'n' Wild. River Country's capacity was limited, and its days were numbered. It shut in late 2001, but remains in place today - it was abandoned rather than demolished.

River Country aerial view

How to see it: Sections of River Country are visible from boats travelling along Bay Lake. A fence separates the front portion of River Country (some elements, such as the toilets, have remained in use) from the rest, and holes in the fence allow a peek at what’s inside. Aerial photos offer an overall view.

2. Mark Twain Riverboat (Disneyland Paris)

Image via Wikimedia

During a recent visit to Disneyland Paris, we were surprised to spot the Mark Twain Riverboat floating forlornly in Frontierland’s Rivers of the Far West. Even more surprising was the state of the boat, which looked virtually derelict. In places, parts of the boat’s wooden structure appeared to have detached altogether and fallen into the murky waters. All of this in full view of guests riding on the Disneyland Railroad.

The boat is based on Disneyland’s original Mark Twain sternwheeler. It is one of two vessels, alongside the Molly Brown, that serve the Thunder Mesa Riverboats attraction, taking guests on a scenic journey around Frontierland.

The Mark Twain hasn’t operated since 2011, and has spent most of that time sitting in dry dock. However, it was moved out recently into the Rivers of the Far West to enable the Molly Brown to undergo refurbishment. That has led to a serious deterioration in its condition, although there are rumors that it will be restored following Disneyland Paris’ latest financial boost from the Disney company.

How to see it: The Mark Twain is now back in dry dock, but you can still spot it (hidden under tarpaulins) if you ride the Molly Brown.

1. Discovery River Boats (Disney's Animal Kingdom)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom featured a very sparse attraction line-up when it debuted in 1998, with the attention instead being largely on its animal exhibits. One of the handful of attractions that were available on opening day was the Discovery River Boats, which provided transportation from the Safari Village to Asia.

Those expecting an experience similar to the Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise were very disappointed – there was very little to see. After six months, the boats were renamed as the Discovery River Taxis, emphasising that they were intended to provide transportation and nothing else. By 1999 the attraction was once again renamed, this time as the Radio Disney River Cruises, with the boats being repainted in bright colors and Radio Disney music piped in. It proved to be just as unpopular, and the ride was closed for good.

However, the two landing docks for the boats remained in place, with both having been used a character meet-and-greet spots. The boats have been previously been used part of the park’s opening ceremonies, and are still used as resort transportation on Bay Lake during busy periods.

Upcountry Landing

How to see it: Head to the meet-and-greets at Upcountry Landing, formerly the Asia dock.

 
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Comments

No Skyway in Disneyland? Its just sitting there in plain sight!

The article says about "Making of Me": "It focused on contraception and birth..." This should instead be *conception*.

Thanks for posting this.
I have pictures of my family and I on boat with the Tree of Life in the background and couldn't figure out what the ride was. We went the year AK opened and it proved difficult to remember enough (i was fairly young then) to research it.

The river country restrooms are still in use? Who is using them?!

In reply to by El Vee (not verified)

I believe they are still in use by the crowds attending Mickey's BBQ at Ft. Wilderness.

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