Disney World is set to unveil a new recreation area named the Wetlands, which will replace the long-abandoned River Country water park that once entertained visitors from 1976 until its closure in 2001. With the announcement made earlier this week, many are eager to see how the space will be transformed.
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Located on Bay Lake, River Country was Disney’s first water park, offering a unique down-home charm with its natural spring water pool. Following its closure, the park remained untouched for years, leading to speculation about what might fill its void. Now that question has been answered: the Wetlands will be part of the upcoming Lakeshore Lodge resort, which is expected to open in the summer of 2027.
The Wetlands area will offer a variety of family-friendly attractions, including play zones inspired by the Disney film Pocahontas. This whimsical theme aims to evoke the film’s spirit through features such as play areas named Heron Shores and Otter Springs, which draw creativity from the iconic song “Colors of the Wind.”
For those seeking relaxation, the Wetlands will include the Daydream River, a lazy river designed to allow guests to drift peacefully while taking in the natural surroundings. Additionally, the resort will boast a multi-age pool known as the Lakeside Lagoon, equipped with a spiralling waterslide. Another leisure destination known as Perspective Pond will feature a whirlpool spa and stunning views of the fireworks displays from the Magic Kingdom every evening.
Situated just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, Lakeshore Lodge will offer complimentary transportation throughout Disney World, enhancing convenience for guests. The overall design of the Wetlands, as depicted in the renderings released by Disney, showcases a modern aesthetic, a significant shift from the rustic nature of the former River Country.
The Lakeshore Lodge will celebrate not only Pocahontas but also include nods to other classic Disney films, such as Bambi and Brother Bear. This new resort will offer a comprehensive package of accommodations, boasting a total of 967 rooms that provide guests with a variety of options, some of which will feature direct views of either Bay Lake or the nightly fireworks.
Families looking for a closer connection to nature will be thrilled to learn about the new Lake Houses, which offer one or two-bedroom options and provide an ideal setting for both relaxation and adventure. Although part of the Disney Vacation Club, non-members will also have the opportunity to book their stay at this exciting new resort.
As Disney prepares to breathe new life into this iconic area of their resort, anticipation grows for what promises to be a spectacular addition to the park’s vast offerings. The Wetlands, with its commitment to celebrating Disney storytelling and immersive experiences, represents a revitalisation of a beloved heritage site, while also embracing contemporary themes and attractions.
Overall, the Lakeshore Lodge and Wetlands represent Disney’s ongoing evolution and dedication to creating memorable experiences for guests of all ages, as it embarks on this ambitious project scheduled for completion in the years to come.