Disney has filed a new permit to examine the soil in the location of their old River Country water park. The permit, which specifically uses a mysterious “Project 89” code name, aims to determine whether or not the land is suitable for construction.
Below is an image of the location in question in the permit, courtesy of danlb_2000 at WDWMagic.
What kind of construction? The best guess would suggest a new resort. Disney appears intent to add more hotel space for guests interested in checking out some of the new additions coming to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
River Country, the old water park that closed in 2005 due to the popularity of Disney’s other water parks and concerns over water quality, sits just outside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. It’s a fascinating and puzzling tale of a water park closing and being left to be reclaimed by the elements.
Though the area has sat abandoned since 2005 and it’s always nice to hear of new projects at Disney World, there is some concern over how new construction – and the completed project – would alter an area known and loved for its wilderness feel. Disney’s most recent resort projects have included large towers that dominate their location. It goes without saying that a potential resort in this location should fit within its surroundings.
