[Mr. EPCOT]

River Country closed around 1999, due to a variety of factors, including the aforementioned problems with being connected to Bay Lake. As I understand it, there was a law passed in Florida that forbids swimming in any natural body of water that is not replenished, via a spring, river, etc. There was no problem with the popularity of the park. however, once the other two water parks opened, there became a problem with the increased water park traffic overall at River Country due to the fact that it has no dedicated parking area. Guests have to park at the Fort Wilderness parking lot way on the other side of the campground, meaning they'd have to clog up the shuttles or walk all that way (phew!). There have been rumors of converting River Country into a dedicated ol'-fashioned swimmin' hole specifically for the Wilderness Region (Ft. Wilderness Campground and Wilderness Lodge Resort). This concept would be similar to the humongous Stormalong Bay pool/mini-water park at the Yacht & Beach Club, where you have to show your room key to obtain a wristband for usage of the pool area. Such a mega-pool is rumored for the new Disney Vacation Club tower at the Contemporary, as well.