How Disney Tried (and Failed) to Sell a Ticket Book for Fort Wilderness (Ep. 518)

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dive into the history of Fort Wilderness and River Country, including the expansion that almost happened and how Disney’s first water park became a fan favorite before shutting down. Plus, Jim continues the story of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and why it never made it off the ground.

• River Country’s Rise and Fall: How Disney’s first water park became wildly popular—and why it ultimately closed for good.
• Fort Wilderness Expansion Plans: Disney once planned a whole Western-themed town for guests to explore—so what happened?
• Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers more about the shelved resort project and what Disney originally planned for Bay Lake.
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass Updates: Disney’s premium skip-the-line pass is selling out even on slow days—so is another price increase coming?
• Epic Universe Previews Begin: What we know about Universal’s upcoming soft openings and when guests might get their first look.

Join Len and Jim for a deep dive into Disney history, surprising theme park changes, and what could be next for Fort Wilderness and Bay Lake.

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