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

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Leisure, Society & Culture, Places & Travel

4.8 • 979 Ratings

🗓️ 10 February 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Drawn to Life, the groundbreaking live stage show at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida,
0:04.9	has been dazzling visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort for more than three years now.
0:09.8	This family-friendly extravaganza, which really has to be seen to be believed,
0:14.0	seamlessly blends pieces of classic Disney animation with mind-blowing live acrobatics.
0:19.2	Drawn to Life is presented Wednesday through Sunday on the west side of Disney Springs.
0:23.3	This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is open to anyone visiting Central Florida, and parking is free.
0:29.3	Again, that's Drawn to Life, live on stage at Disney Springs in Orlando.
0:34.6	Welcome back to another edition of The Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill.
0:37.9	It's me, Len Testa, and this is our show for the week of Schmer's Day, February 10th,
0:41.4	2025 on the show today, news, listen to your questions.
0:45.3	In surveys, Disney asks, what's it going to take for you to tour a DVC resort?
0:49.8	And a new universal survey, but only if you promise not to tell anyone.
0:53.9	Be cool, brothers and sisters,
0:55.1	be cool. Then in our main segment, Jim Hill continues the history and future of Disney's Reflections,
1:00.3	a Lakeside Lodge. Let's get started by bringing in the man who reminds you that when asked
1:04.7	what you look for in a relationship, saying, a way out is not a great first impression.
1:10.0	So, Mr. Jim Hill, Jim has it going.
1:11.2	Len, wasn't it French novelist and playwright Jean Gerardo, who once said that the key to a
1:18.1	truly successful relationship is sincerity that once you learn to fake that, it's, you pretty much got
1:23.4	it made. Exactly. The secret is sincerity.
1:28.6	What'd you think that you got a need?
1:31.1	I mean, look, Nancy and I have been together.
	...

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