I recall in AK's early years there was a captivating gigantic waterfall feature at the main entrance of the park just over the Rainforest Café building, I recall this being an incredible first impression and the waterfalls looked so real and blended in so well with the lush theming. I noticed that a couple of years back the waterfalls appear to have been permanetly turned off (or perhaps even removed?) and fully covered with landscaping and trees.. Does anyone recall this? Was there a reason for this change? What happened to the Waterfalls???
The waterfalls were part of Rainforest Cafe. Some thoughts are that as the foliage grew and began to block out the falls, they changed them to the rock formation with 2 small falls. Others suggest the operating cost was just to high. I would guess it's a mixture of both.
- Lynn -
INTERCOT Staff: Theme Parks, DVC
I am surprised that there wasn't more talk about this, I always thought the waterfalls looked incredible and majestic, I was shocked when they disappeared. I finally found some pictures online, here they are:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/framedanddried/346033975/
Were they turned off when Florida hit the big drought and they were conserving water? I remember when just about every fountain/water feature was turned off to conserve water.
"That is just poor show" -Cruella DeVil
Is there a better forum to post this thread in?
I remember from my first few trips that I could hear the waterfall but couldn't see it for all the trees and plants. I always wondered what happened to it. It's something they should've kept in place for sure.
USO - Cabana Bay 2020 & 2021; WDW-POR 2021
DL 2-17,8-17, 11-17; DL 2016; DL 11-2015; DL-DL-Hotel 2-2015; DL 2014; DL-Paradise Pier 2013; POFQ Dec 2012; CSR - Jan 2011; AKL-Kidani - Jan 2010; A.S.Mov - Dec 2008; CSR - Dec 2006; DL Feb 2006; CBR - Feb 2004; POR - Jun 2002
Wow, I am not remembering this at all.
Hopefully this well help jog some memories.. The waterfalls were even illustrated on the park maps, the newer versions of the park maps no longer have the waterfalls as seen in the before and after links below:
BEFORE - Notice the Waterfalls clearly illustrated to the left of the Park Entrance
AFTER - Notice the Waterfalls are no longer there and were replaced with a small-scale illustration of the pool in front of the Rainforest Café and a rock-type formation where the waterfalls used to be.
I am going to have to go back and look through my pictures to see if I can find anything. It is just not clicking for me.
