Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island

Tree of LifeLake Buena Vista, Florida: Discovery Island is your gateway to the fun and adventure that awaits you at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. In the middle of the island lies the park’s icon, the Tree of Life. Radiating out from the island are the bridges that lead to each of the parks themed lands making it the park’s central hub.

Originally opened as Safari Village, the island was renamed Discovery Island in 1999 when a similarly named attraction on Bay Lake closed. It is home to a few animals, a multi-sense movie, shopping and restaurants.

The lands focal point is the Tree of Life. The 145 foot man-made tree is the icon of the Animal Kingdom. Using an oil rig platform as a skeleton, Imagineers constructed this fourteen story tree that contains carvings of over 325 animals.

In the base of the Tree of Life is the Tree of Life Theater. Here you can watch the 4-D film called “It’s Tough to be a Bug.” The nine minute show inspired by the Disney-Pixar film “A Bug’s Life” brings the audience face to face with a few members of the insect family. The story comes to life by combining 3-D film, audio-animatronics, lighting, sounds and smells.

The other attraction here on Discovery Island is the Discovery Island Gardens. The quiet trails are home to tortoise, lemurs, kangaroos and more. There are over twenty species of animals found along the trails and the trail is a great place to get away from the crowds for a little while.

Two of Animal Kingdoms most popular restaurants can be found in Discovery Island. The dining choices include:

  • Flame Tree Barbecue: the counter service restaurant serves bbq ribs, chicken and pork.
  • Pizzafari: the counter service restaurant serves three meals a day and features pizza served in themed rooms. The décor of each room is a sight not to be missed.
  • Safari Coffee: cart serving coffee and other drinks.
Discovery Island is also home to the following shops:
  • Beastly Bazzaar: island clothing and souvenirs.
  • Creature Comforts: children’s clothing, toys and more.
  • Disney Outfitters: nature gifts and clothing.
  • Island Mercantile: Animal Kingdom themed souvenirs.
The afternoon parade, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, passes through Discovery Island daily.

Click on the photo above for pictures of Discovery Island.

Updated January 16, 2011.

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