Many people don’t know that there is a hidden island in Walt Disney World that closed down after 25 years of welcoming guests. It used to be brimming with exotic animals
Disney World fans know all too well just how magical it is to step into the resort. And this doesn’t just apply to children – adults get to relive their childhood nostalgia when they step through the gates.
It’s a place where you can meet up with the iconic characters that shaped your childhood while enjoying the thrilling rides, magical parades, and themed lands. But beyond the immersive experience at Disney World Florida lies something unexpected – an abandoned island tucked away in plain sight.
The island has been around since almost the beginning of Walt Disney World. It originally opened as Treasure Island, inspired by Disney’s 1950 pirate adventure film of the same name. In 1977, it was renamed Discovery Island.
The tropical island was only accessible by boat and was home to a wide range of animals, including exotic birds, giant tortoises, and even one of the largest walk-through aviaries in the world.
Discovery Island operated for decades but eventually closed on April 8, 1999. Today, it sits eerily abandoned, surrounded by popular Disney attractions like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort.
Despite being in clear view, many guests pass by the overgrown island without realising it was once a fully functioning Disney attraction. It blends in with the wooded shoreline, and although the property is now off-limits, curiosity still draws people in. In 2020, a 42-year-old man was arrested after sneaking onto the island and camping there for several days.
Though long abandoned, Discovery Island’s legacy hasn’t vanished. Elements of its original spirit live on – especially in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park leans heavily into the zoological themes first explored on the island, with immersive animal exhibits. Its central hub is also named Discovery Island, a quiet tribute to the park of the past.
This is exactly why the theme park is timeless, it constantly keeps evolving but keeping a hold of its nostalgic roots. Whether it’s new lands, or hidden gems like Discovery island – there’s always something to discover.