Question for the experts...

[alayne]

We went to the Fort for the first time in April. It was WONDERFUL and is our new home when we travel to WDW. On our last full day we took the boat to eat at Chief Mickey's. Along the way there looks like an island with lots of grown up plant life and a small dock and structure. It looked like no one ever goes there but we were wondering what this might be or what it might have once been. Any ideas?

 

[bama_ed]

That's Discovery Island and it was the wildlife/bird sanctuary that you could visit before Animal Kingdom was built (it was a pay-per-ticket attraction). Other than being closed to visitors very little has been done to it so it sits and decays and continues to attract birds.

Disney is very aware of it and if you rent a pontoon boat from the Fort and cut the motor anywhere near Discovery a Shore Patrol boat will zoom over and ask if you have engine trouble.

People have slipped over there and posted pictures on other blogs but other than the allure of the unknown there's not much to it any more.

Bama ED

 

[cruising spud]

I remember visiting Discovery Island when it was still in operation. I am thinking about 1987. We were staying at the Tree Houses (this was before we fell in love with camping). We took a boat over, talked to a young man who was in charge of the island that day, bought some fish to feed to some fish-eating bird, and generally, had a nice couple of relaxing hours.

The island even had a parrot. When the young man said, "Mickey," the parrot would say, "rat."

Nice memories.

 

[Tigger1966]

For thoes who are intrested

Discovery Island

 

[bama_ed]

We here on the DIS do not endorse or condone trespassing officially.

Just wanted to get that on the record.

Bama ed

 

[DisCamper]

If you go to the Fort’s beach before dusk or before a thunder storm. You can sit and watch the island there is lots of different type of birds heading home to that island. We have seen American bald eagles and lots more. This a great place to just sit and relax.

 

[Krystalynn]

If you go to the Fort’s beach before dusk or before a thunder storm. You can sit and watch the island there is lots of different type of birds heading home to that island. We have seen American bald eagles and lots more. This a great place to just sit and relax.

Very cool! Maybe we will check that out.

 

[YellowXterra]

Eagles? Thats cool do they nest there?

 

[2goofycampers]

We were told all the non wild critters were moved to Animal Kingdom.

 

[DisCamper]

Eagles? Thats cool do they nest there?

We were told the Eagles have made it there home for about 6 years now

 

[DisCamper]

The wife and I went to the beach almost every sunset just to watch what we called the fly in and the beautiful sunset as it falls behind the island.