What happened to the island?

[Goofey Drool]

In 1992 and 1998 I remember going out to an island with all kinds of birds on it. I believe it was in view of MK. It had a bunch of cool paths and hammocks on the beach. I remember falling asleep in one of the hammocks for a few minutes one afternoon. Our trip in 2006 I noticed that it was closed. It kinda had the swiss family tree house feel to it. I wish they would reopen it. That island had attraction written all over it... I wonder what else they could do with it. Does anyone know if its closed forever?

 

[tiger4me2]

In 1992 and 1998 I remember going out to an island with all kinds of birds on it. I believe it was in view of MK. It had a bunch of cool paths and hammocks on the beach. I remember falling asleep in one of the hammocks for a few minutes one afternoon. Our trip in 2006 I noticed that it was closed. It kinda had the swiss family tree house feel to it. I wish they would reopen it. That island had attraction written all over it... I wonder what else they could do with it. Does anyone know if its closed forever?

Closed and not opening again so I was told bye a CM

 

[Kimberle]

It's still there. It's out near CR/FW. You can rent a little boat and circle it. No one is allowed on the island anymore.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Discovery Island.

Most of the inhabitants have been moved to Animal Kingdom, or to other facilities around the country.

There have been various rumors over the years as to what Disney might do with it, but nothing's actually been/being done.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Yes, 'Discovery Island' as an attraction was closed, and most of those animals moved to DAK.

We were told that the island is unlikely to be developed into anything else in terms of an actual attraction. It is currently 'off limits' due to it's being a wildlife propagation area--numbers of protected, wild birds currently nest there.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

I remember the island also. I still have quite of few pictures of it from our first visit to WDW. I thought we took a boat to it from WL

 

[Rylee]

In 1992 and 1998 I remember going out to an island with all kinds of birds on it. I believe it was in view of MK. It had a bunch of cool paths and hammocks on the beach. I remember falling asleep in one of the hammocks for a few minutes one afternoon. Our trip in 2006 I noticed that it was closed. It kinda had the swiss family tree house feel to it. I wish they would reopen it. That island had attraction written all over it... I wonder what else they could do with it. Does anyone know if its closed forever?

I remember Discovery Island, too, BUT...

I also remember a small, very small swimming area... water park? I think the ticket price included admission to both.

Anyone else remember this?

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I remember Discovery Island, too, BUT...

I also remember a small, very small swimming area... water park? I think the ticket price included admission to both.

Anyone else remember this?

That would be River Country. A wonderfully fun water park!!! That and Discovery Island are very close in proximity and you could get to both by boat. River Country is still there (at FtW Campground) but is no longer in operation. It is home to Mickey's Backyard BBQ now, however.

 

[Prissymouse]

I remember Discovery Island, too, BUT...

I also remember a small, very small swimming area... water park? I think the ticket price included admission to both.

Anyone else remember this?

Yes!!!!
I remember this....
It is really going to date me...
It was 1983 and I was at the Poly for a week.
I think they called it River Country.

 

[MaryPA]

I used to enjoy Discovery Island. It was a quiet peaceful place with ALOT of birds. I do miss having a place away from the hustling of the parks.

 

[Rylee]

That would be River Country. A wonderfully fun water park!!! That and Discovery Island are very close in proximity and you could get to both by boat. River Country is still there (at FtW Campground) but is no longer in operation. It is home to Mickey's Backyard BBQ now, however.

Thank you.

It's too bad they don't offer it as a perk for the campground.

 

[Rylee]

Yes!!!!
I remember this....
It is really going to date me...

Nah, it can't date us if we were just wee ones back then!


Actually, I have pictures of my 2 oldest children there. I went to apply suntan lotion on my oldest, 7 at the time, and she was just beginning to break out with the Chicken Pox! Luckily, it was our last day before heading home.

How's this for dating myself... We were staying at The Disney Inn... now SoG. I think it was 1989.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Thank you.

It's too bad they don't offer it as a perk for the campground.

Believe me! That has been talked about over in the Camping forum!!!! FtW sure does need a new pool and River Country would certainly fit the bill! IMO

 

[Prissymouse]

I was beginning to feel "young" again, considering the ages of your children, and then I saw it was 1989...lol

We will never be too old for Disney !!!

 

[tgropp]

Discovery Island was a nice way to spend an afternoon away from the parks. You could go to PI, TL or DI if you had the Park Hopper Plus. I still watch my home videos from 1994 when the children were small and it was the first and only time we went there. I would think that someone has posted it on You Tube

 

[Rylee]

I was beginning to feel "young" again, considering the ages of your children, and then I saw it was 1989...lol

We will never be too old for Disney !!!

The jokes on me... !

Almost 20 years later... and I STILL have a 7 year old!

Our children are 20 years apart, almost to the day. In May, the oldest will turn 27 and the youngest will turn 7. Of course, there all those other children in between, too.

Disney is the one family vacation we can all agree on. With one out on her own, another away at college, it is also a great way for the children to reconnect with one another.

 

[Rylee]

Believe me! That has been talked about over in the Camping forum!!!! FtW sure does need a new pool and River Country would certainly fit the bill! IMO

If they did this, I might actually consider staying in one of the cabins (large family). The pool is not the most important amenity but I like it to be a little more special than what they currently have. We have a "plain" pool in our own backyard.

 

[Rylee]

Discovery Island was a nice way to spend an afternoon away from the parks. You could go to PI, TL or DI if you had the Park Hopper Plus. I still watch my home videos from 1994 when the children were small and it was the first and only time we went there. I would think that someone has posted it on You Tube

Gosh, I seem to recall they differentiated the number of park admissions by referring to them as MAJOR and MINOR parks? Anyone else?

 

[ntsammy5]

The otters took over Discovery Island

 

[PolynesianPixie]

If they did this, I might actually consider staying in one of the cabins (large family). The pool is not the most important amenity but I like it to be a little more special than what they currently have. We have a "plain" pool in our own backyard.

Yes, the pool is a bit of a let down over there. We, too, have a "plain" one in our backyard

There is a new pool complex in the latter planning stages for FtW, but I'm not yet holding my breath! I am hopeful though! With all the campground ammenities and down to earth, friendly people, the campground is my 2nd favorite place to stay in the world! After my first love the Poly!