Discovery Island, a once-thriving tourist hot spot located in Florida, was abandoned in 1999. The island was home to a variety of animals, including zebras, ostriches, and exotic birds. It was a popular destination for vacationers and school trips alike, and was beloved by many. But why did Disney choose to abandon the island?
The first reason is that the animal population of the island had become unmanageable. Disney had initially intended to keep the area as an animal preserve, but the number of animals, especially the exotic birds, had grown to a level that made the island difficult to manage. In addition, many of the animals weren’t native to Florida, and were taking over the island’s wildlife.
The second reason is that Disney was concerned about safety. The island was located in a dangerous area of Florida, and was prone to flooding. In addition, the island was not easily accessible, meaning it was difficult to evacuate people in case of an emergency. For these reasons, Disney decided that it was in the best interests of their guests to close the island.
The third reason is that Disney wanted to focus their efforts on opening new parks. The closure of Discovery Island enabled Disney to shift their focus to building other parks, such as Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. As a result, the island was left unused and gradually lost its popularity.
Today, Discovery Island remains abandoned, though it can still be seen from the Magic Kingdom ferry or from the observation tower at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The island remains a reminder of Disney’s past and of the vibrant life that once existed there.
Where Was Discovery Island Located?
Discovery Island was an abandoned theme park located in Bay Lake, Florida, just off the shore of the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The island was home to several attractions, including the Discovery Island Zoo, which had a variety of animals including tigers, flamingos, sandhill cranes, and lemurs. The attraction was open from 1974 to 1999 and was eventually closed due to low attendance.
When it first opened in 1974, Discovery Island was a lush tropical paradise, full of native birds, reptiles, and mammals. One of its most popular attractions was the Discovery Island Zoo, which housed a variety of exotic animals. The zoo was very popular with visitors and was considered to be a unique experience. In addition to the zoo, the island also featured a variety of other attractions, including an aviary, a petting zoo, and a nature exhibit.
Unfortunately, the park suffered from low attendance and high operating costs, which led to its eventual closure in 1999. Since then, the island has remained abandoned, though some of the buildings and attractions can still be seen from the shore of the Magic Kingdom. There are rumors of plans to redevelop the island into a new theme park, but nothing has been confirmed by Disney yet.
For those looking to explore the abandoned island, it can be accessed by boat. However, visitors should be aware that they are trespassing and should be prepared to pay any fines that may be incurred. Additionally, the island is a natural environment and visitors should take caution to not disturb the animals or plants there.
In conclusion, Discovery Island was a unique theme park located in Bay Lake, Florida but was eventually closed due to low attendance and high operating costs. The island can still be accessed by boat, but visitors should be aware that they are trespassing and should take caution to not disturb the animals or plants on the island.
The Mystery Behind The Abandonment Of Discovery Island
One of the most fascinating abandoned places in Florida is Discovery Island, previously known as Treasure Island. It was a popular theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort area until its closure in 1999. The reasons behind the abandonment of Discovery Island remain a mystery to this day, and there are many theories as to why it was shut down.
The official reason for the closure of Discovery Island was due to the rising cost of maintenance and insurance. This was compounded by the introduction of Animal Kingdom in 1998, which made Discovery Island seem obsolete. Additionally, a new attraction, River Country, opened in 1976, making Discovery Island an even less desirable and cost-prohibitive option for Disney.
However, there are a few other theories as to why Discovery Island was abandoned. Some believe that the park had become unsafe due to the presence of alligators, snakes, and other wild animals, and that the expense of maintaining the wildlife in such a small area made it unfeasible for Disney to keep the island open. Others suggest that the island was closed due to non-compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the allegation that several construction crews were exposed to hazardous materials on the island.
Whatever the reason may be, the mystery behind the abandonment of Discovery Island still remains unsolved. It is a reminder of a magical place that once existed in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, and a reminder that some things are meant to remain mysteries.
| Reasons for Closure | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| Rising costs of maintenance and insurance | Introduction of Animal Kingdom in 1998 |
| Safety concerns | Presence of alligators, snakes, and other wild animals |
| Non-compliance with the EPA | Allegation that several construction crews were exposed to hazardous materials on the island |
Discovery Island, a Walt Disney World attraction, was abandoned in 1999.
No, Discovery Island has never been reopened.
The cost of maintaining and staffing the park was too high, leading to its closure.
Discovery Island was originally used to showcase exotic birds and animals.
Yes, Disney sold Discovery Island in 1999.
No, Disney no longer owns Discovery Island.
Yes, Discovery Island was used as a research facility for a time.
Today, Discovery Island is a private island and is not open to the public.
Discovery Island was abandoned due to high costs associated with maintaining and staffing the park.
It is unlikely that Discovery Island will ever open to the public again.