Discovery Island

The Discovery Island, which is the hub of the Animal Kingdom, is surrounded by the Discovery River. Here, guests can visit the amazing Tree of Life, which stands 14 stories high and is visible throughout the entire park.

Inside the tree, guests can enjoy the 3-D “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show. This show features Flik and Hopper and is brought to life with the use of audio-animatronic technology. The fastpast is available for this attraction, which is viewed from the perspective of a bug.

Exotic birds and other wildlife can also be observed by taking a walk on the Discovery Island Trail. Birds such as Saddle-billed storks and green-winged macaws, and animals such as Cotton-top tamarins, South American capybaras, lemurs, kangaroos, Asian small-clawed otters, and Galapagos tortoises are among the critters to be discovered. The entire trail is wheelchair accessible. The Storyteller/Changeling might also be found along the trail. This is an entertaining duo that spins tales for visitors about the creatures found in the Animal Kingdom. As the story is told, the changeling becomes an animal right in front of everyone’s eyes!

Discovery Island contains a variety of dining areas. The Flame Tree Barbeque and the Pizzafari each serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At the Flame Tree Barbeque, they can enjoy ribs, smoked chicken, beef, pork, and fresh salads. Children’s meals are also available. The Pizzafari is a themed dining room, containing brightly colored murals, as well as possums, hanging bats, and parrots. Breakfast offerings at the Pizzafari include breakfast pizza, waffles, fruit plates and sausage. Pizza, pasta, salads, and hot sandwiches are available for lunch and dinner.

The bazaar within the Discovery Island contains architecture reminiscent of that found in Bali. The “Island Mercantile” contains ornately carved animal detailing on the outside. Inside, the shop offers clothes, toys, collectibles, candy, and Animal Kingdom themed merchandise. At “Disney Outfitters,” guests can purchase upscale clothing, tapestries, jewelry, watch artisans, collectible gifts, sculptures, and camera accessories. The “Beastly Bazaar” offers Animal Kingdom mugs, hats, T-shirts, and home decorating merchandise. Mickey safari pith helmets, toys, gifts, and children’s clothing can be purchased at “Creature Comforts.” The “Pin Trading Cart” offers a wide variety of pins.