Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Discovery Island Area


©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers

Previously named Safari Village, Discovery Island Area is the central hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park connecting all sections of the park, except for Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area.  Surrounded by the Discovery River, Discovery Island Area is where you will find the park’s icon, The Tree of Life towering an amazing 14-stories high and seen throughout the park’s themed areas.

Surrounding the Tree of Life is the Discovery Island Trail, which allows visitors to take a self-guided tour of the exotic birds and wildlife that call the trail their home. Some of the wildlife you will view: storks, cranes, swans, macaws, lemurs, kangaroos, tortoise, ducks otters and spoonbills.

©Mad About the Mouse

©Mad About the Mouse

Inside the 50-ft base of the Tree of Life is fan favorite, It’s Tough to Be a Bug Attraction, a delightful 3D show hosted by Flik and Hopper from Disney•Pixar’s film, “A Bug’s Life.”   With a supporting cast of creepy crawlers, the audience is invited to be honorary bugs for a funny and interactive look at the bug kingdom.

Discovery Island is also home to two favorite dining venues in the Animal Kingdom park, Flame Tree Barbecue and PizzaFari and a character meet and greet at Adventurers Outpost.


Attractions in Discovery Island Area

oasis-exhibits-00

Discovery Island Trail – Discover a world of small exotic animals around the base of the Tree of Life. This self-guided trail offers a great way to escape the crowds, take a stroll to see animal exhibits and the artful carvings of the Tree of Life.

  • Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
  • Height Requirements: No height requirements
  • Accessibility:  Guests may remain in Wheelchair/ECV
  • Thrill Level:  Animal encounters
  • FASTPASS+ is not offered
  • Snow White’s Rating:  
©Disney Image Makers

©Disney Image Makers


It’s Tough to Be a Bug
– Join everybody’s favorite ant, Flik and his charming grasshopper pal, Hopper as they take you on an entertaining and hilarious 3D adventure through a day in the life of a bug.  Become an honorary bug and see the world from a bug’s view

  • Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
  • Height Requirements: No height requirements
  • Accessibility:  Guests may remain in Wheelchair/ECV
  • Thrill Level:  Animal encounters
  • FASTPASS+ is not offered
  • Snow White’s Rating:  

Dining in Discovery Island

Flame Tree Barbecue – Dine on barbecued and smoked chicken, ribs and beef seasoned with famous Flame Tree BBQ rub at this fan favorite restaurant.  Offers lots of shaded areas to dine with views of Mount Everest.

  • Experience:  Counter Service – Lunch & Dinner
  • Price range:  $ ($14.99 and under)
  • Details:  Disney Dining Plans accepted
  • Tables in Wonderland – 20% discount
  • Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
  • Snow White’s Ranking: 

Gardens Kiosk – Outdoor oasis with healthy and organic offerings and snacks, geared especially for those who are looking for snacks that are suitable to their dietary restrictions.  Also a wealth of information for guests who have specific food allergies.  

  • Experience:  Snacks
  • Price range:  $ ($14.99 and under)
  • Details:  Disney Dining Plans accepted
  • Snow White’s Ranking: 

Pizzafari – Another fan favorite dining venue, enjoy pizzas, italian sandwiches, vegetable and pasta salads in 6 differently themed rooms with mosaic and intricately painted designs.

  • Experience:  Counter Service – Lunch & Dinner
  • Price range:  $ ($14.99 and under)
  • Details:  Disney Dining Plans accepted
  • Tables in Wonderland – 20% discount
  • Menu – Click Here for Full Menu
  • Snow White’s Ranking: 

Shopping in Discovery Island Area 

island merchantile

Creature Comforts – Themed around animals with spots and stripes and offers apparel and accessories, MagicBands, pins and vinylmations and focuses on children’s items.

island merchantile

Island Merchantile – Sweetly themed to hardworking critters like beavers and bees and offers apparel and accessories, gifts ands housewares, Mickey Ears, Pins & Vinylmations and toys and plush

 

Flame Tree Barbecue

If you have a beastly appetite and want it satisfied quickly, Flame Tree Barbecue can tame your cravings.  Located near the Discovery Island bridge to DinoLand USA, Flame Tree Barbecue offers up great beef, chicken and delicious St. Louis-style Ribs, smoked in-house, and topped with Flame Tree’s signature barbecue sauce. Indulge on outstanding BBQ in a …

Pizzafari

Trek on over to Pizzafari for delicious pizzas, savory American favorites like chicken, vegetable and pasta salads during your Animal Kingdom expedition. Walls adorned with murals of animals painted in vibrant colors make this restaurant a colorful work of art that’s worth exploring. Check out the tiled floors with mosaic animal inlays as well as the rafters and ceilings …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.