Disney’s Discovery Island Map and Brochure (1985)
Floating in the middle of Bay Lake, Florida, Discovery Island was once Disney’s offbeat gem—part wildlife sanctuary, part tropical retreat—before shuttering in 1999. For 25 years, guests ferried across the water to explore exotic bird habitats, trails under towering trees, and a very different side of Walt Disney World.
- Location
- Bay Lake, Florida
- Years Active
- 1974 – 1999
If you’re curious what that long-gone island looked like in its prime, the original park maps are your best guide. These scans lay out every trail, exhibit, and hidden corner—perfect for history buffs or anyone retracing Disney’s more unusual chapter.
Grab the PDFs and step back into the island that time forgot.
Disney’s Discovery Island Map 1985
FAQ
Why did Disney’s Discovery Island close?
Disney’s Discovery Island closed in 1999 due to declining attendance and high maintenance costs. The island’s animal inhabitants were relocated to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney focused resources on newer attractions.
Is Disney doing anything with Discovery Island?
Disney is not currently using Discovery Island for any public projects. The island remains abandoned since its closure in 1999 and has no announced redevelopment plans. It is off-limits to visitors, and Disney enforces trespassing restrictions to protect the area.
What happened to the animals on Disney’s Discovery Island?
The animals on Discovery Island were relocated to Disney’s Animal Kingdom when the island closed in 1999. Many were integrated into the new park’s exhibits.
Who made abandoned Discovery Island?
Abandoned Discovery Island was created by the Walt Disney Company. It originally opened as Treasure Island in 1974 and was later renamed Discovery Island in 1978.
