There is much to discover on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom. This particular section of Animal Kingdom is where the Tree of Life is located and so much more. Learn the 9 reasons we love Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom. This includes a classic attraction, dining, shopping and more.
1. It’s Tough To Be A Bug
The attraction It’s Tough To Be A Bug is located within the Tree of Life. Walk through the winding queue, with magnificent and up close views of the Tree Of Life. It’s Tough To Be A Bug opened with Animal Kingdom, making it a classic attraction. Guests have the chance to see Flik (ant), Hopper (grasshopper), Chili (tarantula), Claire de Room (stink bug) and more. Did you know this attraction actually opened prior to the debut of the Disney-Pixar film of the same name?
2. Meet Favorite Disney Pals At Adventurers Outpost
Meeting daily at Disney Island are your favorite pals, Mickey & Minnie Mouse. They are getting ready for their next expedition, however they have time for a meet and greet or two before! Take pictures and get autographs with the duo in their Safari gear.
3. Discovery Island Trails
Take some time to travel the lesser known Discovery Island Trails. Guests can take this self-guided walking tour and encounter many animals, while winding around the Tree of Life. See a White Stork, Red Kangaroo, Galapagos Tortoise, Ring-Tailed Lemur and more!
4. Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
Guests can catch Winged Encounters several times throughout the day on Discovery Island, check times guide your day of visit for this entertainment option. Guests are invited to watch a colorful flock of Macaws take flight, free flying. First, learn facts about the Macaws and even ask the handlers a question. Then, have your camera ready and set to slow motion for best capture of these beautiful birds flying.
5. Pizzafari Family-Style Dining
Pizzafari offers a Family-Style Dining experience daily from 5-7pm. Guests will enjoy a selection of foods including: 2 appetizers (Caesar and Caprese salad), 3 entrees (pasta, chicken and pizza) and finish with a dessert. Cost is $19.99 (adults) and $11.99 (children age 3-9). Price includes tax and non-alcoholic beverages (alcoholic beverages available for separate purchase). For guests on the dining plan, this counts as 1 QSR redemption. Pizza and pasta are easy crowd pleasers!
6. Flame Tree Barbeque
Take a break from burgers and chicken nuggets and enjoy Barbecue dishes with outdoor covered seating areas. Try the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler to split. Your taste buds will thank you for the smokehouse flavors and signature baked beans. Plus, the French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese is a filling side that is like a light meal. Even better, skip the line at Flame Tree Barbecue and order your food with Mobile Ordering.
7. Eight Spoon Café
For a snack on Discovery Island, consider stopping at Eight Spoon Café. They have a couple savory snack options! Try the Baked Macaroni & Cheese, plus add Pulled Pork or Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce for an additional price. This small counter service eatery also has the classic Mickey with cheese sauce for purchase.
8. Discovery Trading Company
For one stop shopping at Animal Kingdom, venture to the Discovery Trading Company. This is a large retail shop on Discovery Island selling favorite souvenirs such as apparel, plush, Ears, Toys, Gifts, Housewares, Candy, Key Chains, Pins and more. Be sure to check out the intricate wood carvings on the columns. Plus, trade pins with any Cast Members wearing a lanyard!
9. Tree Of Life
The Tree of Life stands on Discovery Island and is Disney’s Animal Kingdom park icon. The Tree of Life celebrates nature with numerous Animal carvings. In fact, there are over 300 animals represented as carvings on the Tree of Life. Animals to look for include: Bear, Deer, Eagle, Lion, Monkey, Pelican, Rhinoceros, Scorpion, Tortoise and much more. This amazing man-made tree stands at 145 feet tall (equivalent to 14 stories), with a base width of 50 feet. In the evening, experience Tree of life Awakenings, playing every 10 minutes until the park closes.
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