Discovery Island is the central hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, connecting to all lands of the park through a series of bridges. Discovery Island is home to dining, shopping, and attractions, including animal exhibits with creatures from around the globe.
At the heart of Discovery Island is the iconic Tree of Life, a massive artificial tree that stands 145 feet tall and is adorned with carvings of hundreds of animals. This tree is not only a visual masterpiece but also serves as a venue for It’s Tough to be a Bug, a 3D film that offers an entertaining perspective on the life of insects. The pathways around the island offer stunning views and encounters with exotic wildlife, making Discovery Island a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and natural beauty.
Discovery Island Attractions and Animal Exhibits
The hub to Animal Kingdom is home to one show, as well as character meeting locations and tons of animal exhibits. Here’s what you’ll find:
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug:
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost:
- Animal Exhibits:
- Migratory Birds at Tree of Life
- Lemurs at Tree of Life
- Vultures at Tree of Life
- Kangaroos across from Island Mercantile
- Asian Small-Clawed Otters across from Island Mercantile and Pizzarfari
- Flamingos
- Cotton-Top Tamarins near entrance to Africa
Discovery Island Dining
Table Service Restaurants
- Tiffins: Enjoy a fine dining experience with international cuisine inspired by global travel.
- Nomad Lounge: A travel-themed lounge attached to Tiffins with specialty cocktails and appetizers and gorgeous outdoor seating.
Quick-Service Restaurants
- Pizzafari: Grab a quick bite of pizza in a colorful and family-friendly environment.
- Flame Tree BBQ: Savor smoky barbecue dishes with spectacular views of the park.
- Creature Comforts: Starbucks location with coffee, tea, and small bites.
- Eight Spoon Cafe: Comfort food such as macaroni and cheese or pulled pork.
- Smiling Crocodile: Small plates such as street tacos and beverages.
Snack Spots, Carts, and More
- Isle of Java: Enjoy fresh coffee and and sweet treats (like a Tiger Tail!) at this cozy island cafe.
- Tiffins Cart: Coffee, frozen treats, and other small snacks.
Discovery Island Shopping
- Discovery Trading Company and Riverside Depot: The major shop of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with Minnie Ears, apparel, accessories, toys, and every other souvenir you can think of.
- Island Mercantile: A variety of Disney-themed souvenirs in a vibrant marketplace setting, located to your left as you enter Discovery Island.
Discovery Island Entertainment
There are plenty of entertainment options you’ll find at the land, including tons of characters you can see. Along with the characters , you have two different options with showtimes throughout the day (so make sure to check your My Disney Experience app):
- Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight:
- Viva Gaia Street Band!:
Characters
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurers Outpost
- Dug and Russell at Wilderness Explorers Club House
- Kevin (occasionally roaming on Discovery Island)
- Moana at Character Landing
- Character Floatillas: Spot characters – listed below – on floatillas going around Discovery River Lagoon:
- Goofy
- Launchpad McQuack
- Pluto
- Pocahontas
- Rafiki
- Timon
- Scrooge McDuck
Other Discovery Island Details
What else do you need to know about the land? Here are some of the essentials you’ll want to take note of before visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
First Aid and Baby Care Center
Past Creature Comforts on your way towards Africa, you’ll see both the First Aid and Baby Care Center to use. These are locations you can go to if you need any small first-aid help or need to use the Baby Care Center:
- First Aid
- Baby Care Center
Restrooms
Restrooms in the land are located at the following locations:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom First Aid Restrooms
- Pizzafari Restrooms
- Flame Tree BBQ Restrooms (and Companion Restrooms)
PhotoPass Opportunities
While it may vary by day, here are a few locations where you may find PhotoPass photographers:
- Tree of Life Hub
- Lion King Corner (on pathway to Pandora)
- On Discovery Island Trails near Tree of Life
