- When Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the central area was known as Safari Village. Like the “hub” in the Magic Kingdom, it led to all of the different lands in the park. In late 2000 or early 2001, the name was changed to Discovery Island.
- Although they bear the same name, there are few differences between this land in the Animal Kingdom and the small, quiet island retreat (which is now closed), located across from Wilderness Lodge and the (also closed) River Country.
- In June of 1998, the “Discovery River Taxi” was making round-trip tours to and from Safari Village , similar in concept to the Skyway in the Magic Kingdom – a circular tour of the park to give guests views of Disney’s newest creation. Guests didn’t think that was such a great idea.
- In September, 1998 the ride closed, but reopened in November as the “Discovery River Taxis.” The Taxis were short-lived and closed by 1999. In March of 1999, Disney gave it another try as the ” Disney Radio River Cruise”, thinking that adding DJs to the trip would make it more appealing. The crowds (or lack thereof), thought otherwise, and the musical mystery tour closed (again) in August, 1999.
- There are 27 million gallons of water in Discovery River . . . that’s an amount equal to 1,800 average-sized backyard swimming pools.
- Some 1,500 2-to-3-foot long fanciful hand-painted wooden folk art animal carvings – a fusion of pre-Columbian, Peruvian, African and Polynesian forms – were crafted on the island of Bali by native craftsmen, and can be seen adorning the architecture of Safari Village.
Discovery Island
Lou Mongello
Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice of law to pursue his passion for Disney. He began as one of the earliest podcasters back in 2005, and is the founder and host of WDW Radio (WDWRadio.com), named Best Travel Podcast for 9 consecutive years). Founded in 2004, WDW Radio also includes live video, blog, community, products, tours, and events dedicated to celebrating the magic of Walt Disney World, the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Marvel, and Star Wars.
He is also the author of numerous books about Disney, and a series of virtual Audio Tours of the parks, all created in an effort to help enhance guests' enjoyment and appreciation of the theme parks, shows, and films, and the people who make the magic happen.
Lou is also the founder of the Dream Team Project (DreamTeamProject.org), which sends children with life-threatening illnesses to Walt Disney World, and has raised more than $550,000.00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
In addition to creating content around the Disney brands, Lou is also an author, coach, keynote speaker, and founder of the Momentum series of events and workshops for those looking to build their business and brand. Learn more at LouMongello.com.
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About Lou Mongello
Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…