2017 UPDATE kzfaq.info/get/bejne/adZpmcaY0NXMn6M.html

If Moana does good, they should repurpose Discovery Island into a Polynesian theme and call it Moana's Island.

Considering they closed it in spring 1999 I'm surprised they didn't repurpose it into some sort of Tarzan attraction since the film came out that summer

The fence is there most likely for liability reasons. If someone's trying to get in there and winds up injured (or worse), then Disney would be liable for that injury.

Too expensive to clear? Disney? Yeah, right.

Dear Jake, Disney guests are able to rent boats. So the fence was put up to prevent guests from docking and entering the island.

What's creepy about them leaving the lights on till 2008 is that means they had to have fire inspectors going out to the island to inspect everything while it was being consumed by the vegetation.

*2019:* “Raid Area 51!” *2020:* “Raid discovery island!”

Shoutout to the guy that went camping out there this week.

This is basically the real Jurassic Park

Maybe the fence is to keep whatever is on the island in there...

Judging by the number of birds seen from the aerial footage, I'd say it's going to be pretty difficult for anyone to ever do anything with the island. It'd most likely be declared as a protected reserve.

Anyone here because of the Florida man who went camping on the island?

The fence was put up awhile ago. It was to prevent trespassing. The graffiti you spoke of earlier was by intruders, not employees to my knowledge. There's still no plans to use the land in any way. Bzz

Somebody needs to get an expert drone flyer to send a drone down there.

I’m freaking out ! I live in Florida and have been taking the ferry past this island for YEARS and never even realized this !!!! I recognize the location of every single one of these photos! Edit : I also just realize that the weird tree/wood I’ve been seeing all these years is a pirate ship covered in tree what the heck

Who else is here in 2020 and don’t know why???

My mom visited Discovery Island in the early 80's when it was still open, and she told me a lot of interesting things. Here's some information from my mom, from what she can remember: the island was mostly a bird observation place. There were some tortoises and lemurs, but it was mostly birds. All of the attractions were like the walk-through observation attractions located in Animal Kingdom today. It was a big breeding ground for birds (legally of course) so that leads her to believe the animals were abandoned there and continue to breed to this day. She said she never heard of any animals really making it off the island. There was also a type of bird (sparrow, she thinks) that was the last of its kind. It went extinct after that one specimen on the Island died. So, judging by that, this place had a pretty good cause for being there. She strongly disagrees with the rumors of Naegleria Fowleri (the brain-eating amoeba) being the cause for the shutdown. She says that was much, much more of a River Country issue, and people weren't even allowed to step into the water on the beach they had on the island. You run the risk of getting that amoeba in a lot of places down there, so I agree with her that that was not the cause for shutdown

The island is probably hazardous, with unstable ground and squatting predators such as crocodiles or something crazy.

An island on a river in Florida....2 words-snakes and alligators. Alligators and tourists don't mix well at all since they like to feed the alligators.

So I’m in my hotel room at Disney right now, and while I’m listening to this video, I’m actually looking at the island

My Aunt worked at Discovery Island when she was 19. I have a picture of her and her workmate, it's cool and creepy at the same time.

The island will remain, to be never touched again. its not worth their time or money.

Abandoned due to a power outage releasing the velociraptors from their cages.

Thats where Disney keeps lost children from the other Disney parks. Its a Mega Sweatshop.

Honestly at this point, and judging how much nature has taken over it, Disney should just leave the island alone. Financial issues aside, many animals have made the island their homes so it would also be ethical to leave it alone.

I think the fence is their just to keep people off the island. Although I'm pretty sure that people can figure out another way onto the island if they wanted too, plus they could always jump the fence if they really wanted to get on the island.

Heading there now. Looks like a perfect place for a self quarantine.

Discovery Island: shuts down Alligators: *Its free real-estate*

Take a drink every time he says "Island"!

Lets be honest guys, we all know theres a government facility under that discovery island.

Very cool. I remember going there when my family visited in 89. One night they left the kids at this Pirate themed thing so they could go have a parents night out. It was at the Polynesian and we had pizza, played video games and then they took us on a boat to Discovery Island after dark. We “found” a treasure chest near the pirate ship and it had stuff to make s’mores. They had a camp fire and we roasted marshmallows etc. Then they took us back and our parents picked us up. Definitely a cool experience. And much more fun than when we went during the day and just saw birds . . .

I love the evolution of your commentary from the beginning of this series to now. I enjoy how polished and professional you sound. I appreciate the effort you (and your team) put into each production and anticipate watching each new video. Thank you!

You know since Alligators live on that island, We could just call it "Jurassic Park"

I visited Discovery Island twice when I was a kid in 1978 and 1979 We had a blast there! I still have photos of myself and my sister posing with big birds on our arms. And another picture of us climbing on a giant metal anchor that was half buried in the beach sand. I just remember exploring all the paths on the island. It was a lot of fun. BUT you have to remember that this was late 70's and your Disney experience was limited to The Magic Kingdom, River Country and Discovery Island. That's it. So at the time it was something else fun to do at Disney. But after Epcot opened and then MGM and finally Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island was just a forgotten afterthought. Who had the time to see this too?! I always thought Disney could make some big bucks turning this into something called Honeymoon Island. Build a dozen beach villas and rent them for the week. People could get married right on the island and then stay there too. It would be very exclusive and very expensive to stay there but I bet it would be booked immediately.

I grew up in Orlando and remember going to Discover Island once on a field trip in fifth grade (about 1995) - I remember thinking it was pretty cool (we did a bird watching project along with the field trip) but it has become one of my long-lost 90s Orlando memories along with River Country, Splendid China, Terror on Church Street, Skull Kingdom (which I never actually I went to but I remember being across the street from Wet n' Wild), Wet n' Wild, Pleasure Island, Disney Quest, Mystery Fun House, Q-Zar Laser Tag, etc., etc.

In like 1997, we were staying at the camping resort and I had some freedom for a kid and this place was a boat stop on the way to the bigger parks. When I had the chance to get away from the family that's where I went. This Discovery Island and the little lake side water park were the two chillest places in the whole of Disney, no crowds, maybe 30 or 40 people at the water park, have a swim and then go watch a snake show on the island with like 5 other people in attendance. Both disappeared soon after. Now you can't get away from the soul crushing lines and over hyped, over hocked shit no matter where you go.

Another great video! Thanks, Jake!

Hey, if you guys are going to redo River Country, I will get you updated footage. I can get you night footage, but I wont go alone at night. Too many ghosts. But just ask, happy to help!

Theory on the fences at 12:50: It's a cover for any negligence charges. It's the same logic as putting a vitrification notice on a structurally unsound building. If the property belongs to you and you don't tell anyone they can't be there and one of your structures hurts them they can sue you because there weren't any signs warning of the danger.

I was actually on the island in... 2001 or 2002? No, definitely spring of 2001. It was a school field trip, and there were only about 20 or so students, so they ferried us over to the island for some activities. The main dock was still there at the time, and everything was shut down. We weren't allowed to access most of the island, and really just stuck to a single pavilion area with picnic tables. We were being hosted by one of the zoologists who had worked on Discovery Island while it had been open, and boy did she have strong opinions about Steve Irwin. I imagine Disney used the facility for similar one-off tours for some time after then, but I was probably one of the last official guests to the place. I didn't really appreciate it at the time, but it's cool to look back on.

all i could think the whole time was jurassic park

I rarely comment on videos, but I literally spent the whole day yesterday watching your Abandoned videos... You have gotten really good at presenting the information, compared to some of the very early ones that had stuttering and nervousness and stuff ( BUT DONT redo them, that is part of the charm of the series).... This instantly became a series I will check every day for your next video. You are doing a GREAT job and I give you many kudos. One suggestion: Do an overview of US shopping centers that have been abandoned like that one in OH to give us, then breaking out and doing separate videos on ones that have an atypical history or particularly interesting life span.... (That could end up being a full length documentary) but I still like the way you handle individual retial like target & Blockbuster.

I remember visiting this place when I was a kid. Didn't even think about it being abandoned now.

They could’ve made a lot if they turned into like a island paradise theme with hotels and pools and stuff.

Do an abandoned video on the UK theme park Camelot.

I never miss any of your Disney episodes! I love them

They should Have made it Peter Pan island where grown ups go to be young again....adult getaway 😉😉😉😍😍😍😙😙😙

Went there in Feb 1999, it was awesome and as memorable as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc. Not sure why it wasn't more popular, basically an island resort mixed with a zoo.

Let's be real here, we all know the island was abandoned due to the velociraptor outbreak.

Now, it's a creepypasta... PERFECT

Discovery Island reminds of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World how the past what left behind and the future was build a few meters away.

Was on Treasure Island when I was a kid. We stayed a week at Fort Wilderness. I remember taking to the boat over to the Island. And we also took the boat to and from Magic Kingdom a few times. I do remember walking around the beach and seeing the ship wreck. I think I was all of about 8 or 9 years old. Always wondered why we never went back on subsequent visits. But I do not remember anyone ever asking me if I wanted to go to Discovery Island. Suppose my parents just blew it off. Can't imagine wanting to take people to Disney these days. What a nightmare!

They should re-open this Island and call it Port Royal for a Pirates of the Caribbean park

Seeing it's "remoteness" I'm shocked nobody has suggested that they gut the island and make several "mini-mansions" or "off the grid" houses for privacy. If people pay tons of cash to go to Bora-Bora, they might want to pay for such a place in Disney.

_Walt Disney is frozen on that island somewhere ;)_

I love the video, Jake. I know this is some of your earlier work but I’ve been a fan for years. Honestly, I’m amused by your fascination with construction on islands. It’s been done before. It’s not impossible. When the new Statue of Liberty Museum was built, the cement mixers and all the trucks were ferried over from New Jersey.

One of my friends is a cast member who pilots both the Ticket and Transportation Ferry along with the ferry to Fort Wilderness. When we had a conversation about Discovery Island a while back, he mentioned the largest problem Disney is currently having with any development on the island is that it has become infested with banana spiders. It makes it dangerous for cast members to step ashore there.

The amount of research and editing that goes into these videos shows how dedicated you are to this entire process! Congratulations on this successful series, I can't wait until the next one!

I visited Discovery Island back in 1989, my friend and I found it a very relaxing park, away from the hustle and bustle. It was lovely.

I remember as a little kid going on a treasure hunt at night. It was a group of kids, and we would follow a map and the treasure was marshmallows! We made a bonfire on the beach and roasted marshmallows! This was late 70’s! Anyone else do that?

Do the Astrodome the 8th Wonder of the world.

Me and my brother rented a mini speed boat at the Polynesian, you can get a pretty close up look at the island. It's sooo cool!

Darlin'......I, being from Orlando, FL, I can guarantee that the former "Discovery Island" is full of Alligators, considering the enormous population of Alligators in that area and County. I can bet that someone had been killed by an Alligator, but the story squashed for PR purposes, and is probably why Disney ignores this island. Gators are everywhere. I used to waterski in every lake in Central Florida, and would see hundreds of gators sunbathing on shorelines, in every lake.

This is the first time I have watched one of your videos and it is very informative and fascinating ! Will definitely be watching more!

There was a Disney ad on this video😂

Discovery Island was a lovely place in the 1980s. It felt so different from the other parks...just quiet and laid-back, when the parks were so crazy and crowded.

I love that some homeless guy was living on Discovery Island. He wasn't hurting anyone, he just found a place to live where no one else was.

5:58 I think this is probably referring to Disney's River Country, which was a water park at Walt Disney World. In 1980, an 11-year-old boy contracted amoebic meningoencephalitis (an amoebic infection of the brain) from the water there. The incident wasn't unique to Disney though, as other deaths by amoebic meningoencephalitis occurred that same month elsewhere in Florida. That kind of amoeba can breed in pretty much any body of fresh water during warm weather. In any case, Disney's River Country remained open until 2001, so I don't believe that the 1980 incident had much to do with its closure. Source: www.newspapers.com/clip/53952411/the-los-angeles-times/

500 likes and no dislikes. Speaks of the effort and quality you put in your videos. Keep it up you are awesome.

Neverland would be awesome! With a mermaid grove and pixie hollow and everything. I'd go

Honestly, I think the best things Disney could do with the island is leave it and let nature take over, giving animals more places for shelter. Or, sell it to someone else who'd then turn it into either a nature preserve or a sort of 'WWF' building where they could house sick/endangered animals. I think this way Disney could preserve the original 'Animal Kingdom' part of the island, while still being a place where animals can feel safe and coexist with nature.

We need to organise an event and storm the island. Just like Area 51.

When the Pirates of the Caribbean films were all the rage, I'm surprised they didn't reopening it with the Tortuga Island theme and have pirate like ships circling around.

I used to go to Discovery Island as a young kid, I always loved it! There was not really anything between you and the animals which was sooooo much better than Animal Kingdom. I always wondered what happened to all the birds and lemurs. You can see the island from the monorail on the way to Magic Kingdom.

"hey" "Wanna see my head come off?"

“...and every night the ghost of Walt Disney roams the island searching for paying punters and things to copyright... ooooh creepy!”

That's crazy! I was just went to Disney on vacation this summer and saw it's somewhat close to Epcot and I had no idea about this! Hopefully when I go back to Disney one day I can check this out again.

These videos are so intriguing and well done! Ive been watching for almost a year (last November). The first video of yours i found was your original discovery island video when a Disney tour guide got me hooked on the idea. My god am i glad he did if it wasnt for him i would never have discovered you if it wasnt for him so props to him but more importantly you for making such amazing videos

Wow. This brings back memories. I was there around 1980. We were staying at the Polynesian at the time.

I just saw a video of Abandoned and I'm just.. Wow I'm just Hooked For Good!! Keep Up The Good Vid!!

Enjoyed every bit of this. Jake, your the Disney expert, love it.

The possibility of a real life Myst island is probably the most amazing thing i could ever imagine.

First time watcher. These are even more amazing in 2020.

How sad! I was there in 1995! It was my favorite place! I loved sitting on the boardwalk taking pictures of the buzzards & all the other birds.

Completely "Abandoned By Disney" Nice reference to the creepypasta!

They should build a couple southern style McMansions and kinda air bnb them out and it could be a resort

Even though it would be near impossible, a near identical restoration of this island would be amazing

Funfact: when it closed they never took the animals away so you may find some bones

I'm sure that fence has been put up to keep people from going on the island and filming. like the 2 people you mentioned at the beginning of the video

honestly my favorite series on KZfaq

The purpose of the fence you referred to at 12:38 is to keep persons off the island that are renting boats and can just go to that dock and enter the island. That is the same reason the long dock was removed at some point in the past.

i love the irony that he put a jungle song at the end credits, specifically busy earnin'

I always wanted to go here when I was little. D: Then, Animal Kingdom opened..... Thanks for this vid.

It would be so cool if you could fly a drone with a camera over the island and see what's there

That was very interesting to watch thanks buddy I actually watched the whole video

Disney screwed this up...They should have licensed the name "Gilligan's Island" and used the hit, much loved show as a template to build a Gilligan's Tiki theme park....

RIP TOWER OF TERROR

It’s unlikely Disney will ever develop the island in anyway. It’s prime territory for alligators to lay eggs. Regardless of what people think, there is no way for Disney to keep them out of the Lake. They exist is every bit of water in Florida including medium size puddles after a rainfall event. They can also walk long distances looking for water. Also, there is bacteria in the Lake.

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL MAN WOW.