Discovery Island (Bay Lake)
Island Island within Bay Lake at Walt Disney World
Island on Bay Lake within the Walt Disney World property in Florida; historically home to a zoological attraction, but not open to general public access.
Discovery Island (Bay Lake) was a wildlife park situated on an island in Bay Lake inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It operated as a day-use zoological attraction from 1974 until it closed in 1999.
The island provided walkways and viewing areas for birds and other animals and presented interpretive exhibits about wildlife and conservation. After its closure the island ceased public operations and access was restricted.
The park was developed by Walt Disney World as a recreational and educational attraction and later closed as operations at the site ended in 1999. Remaining structures and landscaping are within the Disney property but are not open to the general public.
The island sits on Bay Lake within the boundaries of the Walt Disney World Resort near other Bay Lake properties and resorts in central Florida.
- Operational dates: Operated as a public zoological attraction from 1974 until it closed in 1999.
How to Get to Discovery Island (Bay Lake) #
Discovery Island on Bay Lake is reachable only by private boat from the Bay Lake shoreline; the immediate area is within the Orlando lakes system. Confirm local rules and any private ownership restrictions before attempting a landing.
Tips for Visiting Discovery Island (Bay Lake) #
- If visiting for birdwatching or nature, arrive early in the morning when wildlife is most active.
- The island is on private property within the Bay Lake area-access may be restricted depending on ownership and park rules.
- Check with the local Orlando-area park authority for any access rules if approaching by watercraft.
Best Time to Visit Discovery Island (Bay Lake) #
Visit in the drier winter months for more predictable weather and calmer waters.
Weather & Climate near Discovery Island (Bay Lake) #
Discovery Island (Bay Lake)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1227 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (179 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (179 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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