Discovery Island Trails is a walking trail with animal spotting locations near it. It starts right away from the iconic Tree of Life.
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Where are the Discovery Island Trails located?
It starts at the base of the Disney Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life. This trail has two entry and exit points, making access to this trail easier. There is one entry point close to Africa while approaching Disney Island.
If you are confused about the entry and exit points, use Starbucks as your North Star. The Discovery Island Trails is right across the Starbucks path, Creature Comforts.
Another doorway stands to the right side of the Tree of Life.
Height Any
Age Any
Accessibility Can remain in a wheelchair
History of Discovery Island Trails Animal Kingdom
Earlier the Animal Kingdom Discovery Island Trails were known as the Tree of Life Gardens. It opened for the first time on the May 24, 1998. This was some days after the opening day of Animal Kingdom. The name was changed to Discovery Island Gardens and then eventually got renamed to Discovery Island Trails.
The queue for the Trails
The best part about the Trails is that there is no queue. This is because it is a self-guided walking trail. However, people can encounter small groups of people while walking. Usually, such small groups are near animal viewing areas.
The experience
The trails have a lush walking path that winds around the base of the Tree of Life. This area is tranquil and away from all the park activity and the crowd.
The roots of the Tree form tunnels, and guests can explore that if they wish to while walking. Guests can expect waterfalls in this area.
Apart from this, the trail has an animal viewing area. One can spot otters, porcupines, flamingoes, storks, red kangaroos, vultures, and more.
Often Pochahontas greets guests on the lush trails. To meet Pochahontas, guests can keep track of her movements on a times guide.
Discovery Island trails Animal Kingdom – what to expect?
The trail is outdoors. Therefore, bad weather will affect guests wanting to take a walk here. When the weather is bad, guests should steer clear of any Disney outdoor activities. This will ensure the good health and safety of the guests.
There is no best time to visit the trails as there is no wrong time. This place usually never observes a crowd. A handful of people at Disney know about these trails, and even fewer take the time to explore them carefully.
The animals make an appearance during any day they wish to, and one cannot keep track of it. So, you will have to try your luck here!
The coolest part of the day is an excellent time to visit owing to the suitable weather during that time. Additionally, the trails serve as a good retreat point for anyone trying to break from the rides and the crowd.
Afternoons here are lazy and lush. It also serves as a good retreat from the long lines. Some say that the Discovery Island Trails are the best-kept secret of Disney Animal Kingdom.
Once a Capybara was spotted there. Capybaras are the largest living rodents that one will come across. They are semi-aquatic animals that have their homeland in South America. They are herbivorous animals that can survive at least a decade in the wild. Capybaras dive into the water to avoid their captor, the Jaguar.
Guests can spot Capybaras if they are lucky. The animal is spotted sleeping or sunning themselves at leisure in the trail. The Trail is a delightful home to many such creatures.
