There's an Abandoned Island Hiding in Plain Sight at Disney World

"Originally called Treasure Island, it opened on April 8, 1974, three years after Walt Disney World first welcomed visitors. The theme was based on the 1950 Disney pirate adventure film "Treasure Island," with a wrecked ship visible on the shore. Its name was changed to Discovery Island in the late 1970s, and the 11.5-acre nature preserve-accessible by boat-operated until April 8, 1999."

"The subtropical island was home to an array of birds and animals, with one of the largest walk-through aviaries in the world and giant tortoises, according to D23, the official Disney fan club."

"Today, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are all located around Bay Lake, so the island isn't really hidden at all, but many guests have no idea that it used to be a Disney attraction."

Discovery Island opened on April 8, 1974, as Treasure Island, three years after Walt Disney World's debut. Originally themed around the 1950 Disney film, it was renamed Discovery Island in the late 1970s. The subtropical nature preserve featured one of the world's largest walk-through aviaries, exotic birds, animals, and giant tortoises. Accessible only by boat, the 11.5-acre island operated until April 8, 1999, closing about a year after Animal Kingdom opened. Adult tickets cost $12.67 and children's tickets $6.89. Today, the abandoned island remains off-limits but visible from nearby Disney resorts including Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort, though most guests remain unaware of its existence.

Read at Travel + Leisure