The beach recreation area at Fort Wilderness.

The island in the middle of of Bay Lake has had several different names over the years. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the island was known as Blackbeard's Island, athough it was undeveloped. It opened in 1974 as Treasure Island with a pirate theme. The name was then changed to Discovery Island, and viewing areas for birds and other animals were added, although the shipwreck from the Treasure Island days remained. Discovery Island eventually closed after the opening of Animal Kingdom.

A sandy shore of Bay Lake at the Wilderness Lodge.

Discovery Island always had a remote feel to it. Once on the island, guests really felt as if they were isolated from the rest of the world. And it is a true island, only accessible by boat. However, the island never seemed to never reach the popularity levels of the theme parks or even of River Country.

A look at the Wilderness Lodge from a boat on Bay Lake.

For many years, Bay Lake also offered great swimming. In fact for several years, Bay Lake was the only swimming option for Fort Wilderness guests. However, swimming pools were added to the campground in the late 1980s. Now, swimming is not allowed at the Disney beaches due to fears of meningitis-causing bacteria in untreated water.

One of the boats that transport guests from the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness to and from the Magic Kingdom via Bay Lake.

Other recreation in and around Bay Lake includes fishing excursions, boating, and even parasailing. Boats of different sizes are available for rent at the different resorts around the lake. A nature trail between the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness runs close to the lake, providing some great views of the Magic Kingdom in the distance, as well as a glimpse at some of the natural plants and animals of the area.

The Contemporary Resort seen across Bay Lake from the trail between the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.

As Walt Disney surmised during his initial scouting visits to the area, Bay Lake offers many different types of activities to guests, greatly enhancing the experience of a visit to Walt Disney World.

- Story by Steve Burns; Photos by Steve Burns & Matthew Walker
Posted July 1, 2004

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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