Here is the next major part of Mirror Walt Disney World. Oh, and by the way, shout-outs are in order for @DisneyPrincess1993,@RMichael21, @tcool, @orlando678-, @TheOriginalTiki, @MCParradox and @JokersWild; because I got the idea from them, an idea which they created for The Creator Games back in 2015. This idea has been a huge part of my Walt Disney World concepts over the years, and for good reason: This concept is just that amazing!
Walt Disney World is a place where you can live a beautiful fantasy or an exciting adventure. The young and the young at heart can play together in an escape from the real world that we all live in. This was showcased more than ever in Walt Disney World’s earlier years at Discovery Island, a now abandoned section of the resort's property. Discovery Island opened in 1974 as Treasure Island, and was a sanctuary for tropical wildlife such as birds, snakes and primates. Located in the middle of Bay Lake, between the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness, the island occupied a prime location, and was a popular draw for long-stay visitors who wanted more than just to visit the parks. In 1998, following the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, attendance to the island began to dwindle, and it closed for good in 1999. The structures on the island stood abandoned for many years before Disney started to dismantle them a few years ago, but much of the original island still remains, buried under a thick layer of vegetation and dirt.
That is, until the 2021 D23 Expo, when Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro* announced that Discovery Island would be turned into Athel Island, which he described as “an exciting half-day park experience that will allow guests of all ages to have their own adventure!” Thus, with great fanfare, Athel Island opened exactly 50 years to the day as its predecessor did: April 8, 2024.
The theme of the island is based off of the wilderness of an untouched Pacific Northwest island, featuring giant redwood trees, rocky creeks, and multiple geysers across the island.
The park features many adventurous activities for guests to enjoy. Guests can have their own adventure at the following experiences…
The fun, adventure and mystery of Athel Island set in even before you get there, because even the boat ride is a journey within itself. Guests travel to Athel Island on small steam ships, reminiscent of the boats found on the world famous Jungle Cruise, or the existing steam boats ferrying guests between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge / Fort Wilderness. These steam ships will depart from the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness / River Country.
After boarding their vessels, guests are treated to a 15 minute cruise around Athel Island as they are told of the history of the island. The cruise ends with a short trip through Goff Caverns, a beautiful natural cavern lit by stunning multi-colored crystals, geysers and waterfalls. The boat enters the caves underneath the mountain, where the guests see several scenes before arriving at the dock. Guests will encounter AA bats, see the beautiful caverns and escape an active geyser, which erupts out of the caverns and out of the side of the mountain, adding a layer of kinetics akin to that at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests can disembark their boat on Athel Island inside Goff Cavern, emerging out of the caves into the central village, from where they can experience the many attractions on the island.
Rising up from Bay Lake is a new structure that will become an iconic landmark of Athel Island. Mount Athel rises six stories in the air and is the primary location for more physically demanding activities. The mountain will have a light brown appearance save for patches of grass in various spaces. Redwood trees will be strategically placed so they're smaller as they go up the mountain and bigger near the bottom, giving it a forced perspective look of appearing much taller than it actually is.
Hollowed out within the mountain is a series of man-made caves for safe “cave exploration” on the Cave Exploration Trails. Think of this as a network of caves all tying back into each other, essentially a big maze with three different cave paths all criss-crossing at various points. This is similar to Injun Joe’s Cave on Tom Sawyer Island, except on a grander scale, and with elements of Disneyland’s Rainbow Caverns thrown in. The cave exploration trails inside Mount Athel will have some small interactive halls with projection effects, AA bears, diamonds and more. One of the games the guests can play is similar to the indoor queue game from the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. MagicBands, MagicPucks and park tickets can be tapped to the games and interactive elements for a personalized touch (like the guest’s name appearing in the waterfalls).
Going up the mountain will be various Wilderness Hiking Trails, where you can hike all the way to the top of the gently sloping mountain. There will be three trails, one of which is the most extreme and uphill. One trail is the lightest and fastest way to get to the peak, and the other is essentially the “Scenic Route”, winding its way around the mountain in such a way to afford great views of the surrounding areas.
Rock Climbing Walls will also be naturally worked into the sides of the mountain, again at various levels ranging from a 20 foot Kid’s Climb to the 70 foot expert course to get to the very top.
Brave guests will also be able to partake in one of the most popular outdoor activities in modern day tourism...the Zipline! Once again, there will be three different ziplines at various points along the mountain. One right at the peak will give guests a real rush as they careen down at a steep angle, by far the most thrilling offering of the entire park!
Slightly below the peak guests can ride a Scenic Zipline that is much longer than the “thrill” version but not nearly as steep of an incline, affording guests a lot of good views as they zip back down to the bottom. Finally about 40 feet up will be a beginners zipline where you can go back down the mountain at a relaxing pace, minus any steep incline. Perfect for kids who are unsure rather or not they're ready for the bigger courses.
Also starting on the side of the mountain is the Treetop Adventure. Nestled among the trees is a small building in the style of the Wilderness Lodge, where guests can put on their safety harnesses. From here, another zipline takes guests down the mountain and into the redwood forest below, where they will begin their high-ropes adventure. Several unique challenges face the guests on this aerial course, passing over most of the island before returning guests the the base of Mount Athel. You must be at least 48” tall to take on this adventure.
Throughout the park, there are countless weather-resistant animal audio-animatronics. These AAs will be similar to the ones in the extinct Nature’s Wonderland attraction at Disneyland.
Guests can also go to the Fishing Pond, or Salmon Creek Fishing Point. Here you can rent fishing poles and catch a variety of different kinds of fish. However, you must throw back all of the fish to keep the ecosystem of the park intact.
For the kids, the Geyser Splash Pads will be a great place to cool off in the hot Florida sun. Tying part of the backstory into this attraction, everyone from the entire family can enjoy the geysers just like the villagers on the expedition did.
We also have the Wilderness Explorer Adventures locations. At these locations, a cast member will present the guest with a question, task or challenge which, when completed, will earn the guest a Wilderness Explorer Badge (sticker). This does not replace the current setup at Animal Kingdom, but is instead complimentary. Certain badges can only be found at Animal Kingdom, while certain others can only be found at Athel Island, so to collect a full set, guests must visit both parks. Although the Up characters are here, ties to the movie will be kept loose in order to keep a more consistent theme throughout the island.
Finally, we have Russell’s Balloon Tour, a suspended dark ride where the riders sit in a basket underneath a faux hot air balloon, travelling over most of the island, and even out over the water. This peaceful attraction allows a view of the island for those who aren't keen on riding down the ziplines or running through the trails. The balloons gently rock and bob up and down to enhance the sensation of flight. The balloons travel through the thick forest, winding over the many paths and buildings, before they travel out over the open water of Bay Lake. Turning and returning to shore, the balloons enter a rocky canyon filled with mist, much like the one in Up, catching a glimpse of the Spirit of Adventure docked in Muntz's cave (using forced perspective to make it appear larger than it actually is), and then passing Kevin. As Kevin flees into the forest, the balloons follow, returning to the station near the base of the mountain.
The traditional Carl, Russell, and Dug meet ‘n’ greet characters will be out and about near the docks here, but with a couple special surprises. Dug’s voice collar will work, and he’ll be able to interact with the guests via an unseen cast member feeding lines based on the activity of the people around the dog. Expect many “Squirrel!” and “Oh, please, will you be my prisoner!” jokes. Joining the trio will be the highly-popular Kevin, making her second home here -- the first one being in Animal Kingdom, of course.
Along the creek, the Adventurer’s Canteen quick-service restaurant will be featured that serves a variety of seafood, meats and greens. A wooden terrace overlooks Bay Lake, as the location occupies the former Discovery Island dock area. This location is only open for lunch. Among the selections on the menu are garden salads, fish tacos, fish and chips and a gourmet bacon cheeseburger.
No Disney experience is without its Easter Eggs! Throughout the island are subtle references to the island's past and different Disney references only fans would understand! These include tie-ins with Wilderness Lodge’s backstory, references to Discovery Island’s real past, references to Rainbow Caverns and the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland at Disneyland, and references to various Imagineers.
MyMagic+ as many will know is a way Disney has made planning a trip less stressful. MyMagic+ comes with several features--namely, the upgraded FastPass system, the MagicBands/Pucks, and My Disney Experience. However for Athel Island only two out of three of these great features will be used, those two being the MagicBands/Pucks and My Disney Experience.
On My Disney Experience, guests will be able to check the time for the next ferry to Athel Island. They can also use this same feature to find out when the next ferry is leaving from Athel Island. If wanted guests can take a survey made just for Athel Island. Using this survey, My Disney Experience can help guests find what's best to their liking on Athel Island. On My Disney Experience, guests will also find out which activities are closed for the day whether it be by weather or anything that may occur. Finally guests will of course be able to see what time Athel Island opens and closes along with various activities located on the island.
The MagicBands will of course still be used to enter the park, if, of course, the guests have one. If not, the MagicPucks or their park ticket can get them in. With scanners that can track Magic Bands within the park guests can be welcomed to the park by name by the cast members. The cast members can even suggest activities based on their Athel Island Survey results on My Disney Experience.
In sum, Athel Island will be a place where every guest of the Walt Disney World Resort can come and have the adventure of a lifetime!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Next Tuesday will bring about the next post. Although Disney's Wide World of Sports does not open here, something else occupies that particular space. What is it? Stay tuned...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Athel Island
Athel Island
Walt Disney World is a place where you can live a beautiful fantasy or an exciting adventure. The young and the young at heart can play together in an escape from the real world that we all live in. This was showcased more than ever in Walt Disney World’s earlier years at Discovery Island, a now abandoned section of the resort's property. Discovery Island opened in 1974 as Treasure Island, and was a sanctuary for tropical wildlife such as birds, snakes and primates. Located in the middle of Bay Lake, between the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness, the island occupied a prime location, and was a popular draw for long-stay visitors who wanted more than just to visit the parks. In 1998, following the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, attendance to the island began to dwindle, and it closed for good in 1999. The structures on the island stood abandoned for many years before Disney started to dismantle them a few years ago, but much of the original island still remains, buried under a thick layer of vegetation and dirt.
That is, until the 2021 D23 Expo, when Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro* announced that Discovery Island would be turned into Athel Island, which he described as “an exciting half-day park experience that will allow guests of all ages to have their own adventure!” Thus, with great fanfare, Athel Island opened exactly 50 years to the day as its predecessor did: April 8, 2024.
*In this Mirror universe, as I established back in the Port Disney introductory post, Tom Staggs stays on with Disney, and, as was guessed by some Disney fans in the early 2010s, succeeds Bob Iger as CEO when he retires in 2021. As for Chapek, he retires, as well, leaving D’Amaro to take up the job he currently has.
Backstory and Mythology
A group of travelers led by the legendary explorer Ezkiel Athel get caught in a deadly storm and shipwreck on an island in the middle of an uncharted region of the Pacific Northwest. When they arrive, all they discover is an odd shaped rock shaped like an idol of sorts. After going through the island, there's no other inhabitants on the island, not even deer or any sort of wildlife. Once they have explored, they find that they enjoy the island, with it's rushing creeks and bursting geysers. However, they find that the most beautiful trait of the island is the gorgeous mountain that rises above the treetops.
After figuring out how to survive in the unforgiving, but beautiful wilderness, the villagers learn how to fish for food, which plants are edible, how to build homes and other survival techniques. As the community grows, they learn more and more about the wild and discover new artifacts and items unknown to the outside world. So, they decide to have traders go out into the world to trade and spread the stories of the island, which they have named Athel Island after their heroic leader. But they also believe their prosperity is due to the idol who looks over the island and gives the villagers good karma for every day and every night…
After figuring out how to survive in the unforgiving, but beautiful wilderness, the villagers learn how to fish for food, which plants are edible, how to build homes and other survival techniques. As the community grows, they learn more and more about the wild and discover new artifacts and items unknown to the outside world. So, they decide to have traders go out into the world to trade and spread the stories of the island, which they have named Athel Island after their heroic leader. But they also believe their prosperity is due to the idol who looks over the island and gives the villagers good karma for every day and every night…
General Theming
The theme of the island is based off of the wilderness of an untouched Pacific Northwest island, featuring giant redwood trees, rocky creeks, and multiple geysers across the island.
Attractions & Amenities
The park features many adventurous activities for guests to enjoy. Guests can have their own adventure at the following experiences…
The fun, adventure and mystery of Athel Island set in even before you get there, because even the boat ride is a journey within itself. Guests travel to Athel Island on small steam ships, reminiscent of the boats found on the world famous Jungle Cruise, or the existing steam boats ferrying guests between Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge / Fort Wilderness. These steam ships will depart from the Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness / River Country.
After boarding their vessels, guests are treated to a 15 minute cruise around Athel Island as they are told of the history of the island. The cruise ends with a short trip through Goff Caverns, a beautiful natural cavern lit by stunning multi-colored crystals, geysers and waterfalls. The boat enters the caves underneath the mountain, where the guests see several scenes before arriving at the dock. Guests will encounter AA bats, see the beautiful caverns and escape an active geyser, which erupts out of the caverns and out of the side of the mountain, adding a layer of kinetics akin to that at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests can disembark their boat on Athel Island inside Goff Cavern, emerging out of the caves into the central village, from where they can experience the many attractions on the island.
Rising up from Bay Lake is a new structure that will become an iconic landmark of Athel Island. Mount Athel rises six stories in the air and is the primary location for more physically demanding activities. The mountain will have a light brown appearance save for patches of grass in various spaces. Redwood trees will be strategically placed so they're smaller as they go up the mountain and bigger near the bottom, giving it a forced perspective look of appearing much taller than it actually is.
Hollowed out within the mountain is a series of man-made caves for safe “cave exploration” on the Cave Exploration Trails. Think of this as a network of caves all tying back into each other, essentially a big maze with three different cave paths all criss-crossing at various points. This is similar to Injun Joe’s Cave on Tom Sawyer Island, except on a grander scale, and with elements of Disneyland’s Rainbow Caverns thrown in. The cave exploration trails inside Mount Athel will have some small interactive halls with projection effects, AA bears, diamonds and more. One of the games the guests can play is similar to the indoor queue game from the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. MagicBands, MagicPucks and park tickets can be tapped to the games and interactive elements for a personalized touch (like the guest’s name appearing in the waterfalls).
Going up the mountain will be various Wilderness Hiking Trails, where you can hike all the way to the top of the gently sloping mountain. There will be three trails, one of which is the most extreme and uphill. One trail is the lightest and fastest way to get to the peak, and the other is essentially the “Scenic Route”, winding its way around the mountain in such a way to afford great views of the surrounding areas.
Rock Climbing Walls will also be naturally worked into the sides of the mountain, again at various levels ranging from a 20 foot Kid’s Climb to the 70 foot expert course to get to the very top.
Brave guests will also be able to partake in one of the most popular outdoor activities in modern day tourism...the Zipline! Once again, there will be three different ziplines at various points along the mountain. One right at the peak will give guests a real rush as they careen down at a steep angle, by far the most thrilling offering of the entire park!
Slightly below the peak guests can ride a Scenic Zipline that is much longer than the “thrill” version but not nearly as steep of an incline, affording guests a lot of good views as they zip back down to the bottom. Finally about 40 feet up will be a beginners zipline where you can go back down the mountain at a relaxing pace, minus any steep incline. Perfect for kids who are unsure rather or not they're ready for the bigger courses.
Also starting on the side of the mountain is the Treetop Adventure. Nestled among the trees is a small building in the style of the Wilderness Lodge, where guests can put on their safety harnesses. From here, another zipline takes guests down the mountain and into the redwood forest below, where they will begin their high-ropes adventure. Several unique challenges face the guests on this aerial course, passing over most of the island before returning guests the the base of Mount Athel. You must be at least 48” tall to take on this adventure.
Throughout the park, there are countless weather-resistant animal audio-animatronics. These AAs will be similar to the ones in the extinct Nature’s Wonderland attraction at Disneyland.
Guests can also go to the Fishing Pond, or Salmon Creek Fishing Point. Here you can rent fishing poles and catch a variety of different kinds of fish. However, you must throw back all of the fish to keep the ecosystem of the park intact.
For the kids, the Geyser Splash Pads will be a great place to cool off in the hot Florida sun. Tying part of the backstory into this attraction, everyone from the entire family can enjoy the geysers just like the villagers on the expedition did.
We also have the Wilderness Explorer Adventures locations. At these locations, a cast member will present the guest with a question, task or challenge which, when completed, will earn the guest a Wilderness Explorer Badge (sticker). This does not replace the current setup at Animal Kingdom, but is instead complimentary. Certain badges can only be found at Animal Kingdom, while certain others can only be found at Athel Island, so to collect a full set, guests must visit both parks. Although the Up characters are here, ties to the movie will be kept loose in order to keep a more consistent theme throughout the island.
Finally, we have Russell’s Balloon Tour, a suspended dark ride where the riders sit in a basket underneath a faux hot air balloon, travelling over most of the island, and even out over the water. This peaceful attraction allows a view of the island for those who aren't keen on riding down the ziplines or running through the trails. The balloons gently rock and bob up and down to enhance the sensation of flight. The balloons travel through the thick forest, winding over the many paths and buildings, before they travel out over the open water of Bay Lake. Turning and returning to shore, the balloons enter a rocky canyon filled with mist, much like the one in Up, catching a glimpse of the Spirit of Adventure docked in Muntz's cave (using forced perspective to make it appear larger than it actually is), and then passing Kevin. As Kevin flees into the forest, the balloons follow, returning to the station near the base of the mountain.
The traditional Carl, Russell, and Dug meet ‘n’ greet characters will be out and about near the docks here, but with a couple special surprises. Dug’s voice collar will work, and he’ll be able to interact with the guests via an unseen cast member feeding lines based on the activity of the people around the dog. Expect many “Squirrel!” and “Oh, please, will you be my prisoner!” jokes. Joining the trio will be the highly-popular Kevin, making her second home here -- the first one being in Animal Kingdom, of course.
Along the creek, the Adventurer’s Canteen quick-service restaurant will be featured that serves a variety of seafood, meats and greens. A wooden terrace overlooks Bay Lake, as the location occupies the former Discovery Island dock area. This location is only open for lunch. Among the selections on the menu are garden salads, fish tacos, fish and chips and a gourmet bacon cheeseburger.
Easter Eggs
No Disney experience is without its Easter Eggs! Throughout the island are subtle references to the island's past and different Disney references only fans would understand! These include tie-ins with Wilderness Lodge’s backstory, references to Discovery Island’s real past, references to Rainbow Caverns and the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland at Disneyland, and references to various Imagineers.
MyMagic+ Implementation
MyMagic+ as many will know is a way Disney has made planning a trip less stressful. MyMagic+ comes with several features--namely, the upgraded FastPass system, the MagicBands/Pucks, and My Disney Experience. However for Athel Island only two out of three of these great features will be used, those two being the MagicBands/Pucks and My Disney Experience.
On My Disney Experience, guests will be able to check the time for the next ferry to Athel Island. They can also use this same feature to find out when the next ferry is leaving from Athel Island. If wanted guests can take a survey made just for Athel Island. Using this survey, My Disney Experience can help guests find what's best to their liking on Athel Island. On My Disney Experience, guests will also find out which activities are closed for the day whether it be by weather or anything that may occur. Finally guests will of course be able to see what time Athel Island opens and closes along with various activities located on the island.
The MagicBands will of course still be used to enter the park, if, of course, the guests have one. If not, the MagicPucks or their park ticket can get them in. With scanners that can track Magic Bands within the park guests can be welcomed to the park by name by the cast members. The cast members can even suggest activities based on their Athel Island Survey results on My Disney Experience.
In sum, Athel Island will be a place where every guest of the Walt Disney World Resort can come and have the adventure of a lifetime!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Next Tuesday will bring about the next post. Although Disney's Wide World of Sports does not open here, something else occupies that particular space. What is it? Stay tuned...
