Discovery Island Today

Discovery Island was a nice bird and animal attraction in the middle of Bay Lake.  Until Animal Kingdom opened you could take a boat to this somewhat unknown location and spend a nice relaxed afternoon.

I did this every time we went down to Disney when I was a kid.  The elevated walkways took you by a number of different exhibits and displays.  Some of these can still be found in Disney World.  For example the Flamingos in Animal Kingdom are a feature that could be found at Discovery Island for years.  Also the live surgeries at Animal Kingdom are also throwback to the old island.

Sure there is a "Discovery Island" today in the Animal Kingdom but it's nowhere near the atmosphere of the old one.   You just can't recreate the old one in a theme park.

So what happened to the island itself? Nature has taken over.


This is the old boat that use to ironically make up the ship wreck.  Now it is a ship wreck and the are around it is now totally over grown.  It's hard to imagine this area right here fairly clear.

This was one of the open buildings. You use to be able to see out around Bay Lake from here.  It's so over grown now you wouldn't be able to see anything from here.

Amazingly this net, once used to keep birds in a set area, is still up. I would have thought it would have been destroyed a long time ago.  They should make everything in Disney out of this material.

Here was the old entrance to Discovery Island.  There use to be a pier here.  The storage hut still looks like it's in good shape.  I wonder if Disney still uses it for something. 

Jiko – Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Hidden Gem

There are a lot of restaurants in Walt Disney World. Some are good, some are ok, and some are just awful. A general rule of them is that the best restaurants are not in the parks. At times it seems like the further you get from the theme parks the better the restaurant is. This is the case with Jiko.


Jiko is located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That alone makes it a hike for anyone who wants to dine here and is not staying at the Lodge. Getting to Jiko is by far the worst part about dining at Jiko. One small tip that might help is the fact that it’s a short trip from the Animal Kingdom. If you are using Disney Transportation try to going to Jiko after visiting the Animal Kingdom. The only drawback of this tip is that you need pants (not shorts) to eat at Jiko. I solved this problem by wearing zip off cargo pants when I ate there.

Once you reach the AKL you still need to find Jiko. Out of all of the restaurants I’ve been to this was the only one I could not find on my own. I had to ask for directions. Most of the time it’s very easy to find a restaurant because there are a lot of signs of the restaurant just sticks out. This is not the case with Jiko. If you are heading over there I can help a little by saying you need to take the elevator down a floor from the main lobby to find Jiko.

Overall Jiko is a dark restaurant. It’s not as dark as the San Angel Inn but it is very dimly lit. It’s about as dark as Le Cellier. Unlike Le Cellier the ambient lighting comes from a few different sources not just the lights over head. For example the back wall is lit up with a cycling light that changes color. Most of the colors are reds, oranges, or other warm colors which adds nicely to the atmosphere.

One entire wall is made up of large windows that look out onto the grounds of the AKL. This would be nice during the summer but if you are going later in the year there is a good chance it’s going to be dark while you are there. Artist Pointe is also like this. Both would be awesome for lunch but who wants to go to an out of the way resort for lunch?

Unlike Artist Point Jiko has good food. Actually it’s not just good it’s some of the best you’ll find in Disney World. It doesn’t match the California Grill but it’s right up there. This is the real reason why Jiko is worth visiting.

What should you start with? We tried the Barbecue Flatbread and it was amazing but you can get a good flatbread in at a number of locations in Disney. We also tried the “Taste of Africa.” You will not find anything like this anywhere else in Disney World. This is an amazing dish with a wide range of flavors. You cannot go wrong with this dish.

For your entre it is a very hard choice. All of the offerings are good. If you want something you can’t get anywhere else try the Swahili Curry Shrimp. If you want something less adventurous you will not go wrong with the Barbecue Beef Short Ribs or the Oak-Grilled Filet.

For desert Jiko has a nice selection but they all tend to be overshadowed by the Tanzanian Chocolate Cheesecake. I don’t know if it’s because it’s Tanzanian or what but this is a great desert.

The service at Jiko was the best we received on our entire trip. They beat the great waiter we got at the Hoop Dee Doo. They beat the California Grille. They were the best. However, I would not expect to get this service again. The lady who waited on us was on loan from the dinner show at the Poly. She used to work at Jiko but got transferred. I feel bad for her. I don’t know what she did to deserve a transfer like that but she was the best we had. Too bad we had her before we went to the Brown Derby or else she would have easily restored our faith in the wait staff at Disney World.

Overall Jiko is worth the trip and that says a lot considering how long it can take to get there if you using Disney Transportation.

Photo of the Week - Upside Down Waterfall at Night

This is a classic feature of the old school Epcot.  Since the early days of Epcot the upside down water fall has been a fixture.  It looks amazing at night but there is a slight problem.  Back in the day Disney went to great strides to make sure all of the water jets were equal as you can see that is no longer the case. Kevin Yee spoke about issues like this on episode 223 of the WDWNT Podcast.  The problem is Disney cuts a little here and a little there hoping no one will notice. The problem isn't the fact that some people notice it's that you can sense something is less magical.  The overall refinement is no longer there.

What does this all mean?  Every time Disney does this they are one step closer the "other" guy.  It's just another step in the wrong direction.  If they are not careful they will one day wake up and realize that they are on the same level as the other guy.   It's at times like that when people ask "how did this happen?"  Sadly we already know the answer.

Photo of the Week - Big Thunder Mountain Sepia

It's hard to take a bad photo of Big Thunder Mountain.   One thing that can make your photos more interesting is change it to black and white or sepia.  Either one can really bring out more details.  The best thing to do is to change them to black and white or sepia after the fact that way you can undo it change if you want to.

The Hoop Dee Doo Review: Which Category Should You Pick?

The Hoop Dee Doo Review is the best dinner show in Disney World.  It's goofy humor, great atmosphere, and decent food have made it a fan favorite for over thirty years.

Like most things Disney the Hoop Dee Doo Review has different categories.  In this case there are three different categories.  Category one are the tables closest to the stage.  Category two is a little further back and consists of most of the floor.  Category three are a few tables with obstructed views and the second floor.

For category one the the price is rather high considering what you get.  You get a great view but it's hard to justify the increase in price.  Also you cannot book category one if you are on the dining plan.

Category two is a nice balance between what you get and what you pay.  your view can be very good depending on where you end up.  Also if you book the latest showing you can use two dining plan credits.  Here are a couple of examples of the view you get from a category two seating. You can click the photo to see a larger version.

It's hard to argue against a category three seating.  If money is a consideration then do not hesitate to book a category three.  The Hoop Dee Doo actors go all through out pioneer hall.  Just because you are in the back or on the second floor does not mean you are left out of the fun.  You still get a great amount of entertainment and the service is just as good if not better than than the other categories.  I don't know if it's the location or what but when we booked a category three we got the best service we ever got at the Hoop Dee Doo.  Here are a couple of examples of the kind of view you get from a category three seating.

 

Now if you are concerned that the photos are zoomed in then check out this video.  It's not zoomed in and it gives you an idea of what the view is like.

Now for the bad of a category three - it's really uncomfortable.  If you are on the second floor they put you on seats that swing around so you can see.  This sounds good but you are packed in so close to the people next to you and the table that you cannot swing all the way around.  To see you have to turn as far as you can go and the crank your back and neck around to see.  When you book a category two you do not run into this. 

So there are the three different categories.  No matter what one you pick you get a great experience.

Photo of the Week: Big Thunder Mountain Sepia

If you are going to do Big Thunder Mountain you might as well do it in style.  Fitting the time frame of tomorrow land nothing seems to fit as well as a nice sepia shot.

500 Posts: How Did This Happen?!?

How does this happen?  How does a blog this bad make it to 500 posts? I’m just stupefied.  I can’t believe I came up with this much stuff.

In the last 100 posts I did an in depth overview of my most recent (and possibly last) Carnival cruise vacation.  I explained the connection between the Beatles and Disney World.  I teased Len Testa and Lou Mongello again (like that shocked anyone). I caught Len Testa in his natural environment.  I started Park Wrecks.  I explained the connection between Disney World and resignation of Richard Nixion. I posted a bunch of videos photos. I also added some new dining reviews.

If you want me to stop too bad :P.  I've already had people complain.  I've also had people leave complaints about me emailing WDW Today too much.  I just want to clear something up.  I've only submitted one email in the last three months to WDW Today.  The problem is they are so backed up they are just catching up to emails I sent a year ago.

Ok so here they are - they last 100 posts:

Post #401

CMDTA on Vacation – Carnival VIP Check In

An overview of the VIP check in process on most Carnival ships

Post #402

CMDTA on Vacation – Carnival Miracle

My deck by deck overview of the Carnival Spirit

Post #403

Epic Mickey – Epic Fail

My review of the most disappointing game in recent history

Post #404

CMDTA on Vacation - Carnival Spirit Class Vista Suites

An overview of the Vista Suites on Carnival’s Spirit class ship.

Post #405

The Beatles and Disney World

I explain why the Beatles and Disney World will always be connected.

Post #406

CMDTA on Vacation – Carnival: The Food

An overview of the food on a Carnival Cruise.

Post #407

Photo of the Week – Universe of Energy

A nice photo of the Universe of Energy sign.

Post #408

Outsourcing – Disney’s Dark Side

A serious article about Disney’s biggest mistake.

Post #409

CMDTA on Vacation – Nick and Nora’s Steakhouse

An overview of the steakhouse on the Carnival Miracle.

Post #410

Disney Year in Review

My overview of 2010 Disney news.

Post #411

CMDTA on Vacation – St. Maarten – St. Martin

An overview of St. Maarten for poor people.

Post #412

CMDTA’s 1^st Annual Disney Podcast Awards

The most ridiculous awards in the last two weeks!

Post #413

New Video Posted

I finally get around to uploading a new video to YouTube. This is my first HD YouTube video. It’s a nice overview of the White Mountains in the fall.

Post #414

CMDTA on Vacation: St. Kitts

I give an overview of the St. Kitts port area.  Beware the monkey people.

Post #415

CMDTA on Vacation: St. Lucia

An overview of the port area in St. Lucia.

Post #416

Photo of the Week: Walkway to the Magic Kingdom

A nice photo of the Monorail passing overhead.

Post #417

What Would You Do?

When booking early backfires.

Post #418

Photo of the Week – Epcot at Night

A cool photo of Spaceship Earth at night.

Post #419

CMDTA on Vacation – Carnival’s Entertainment

My overview of the entertainment Carnival provides on their cruises.

Post #420

CMDTA on Vacation – Carnival – To Do or Not to Do?

I finally answer the biggest question about Carnival.

Post #421

Mickey’s Toontown Fair is Officially Gone

I saw goodbye to toontown and explain why people get upset about ride closures.

Post #422

New Video Posted – Carnival Vista Suite Overview

An in-depth video of a Carnival Vista Suite.

Post #423

Snow White Bites the Apple

My overview of Snow White closing.

Post #424

New Video Posted – Sunset Over Ft. Lauderdale

A stylized video of a sunset over Fr. Lauderdale.

Post #425

Photo of the Week – Old School Flower and Garden Festival.

A photo taken at the Flower and Garden Festival in the late 90’s

Post #426

Why Can’t You Swim in the Lakes?

I explain why Disney doesn’t want you swimming in the lakes in this post.

Post #427
Mickey Arrested After Shocking Find in Demolished House
A fake news story about a discovery in the remains of Mickey's demolished house in Toontown Fair

Post #428
Renewing Your Passport Just Got a Tiny Bit Easier
I review a photo service I used when I renewed my passport.

Post #429
Photo of the Week - Old School Castle
A photo of Cinderella's Castle from the 1980's.

Post #430
Disney Announces First Ever Bad Bus Driver Challenge
A fake news story about bad bus drivers.

Post #431
Photo of the Week: Mini and Mickey
A photo from the Flower and Garden Festival

Post #432
Lumberjacks Protest New Le Cellier Dinner Menu
A fake news story about a bunch of smelly lumberjacks holding a protest in the Canada Pavilion

Post #433
Disney's First Online ADR System
I do an overview of the Disney first public ADR system.

Post #434
Photo of the Week - Funny Sign In Norway
A very ironic sign located in the Norway Pavilion

Post #435
Walt Disney and Salvador Dali: Oddest Couple Ever?
I do a review of Destino.

Post #436
Movies You Didn't See: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
My review of the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Post #437
Song of the South Review
I review Song of the South on DVD

Post #438
Disney Announces New Theme Parks
A fake news story about Disney announcing some new theme park locations

Post #439
Movies You Didn't See: Secretariat
My review of Secretariat

Post #440
There's No Booze at Disneyland...Oh Wait Yes There Is...
I explain where you can get booze in Disneyland in this post.

Post #441
CMDTA's Cruise Tips
Some funny and fun cruise tips.

Post #442
Brazil Coming to World Showcase?
I explain why you shouldn't get excited about World Showcase rumors.

Post #443
Movies You Didn't See - Prince of Persia
My review of an awful movie.

Post #444
Disney Announces New "Gold Rooms" At the Grand Floridian
A fake news story about new rooms int he Grand Floridian

Post #445
Photo of the Week - Tower of Terror
A photo of the Tower of Terror in the morning.

Post #446
The Most Famous Line Ever Uttered at Disney World
Who said what?

Post #447
Upcoming Disney Reviews
A list of reviews that will start in October

Post #448
Disney Announces Seal Team Six Video Game
A fake news story about what Disney is going to do with the Seal Team Six name

Post #449
Photo of the Week - CMDTA on Vacation - Sunset at Sea
A nice photo of a sunset at sea

Post #450
Disney to Dam Up Rivers of America
A fake news story about damming up the Rivers of America

Post #451
Photo of the Week - Original Magic Kingdom Entrance
A photo of the Magic Kingdom entrance before the crowds ruined it.

Post #452
Vegas Releases Odds For Next Unofficial Guide Cover
A fake news story making fun of the cover of the Unofficial Guide.

Post #453
Ticket Price Increases - The Lazy Way of Generating Income
I explain how Disney could make a lot more by not raising ticket prices.

Post #454
Movie Review: Waking Sleeping Beauty
My overview of a very good Disney Documentary.

Post #455
Photo of the Week: Gone But Not Forgotten
A nice photo of the old Droid Room in the original Star Tours.

Post #456
Disney to Add Surcharge for "Husky" People
A fake news story about Disney's greed.

Post #457
Photo of the Week - The Poly
A nice photo from the Poly.

Post #458
CMDTA's Travel Tidbits: The Isles of the Shoals
A review of a tourist spot in Portsmouth, NH

Post #459
Disney Announces Brazilian Tour Group Day
A fake news story about an annoying issue.

Post #460
Photo of the Week - The Contemporary?!?
A surprising view from the Contemporary.

Post #461
Photo of the Week: The Contemporary Magic Kingdom View
The view you get of the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary.

Post #462
If You Can't Afford to See the Help
A challenge.  Can you beat this challenge (you won't want to)?

Post #463
CMDTA's Guide to Disney Dining
A centralized list of Disney Dining reviews.

Post #464
Where are the Discounts?
An explanation as to why we don't see many discounts being offered.

Post #465
Disney On A Dime - Where to Stay
A review of one of the best values in Disney World.

Post #466
Review: The Dark Side of Disney
I do a review of the Disney travel book for people who don't like Disney.

Post #467
The Annual CMDTA Disney Podcast Awards
I do my annual podcast awards.

Post #468
Donald Duck Involved in Terrible Misunderstanding
A fake news story about Donald Duck and an "incident" at Conservation Station

Post #469
CMDTA Travel Tidbits: Vintange and Vine
An overview of an amazing event that takes place in Portsmouth NH

Post #470
Avatar Is Coming to the Animal Kingdom
An actual news story.

Post #471
Why Disney Needs Avatar
I explain why Disney hooked up with James Cameron

Post #472
Forty Years of Magic
My comments on the Magic Kingdom turning forty

Post #473
CMDTA Travel Tidbits - Champney Falls
An overview of a great waterfall.

Post #474
CMDTA's Photo Tips for the Average Joe: How Your Flash Works
An overview of most built in flashes and how they work

Post #475
CMDTA's Travel Tidbits - The Sandwich Fair
An overview of a country fair.  Includes pictures and a video.

Post #476
What To Do Three Days Before You Travel
Some good tips to follow when getting ready for a trip.

Post #477
Photo of the Week - Bay Lake at Sunset
An HDR photo of a sunset on Bay Lake.

Post #478
Len Testa is Real
A fake nature story about an elusive animal.

Post #479
Dining Review: The Brown Derby for Dinner (Worst Dining Experience to Date)
A shockingly bad experience at the Brown Derby.

Post #480
New Video Posted: Moroccan Belly Dancer
A decent video of the belly dancer in Morocco.

Post #481
New Video: Mariachi Cobre Part One
A nice video of the Mariachi band in Mexico.

Post #482
Photo of the Week - The Haunted Mansion at Night
A cool photo of the Haunted Mansion.

Post #483
Review of the Polynesian
An review of the Poly complete with photos and a video.

Post #484
October Snowfall Predicted 13 Months in Advance
A very freaky but true overview of my weather predictions.

Post #485
New Video Posted: Citizens of Hollywood - Chef Pulls Table Cloths
A decent video of a performance by the Citizens of Hollywood

Post #486
New Video Posted: Fountain of Nations at Night
A nice video of the Fountain of Nations.

Post #487
Photo of the Week: Big Thunder Mountain
A nice black and white photo of Big Thunder Mountain.

Post #488
New Video Posted: Glass Working at the Mexico Pavilion
A cool video of someone making a glass rose in the Mexico Pavilion.

Post #489
Dining Review: LIberty Tree Tavern
A review of the lunch offered at the Liberty Tree Tavern.

Post #490
New Video Posted: Illuminations Globe Up Close
A cool video of how the Illuminations globe makes it into the lake.

Post #491
Review of Star Tours the Adventure Continues
My thoughts on the new Star Tours.

Post #492
Dining Review: Biergarten
A detailed review of Biergarten with multiple pictures and two videos.

Post #493
New Video Posted - The Seas Lockout Tank
A cool video of from the Seas Pavilion.

Post #494
Dining Review: Yak and Yeti
I hit Yak and Yeti again.  Will it be as bad as last time?

Post #495
New Video: The Ziti Sisters in 1080p
A funny video of the Ziti Sisters.

Post #496
Video Posted: Broke Splash Mountain in 1080p HD
A HD video of Splash Mountain in a sorry state.

Post #497
Introducing - Park Wrecks!
A funny new website dedicated to the worst dressed people in Disney World.

Post #498
Photo of the Week: The Haunted Mansion
A nice black and white photo of the Haunted Mansion.

Post #499
Photo of the Week: Big Thunder Mountain Sepia
A nice shot of Big Thunder Mountain in a sepia tone.

Photo of the Week: The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is one of those attractions that is a great photo no matter what angle you shoot it from.  One of the reasons this is the attention to detail.  I honestly believe that no other attraction has as much attention to detail as the Haunted Mansion does.

Everyone talks about the details you can find inside the Mansion but what about outside?  The outside is so detailed that you could easily overlook things for years until someone points them out to you.  Not only that the look changes greatly at night.

Go ahead and blow this photo up.  I'm sure there is a detail or two you've never seen before.

Introducing - Park Wrecks!

We've all seen them time and time again.  The people go out in public dressed as if they do not own a mirror.  This fun phenomenon has spawned websites like People of Walmart and others.

A couple years ago I stumbled on a website called "People of the Parks."  Sadly it was shutdown a few months later.  That really bummed me out because it was a fun website similar to People of Walmart but it focused on Disney World.

After my last trip I started "Park Wrecks."  It's a website dedicated to the people who show up in Disney World dressed horribly.  It's truly a case of the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Now for Park Wrecks to keep going I'm going to need everyone's help.  I had enough pictures to make it a couple of months but now I am out of photos.  If you want to help out please send me your funny Disney photos. 

You can see Park Wrecks here.