The Magic of Bay Lake – Exploring Walt Disney World’s Enchanting Waters

Bay Lake has been a beautiful part of the Central Florida landscape for thousands of years, playing a significant role in the area’s ecology and history. Unlike the Disney-created Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake is a naturally occurring body of water. When Disney acquired large tracts of land in the region, the team launched an exciting project to drain, clean, and enhance the lake, getting everything ready for the grand opening of the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

The Bay Lake area encompasses not only the serene waters of the lake itself but also includes Riles Island, situated at its center. This charming island has a fascinating history before and after Disney’s acquisition. It opened as Treasure Island in 1974 and as Discovery Island in 1977. Discovery Island was a fun and immersive experience that celebrates the natural beauty of the area.

In the photo above, take a moment to appreciate this beautiful view of Bay Lake and Riles Island from 1967. At that time, the shores around Bay Lake and Riles Island were devoid of the sandy beaches we saw during the early days of Walt Disney World. However, Disney worked diligently to enhance the area, creating picturesque shorelines that beautifully framed the Vacation Kingdom. Most of the shorelines today exist only around the resorts and guest areas. During Bay Lake’s refurbishment, Disney’s team discovered a naturally sandy base, which was significant in the development of the shorelines around both Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Today, much of the coastline around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon has taken on a more natural look, with areas like Discovery Island and Shipwreck Island becoming overgrown with small trees and bushes. This overgrowth has led to a landscape that closely resembles the original state of Bay Lake before Disney’s extensive enhancements, offering a glimpse into the lake’s past. It highlights both the impact of Disney’s enhancements and the resilience of Central Florida’s natural environment.

Check out this beautiful sunrise (or sunset) view of Bay Lake from the 1960s, surrounded by the trees that line its shores. Just picture the early morning sun rising over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow that sparkles on the lake’s surface – what a magical sight!

This picturesque area was once home to residents who enjoyed its natural beauty every day. Today, visitors to Walt Disney World can still experience similar breathtaking views that remind us of the beautiful landscapes from before the park’s opening. The contrast between then and now highlights the rich and fascinating history of this incredible place.

From a southward perspective, it looks just like Mickey Mouse’s head! Right in the middle of the lake, you’ll find Riles Island, which even had a fishing cabin belonging to some former residents.

I have included a couple of additional photos below capturing more angles of Bay Lake and Disney’s Central Florida property on that same day in June 1967. The photographers really give a great glimpse into the beautiful landscape and the beginnings of what would eventually become a major theme park destination.

In the photo above, you can see a remarkable view of a drained Bay Lake, showcasing the landscape as it undergoes preparations for its future developments within Walt Disney World. To facilitate the draining of the lake, Disney employed the Bonnet Creek canal system, an intricate network designed to manage and maintain the water levels of Bay Lake. This system plays a crucial role in ensuring water flow and quality throughout the property.

The canal system features a series of channels and waterways strategically placed across the resort, allowing for efficient water regulation. This proactive approach to water management is why flooding is a rare occurrence at Walt Disney World, even during heavy rainfall. As the resort continues to innovate and expand, these water management systems are vital in preserving the beauty and functionality of the surrounding environment.

If you look to the south, you can see the future sites of several landmarks, including Treasure Island (1974), Fort Wilderness (1971), and Wilderness Lodge (1994). Interestingly, the sandy soil excavated from the base of Bay Lake was cleaned and repurposed to create the white sand beaches along Seven Seas Lagoon and a refurbished Bay Lake.

According to Raymond Thorn, a former employee of Gee & Jenson, there are over 52 miles of canals on the property, which spans more than 28,000 acres and features over 200 drainage structures. RCID/CFTOD can easily raise and lower nearly every body of water on the property.

This stunning aerial photo of Bay Lake captures the draining process in preparation for Walt Disney World. Looking north, the image offers a unique perspective, revealing the expansive lake and providing a glimpse of the future site of Treasure/Discovery Island. This transformation marks a significant chapter in the ambitious Florida Project, showcasing the innovative vision that would ultimately bring one of the world’s most beloved theme parks to life.

Take a look at the stunning photo above of Disney executives enjoying a boat cruise on Bay Lake. During this trip, they were likely engaging in discussions and brainstorming sessions about their exciting plans for the upcoming Vacation Kingdom. The beautiful backdrop showcases the area between Discovery Island on the right and Fort Wilderness on the left.

In the distance, you’ll notice an intriguing tree that seems to be growing directly out of the water. This unique tree has become a well-known landmark and still stands today, positioned near a small patch of land that extends into Bay Lake.

Today, this tree serves as a place where retired Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon skippers hang their shoes. It symbolizes their dedication and connection to the waterways they once navigated. Each pair of shoes tells a story, representing the camaraderie and experiences shared by those who spent their careers guiding guests through the beautiful landscapes of the Vacation Kingdom of the World.

The History of Discovery Island in Bay Lake

Discovery Island was pivotal in Walt Disney’s decision to select the Central Florida property for what would become Walt Disney World. This beautiful piece of land captivated Walt as he surveyed the area from the sky, leading him to envision a unique destination that blended nature with entertainment. He may have contemplated developing a hotel or an entertainment venue on the island or maybe simply a picturesque view from his hotels surrounding Bay Lake. Ultimately, Walt recognized that this island would play an integral role in his Florida Project. Walt Disney officially decided this property would be his future “world” on November 22, 1963.

This island was known as Raz Island from 1900 to 1937, named after the person who owned it. In 1937, Delmar “Radio Nick” Nicholson acquired the island and renamed it Idle Bay Isle. This ownership lasted about two decades, and then the new owners renamed it Riles Island.

In 1965, Disney purchased this Floridian oasis. Under the management of Disney, the island was labeled Blackbeard’s Island, but it was later renamed Treasure Island when it officially opened to the public on April 8, 1974. The island quickly became home to a fascinating array of wildlife, including reptiles and various species of birds, creating a rich ecosystem that delighted guests. In 1977, the island became Discovery Island. By 1981, it had achieved accreditation as a zoological park by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, affirming its commitment to the care and preservation of its animal inhabitants.

After 25 years of operation, this zoological park closed on April 8, 1999. Disney shut down the island due to several factors, including declining attendance and the recent opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998, which provided more advanced facilities for animal care. As a result, the wildlife from Discovery Island relocated to Animal Kingdom.

In a nod to the history and significance of Discovery Island, the central hub of Disney’s Animal Kingdom underwent a name change from Safari Village to Discovery Island. This tribute to the original Discovery Island ensured that the legacy of this unique and historical location would continue to live on. Had there been no Riles Island in Bay Lake during the 1960s, it is uncertain whether Walt Disney would have selected this specific property for his future Vacation Kingdom.

The significance of Bay Lake in the history of Walt Disney World is something we should celebrate. During our vacations here, we find joy in cruising on watercraft to various destinations within the resort. Bay Lake is special due to Walt Disney’s initial reaction upon seeing this area, especially the natural lake and its central island.

Each visit to Walt Disney World fills us with happiness as we admire Bay Lake and its surrounding landmarks, including Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, the Contemporary Resort, and the former Discovery Island and River Country site, soon to become Disney Lakeshore Lodge. This sense of joy we feel is likely a reflection of how Walt felt when he first got a glimpse of his incredible future “world.”

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