Soundscapes: Discovery Island

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[03:11] In Swahili, there is a phrase: “Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia.” More of an African Proverb, it means: “To get lost is to learn the way.” Our human experience is a continuous process of growth, discovery, and adapting as the winding road of life takes us down new and enriching paths. Here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the pathways are overgrown with richness that has nothing to do with currency. The stories and legends passed down from generations of peoples and tribes echos through the trees, in the tall grass, in the distant roar of a lion.

[04:09] A Balinese pan flute enchants our entrance into Discovery Island today. It is early, the sun barely having created over the horizon, dewdrops still clinging to each blade of grass.

[05:57] Tingkliks and drums join the procession as we meander downhill and into the open heart of the Animal Kingdom.

[06:43] All around us, exotic birds greet the morning from the skies, wings raised in a soaring salute. Otters and antelope and all manner of non-avians swim and scavenge in their own lush sanctuaries, occasionally contributing a splash or a call to the harmony of nature’s cacophony.

[07:24] The entrancing flute gives way to a more lively sound as we approach the towering Tree of Life. The epicenter of this enchanted temple of nature, the Tree of Life is a beacon of solidarity for all who thrive here. Surrounded by lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and towering trees still stunted in its wake, this Tree is a gallery of an entire ecosystem, encompassing land and sea in its ornate depiction of life.

[08:34] The babble and rush of water can be heard spilling into the rivers that wind around the island, crashing over the sound of the instruments playing their diligent summons of our collective spirit.

[10:04] Winding pathways lead us into the heart of the Tree’s shady embrace, a lush jungle of vitality and serenity. A chorus of banjos, guitars, and other quintessentially Western instruments join the xylophonic trills and maracas, a celebration to mark the dawn of a new day, a new adventure.

[12:20] In an attempt to mitigate their wait time at any number of popular attractions, so many travelers hasten off in one direction or another, neglecting this place and its clandestine treasures. But we, our journey just beginning on this island of discovery, move inward along the meandering trails, eyes and ears synchronous in their attempt to soak it all in.

[20:35] The joyful warbling of songbirds rises still above the careening waters, a piquant soprano note to accent the baseline percussions. Their interlude welcomes back the stringed instruments, who have brought chimes and bells along to join the sharp flutes and woodwinds.

[23:12] Whether you’ve walked the pathways of this island on dozens of occasions or none at all, this place holds an unwavering peace that is felt rather than seen. It is heard in the modulation of nature and instrument, tribal human vocals joining the avian ones.

[24:22] The deeper we move into the embrace of the Tree of Life, the more we have to remind ourselves that we are somehow still in the middle of a theme park. This oasis seems entirely apart from the roller coaster thrills and sweet, sticky indulgences that occupy the attentions of most visitors.

[30:24] It is our retreat from the chaos, our opportunity to experience nature’s invincible joy. Here in this sanctuary, we find revival and freedom. Our hideaway is alive with wonder and majesty and, if you listen closely and attune your spirit to the cadence of the wind, a perceptible note of Magic.

Listen closely, allow it to fill you up. Be joyful. Be Here.