Have you heard of the Disney Wilderness Preserve? It’s probably the only attraction associated with Disney that is completely free to visit! This hidden gem offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Florida’s natural beauty without the hefty admission fees typical of Disney’s theme parks.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of the parks, the Disney Wilderness Preserve invites you to explore its serene landscapes at your own pace, all while showcasing Disney’s commitment to environmental conservation.
About the Preserve
The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a 12,000-acre nature conservation area located in Kissimmee, Florida, near the Walt Disney World Resort. This wildlife preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy, the same organisation who also manage Tiger Creek Preserve, with support from Disney, and is part of a large-scale effort to restore and protect Central Florida’s natural landscapes and ecosystems.
In 1992, Disney purchased 8500 acres of land and donated it to the Nature Conservancy. This was Disney’s way of paying a little back to Florida, for the damage the Disney Resort has caused to it’s natural habitat. Disney also donated a substantial amount of money for restoration and with the land donations from additional companies, the Disney Wildlife Preserve was born.
Extensive restoration has taken place to remove plants that are not native to Florida, as well as removing agricultural and farming influences which brought the preserve back up to its original state. There are more than 750 types of plants, 300 species of wildlife (including the Florida Panther, gopher tortoise and red cockaded woodpecker) and 50 kinds of butterflies living at the preserve. Many of these are rare or endangered.
While the Disney Wilderness Preserve focuses primarily on conservation, it is also open to the public for eco-tourism activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and educational programs. There are trails and viewing areas for visitors to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
The Trails
On arrival, visitors are required to sign in at the welcome centre. The welcome centre is small but there are some interesting things to see inside and there is the opportunity to borrow binoculars, a compass or information on the wildlife you may see on your visit. As always on these trails, it’s worth picking up a map at the trail head.
There are three trails to choose from and we opted for the Wilderness Trail. Spanning approximately 2.5 miles round trip, the trail winds through restored wetlands, lush prairies, and shady oak hammocks, providing a moderate hike that’s accessible to most visitors. Along the way, hikers are treated to the sights and sounds of Florida’s wildlife, with opportunities to spot everything from deer and turtles to a variety of bird species. For those interested in birdwatching, the trail is especially rewarding, with migratory birds frequently passing through the area, making each visit a unique experience.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Wilderness Trail features educational signs that offer insight into the preserve’s conservation efforts and the significance of its habitats. The trail culminates in a peaceful overlook at Lake Russell, a pristine and undeveloped lake that provides a serene spot for reflection or photography. The self-guided nature of the trail allows visitors to explore at their own pace, immersing themselves in the quiet beauty of one of Florida’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the Wilderness Trail provides a refreshing connection to nature, right in the heart of Central Florida.
Lake Russell
Lake Russell is a pristine and undeveloped freshwater lake located within the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Central Florida, reached just 3/4 a mile along the trail. This 60-acre lake is one of the highlights of the preserve, offering visitors a rare glimpse of Florida’s natural water ecosystems in their untouched state. Unlike many other Florida lakes that have been impacted by development, Lake Russell has remained largely unspoiled, making it an important part of the area’s conservation efforts.
The lake is surrounded by wetlands and oak hammocks, providing a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. This spot provides peaceful views and potentially wildlife spotting such as wading birds, turtles, and even alligators. The lake’s clear waters and untouched surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers. Lake Russell is a reminder of the natural beauty that Central Florida once had in abundance and a key part of the ecological restoration efforts at the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
An ideal spot to stop for a picnic and to listen to the sounds of nature. This area is sheltered from the Florida sun and a cooling breeze came off the lake.
The trees which are growing out of the lake always fascinate me. They are called Cypress trees and they are found throughout Florida. When Cypress trees are found around water, they grow stumps which are called “knees”. Its not clear what the purpose of the “knees” are, but some scientists have speculated it maybe to help oxygenate the roots because these trees often grow in stagnant swamp land. Another theory is that these “knees” may help anchor the tree to the soft muddy soil.
During my visit, I was struck by the large pine cones scattered along the trail of still hanging in the pine trees, which added a unique character to the landscape of the preserve. These impressive cones, some measuring several inches in length, were a fascinating sight and served as a reminder of the diverse flora thriving in this natural sanctuary.
A Serene Escape from the Tourist Hustle
Visiting the Disney Wilderness Preserve was a truly enlightening experience that deepened my appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty and the importance of conservation. As I walked along the scenic Wilderness Trail, I was captivated by the vibrant ecosystems, from the lush oak hammocks to the serene wetlands surrounding Lake Russell. The abundance of wildlife, including colorful birds and curious turtles, made each step a new adventure, filling me with wonder and tranquility.
In contrast to the over-the-top tourist vibe of the Disney theme parks, this visit offered a refreshing escape into nature. It was heartening to see Disney’s commitment to environmental stewardship through the preserve, showcasing their dedication to preserving natural habitats alongside their entertainment ventures.
The peaceful atmosphere allowed me to disconnect from the frenetic energy of tourist attractions and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty of the outdoors, fostering a sense of calm and reflection. Observing the efforts to restore and protect these habitats reminded me of the vital role we all play in preserving our environment. Overall, my visit to the preserve left me inspired and grateful for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable sanctuary, highlighting a different, more serene side of the Disney legacy.
Looks like a lovely place! I thought the same as you – thought it would be all Disney’s spin on it – but it is really special! #feetdotravel
That’s an amazing amount of land, 11,500 acres and substantial donations from Disney too. I love that all flora is now indigenous. Some really lovely spots to rest and contemplate life. I’d better pack my hiking shoes when I visit Florida again!
What an interesting place to visit, I didn’t know Disney invested in wildlife. The Cypress trees look incredible, we actually saw these same roots growing near the water in Hanoi in Vietnam. Those pine cones are whoppers! thanks for sharing the trail.
I’ve recently heard about this area of Disney’s and was glad to read your post to learn more about it. It’s always nice to see nature preserves, especially in areas like Florida that are getting so thick with urban sprawl. I can’t believe the size of the pinecones!
Sweet, we always passed this on our way to Disney and still haven’t tried the hikes. We will certainly check it out when we head to Disney again. Florida hiking is very unique! Have you ever seen a map of the Florida National Scenic trail? It’s this massive 1,400 mile trail that starts from the bottom and goes all the way to the top of the peninsula. We really want to try it one day. Great post!
I absolutely love your introduction and history of how the Disney Wildnerness Preserve was born and it’s good to hear that Disney had some conscience for building it’s theme park so thank you for that. Those Cypress trees are amazing aren’t they and I didn’t know about their “knees”. I would visit this Nature Park, it seriously looks so beautiful. #feetdotravel
Wow, I wasn’t expected to see this when I read the title. I would love to spend one day here, walking around. The lake seems absolutely amazing. Will pin it for future reference. Thanks for sharing.
Really cool place and I didnt realise that Disney did this – also looks like an awesome trail and the trees growing out of the lake are beautiful! Would love to visit Florida some day
What a wonderful place to visit. Great information on the hikes available. I must make it a point to visit before it gets to warm. Love the photos but I’m still looking around the trees in your photos for alligators…. 🙂 I’m sure it is all safe 🙂 thanks for sharing!
At first I thought this was the same place as the Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that I had looked into previously but it’s not even close. I had no idea this existed and I’ve lived in Florida almost my entire life. Glad to learn that Disney donated this land to the Nature Conservancy. I’m also glad the mouse was no where in sight!
That seems great that Disney has been trying to make up for the damage they have done. A nature reserve seems a great idea and to be honest everything apart from the Cypress trees reminds me of nature in Estonia. The pines look incredible though! Never seen them so big! Seems like a wonderful hike!
Wow! We did not know this place existed. This looks great! Would not have associated nature with Disney. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, I didn’t know about this place and I’m surprised how many beautiful preserves you have in Florida. Seems like a beautiful place to hike and relax! Wish I could visit in my upcoming trip but might not have enough time. There’s just so much to see 🙂
I had no idea this preserve even existed! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! I also would have passed this place up due to the Disney name, but it looks like a fantastic little adventure! thanks so much for sharing 🙂