Disney Wilderness Preserve
A 11,500-acre sanctuary preserving Florida's wild beauty, offering free, self-guided nature exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy solitude and quiet trails.
Disney Wilderness Preserve
Best Time
Enjoy solitude and quiet trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 11,500-acre sanctuary preserving Florida's wild beauty, offering free, self-guided nature exploration.
"Escape the noise and crowds of the parks, and enjoy the calmness of nature."
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy; waterproof hiking boots are a must for comfort and to navigate puddles.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Most trails are open with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Ecosystem Trails
Various trail loops
Explore over 11,500 acres of Florida's natural beauty, from pine flatwoods to cypress swamps.
Lake Russell
Outer loop trail
A serene spot offering beautiful views and a chance to see native bald cypress trees.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the preserve
Keep an eye out for diverse bird species, colts, and other native Florida wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Nature's Embrace
Self-Guided Exploration & Free Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy; waterproof hiking boots are a must for comfort and to navigate puddles.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Most trails are open with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. A hydration backpack is recommended.
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes and other insects can be present, especially in humid conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
Trails can be wet and muddy; waterproof hiking boots are a must for comfort and to navigate puddles.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Most trails are open with limited shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes. A hydration backpack is recommended.
🦟 Bug Spray Recommended
Mosquitoes and other insects can be present, especially in humid conditions.
🗺️ Trail Maps Available
Grab a trail map at the visitor center, though some junctions can be unclear.
🧺 Picnic Areas Available
Enjoy a break at shaded picnic spots, perfect for a snack or rest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Disney Wilderness Preserve for its free admission, extensive trail system, and peaceful, natural environment. It's lauded as a great escape from crowds, offering a glimpse into Florida's wild beauty. Some find trail navigation at junctions a bit unclear, and the lack of shade on many paths requires thorough preparation for sun and heat.
"I've known about this place for a long time and finally had a chance to visit yesterday! Well worth a look around & pretty self-directed. Parking and admission is free, use a QR code to sign in and tell them which car is yours and how many in your party, I guess so they can come find you if you overstay. There's a little unmanned visitor room, nice bathrooms w/ a bottle fill water fountain, and good signage throughout.
The trails are choose your own adventure, varying loops from a half mile, around a mile, around 2 miles, and the full outer loop of over 5 miles. I figure, with walking out to Lake Russell plus the full loop, it was 5.5 miles total. There are trees, but it's mostly open, use sunscreen, bring water, and a hat! I wore a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a hydration backpack, and a cooling towel, plus my proper waterproof hiking boots, which came in handy at one point when a boardwalk stopped a bit short of the puddle. If you do the big loop, there's a shaded picnic area at the halfway mark, perfect for a rest, snack, and to reapply sunscreen/bug repellent.
I met one employee out on the loop (he was in a cart) and then had a nice chat with him as we were both leaving. Got rained on a bit (not unwelcome!) so overall a bit soggy by the end, but had a towel in the car to sit on and sandals to change into. The only other people I saw my whole time there was a family that looked like they just walked out to Lake Russell and back (one using a rolling walker!) which is a great way to get a taste of the property without the big hike that I did."
Sara Beth Wade
"Amazing field trip for my Eco Club Summer Experience students.
Ranger Val was an incredible guide.
This is an incredible preserve with great story of restoration!
A great place for a hike and picnic!
I’ll be back!"
John Martinez
"Amazing place to hike and take in several of the amazing ecosystems Florida has to offer. Birding here is a blast and I went on one of the early birding days offered. I had a decent eBird list of 44 bird species in about 3.5 miles and over about 3.5 hours."
Joel Cohen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Disney Wilderness Preserve is located at 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana, FL 34759. It's accessible by car, offering a peaceful escape from the theme park hustle.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors. You'll need to sign in using a QR code upon arrival.
Public transportation options to the Disney Wilderness Preserve are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to access this natural area.
The preserve is typically open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official hours before visiting.
The preserve is well-marked, but it's recommended to use GPS navigation to ensure you reach the correct entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Disney Wilderness Preserve is completely free! You just need to sign in using a QR code.
There are no fees to walk around and spend time at the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
Booking a time slot is not required. The preserve operates on a first-come, first-served basis during its operating hours.
While the preserve is largely self-guided, there are occasional guided birding days and special events. Ranger Val has been noted as an incredible guide.
Typically, pets are not allowed in nature preserves to protect the wildlife and delicate ecosystems. It's best to leave your furry friends at home.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The preserve offers a variety of trail loops, ranging from a half-mile to over 5 miles, including a full outer loop. These trails meander through diverse ecosystems.
The terrain is natural and can be uneven. Some boardwalks may stop short of puddles, and you might encounter peat-based ground. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
You might spot various bird species, and in spring, colts have been seen. The preserve is home to diverse native Florida wildlife.
Yes, there is a visitor room with nice bathrooms and a bottle-filling water fountain.
Yes, the preserve offers opportunities for nature photography, capturing Florida's native landscapes and wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the Disney Wilderness Preserve. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
Absolutely! There are shaded picnic areas available, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
You'll need to drive a short distance to find restaurants and cafes in nearby towns like Kissimmee.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is highly encouraged, especially for longer hikes.
While you can bring food and drinks, it's important to pack out all trash to keep the preserve clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere along the trails offers great opportunities, especially near Lake Russell and areas with diverse flora. Capture the open landscapes and unique ecosystems.
You can photograph various bird species, insects, and potentially other native animals. Early mornings are often best for wildlife activity.
Be prepared for varying light conditions due to the open terrain. Consider bringing a zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes.
Drone usage is typically restricted in nature preserves to avoid disturbing wildlife and for safety reasons. Check with the Nature Conservancy for specific regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh due to direct sun.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during a weekday to avoid potential crowds and allow for a more relaxed experience. While the preserve is natural and may have some muddy spots, the accessible trails and visitor amenities make it a feasible outing for families looking for an educational and active day away from the theme parks.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Peace Seekers
Bring a good book or journal to enjoy at one of the shaded picnic spots, or simply find a quiet bench to breathe in the fresh air. The preserve's peaceful ambiance is a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist attractions.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Beyond birds, the preserve is a prime location for observing Florida's unique flora and fauna. The ongoing conservation and restoration efforts provide a living laboratory for understanding ecological processes.
+1 Pack your binoculars, field guides, and a keen sense of observation to make the most of your visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Preserve's Purpose: Conservation and Restoration
+2 It's not just about preservation; it's an active site for ecological restoration, aiming to bring back the natural balance of the land. This commitment ensures that future generations can experience the wild, untamed beauty of Florida. +1Visitors can witness firsthand the results of these conservation efforts. The preserve showcases a variety of Florida's natural habitats, including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and marshes.
It's a living example of how businesses and conservation organizations can collaborate for a greater environmental good. Navigating the Trails: Your Adventure Awaits
Be prepared for a natural hiking experience. The trails are generally wide and mowed, but they can be uneven and occasionally wet, especially after rain.
Wildlife Encounters: A Glimpse into Florida's Fauna
Beyond birds, the preserve is also home to other fascinating creatures. In the spring, there's a chance to spot young colts learning to forage, a heartwarming sight for nature enthusiasts.
Researchers also actively study the reptile and amphibian populations, so you might encounter various lizards and frogs. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the sheer diversity of habitats within the preserve increases your chances of encountering something special. 
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