The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve

My visit was truly exceptional, starting with the beautifully maintained trails. Whether you choose the short 0.5-mile loop or tackle the longer 6.1-mile Yellow Trail, the paths are wide, well-marked, and kept up meticulously by The Nature Conservancy, making for easy and enjoyable hiking. The variety of landscapes—from restored wetlands and longleaf pine forests to scenic overlooks of the undeveloped Lake Russell—provides a constantly changing, gorgeous backdrop for your adventure. And for an added comfort, the facilities are sparkling clean! The Conservation Learning Center at the trailhead is a fantastic welcome area, complete with informative displays and, yes, clean, comfortable bathrooms that rival those of any high-end park. This attention to visitor comfort ensures you can focus entirely on enjoying the real star of the show: nature.

Amazing visit. Went at about 9:30am. Saw two bucks. Not busy, serene! Easy trail for kids there's 4 options of lengths. We started white then went to red for the lookout and back to the white trail.

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.

Easy difficulty hiking trails. A nice walk down to lake Russel. The long trail that goes around the whole preserve is a beautiful walk however remember the preserve closes at 430 so start early! It took me about 2 hours to walk the entire loop.

This is probably the quietest place I’ve ever visited! Aside from the birds this reserve is quintessentially a perfect place to capture your thoughts, relax, have an easy stroll, breathe, and get some exercise. We walked three of the well marked trails and will go back to do the yellow trail. They have something called “workkamper” where people can camp there with their RV in exchange for doing work on the preserve. We saw 3 RVs. They also have a conference room so doing an offsite team building exercise here is a great option. There are no fees to walk around and spend time here. We walked to the lake and saw beautiful bald cypress trees. Be careful of the any mounds as their bite is lasting. I would recommend bringing bug spray as the climate gets more humid.

Truly wonderful and beautiful. Hopefully this treasure will be preserved for many future generations to come. It is nature and wilderness at its finest. Enjoyed Lake Russell the best along of one the many trails ideal for walking and hiking. It is best to go here early since it is closed at 430. I enjoyed this experience and look forward to being back soon.

I went there on a Saturday afternoon. I didn’t see anyone else on the trails, so it is a good place to enjoy the solitude. The trails are 4 feet wide and mowed and they meander through fields with sparse fir trees. There isn’t any canopy for shade, so come prepared. There is a nice spot about half way down the yellow trail that does have shade trees and a couple picnic tables. The trails are well marked, except for where they join another. Then it’s not too clear which way to go, even with the map.

Thankfully it was an overcast day, because the shade was pretty sparse. What an amazing walk though. About half way from the entrance to the nature center we saw a bobcat! On the pond was a family of whistling ducks, and the woodpeckers were all throughout the park. This isn't a playground/party kind of park, this is a hiking and wildlife viewing nature preserve. The trails are well kept and well marked with benches throughout. I like that the loops connect, so you can choose a short, moderate, or long hike. There was wildlife everywhere and the place is pretty big. I suggest you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good hat to keep the sun off of your face and shoulders. The mosquitoes weren't too bad surprisingly, but bug spray could come in handy. I will definitely be coming back, and have already recommended this park to a lot of my friends!

We had a blast eating here and enjoying the way Disney brings the outside indoors!. When eating always ask for ketchup and extra napkins! Lol

A wilderness explorer is a friend to all, be a plant or fish or tiny mole! Ah, my fellow travelers, gather around and lend me your ears, for I have embarked on a wondrous adventure that has left me both enthralled and slightly intrigued. Today, I shall regale you with my tales of The Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee, a sanctuary teeming with nature's glory and the potential lurking of a mischievous alligator. As I ventured into this untamed paradise, my senses were immediately enveloped by a symphony of sounds. The chorus of chirping birds and the rustle of leaves underfoot sang harmoniously in my ears. The air itself seemed to hum with anticipation, as if nature itself were whispering secrets to me. And so, with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, I ventured forth, my eyes darting about, half-expecting an alligator to emerge from the shadows. The wilderness unfolded before me like a beautifully choreographed dance. Pristine wetlands stretched as far as the eye could see, with glistening water reflecting the azure sky above. The landscape, dotted with native flora, was a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue more vibrant than the last. It was a visual feast, a smorgasbord for the soul. I meandered along the well-marked trails, each step bringing me closer to the heart of this sanctuary. The dense foliage created a sense of seclusion, as if I were the protagonist in my very own adventure film. But my elation was tempered by a nagging suspicion that I was not alone. I could swear that in the corner of my eye, I caught glimpses of a lurking shadow, an alligator with a mischievous twinkle in its eye. The wildlife, oh the wildlife! Creatures great and small reveled in their natural habitat, blissfully unaware of my presence. Elegant herons gracefully stalked their prey, while playful otters frolicked in the shimmering waters. It was a menagerie of nature's finest, a cast of characters that would make even the most seasoned Disney animators green with envy. As I continued my exploration, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The air was thick with a peaceful energy, and the stillness embraced me like an old friend. The Disney Wilderness Preserve, with its dedication to conservation and preservation, is a testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world. But let us not forget our dear alligator friend, the mischievous companion who seemed to follow my every move. There were moments when I would turn my head, only to find a pair of eyes watching me intently from the water's edge. Was it a trick of the light, or was this gator genuinely intrigued by my presence? I cannot say for certain, but I must admit, it added an extra dash of excitement to my adventure. Alas, my time at The Disney Wilderness Preserve came to an end, as all good things must. As I bid farewell to this sanctuary, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing in my heart. The preserve had bewitched me with its untamed beauty and left an indelible mark on my soul. The wilderness must be explored! CA-CA! RAAWWRR!

We love the outdoors, we appreciate nature and learning about wildlife. It was a very hot day and I had a foot injury the day before and still walked the trail. The level of difficulty was just fine for us and the kids, even with my limping. We loved the informative Boy Scouts markers showing the animals that were in the wilderness. Sadly but lucky for us. The sign mentioned bobcats, otters, deer, wild hogs, coyotes, rabbits, opossum, skunk, raccoons, and armadillo. Also there was a bridge made by a Boy Scout as his eagle project. It was done so well. We didn't actually see the animals but we did see very tall birds and the prettiest color of dragon flys. We saw, red, orange, and a tiger patterned wig one. We also saw plenty locusts grasshoppers, and anole lizards. Unfortunately the information center was closed due to covid but the lady working did come out and talk to us. She was supper friendly. Sadly our trip was cut short because of the rain. However if you like the outdoors and love free activities, put this place on your list.

Me and my 7yr old son did the red trial it was very cool what I like most. We talk and he used his imagination.. it' was great

The staff is friendly and a great place to go for a trail walk and see wildlife. Where appropriate shoes or boots for the trails

Decided to have an untraditional trip to the Orlando-Kissimmee area. I love nature and when I heard of the preserve, I had to check it out. My husband and I decided to do the longer of the two hikes (well marked trails, 6-8 miles). Just be warned that although these trails are well blazed and clearly marked there is NOTHING around for miles. In fact we only saw one another person the whole time we were there! Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. I have to be honest though and say I would not bring children as they will tire easily and most likely be bored. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by beautiful nature. My favorite part is that you cannot hear any cars or city noises. Be warned that you will have to walk through some marshy areas. Disney does its best to provide wooded walking areas but they do not cover everything and both my feet were fully submerged. When you return to the parking lot, the bathrooms are very clean and cool. It was very interesting to learn that the preserve was built as a result of the U.S. Clean Water Act - a law that requires wetlands damaged by human activity to be "mitigated" (replaced elsewhere). The Preserve is a mitigation project established in 1992 with the purchase of 8,500 acres! Although I am upset that so much damage was done, I am over joyed that Disney has taken the proper steps towards making reparations. One should definitely check this preserve out.

This is a very nice nature preserve in Kissimmee. There is a map at the visitors center and a very small but well appointed Nature Center with all sorts of artifacts and stuff from local wildlife. The trails are very well made but some of the trail directions are confusing. There is a chance to see some great wildlife but make very sure you are prepared! Bring plenty of water, bug spray, sun screen and bug spray as starters.

Great nature getaway right here in town. The main problems are despite it being a wide open space it's rarely open. The other problem is that some of the paths are dug out by staff vehicles and they try to fill it in with rocks and ultimately in many places it's tough to pass. Great place for a hike or walk however.

First off y'all, this thing has the word Disney in it and is free as hell. Even if you hate nature, that should be enough to get you here. This place is gigantor and incredibly serene and absurdly beautiful. There are two main trails. The Red Trail is less than three miles and very well laid out it. It hooks on to the Yellow Trail if you're wanting to make it a six mile day. The Yellow Trail is AWESOME. The path is not laid out like the Red Trail but easy enough to navigate because of markers. It makes for quite the adventure!

With a full itinerary of theme parkery and museuming I really needed to get some nature into my winter sojourn to the Sunshine State. Disney Wilderness Preserve, located not far from my parents' condo, where exurbia runs up into old time rural Florida, scratched that itch. This was the only place with Disney in the name that I went to, and what a coincidence, it's the only place with Disney in the name that's 100% free! Of course there's a donation box, but as the name suggests it's not compulsory. The office at the front of the park was small and unmanned on the afternoon I visited, but I didn't really need a human there anyway. They had maps, a large case of pinned insects and binoculars and magnifying glasses hikers could borrow. I forgot to bring water so I just swiped an empty plastic bottle from their recycling bin, filled it up with their high-tech water bottle filler with the laser sensor and was on my merry way. I went for the longest trail, which took me maybe three hours to trudge. The first part is much more scenic, with lots more trees and Lake Russell. There really wasn't much wildlife to be found on the day I went, though. All I saw was a raccoon and three large birds overhead. I thought they might be hawks, but a guy from Pennsylvania who caught up with me opined that they were Turkey vultures. Hawks sounded a lot cooler. This is a nice escape into nature, though the second half of the trail is mostly just grasslands and not that interesting to look at. I left the map at my parents condo with the suggestion they just hike to Lake Russell and back. They took me up on it and enjoyed themselves. They also sound another nature preserve that is supposed to have gators! That's what I want to check out next time.

Nice preserve, but not really that much wildlife. A former cattle ranch, most trails, and almost all of the Yellow trail, are pine lands with scrub (saw palmetto, bushes). Very quiet, only common birds singing. Lake Russell access is small, with only a small gator and cypress trees; no wading birds. Is dry season, so trails are easy walk though; don't know when wet season. Bring minimum 1L of water for the 6 mile yellow loop.

First off, this is not affiliated with Disney at all and don't expect this to be entertainment related at all. Do expect a beautiful view of what natural Florida is all about. Take the full hike, less than 2.5 miles, and view the natural landscape of Florida including palmettos, cypress trees on Lake Russell and try to spot some native wildlife. I can't say we saw much more than some birds but we did try to identify some scat, saw some snake tracks and tried to see if maybe there were actually alligators in the water. Even without seeing much we did have fun along this hike and the kids and adults enjoyed themselves. Take your water and dress accordingly. It's a nice, beautiful, free day to spend outside becoming one with nature.

5 stars as always with Disney! Very Covid responsible. Sites are paved and nice size. Lots of activities and transportation to theme parks. We were there in October so sites were decorated. What fun!

Peaceful, serene, gorgeous, thought-provoking. This place is amazing. Disney is working with the Nature Conservatory to restore health to the Everglades ecosystem. Apparently, there were some mistakes made when it came to urban planning in the state of Florida which cause detrimental effects to the Everglades. Kudos to Disney in their efforts to help restore the wetlands. I went there knowing very little about the subject and left with some knowledge, but I also wanted to learn more. If you are interested in learning more, I suggest checking out the wiki page entitled, "Restoration of the Everglades." This place is perfect for nice 30 min - 2 hour hike to clear your head and enjoy unspoiled nature. And can you believe - it's completely free! HELPFUL TIP: If you are an out-of-towner with a rental car and using the tollway to get here and didn't opt-in for a SunPass, MAKE SURE TO HAVE QUARTERS WITH YOU. There are unmanned tolls that you will pass that only take change.

LOVE this place! It's a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of all of the tourists and theme parks! Walked the 2.5 mile trail today and also took the little side trail to Lake Russel. The trails were clear and well marked so no worries about getting lost. Loved the lake and the pond and rocking chairs at the beginning. Bathroom facility was clean and I loved the sign in/out to keep track of if everyone made it out before closing time. Will definitely be back!

Quiet place to walk when the trails are not flooded. On the birding trail lost but did not see any birds. I was unable to get back the trials due to flooding. I enjoyed the facilities and will go again when I can access the trails better.

There is quiet, and then there is QUIET. A visit to the Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve will cool ANYONE out. While the drive out to Poinciana was 1.5 hours for me, upon arrival I realized it was absolutely worth it. Please drive slowly through the entrance leading to the starting point as random cranes have a tendency to wander. [Honestly, though, if I looked that pretty I'd have a tendency to wander wherever I wanted too.] The main house will have a sign-in station and maps and educational material for every visitor. You can even borrow binoculars to take on the trail with you. I suggest they move the donation box AWAY from the shed snakeskin as my friend and I almost missed it because we were too busy freaking out. "We're not going to run into THAT, are we?!?" The trails are easy enough to follow and the peacefulness and connection with nature were worth every footstep. I would not only return, I would encourage others to do so, leave a bigger donation, and challenge myself to try a longer trail. All that fresh air and tranquillity - THAT'S how you kick off a New Year.

Been visiting my in-laws in Solavita for three years now and only just now realized this was here. We did half of the red trail with four kids in tow in about 2 hours, including a nice stop for a picnic lunch at the lake. Definitely will be coming back to explore the rest of the trails!

Absolutely stunning. I can know say I know what "the silence is deafening" means. Thank you Disney and the conservation folks. I'd go here over a resort any day. Well maintained grounds yet pristine wilderness. I wish I could stay forever.

Great natural setting. Easy nature trail. Fun walk for kids.