Disney Wilderness Preserve

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Disney Wilderness Preserve is a protected area located in the state of Florida, a short distance away from Orlando.

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Summary

It is a 12,000-acre wildlife conservation area that was once a cattle ranch. The area was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1992 to restore it to its natural state. The preserve is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, including several endangered species.

There are several reasons to visit the Disney Wilderness Preserve. For nature enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to experience the diverse wildlife and plant species that inhabit the area. Visitors can hike the trails, participate in guided tours or take a self-guided tour, and enjoy bird watching in the various habitats.

Some of the specific points of interest to see include the scenic trails through pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and hardwood hammocks. Visitors can also explore the marshes, cypress swamps, and freshwater ponds. The area is home to many bird species, including sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and red-shouldered hawks.

Interesting facts about the area include that it has been recognized as an important bird area by the Audubon Society. It is also part of the Northern Everglades watershed, which supplies water to the Everglades National Park.

The best time of year to visit the Disney Wilderness Preserve is during the winter months between November and March. The weather is cooler, and many migratory birds are present during this time.

In conclusion, the Disney Wilderness Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in exploring Florida's diverse wildlife. The preserve offers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Florida and learn about the importance of conservation efforts.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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