Disney Wilderness Preserve

[Kris & Steve]

As anyone ever been to Disney's Wilderness Preserve? I just wanted to get a general idea about this place. I read a little about it in the Unofficial Guide but I am looking for first hand experience. I am trying to find something to suprise my DH as he is graduating from what seems like a million trillion years of college. He is a wetlands & wildlife biologist so I am wondering if this place might be to much like work for him and not enough of a vacation type adventure? Any input?

Thanks all!

 

[keishashadow]

heard they used to offer air-boat rides? Also, very curious about this "real Florida" attraction.

 

[jann1033]

check out their website
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html

we planned on going but never did( never have enough time!)

the info i got was from 2004 so may not still be up to date but open daily 9-5 oct-june then other months just weekdays ph # 407-935-0002
$2 for adults

 

[unbroken chain]

I went there a few years ago. It had rained so much the longer trail was closed. I don't know how often this happens, but if it is rainy before you are planning to go, even if the day of your visit is dry, you might want to call and ask.

I seem to remember it being pretty swampy and really not particularly something I would do again. I would say it depends how much time you have. I wouldn't give up time at the parks for it, myself. If I'm going hiking, I'll take the mountains over swamps. But some people like swamps and more power to them. If your hubby likes wetlands, it might be just the place for him!

 

[DVC Jen]

I didn't even know Disney had this. Learn something new everyday!

 

[Kris & Steve]

I didn't even know Disney had this. Learn something new everyday!

LOL, In the Unofficial Guide to WDW it say "Note:: Disney Information doesn't know anything about the wilderness preserve, including the fact that it exists". It seems as though you aren't the only one who didn't know it exisited.

 

[Simba's Mom]

If you do go, please post a review here. It seems several people have thought of going, but no one's gone yet. We're avid birders and were considering going there on our May trip.

 

[Kris & Steve]

BUMP...just seeing if anyone else has any info about this place.

 

[TedO]

Kris & Steve,
We did this a few years ago after reading about it in the Unofficial Guide but have to say I was pretty disappointed and my 2 kids (then 12 and 15 I think) were bored to tears. They still joke about the wasted 2 hours they thought it was! You basically take a slow ride around a forest/swamp area in a large "Swamp buggy" that holds probably 16 or so, which sounds like fun but really is pretty tame. We didn't see much wildlife at all on our trip and frankly couldn't wait for it to be over.

Sorry to be a wet blanket but just wanted to relate our experience. Since your husband is wetlands/wildlife enthusiast he may feel entirely different about it though so I wouldn't dismiss it entirely.