How do I take DH to Everglades from WDW

[lam]

I posted this on UK Trip Planning Forum BUT thought maybe this forum may be better?

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My DH has a fascination with The Everglades.
He is soooo keen to go there on his FIRST TRIP to WDW next year.

I've seen a 45 min airboat trip -with transport to/from Orlando advertised by a UK ticket /tour operator .
Has anyone tried the airboat trip? I thin its in 'Boggy Creek'-Is that the Everglades? Has anyone booked with another operator/travel co and found it to be good?

Is there any other exploration or overnight trip to Everglades which may be better? We'll need transport there and back from WDW.


Also I was trying to find books about it-ie habitat-wildlife-flora/fauna etc BUT couldn't find anything specific to it(just mentioned in Travel Guides)
Can anyone suggest a link for info re Everglades or a good book for DH

Thanks

lam

 

[aquaticmom]

I am not from Florida, but have been to Disneyworld several times and also spent several months in Naples, Fl.(which is right by the Everglades) As far as I know Disneyworld and the Everglades are about 195 miles apart from each other. I think your looking at about a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive. Anyone else from Florida? Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[DOOM1001]

Are there swamps with airboats near Orlando and WDW,Yes,but the Everglades are basically in South Florida about 3-4 hours south of Orlando.I've done swamp tours at Everglades Holiday park off US 27 in Broward county and they also have them as well as Indian reservations on US 41 (aKa 8th street) in Miami-Dade county west of Krome avenue.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Boggy Creek is what it says - only big and long enough to do airboat rides You can get to see wildlife, but in our opinion it does not compare with the Everglades.

I would think about at least one night (two would be good!) down near Naples/Marco Island or Fort Myers Beach would be great - relax on the beach, watch the beautiful sunsets and then go explore the Everglades where there are any number of airboat rides.

There is an Everglades visitor centre with a small museum which we found interesting - but can't remember exactly where it was (sorry, sure a google search would find it).

If it's the wildlife you're interested in, the National Audubon (the US' RSPB) has a fantastic site at Corkscrew Sanctuary, just outside of Naples, which has a 2.5 mile boardwalk which you amble along at your own pace and see gators, osprey, eagles, wild boar, raccoons and all sorts of different flowers.

Did you know there is even a dolphin which lives in the Everglades?! We saw it (honestly, got the photos ) - we saw it with www.speedyjohnsons.com

We always stay down on the gulf coast for at least a week when we travel over to Florida from the South coast of England and do all the above, even our DD enjoys it

Happy planning

 

[Frothy]

If he's really into nature then you should consider hiring a car and drive down here. It will take 3-4 hours but it will be worth it. Along US 41 you'll find several stopping points and I really don't see how you can do this without a car.

Here's a link http://www.nps.gov/ever/ which shows you there's a lot to see and do if you go to the park rather than just drive 41. http://www.florida-everglades.com/ is another good web site.