Walking in the "wilderness"

[cancilla]

We'll be going to WDW in May of next year, and my eight-year-old son is very interested in seeing some of the "natural" areas of Florida. We're staying at AKL, but I'm wondering if there is a resort we could visit that has easy access to a nature walk. I hear that the WL swamp trail is now closed and I don't know of any alternatives.

Thanks!

--Dominick

 

[SqueakyMouse]

We saw a HUGE snake (4-6 feet long) at the bottom of the steps closest to the Otter Pond at WL the other day. That was a bit too much nature for me!!

 

[YesYourMajesty]

There is a walking trail at WL. My husband and I rode our surry bike through the woods on it last year. It was loads of fun. No one was around, and it was very quiet. We saw plenty of nature. I think your son might like this.

 

[BluOrchid2]

I hear that the WL swamp trail is now closed

Wow, really? I never did go walking on that trail; the other members of my traveling party were always tired wusses. LOL Sad to hear that it's closed now.

 

[Desnik]

When we were at the WL we road a surrey bike along the pathway to FW. It goes through a woodsy area and we saw alot of wildlife. A whole family of deer, and they were so close to us, DD was freaking out she was so excited! We also saw an armadillo(spl?). That was so cool to see, never saw one that close before. We would stop and get off the bike and look into the woods, not actually go in it, but you didn't have to to see some animals like the ones mentioned and bunnies too. There was a petting zoo there too, we didn't get a chance to go to.

 

[sleepydog25]

I, too, am surprised to hear the nature trail at WL is closed, and not sure why that is; nor am I sure how they could enforce the closure as it's not a small, well-maintained path. Further, there are several ways to get to the nature trail off the main walking/biking path that heads over to FW. I don't consider the main path to FW much of a nature trail, either--it's more of a glorified sidewalk--though it does stretch about a mile one way. And there is a small petting zoo at FW your son might like. To be fair, I did see a hawk with a small field mice in his talons, sitting just a few feet off that main path, when I was running a few months back. I got within 10-12 feet of him before he flew off. So, there is nature to be seen!

 

[Feralpeg]

Is the trail near the water? It could be that the water level is too high. Many of the lakes and such are overbank due to the large amount of rain we got early this summer. If the water were to close to the trail, they would probably not want guests near it due to the little things that live in that water. Just a guess.

 

[Steffi]

It's not at a resort and I'm not sure if you really want to trek away from the parks, but there's always the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Here's a website with some information: http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html

 

[919Florida]

Where exactly is the otter pond? I would love to see it but never haveben ableto find it.

Thanks

Chris

 

[cancilla]

By the way, I called the resort to ask about the length of the trail that was recommended here, and as part of the conversation the CM mentioned that you are no longer allowed to touch the animals in the (former) petting zoo. I forgot to ask why this is, but would certainly be interested to know.

--Dominick

 

[sleepydog25]

By the way, I called the resort to ask about the length of the trail that was recommended here, and as part of the conversation the CM mentioned that you are no longer allowed to touch the animals in the (former) petting zoo. I forgot to ask why this is, but would certainly be interested to know.

I believe the Beleagured Animals Association of America, or BAAA, and the Neighborly Group of Big Riding Animals Yoked, aka NEIGHBRAY, formed a labor coalition over the 4th of July holiday to protest their living conditions and hours. Apparently, they are demanding air-conditioned lodging, fresh hay, corn or apples on demand, a 2-hours-off-1-hour-on work day, paid holidays, a better veterinarian health plan, and that kids wash their hands BEFORE petting them. During negotiations, it is highly suggested that visitors to WL and FW try the new immersive petting zoo involving snakes and lizards. See the thread located at www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=878532&page=1&pp=15 aw:

 

[bicker]

Could someone please clarify what is and is not closed? I'm not sure what the various trails are called. Is the Swamp Trail the walking path between WL and FtW? Or is it the trail the cuts the corner from the walking path back to WL? Also, if it is the main path, then is it possible to walk from WL to FtW via the bus route?

If someone could outline the paths in this image it would be great.

 

[sleepydog25]

Not sure about what you call the Swamp Trail, though one could easily assume that it is the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail begins by the boat and bike rental which is the more squat-looking pier nearer to the red-roofed Villas at WL. That trail roughly follows the shoreline around to FW, though there are several footpaths that lead away from it (not visible in your photo) that hook up with the main walking path. I believe this is the trail that cancilla mentioned in original post as being closed.

The main walking path is accessed via the walkway between the Lodge proper and the Villas, and heads south as it briefly parallels the entrance road to the WL. You then turn east on the smaller of the two "trails" visible in the photo. The first trail is actually a road leading toward FW--the bus route, I believe; the second is the sidewalk, or the walking path if you will, upon which you can walk, bike, or run to FW. It's about a mile one way. Hope this helps.
(Cool photo BTW!) aw:

 

[bicker]

Okay, so that main walking path is still open, then?