The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve

Most people are well aware of the land Disney uses for its massive theme park and resort operations, but did you know that years ago, Disney set aside 11,000+ of Central Florida wilderness to ensure its preservation? Its core was once a working cattle ranch, totaling 8,500 acres, that had been slated for development in the '90s. As the property sits at the northernmost part of the Everglades watershed, this would have been catastrophic, so the company stepped in, saved the land and helped restore it, acquiring several thousand additional acres of wilderness not long after. Non-native plants were eliminated and the area has become a model for conservation. The property is home to more than a thousand species of flora and fauna and a 2.5-mile trail allows visitors to explore, learn, and experience natural Central Florida, making for a lovely, serene break from the frenetic pace and scenery at the parks. Special note: Trails here are open but limited due to high water in some places due to Hurricane Irma. Call for more information.