# 1 Daughter (in Monster Coach Safari) Watches Montessori Classmate Strike a Pose
Tourist attractions are nice. They are generally designed to be fun and entertaining. Yet, when I travel to a distant land, I like to experience the local culture–what is this place really all about? I try to seek out the interesting sites outside the touristville area.
If you are visiting Central Florida, one great experience is to travel several hours south to explore Florida’s Everglades National Park. I have written a blog about this excellent destination.
A much easier way to experience the real Florida is to take a Coach Safari, one of the Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida, less than an hour east of Disney World.
I was lucky to discover this wonderful place when # 1 Daughter’s Montessori School took a field trip there.
Care For a Drink From Bull Creek?
Forever Florida is a 4700 acre wildlife conservation area. It brims with ecotourism activities such as a Zipline Safari, Horseback Safari, campground, working cattle ranch and much more. Each provides an in-depth, hands-on experience in the Florida wilderness.
For the less adventurous, the Coach Safari is an easy and enjoyable way to get right up close to the natural Florida landscape.
The Forever Florida wildlife conservation area has nine distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of natural flora and fauna including alligators, black bears, white tail deer, nearly two hundred species of birds including Eagles and even the endangered Florida Panther.
To see this up close, Florida EcoSafaris have monster, open air safari coaches that are elevated five feet off the ground. Winding through the Florida landscape you’ll have to hold on to your seat as these motorized beasts travel over land and water within inches of trees and foliage. Have your camera ready! You never know what you’ll see around the next bend.
Your adventure begins at the Crescent J. Ranch–a real working cattle reach that showcases Spanish Colonial Cattle and Florida’s unique Cracker Horses. Many people don’t realize that it was Ponce de Leon who introduced the horse and cattle to Florida. Florida “Crackers” were herding cattle long before it became a way of life in Texas and other midwestern states.
After the ranch, you reach the border of the wildlife conservation area. Your knowledgable guide will provide insight and commentary about the native inhabitants and landscape. At any moment you might catch a glimpse of an alligator, turtle, wild turkey, deer or any other of the numerous critters that roam this pristine wilderness.
Montessori Students on the Boardwalk
The coach will visit a floodplain forest and you can take a stroll along a boardwalk with an up close view of Bull Creek. Forever Florida says the tea-colored water of this “blackwater” stream is so clean, it is safe to drink. But I won’t dare try it. I will take a deep breath, however, as they point out that the water and plant life help to keep the air pure.
You’ll return through several more diverse ecosystems to the Forever Florida Visitor’s Center. Here, you can enjoy a country meal at the Cypress Restaurant or buy the perfect souvenir at the gift shop. There are large wooden rockers and an expansive porch for you to rest a moment and take in one last draught of both the Florida environment and an ice cold libation from the restaurant.
It’s like your own little piece of heaven here on earth.
The Coach Safari is wheelchair accessible, perfect for all ages and costs $28 for adults and $22 for children ages 6-12. 5 and under ride for free. The Coaches depart daily at 10am and 1pm. There are also custom departures available for groups.
The Montessori Classroom LOVED the Field Trip to Forever Florida!
Florida EcoSafaris
Forever Florida
4755 N. Kenansville Road
St. Cloud, FL 34773
866.85-4EVER
Lance Around Orlando 
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