If you’re dreaming about moving near Walt Disney World, you’re probably picturing fireworks, Main Street mornings and spur-of-the-moment visits to EPCOT. But here’s the secret every local learns once they settle into the Disney Bubble…
The outdoor lifestyle here is just as magical as the parks.
Sunshine, lakes, fitness trails, wildlife, stroll-worthy towns… it’s all part of the rhythm of daily life. And it’s a huge reason families, young professionals and retirees fall in love with Central Florida long before they hang their first set of Mickey ears on a hook by the door.
This guide will show you the real outdoor gems locals love… and help you find the neighborhoods that match your style of sunshine living.
🌿 Why the Disney Area Is an Outdoor Paradise
Beyond the attractions and resorts, this corner of Central Florida is packed with:
- Miles of walking and biking trails
- Lakes everywhere for paddleboarding, kayaking and relaxing at the water’s edge
- Gorgeous suburban parks with modern playgrounds and shaded paths
- Boardwalk strolls in Celebration and near resorts
- Year-round weather that practically begs you to get outside
Whether you’re an early-morning walker, a stroller-pushing parent or someone who just needs fresh air between Zoom calls, this area makes it easy.
🚴 1. The West Orange Trail — Winter Garden & Oakland
If you spend any time in Winter Garden, you’ll notice something right away… the West Orange Trail is the heartbeat of the community.
This paved, multi-mile trail runs straight through Downtown Winter Garden, connecting:
- Outdoor cafés
- Bike shops
- Parks and green spaces
- Playgrounds
- Scenic shaded areas
It’s beloved by:
- Bicyclists
- Joggers
- Parents pushing strollers
- Dog walkers
- Weekend explorers
This trail is a big reason so many buyers choose Winter Garden and Oakland. It offers lifestyle, movement and charm all at once.
🦅 2. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive & Surrounding Nature Areas
On weekends, locals love exploring the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
Why?
Because it’s a slow, peaceful drive through nature where you can spot:
- Birds
- Gators
- Turtles
- Beautiful lake views
It’s peaceful, low-stress and accessible…perfect for families, photographers and anyone who appreciates a quiet moment in nature. It also connects beautifully to nearby communities in Clermont, Oakland and Winter Garden.
🌳 3. Horizon West Parks & Community Trails
Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing planned communities in Florida, and the outdoor lifestyle is a big part of its design.
You’ll find:
- Walking loops around lakes and ponds
- Community green spaces
- Brand-new parks with playgrounds
- Multi-use paths along major boulevards
- Easy access to outdoor areas like the Tibet-Butler preserve
Everything feels fresh, modern and thoughtfully planned…perfect for families, dog owners, runners and anyone who loves a neighborhood that encourages movement.
🌊 4. Windermere & Dr. Phillips: Lakes, Water & Luxury Outdoor Life
If you love being on the water, these neighborhoods offer a dreamy outdoor lifestyle.
The Butler Chain of Lakes is the star here…a chain of beautiful, clean, well-loved lakes surrounded by upscale homes, beautiful trees and peaceful views.
Popular local activities include:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Lakeside relaxation
- Scenic evening walks
- Sunsets over the water
Even if you don’t live on the lake, the surrounding parks and green spaces offer an elevated, peaceful outdoor vibe.
🌺 5. Celebration: Boardwalks, Tree-Lined Trails & Storybook Nature Loops
Celebration is known for charm… but its outdoor experience is what truly sells future residents.
Walkable, shaded, beautifully designed boardwalks wind through:
- Lakes
- Green spaces
- Wildlife areas
- Quaint neighborhoods
It’s stroller-friendly, dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and perfect for buyers who value calm, clean, walkable living just minutes from Walt Disney World.
🌅 6. Clermont’s Lakefront Parks & Active Outdoor Culture
Clermont is one of the most active outdoor communities near Disney.
The area features:
- Lakefront Park
- Walking and biking paths along the water
- A strong local fitness culture
- Beautiful sandy lake beaches
If you want outdoor living in its purest form…sunshine, water, fitness and greenery…Clermont delivers.
🏞️ 7. Four Corners & Davenport: Accessible Everyday Outdoor Living
These neighborhoods offer more budget-friendly living while still providing:
- Community parks
- Walking loops
- Neighborhood playgrounds
- Access to Central Florida’s lake network
Outdoor lovers who want value without losing lifestyle perks often find this region ideal.
🐾 8. Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails Across the Disney Area
Pet owners love the Orlando suburbs for one big reason…
There are dog-friendly spaces everywhere.
You’ll find:
- Parks with shady areas
- Pet-friendly walking loops
- Trails perfect for morning or evening strolls
It’s an incredibly easy place to live with pets.
🌊 9. Water Activities Near Disney
Florida life means water life… and this area offers plenty of options:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Lakeside picnics
- Waterfront relaxation
You don’t need to be on a lakefront home to enjoy it… the outdoor lifestyle is accessible to everyone.
🏡 Best Neighborhoods for Outdoor Lifestyle Lovers
Here’s the quick map for future locals:
🌼 Winter Garden
Outdoor lovers paradise… West Orange Trail + charming downtown.
🌞 Horizon West
New parks, loops, and modern planned outdoor lifestyle.
🌊 Windermere / Dr. Phillips
Lakes, sunsets, quiet mornings, upscale outdoor living.
🌿 Celebration
Peaceful boardwalks + walkable charm.
🏃 Clermont
Waterfront fitness + beautiful lake paths.
🌳 Four Corners / Davenport
Accessible, relaxed, everyday outdoor living.
✨ Conclusion: Outdoor Living… Disney Style
This is the part most future residents don’t realize until they’re here…
Living near Disney isn’t just about the parks.
It’s about sunshine, movement, boardwalks, lakes, morning walks, and a quality of life that feels lighter and brighter than what they left behind.
And if you’re dreaming about a lifestyle that gives you sunshine and proximity to the magic…
I’m here to help you find it.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Strategy Call and let’s map out the neighborhoods that fit your sunshine-loving lifestyle.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter

