If you've ever been to Orlando, you likely came across the name Dr. Phillips. From roads and…read moreneighborhoods to schools and cultural venues, his legacy is stamped throughout Central Florida. Dr. Philip Phillips (January 27, 1874 - April 18, 1959), known as "Doc," was a pioneering citrus grower, businessman, and philanthropist. During the 1920s and 1930s, he built the world's largest citrus growing and processing operation. At one point, he owned more than 5,000 acres of citrus groves. His former groves and worker housing eventually evolved into today's community of Dr. Phillips. For more than a century, the Dr. Phillips name has been equated with generosity and community investment. Through Dr. Phillips Charities, which includes Dr. Phillips, Inc. and The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, the organization has awarded more than $220 million in grants, pledges, and program related investments, supporting countless educational, cultural, health, and community initiatives throughout Central Florida. In 2007 Orange County honored Dr. Phillips philanthropic legacy with Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, a beautiful 43 acre park on Big Sand Lake. Nestled along the scenic Sand Lake Chain of Lakes, the park was developed by Orange County Parks and Recreation to provide green space, recreation, and public lake access to the rapidly growing surrounding communities. Today, the park offers something for everyone. The splash pad looked like an especially inviting place to cool off on this hot summer day. There is also a dog park, basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds, and the LongHorn Steakhouse Loop Trail where I hiked a half mile trail through 10 acres of sand pine scrub. Along the way I enjoyed peaceful views of Big Sand Lake. This park is perfect for a family outing, a morning walk, or as a place to enjoy the outdoors. It is a fitting tribute to one of Central Florida's most influential and generous members.

I loved visiting this expansive park with my family! There are a lot of great amenities. First of…read moreall, Dr. Phillips Community Park sits on a small lake so it has a pretty view when you drive up. There is no swimming in the lake allowed however because of wildlife. Near the lake, there is a large playground for kids. It has slides, swings, and climbing structures. It's gated which is nice for the kids' safety (but parents/caregivers should still watch their kids!). They also have a splash pad next to the playground. In addition to the playground, there are lots of sidewalks all around to walk on. It's perfect if you want to get those steps in. There is a basketball court, sand volleyball court, dog park, and picnic tables. I saw a sign for occasional community events as well on the bulletin board near the bathrooms. We would love to come back to this park again when in the Dr. Phillips area of town!

Everything was amazing! I have only positive things to say about this place…read more * A small business that offers a wedding venue and water sports out on Lake Bryan. It was a great day. A bit windy- but that was lovely because of the heat. * They allowed me to bring my dog with me!!! She absolutely loves using the paddleboard or kayak with me and she hopped right on the single kayak with me and we paddled away. * The man outside helping us was so kind. The people at the little hut where you pay were nice, too. * It's about $30 I believe (for a single seater) and so worth it. * If you're traveling and need a fun day away from the parks, this is a great way to spend it! And it's nicely tucked away so it's quiet and feels so far from the hustle and bustle of the town!

I highly recommend Buena Vista Watersports. From the beginning to end my experience exceeded my…read moreexpectations. These days it's important to feel safe in any environment. Buena Vista water sports have Implemented safety measures to protect customers as well as employees. Upon checking in, you will notice there is a safety shield in place. Signs encouraging social distancing and maintaining six feet apart. All employees were wearing masks. This place is beautiful from watersports to weddings this place has so much to offer. My only concern was are there any unwanted guest in the water (gators). I was assured by a staff member that the lake is swept often. I'm looking forward to my next visit. Pros: Email confirming your booking Friendly, helpful & informative staff Clean environment Plenty of parking Beautiful views Cons: None

We did the 10 p.m. bioluminescence clear kayak tour, and OMG... I loved it so much! The first time…read moreI ever saw bioluminescence was in Puerto Rico back in 2018, and it's still one of the most beautiful nighttime experiences I've ever had--right up there with seeing the Northern Lights. There's just something so magical about watching the water glow around you. We drove about 50 minutes from Orlando to Merritt Island for the tour, where we launched from the Indian River Lagoon, and it was absolutely worth it. This is one of those experiences that's really hit or miss, so keep in mind that the amount of bioluminescence you see isn't something the tour company can control. We got lucky because there was so much activity that night! We actually didn't kayak very far since the bioluminescence was so active right near the shoreline. We spent most of our time enjoying it from that area because there was no need to go much farther. Also, don't expect your phone camera to do it justice. It's incredibly hard to capture on camera, and it's so much more breathtaking in person. I highly recommend this experience to everyone, and I already can't wait to do it again!

Another epic date day out ! We took a 2hr guided clear-bottom kayak tour with Ben, our amazing…read moreguide! So many beautiful sights to see, and the paddling difficulty was great for varying degrees of experience. The route and guidance were fantastic and we hope to return when manatee season rolls around again!!

Captain Chad did not disappoint. We saw more than 20 gator and turtles, fish and birds. The ride…read morewas amazing and the location beautiful. Captain Chad was very knowledgable ! Highly recommend!!

Our guide Captain Brent was funny and knowledgeable of the area, wildlife, and meditation. He's a…read morevery good driver. The ride was fun but got boring and redundant after a while. Spinning circles in the lake looking for gators. After saw a few it was enough for me. Awkward ending to the ride because our captain begged for tips and a good google review

Uncle Ned and Tom are the greatest! They love what they do and it shows. We are avid paddleboarders…read moreand go on adventures of our own, but my kids love tour groups and the one they ask about most is Paddleboard Orlando. They offer a variety of experiences in central Florida to cater to every level. If you want to gain more experience and learn, they offer lessons. And they have a beginner friendly tour, too. Maybe you want to plan a custom paddle adventure, well -- they do that also! Already have a SUP? They have a BYOB option for their tours. On top of providing all these amazing chances to be on the water, Ned and Tom also provide the greatest care to everyone. They're both so genuine and kind, as well as in tune with the needs of each group member. Love the vibe they have and the easy going, welcoming environment they create. Can't wait for our next adventure together!

Ned is the absolute best!! Really treats you like family and makes your paddle so special. Loved…read moreours so much we booked another and had the best time :) very knowledgeable of the area and flora fauna. Knows a lot of locals as well so a great resource so things to do and see! Ned is now in my contacts so I can ask him all of my Florida sight seeing questions. Really looking forward to my next trip and next Ned paddleboard Orlando adventure!

Captain Kyle was very informative and great at handling the boat, had great time despite the rainread more

The grounds and facility were exceptionally clean and well maintained so there wasn't even a need…read moreto question the maintenance of the actual airboats. Our guide was Capt.Kyle, he was knowledge, experienced and highly respectful of the surrounding nature. This is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the real Florida. Being a native Floridian who was raised with airboats and swamp buggies, I can attest that this brought back great childhood memories and I can't wait for my grandkids to come and experience the adventure as well.

Great tour saw a lot of gators and and manatee and other fish and birds. Great clear Kayak for two…read morepeople. Bring water for sure you will be in the sun and a bring sun spray and swim shorts.

As a family, we did the night bioluminescence kayaking tour! It was amazing! It was my husband and…read moreI and our 5 year old! Sparks was amazing with our daughter and made sure she felt comfortable and carried her to the kayak so she didn't have to get wet, so cute. We were lucky enough to have a small group, only the 3 of us and it was magical. We went out after a very heavy rain storm and it was like glass, so calm. We were able to see dolphins, an alligator and birds. Also there were a bunch on small fish jumping. We also had an amazing experience seeing the water glow! It was in full force! It is a one of a kind experience that you don't want to miss. I'm not sure you can make requests, but I would ask for Sparks, he talked the whole time sharing his knowledge and you could tell he loves his job and sharing the experience with you.

We are happy to support that work done at local marina's and have a catalog of remanufactured…read moremarine engines available to assist.

We came for the Introduction to Sailing class. It was the perfect Orlando winter day, the sky…read moreclear, 65 degree weather. There is an adorable mascot guarding the building - Rags, such a sweetie pie. Our instructor, Steve was very friendly and informative, he has been sailing his whole life and this is second nature to him, we spent a couple of hours out on the lake and I have to say that I loved it!! There was another couple on the boat that were super sweet and we definitely had a great time learning and hearing all of the stories Steve had to tell about the area way back when. I fell in love with sailing and we are hoping to get the lessons for two in the near future. I can't wait.

Like everything else Disney this campground is $$$ but amazing, and #1, dog-friendly! No boarding…read moreor pet sitting needed. Medium and big breed dog runs are helpful if you have an anti-social big breed who needs to gallop, and water taps are inside the fence. Excellent sidewalks are everywhere, and if golf carting's your thing you can bring it or rent it by the day, and there's parking RV sites outside Pioneer Hall and the Magic Kingdom boats. Being rainy there helpfully are clean bathhouses and laundry in many loops, with five washers per laundry, but a large family may or may not have just loaded all 5, so may the odds be ever in your favor! Vending machines with laundry goods are there if you need. Multiple dining spots an shopping spots are in Fort Wilderness. Meadows, the middle, has a snack stand and pool that is in no way the scale of Blizzard Beach, but is otherwise large and with a good waterslide and conveniently right here with bike parking. The Florida-in-July temps kept us away from the nightly marshmallow roasts with Chip and Dale (on that note, every campsite has a grill but no campfire ring. A fan's your bug deterrent). Trail's End made it easy to grab breakfast before heading to the parks, has a Disney-fied Cracker Barrel interior, and we kept coming back for the fried chicken and cornbread (order ahead!). You can buy drinks at Crockett's Tavern at the bar or at the window before heading out to Clementine Beach for the nightly fireworks and water pageant. Part campground, part resort, there are horseback rides and carriage rides available We watched the carriage ride go through our camp loop many times our week, a novelty our usual state park never had. Clementine Beach is half the size it used to be with a new resort being built right on the beach, but in summer it's the place to be with the water pageant nightly at 9:30 and fireworks at 10. People even decorate their campsite with Disney decor and inflatables, the works! Bring a t all. Other resort guests actually come here to take the boat to Fort Wilderness for The Hoop-Dee-Doo Review dinner show at Pioneer Hall, something not to be missed. The boat dock and easy proximity to the Magic Kingdom is also one of the neat parts of camping here. Camp sundries are available at the trading posts but beware the markup. Woodsy smells, I swear, are piped in to Pioneer Hall and Settlers Trading post, and rose scents at the comfort station. There is no shortage of hotels in Orlando but staying in the park means you can take the bus (depot at Wilderness Lodge next door) or boat to get everywhere in the magic kingdom and not worry about I-4 traffic, definitely a magical feature of this campground.

One of my favorite places to visits at Disney. The best part of this resort is the trails. I can…read morespend hours walking around or renting a golf cart and driving around. I highly recommend to be there during Halloween or Christmas. Everyone at the campground goes over the top with decorations.