Most Disney Adults visiting Walt Disney World spend their mornings racing to attractions, grabbing coffee, or heading toward their first Lightning Lane reservation. A small group of guests, however, gather around bird houses and nesting gourds for one of the most unique conservation experiences available at Walt Disney World: Purple Martin Nest Checks.
Held seasonally each spring, these complimentary educational experiences allow guests to join the Disney Conservation team as they monitor Purple Martin nesting colonies throughout the resort. The program provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Disney’s longest-running wildlife conservation efforts.
Tiny Birds, Massive Journey
Purple Martins are remarkable migratory birds that travel more than 3,000 miles from South America to Central Florida each year. Walt Disney World has been supporting Purple Martin populations since 1998 by providing specially designed nesting houses throughout the property. Disney Conservation teams eagerly await the birds’ annual arrival each winter as nesting season begins.
Today, Purple Martin colonies can be found at several Walt Disney World locations, including Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and EPCOT. Each spring, hundreds of chicks are born across the resort’s nesting sites.
What Happens During A Nest Check?
During a nest check, Disney Conservation Cast Members carefully lower the Purple Martin housing systems and inspect each nesting compartment. The team records important information including nest-building progress, egg counts, hatchlings, and the overall health of the colony. These regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become serious problems while also providing valuable data for ongoing conservation efforts.
Onlookers participating in the experience get an up-close look at active nests and may even have the opportunity to see eggs or newly hatched chicks, depending on the timing of the season. When the MouseHouseNews.net team attended a nest check in April 2026 at Caribbean Beach Resort, we witnessed days-old babies in one nest and babies with eggs in another nest.
Disney Cast Members also share fascinating facts about Purple Martin migration patterns, nesting behavior, and the important role these birds play in the ecosystem.
A Free Activity Many Guests Overlook
One of the most appealing aspects of the Purple Martin Nest Checks is that they are completely free. At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the program typically takes place on Monday and Wednesday mornings during nesting season, allowing resort guests and visitors to observe Disney conservation in action. How’s that for a recreation activity?
Unlike many Disney experiences that require reservations or additional costs, the nest checks offer a simple yet meaningful opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation while taking a break from the parks.
Conservation In Action
The Purple Martin program perfectly illustrates Disney’s commitment to wildlife conservation beyond the theme parks. Nest checks help ensure healthy breeding colonies while providing important educational opportunities for guests.
For bird enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or anyone looking for a unique Walt Disney World experience, the Purple Martin Nest Checks offer a chance to see a different side of Disney; one focused not on attractions and entertainment, but on protecting and preserving wildlife for future generations.
Recreation That You Must See
The next time you visit Walt Disney World during the spring nesting season, consider setting aside a morning to watch Disney’s conservation team at work. You may discover one of the resort’s most rewarding hidden gems. As a bonus, you don’t even have to buy a ticket to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see this activity!
You already know that MouseHouseNews.net is here to bring you all the action. To see a little bit of the nest check process, see the videos above. Be sure to subscribe to the MouseHouseNewsNet YouTube channel for more experiences from Disney World!
