There are many different beautiful resorts across the Walt Disney World property, but one definitely stands out as my favorite: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. I have stayed here multiple times during the past few years and its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere has really made it feel like my Disney resort “home.”
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge transports guests to America’s Northwest. The resort focuses on animals and natural beauty, with a little bit of Disney magic. Being one of Disney’s deluxe resorts, it does not lack in detail. When you first walk into the lobby, you are awestruck by the large totems, fireplace, and color details on the floors and furniture. To add to the full experience, Disney has even made the lobby have a nice, woodland smell. Although the lobby seems big and grand with it’s high ceiling, it also has a really comforting and homey feel to it.
There is a bridge over a tiny bubbling stream in the lobby. This stream actually flows outside into a beautiful waterfall. The resort itself is set in wooded area and is right on Bay Lake. This makes it a perfect place to walk around outside and explore! There is even a geyser that erupts out by the lake!
The resort has two pools: Copper Creek Springs Pool and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. The pool at Copper Creek is set right in the middle of the resort between the waterfall and lake. This pool might be a little more fun for younger family members, as it has a slide and a separate water play area. Boulder Ridge Cove Pool has a zero-depth entry pool, meaning you can just walk right in, allowing you to sit in shallow water and just relax if you choose.
The Wilderness Lodge offers several different dining options. There are two table service restaurants: The Whispering Canyon Café and Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. The Whispering Canyon Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is usually fairly easy to get a reservation. However, it is much more difficult to eat with Snow White, the Evil Queen, Grumpy and Dopey. As this restaurant is a newer experience, it is generally harder to get a reservation.
Dining options that don’t require a reservation include the quick service restaurant The Roaring Fork and Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Each are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Geyser Point is one of my favorite spots to relax and grab a drink. It is an outside bar and restaurant, where you can sit on comfortable couches right on Bay Lake. If you have a free afternoon or evening, I really recommend going to sit out here and enjoy the views provided. If you would rather stay inside for a drink, there is also Territory Lounge.
There are many different room options available at the Wilderness Lodge. First, you can pick from a standard, nature, courtyard, or even a nature and partial fireworks view. My family always chooses the courtyard view and I highly recommend it. From the balcony of these rooms you can see either the waterfall, pool, lake, or all three!
Next you have a few different options on the bed sizes. There are rooms with one king bed to accommodate two people, two queen beds for four people, or one queen bed and one set of bunk beds for four people. The bunk beds can be super fun for young kids. However, I will note that as an adult they may not be the best option. It made for a super cute and themed room and I would certainly do it again if that’s all that was available at the time, but I found the bunk beds to be a bit firm and small.
Another fun detail about this resort is the extra transportation option. Besides just the bus to take you to the parks, there is also a boat that can take you to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
There are a number of special fun events at the Wilderness Lodge too. At this resort you can rent motorized boats to take out on the lake, go on guided fishing adventures, play games at the arcade, watch movies outside and even go to campfires at night!
My favorite extras at this resort come at night though. Every night, the music of Happily Ever After plays in the resort courtyard. Although you cannot see the show from here, it is still fun to hear the music and sing along. Also, later on in the evening the Electrical Water Pageant will come by on the lake with music and lights.
The rustic detail and attention to nature really makes this resort my favorite to visit. What is your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotel?
What an incredible place to stay! Your admiration for the guest experience really exhibits your true passion for lodging and travel. I can’t wait to learn more from your blog about what the Walt Disney Resort has to offer!
Thank you!