Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is Walt Disney World’s deluxe hotel-resort honoring the American Pacific Northwest. Having the feel of a cozy, woodsy National Park inn, it is one of the most comfortable and best-themed of the Disney World resorts – and one of my personal favorites!
A stay at Wilderness Lodge will magically transport you away from the hustle and bustle of busy, people-packed theme parks to a rustic world of trees and tranquility. As a full-scale resort, there is plenty to do on-site for a day without ever leaving!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is well known for its fabulously executed rustic Americana theme. Although more grandiose, it is reminiscent of the National Park hotels such as the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone and the Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park.
Many details around the lodge such as the intricately patterned carpets and totem poles honor Native Americans. Other features such as the wooden beams, rocks, geysers, and fossils commemorate the spirit of exploration reminiscent of Lewis & Clark and echo Teddy Roosevelt’s love for the great outdoors.
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The Wilderness Lodge Lobby
The grand lobby of Wilderness Lodge is nothing short of stunning! Lofty ceilings embraced by glowing wooden beams are anchored around the 82-foot tall, towering Grand Canyon fireplace. This massive 3-sided fireplace represents the layers of strata deposits in the Grand Canyon. Plus, it also hides a hidden Mickey!
The lobby hosts pockets of American-Craftsman style rocking chairs, cozy rugs, and warm, relaxing colors that just beg you to sit down and relax. There is an arching bridge overlooking a geyser and stream that trickles outside to blossom into a small river.
One of the most impressive features of the grand lobby are the two 55-foot totem poles, one featuring an eagle and the other a raven. We caught Goofy & Pluto waving at us from a balcony right beside the totem poles!
A third totem pole, featuring Mickey and friends, leads patrons to the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile.
The Great Outdoors at Wilderness Lodge
One of the best features of Wilderness Lodge is the impressive outdoor recreational amenities it boasts. For guests looking for a break from the busy, action-packed days of the Disney World theme parks, Wilderness Lodge offers a welcome respite of quiet relaxation.
Relaxation
Wilderness Lodge guests looking for some unwinding can enjoy fishing expeditions as well as rent boats and bikes for excursions. There are quiet nature trails that will lead you around the property through picturesque foliage. Keep exploring and you’ll run into the impressive Fire Rock Geyser!
Exercise
Those looking for exercise will enjoy the Sturdy Branches Health Club or can swim in one of the two pool areas, Copper Creek Springs Pool and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. There is also a half-mile running trail winding through the lush foliage.
Family Fun & Games
Additionally, guests of all ages can enjoy games such as ping pong and foosball at the Shady Point Games outdoor pavilion or the indoor Buttons & Bells Arcade.
Cozy Corners
One of my favorite things about this hotel-resort is its many, many cozy corners wrapped around fireplaces – especially if you are staying in the wintertime. The hypnotic rocking chairs were just begging me to sit and read a good book or spend time lost in conversation. You don’t feel like you are in the middle of a bustling Disney resort at all!
Intriguing Hunts
Curious-minded guests will enjoy walking around to view the themed rooms, such as the train room in the Boulder Ridge Villas, or completing the Hidden Mickeys hunt hosted by Wilderness Lodge. There is also an animal Scavenger Hunt you can play that leads you around the resort. These hunts were so much fun to do as a family – but be forewarned, they are not easy!
Evening Entertainment
Also, there is an outdoor barbecue pavilion, called Spitfire Flats, as well as evening Movies Under the Stars. And you absolutely can’t miss the Electrical Water Pageant that takes place nightly!
What’s For Lunch?
You have several food options at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
The Whispering Canyon Café is known for being one of the most delightful Disney World resort restaurants. This Old West barbecue joint rustles up some zany, interactive fun right along with good food. Get ready to laugh-out loud in this rowdy, interactive dining experience.
The Geyser Point Bar & Grill is situated right along the water’s edge overlooking charming Bay Lake and next door to the pool. It offers classic comfort food, open water-side tables, and outdoor dining for those enjoying the open-air amenities.
The Roaring Fork is a quick grab-and-go spot for self-serve breakfast, sandwiches, pizza, and more. There are tables for eating, but most folks truly just grab a bite and head outdoors.
The Rooms at Wilderness Lodge
The accommodations are clean, cozy, and comfortable with the same American Northwest rustic theme of carved wood, wilderness, and touches of Native American details. I really wanted to snap photos of our room, but my kids tore into the comfy beds before I could even begin to drag out my camera! Suffice it to say – the rooms were just perfect after a long day at the Disney theme parks.
The Copper Creek Villas offer waterfront views and share the same building as the lobby and restaurants. Some rooms also have a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
For a quieter experience, the Boulder Ridge Villas, housed in a separate building slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, offer rustic elegance and wilderness views. You reach these by walking a very short distance across a gorgeous wooden bridge. Having stayed here twice, it is one of my favorite Disney World resort spots!
The new Cascade Cabins are private waterfront quarters nestled in the great outdoors with screened-in porches and hot tubs. These adorable, rustic cabins dot the waters edge all along Bay Lake. I haven’t tried these yet, but they look amazing!
Transportation to the Disney World Parks
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers guests a unique 10-minute boat ride from the Lodge to the Magic Kingdom! Importantly, there is also bus transportation easily accessible to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Escape to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Whether you are looking for just a quick night’s sleep or a place to relax and unwind for a day in the middle of your Walt Disney World vacation, Wilderness Lodge is a fantastic choice for rustic comfort and cozy relaxation. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers the perfect combination of comfort, quality, and bang for your buck among the Walt Disney World resorts. I can’t wait to go back!
And if you get a chance, check out Wilderness Lodge at Christmastime! The décor is stunning! If you’re planning a trip soon, don’t miss important know-before-you-go Magic Kingdom tips.
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