Ahhh. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. One of my absolute favorite Resorts on Disney World property. If you want to add in some relaxation to the business of your vacation, then this is a great resort to consider. I have stayed here about 3-4 times and I always remember why I love it each time I go back. In fact, I enjoy this Resort so much that I often make it a point to try and visit it during every Disney vacation even if I’m not staying there. It is extra cozy and magical during the Holiday’s as well with all of the beautiful Christmas decorations, trees, and fire places crackling.
What are the benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort?
Staying on Walt Disney World property can get very expensive very quickly, but it does have its benefits. These perks include early entry into the theme parks, complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs, the ability to buy Genie + at midnight, and the ability to book dining reservations 60 days in advance. For those staying at Deluxe Resorts, you even get extra time in the parks on select nights during Extended Evening Hours. Look at the My Disney Experience app for dates and times available during your trip. You are also within close proximity to the theme parks, especially if you are staying at a Deluxe Resort.
The Complete Guide to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
An Overview of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the many Resorts on Disney World property. It is considered a Deluxe Resort as well as a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort. The closest theme park to the resort is Magic Kingdom, so if that’s your favorite park, then this is a great option for you. The theming here is INCREDIBLE. I know that’s nothing knew in the realm of Disney Resorts, but seriously, this place is beautiful. It is themed to look like a grand lodge from the American Northwest National Parks. There is a rustic charm and outdoorsy theming noted throughout the entire resort with a beautiful fireplace in the grand lobby.
Room Types
Besides your typical hotel room and suite offerings, there are several other options available since this is also a DVC Resort.
- Standard rooms and suites (sleep up to 4 adults)
- Standard rooms and suites with Club-Level Service (sleep up to 6 adults)
- Deluxe Studios (sleep up to 5 adults)
- Includes a kitchenette and sleeper sofa
- 2 Bedroom Cabins (Sleep up to 8 adults)
- Includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, washer and dryer, double-sided fire place, porch, and hot tub.
- 1,2, or 3 bedroom villas (sleep up to 12 adults):
- Includes a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and washer and dryer
Dining Options Offered at The Wilderness Lodge
From fun snacks to character dining, there’s something for everyone offered here.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White: Feast on a delicious dinner at this character dining experience featuring Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Queen! Learn more about this dining experience here.
Whispering Canyon Cafe: Enjoy all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this western themed restaurant in the lobby of the resort. All the servers are extra sassy as part of their bit, so be careful if you ask for some ketchup! This is one of my families favorite breakfast spots on Disney property.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill: Grab lunch, dinner, or a cocktail at this outdoor casual dining location near the pool. Even enjoy views of Bay lake as you eat.
Territory Lounge: Open from 4:00-10:00 p.m., enjoy cocktails and small bites at this lounge and bar with a cozy cabin feel.
Roaring Fork: This is the main quick service dining option at the Wilderness Lodge. Grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or late night bites on your way to and from the parks. Also, grab your Dining Plan Refillable Resort mugs here as well.
Things to Do
Pools: There are two pool areas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The Copper Creek Springs pool looks over Bay Lake and features a waterslide, family-friendly activities throughout the day, spas, and large splash areas for younger kids. The Boulder Ridge Cove pool is located at the Boulder Ridge Villas and is often much quieter. It is a smaller pool, but features a spa and a zero-depth entry.
Wilderness Lodge Campfire Activities: Head over to the fire pit near Geyser Point Bar & Grill to roast marshmallows while listening to campfire stories. Please note that there is a fee for the s’mores kits, but feel free to bring your own instead.
Movies Under the Stars: Watch Disney movies most nights on the lawn just outside of Reunion Station.
Fishing: Book a guided fishing excursion on Bay Lake!
Electrical Water Pageant: Watch this classic night time water parade float by with fun lights and music.
Sturdy Branches Health Club: This is a full-service fitness center and sauna. Spa services have been offered here in the past, so I will keep you updated if those services become available again.
Jogging Trails: Jog, run, or walk, through nature around the resort. Maps are available at the front desk.
Buttons and Bells Arcade: This is the arcade located at the Wilderness Lodge and all games are family-friendly.
Mercantile: Shop for Disney trinkets, resort souvenirs, or necessities for your stay. There are some grocery staples offered here too (but at a bit of a higher price) since this is a DVC Resort.
Transportation to the Parks
There is no way to walk to any of the theme parks, but there are boats and buses available.
- Magic Kingdom: Boat or Bus
- Animal Kingdom: Bus
- Hollywood Studios: Bus
- EPCOT: A bus takes you directly to EPCOT, but if you have some spare time or you simply want to avoid the busses, then you can always head over by boat to Magic Kingdom and then hop on a Monorail over to EPCOT from there. Your travel time will be longer, but it’s a fun way to see Disney property.
- Disney Spring’s: Bus
- Typhoon Lagoon: Bus
- Blizzard Beach: Bus
Pros and Cons of staying at The Wilderness Lodge
Pros:
- Close to the Magic Kingdom
- Good dining options
- Cheapest of the Deluxe Resorts
- Quieter
- Extra magical during the Holiday season
- Lots of activities
- Extra park time for staying at a Deluxe Resort
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unable to walk to any of the parks
- Not part of the Monorail loop like the other Magic Kingdom Resorts
- Rooms tends to be a bit smaller than other Deluxe Resorts
- Longer bus ride to the parks other than Magic Kingdom
