On-Site Magical Disney Stays: Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- paigelandrum
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Contributed by Jenn Marrazzo
There’s a certain type of magic that comes from staying at a Disney Resort Hotel. Whether that magic comes from being closer to the parks or theme immersion, there’s typically a Disney resort for every type of guest.
As someone who has been visiting Disney World for a very long time, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at many different resorts around the property. Most recently, I was able to finally visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
With a name like Wilderness Lodge, you might wonder what business it has in sunny Orlando, Florida. It’s time to head to the shores of Bay Lake to see what this rustic resort has to offer to guests who decide to visit.
A Bay Lake Wilderness...
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is located on the shores of Bay Lake, right behind Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Inspired by the National Parks that line America’s Northwest, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge brings a bit of America’s wilderness beauty to Central Florida. You’ll see waterfalls, trees, totem poles, a stone hearth and a grand and roaring fireplace. While Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom Resort, it is tucked away by itself behind Disney’s Contemporary Resort. There is a fun way to travel to Disney’s Magic Kingdom: by boat! You can also hop on a bus as well if that is your preference.
Resort Theming
As we mentioned, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is an escape to the wilderness in Central Florida. The two sides of the resort, Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge are beautifully incorporated into the resort, leaning on the outdoors theme. You’ll see the Roaring Fork Quick-Service Location, Whispering Canyon Cafe Table-Service Restaurant, Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill and more. All of these dining options paired with the pool, gift shop and overall theming makes this an extremely immersive experience. Plus, be sure to look for the antlers and other details inspired by the Great Northwest.
Room Types
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers room types for families of all sizes. Whether you are a group of 4 or 12 guests, you’ll have a comfortable and rustic place to stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. While this location is Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the lodge itself is the main building while there are also two DVC properties, Boulder Creek Villas and Copper Creek Villas. All of these resorts offer different room types depending on preference. One interesting thing to keep in mind about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that is unlike some other resorts is that there are no preferred rooms at this resort. Views do change but there is no preferred location type of room.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room Options:
Fireworks View- King Bed
Fireworks View
Resort View- King Bed
Water View- King Bed
Resort View
Water View
Old Faithful Club Level at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
For even more luxurious amenities and accommodations, consider a stay at the Old Faithful Club. This is associated with the resort's club level rooms and serves refreshments and food daily. You also get access to the health club complimentary and secure key club access. The club is typically open between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. During this time you can obtain refreshments such as coffee, soda, water, juice and alcoholic beverages. As mentioned, food is also available and times are provided during check-in at the club. This is an excellent option for families as it feels more all-inclusive as snacks and drinks are included in the price.
Old Faithful Club Level at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room Options:
Resort View- King Bed- Club Level
Resort View- Club Level
Deluxe Room- Club Level Access
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
In addition to the main building of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there is also Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Opened in November of 2000, Boulder Ridge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a Disney Vacation Club Property located in an adjacent building connected via covered walkway. Again, drawing inspiration from America’s Great Northwest, Boulder Ridge features theming inspired by lodgings that railroad workers built in the late 1800’s. You’ll be able to see artwork and memorabilia on display including two train cars. Given that Boulder Ridge is a DVC property, you’ll find rooms with more amenities such as kitchenettes or kitchens, multiple bathrooms and more.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room Options:
Deluxe Studio- Resort View
1 Bedroom Villa- Resort View
2 Bedroom Villa- Resort View
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:
The last and newest part of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Opened in summer 2017, these rooms are housed in the South Wing of the main, original building. The rooms in the main building were converted into DVC units at the time and also include the Cascade Cabins. There are 26 luxurious accommodations that were built on the shoreline of the resort and give Polynesian Bungalow vibes. If living in the lap of luxury for less than the Polynesian Bungalows, we suggest these Cascade Cabins. Just like Boulder Ridge, there are a variety of room types in Copper Creek to accommodate families of all sizes and needs.
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Room Options:
Deluxe Studio- Resort View
Deluxe Studio with Shower- Resort View
1 Bedroom Villa- Resort View
2 Bedroom Villa- Resort View
3 Bedroom Grand Villa
2 Bedroom Cabin
Resort Facts: Dining Options, Shopping, Pools & Transportation
Dining
Looking for some delicious food at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you are in the right place. This resort is home to 5 different locations for you to satisfy your appetite.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Character dining at its finest, Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White transports guests to the Enchanted Forest, where they will meet Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy and the Evil Queen of course. Guests are treated to a prix fixe menu for $69 per adult and $43 per child and features an appetizer, entree and dessert. Don’t forget to sing “Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho…” it’s off to dinner we go!
Whispering Canyon Cafe
If laughter is what you're after then you’ve picked the right place. This all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner is just the right amount of shenanigans and silliness that everyone will love. But laughter isn’t the only thing being served. Delicious skillets for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available as well as some a la carte options. But we always suggest the skillets for great value. Don’t forget to ask for some ketchups and straws when there! You never know what will happen!
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
While technically considered a pool bar, Geyser Point is home to some delicious food with breathtaking views of Bay Lake and rustic beauty abound. Whether you want to grab a bite while at the pool or have a romantic dinner at sunset, this is a great place to do it. Our favorite menu item here is the Bison Cheeseburger! We highly recommend this and it’s delicious, juicy and just an awesome burger.
Roaring Fork
Whether it’s time for breakfast, lunch, dinner or some late night snack, Roaring Fork is a great place for a meal. Tucked away in the resort near the waterfall, Roaring Fork has a variety of family friendly dishes and Wilderness inspired meals as well. Meals here are consistent with other quick-service restaurants around the park but will offer you a delicious, affordable meal.
Territory Lounge
Sit back and relax in a cozy, rustic lodge type bar inside of Wilderness Lodge. Home to an extensive drink menu and unique shareable bites, this is the perfect spot for a date night. You can find hearty items on the menu here like Bone and Brie, Bacon on the Wire and even Loaded Macaroni & Cheese.
Shopping
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to just one, large gift shop called Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. Adorned with totem poles featuring your Disney favorites, this shop features an array of Disney favorite merchandise as well as items unique to the resort. Keep your eyes peeled for totem poles, coon skin caps and more.
Pools
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to two pools inspired by the American Northwest: Copper Creek Springs Pool and Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.
Copper Creek Springs Pool
Located in the shadow of the main building with a view of the bubbling Copper Creek and the waterfall is the Copper Creek Springs Pool. You can ride a waterslide that is 67 feet long or relax in the whirlpool spas. There is also a new activity play area for kids too!
Boulder Ridge Cove Pool
Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, located between the Boulder Ridge building and the main building offers a more quiet experience compared to Copper Creek Springs Pool. This pool has a waterpool spa, a zero-depth entry and shaded seating areas reminiscent of cabanas.
Transportation
Guests staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can utilize both the Disney bus system and the boat transportation available at the resort. Buses take guests to the water parks, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Guests headed to Magic Kingdom can also take either a water taxi straight to Magic Kingdom or to one of the other Magic Kingdom area resorts including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.
Resort Amenities and Recreation
Knowing the amenities a resort has available to you is so important when trying to plan your vacation. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge does not skip on amenities and entertainment. Here’s what they have available:
Movies Under the Stars
Guided Fishing Excursions
Sturdy Branches Health Club
Jogging Trails
Wonders of the Lodge Art and Architecture Tours
Poolside Activities
Disney Family Wellness Events
Complimentary WiFi
Housekeeping Services
Parking and ATM Services
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
For a fee, guests can also take part in these activities:
Tasteful Artistry Wood Artwork Class at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Button and Bells Arcade
Campfire Activities (Smores Kits Available for Purchase)
This resort is also unique as it gives guests a prime viewing spot for the Electrical Water Pageant. Available to guests at all of the Magic Kingdom resorts, can view a parade on water every evening set to the soundtrack of classic Disney tunes you love and ending with a patriotic salute.
This would be the ideal resort for you if:
You are looking for a more affordable deluxe resort. The wilderness theme is fantastic and is scattered throughout the resort. It offers the convenience of being close to Magic Kingdom with alternative forms of transportation but is still far away enough that you feel like you are secluded in the Wilderness. We think this is a great resort for families as well as couples since it’s so versatile with its theme.
Check out why Jenn Marrazzo, one of our AMAAB travel advisors, loves Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
I am a DVC member and this was my first time staying here. I chose the Boulder Creek side of the resort. It was nice and quiet, offering its own area but still having all of the amenities of the big resort. I love the room it provided as it was comfortable and spacious with a full kitchen. The location also made it a great place to stay if you are going to a Magic Kingdom party since you are right near the park. I highly recommend Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for any type of vacation.
AMAAB Travel Advisor
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