Resort Showcase: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
At Wilderness Lodge, you get the serenity of a mountain escape,
just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom
Opened in May of 1994, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was inspired by National Park lodges of the early 1900s. One of the most heavily-themed hotels on property, this Deluxe resort transports you to the rustic atmosphere of the American Northwest.
Tucked away along the shores of Bay Lake, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a tranquil escape, despite being just a short boat or bus ride away from the bustling Magic Kingdom main gate.
Its main lobby and guest areas are accented with deep, wooden tones and textiles resembling Native American patterns. You’ll find sturdy, craftsman furniture, detailed totem poles and warm lighting fixtures throughout the resort. Outside, peaceful running water and towering trees will have you wondering if you’re in Orlando, or the backcountry of Wyoming…. with all the perks of a Deluxe resort, of course.
Rooms
Woodland theming is woven throughout the resort, with natural tones and rustic furniture.
Wilderness Lodge boasts more than 400 rooms, including spacious villas and private cabins available via the Disney Vacation Club.
Guests at the Wilderness Lodge can pick from Standard doubles or King rooms, outfitted with the same natural tones and materials you’ll find throughout the resort. Views range from Standard, to Courtyard, Nature View and even a Nature Fireworks view.
Standard views typically show common or parking areas, while Courtyard views could include the pool, waterfall or even Bay Lake. Opt for a Nature view to peek at the trees or Copper Creek Cabins, while Nature Fireworks view rooms offer at least a partial view of the Magic Kingdom evening fireworks.
Club Level status is available with certain guestrooms, which will earn you complimentary access to the health club, a Club-Level lounge with daily refreshments and newspapers, and access to Disney Signature services.
Wilderness Lodge is also home to Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins, branches of the Disney Vacation Club.
Guests of these areas can opt for 1, 2 or 3-bedroom villas that are fully-equipped and sleep up to 12 adults. If you’re celebrating or want all the comforts of home when traveling with a family, the standalone Copper Creek Cabins sleep up to 8 adults and offer privacy, views and plenty of space.
Amenities
Relax in various pools and hot tubs, or grab the kids for family-friendly activities on site.
At Wilderness Lodge, expect all the classic amenities of a Deluxe Disney resort. Toiletries, pool towels, hair dryers, televisions, and all of the in-room coffee and tea you could want for the duration of your stay.
When you upgrade to a DVC Villa, you’ll also upgrade your suite of appliances. These rooms are outfitted with a toaster and microwave, full refrigerator, pots and pans, stove, oven, iron, washer and dryer, and a patio or balcony.
Spring for the Copper Creek Cabin and you’ll get all of the above, along with a full dining room setup and a private, screened-in porch with a built-in hot tub.
Guests can also take advantage of these additional resort amenities:
- Sturdy Branches Health Club and Jogging Trails
- Salon by the Springs
- Copper Creek Springs Pool – Complete with a waterslide, hot and cold whirlpools and a kiddie play area.
- Boulder Ridge Cove Pool – Including a whirlpool spa and zero-depth entryway.
- Campfire activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Fishing and Boating
- Views of Electrical Water Pageant
- Buttons and Bells Arcade
*Remember to check Disney’s “Know Before You Go” pages for the most current information about salon and fitness club hours, and availability of resort activities.
Transportation
Wilderness Lodge is considered a Magic Kingdom Resort. While it may not be on the monorail loop, it does offer one of our favorite ways to get around property: the water taxi.
Choose from two routes, a boat directly to the Magic Kingdom, or another that stops along Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary Resort. Both loops offer a unique view of Disney from the water, and castmembers who work on the boats are often full of fun Disney trivia or games to make the ride even more special.
If you’re heading somewhere else on property, Disney buses run continually from the front of the resort to other hotels, parks or Disney Springs.
In a rush? Minnie Van service recently returned to Walt Disney World, getting you right to your destination in a stylish polka-dot car, driven by castmembers and powered by Lyft.
Dining
Fill your belly with comforting favorites or grab a quick drink by the water.
The versatility of dining at Wilderness Lodge adds to the appeal for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. Comfort food, light fare, signature and craft cocktails… all without having to leave the hotel grounds. Check out some of the options and menus below, whether you’re looking for an all-you-care-to-eat platter, or just a drink and small plates by the water.
Counter & Quick Service:
Roaring Fork – American-style Quick Service open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night
Table Service & Lounges:
Whispering Canyon Café – BBQ and Western fare and (purposefully) sassy castmembers
Geyser Point Bar & Grill – Light and refreshing apps and handhelds served by the water
Territory Lounge – Cozy rustic lounge offering craft cocktails and small plates
Fine & Signature Dining:
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – American Character Dining featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs