Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the many resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the national park lodges of the early 20th century, Wilderness Lodge offers guests a rustic and immersive retreat in a stunning natural setting. In fact, Wilderness Lodge is so well themed that one can almost forget you are just across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the most magical place on Earth.
The resort opened on May 28, 1994, and is designed to evoke the ambiance of a grand lodge nestled in the wilderness. Its architecture and interior design pay homage to the rustic elegance of national park lodges found in Yellowstone and Yosemite. The lodge is situated on the shores of Bay Lake, providing picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.
Wilderness Lodge is characterized by its towering six-story lobby atrium made of massive pine logs. The lobby features a massive stone fireplace and a bubbling spring that flows into a creek that winds through the lobby and eventually cascades into a breathtaking, three-story waterfall. The attention to detail in the theming creates a sense of immersion in the natural surroundings. The convenient location and the secluded feel of this resort is what makes it a personal favorite.
The resort offers various accommodation options, including standard guest rooms, as well as suites and club-level rooms for those seeking additional amenities and services. For a full, detailed review of The Old Faithful Club check out Episode 601 of The Main Street Magic podcast. In addition, Wilderness Lodge property is home to two Disney Vacation Club properties: Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge. The rooms in all three sections of Wilderness Lodge are decorated with a rustic yet comfortable style, featuring wooden furnishings, Native American-inspired patterns, and earthy color palettes.
Dining options abound at Wilderness Lodge. Right in the lobby area guests will find Whispering Canyon. Diners will have a rip-roaring good time with bottomless skillets or a la cart BBQ favorites. Servers at this wildly entertaining spot are known for being a little bit sassy and a whole lot of fun. Oh, and don’t forget the bottomless milkshakes! Down the hall, guests have the opportunity to dine with The Evil Queen herself at Storybook Dining at Artist Point. In addition to her Evil Highness, this character dining experience includes the fairest of them all, Snow White, along with Dopey. This venue is only open for dinner and it a prix-fixe menu of woodland themed fare. For those wanting to grab a pre or post dinner cocktail, Territory Lounge offers up craft cocktails, beers, wines, and select bourbons. Quick Service options at Wilderness Lodge include Roaring Fork for breakfast, lunch, or dinner options. My personal favorite dining spot here is Geyser Point. This open air bar and quick service location is situated right on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests can sit on the covered patio, at the bar, or on the water side lounges to enjoy delicious food (bison burger, anyone?) and signature drinks.
Wilderness Lodge also boasts a range of recreational activities and amenities for guests to enjoy. There are multiple swimming pools, including the themed Silver Creek Springs Pool with its own waterslide, hot tubs, and a children’s splash area. The resort offers boat rentals, fishing excursions, and jogging trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Inside the resort, guests can find a fitness center, a gift shop, and a video arcade. There are also a ton of resort activities such as Mickey Tie-Dye, make your own sugar scrub, painting, and even creating a custom cutting board (some activities do have an additional fee). Guests can also go on a resort specific scavenger hunt. If all this weren’t enough, just a short distance away from Wilderness Lodge lies Fort Wilderness, home to Tri-Circle D ranch and even more fantastic activities!
Like all of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Wilderness Lodge provides convenient transportation to the various theme parks and attractions. Overall, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a unique and immersive resort experience, combining the rustic charm of a Pacific Northwest lodge with the magic of Disney. It provides a tranquil retreat for guests who appreciate nature, while still offering the convenience and entertainment of the Walt Disney World Resort.
