The Walt Disney World Resort is home to over 25-resort hotels that are divided into three different categories; Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. With so many different options, it can be challenging to choose where to stay during your magical vacation to Disney! Thankfully, with options for every budget, need, and want, you can the perfect fit for your perfect vacation.
In this complete resort guide, we will be exploring the wilderness at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. One of Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotels, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area. Offering many pixie-dusted benefits, one of them being its idyllic location, this resort has much to offer! From stunning nature views to all the elegance and amenities, you can expect from a Deluxe Disney resort.
Hidden inside lush, green woodsy areas and nestled between Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake that separate it from Magic Kingdom, you find Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. This resort hotel celebrates the beauty of the national parks of America’s Great Northwest.
Disneyland fans might feel at home at this resort. The craftsman style is reminiscent of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. But the OG of these two craftsman-inspired resorts is actually Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort which was built in 1994.
With accommodations for your family in the standard rooms to the spacious villas that can sleep up to 12-guests, guests will be able to bask in rustic elegance during their stay at the most magical place on earth!
In this complete guide we will cover:
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Pros and Cons
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Accommodations
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Dining
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Amenities and Activities
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Transportation
- Disney Extras
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Pros and Cons
PROS
- Location
- Great (and popular) Dining Options
- Pool with slide
- Variety of accommodation options from standard rooms to spacious villas
- Gorgeous grounds
- Many unique recreation options
CONS
- No monorail Access
- Can be pricey
- Some guests complain about noise levels from the main lobby
- Rooms can feel dark
- Some rooms are small
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Accommodations
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is home to over 300 Guest Rooms, 350 Villas, 10 Deluxe Rooms and one special suite.
A standard room sleeps up to 4-guests and an additional child under the age of three in a crib.
These rooms have one of these combinations depending on your needs:
- 2 Queen-Size Beds or
- 1 Queen Bed and 1 Bunk Bed or
- 1 King-Sized Bed
Room Amenities
- Hairdryer
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- Soaker Tub
- Telephone with voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Mini-refrigerator
For a more luxurious and exclusive experience, Club Level rooms are available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.
Club-level are similar in size as the standard rooms. They also accommodate up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. However, guests will experience a more upgraded experience with access to a club lounge with snacks, turndown service, and other white glove services that will make you feel extra special. See below a complete list of the Club Level Amenities:
Club Level Amenities
- Evening turndown
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge
- Club-level lounge refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
- Complimentary health club access
- Access to Disney Signature Services
Handicap-Accessible Rooms
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort offers approximately 50 Handicap Accessible rooms. Most of these rooms comply with Florida’s Accessibility Code, which makes sure the room beds, counter-tops, dressers and drawer heights, along with door widths, wheelchair ramps, and other features are up to code.
Be sure to request these type rooms if needed when you book your reservation.
Villas
Disney’s Wilderness Resort is also home to a Disney Vacation Club property, The Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. These spacious cabins and villas offer all the comforts of home during your vacation. And you don’t have to be a DVC member to enjoy these accommodations!
These Villas and cabins offer a wide range of accommodation options for your family or a larger group with added pixie-dusted amenities to make you feel right at home.
Deluxe Studio
The Deluxe Studios sleep up to four guests plus one child under age 3 in one queen-size bed and a double-size sleeper sofa. Studios also have an equipped kitchenette and a private porch.
One-Bedroom Villas
One-Bedroom Villas also accommodate up to four guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. These villas offer a fully equipped kitchen, king-size bed in the master bedroom and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room. Our favorite feature? The washer and dryer inside the room. So handy! You can also enjoy some quiet time and the gorgeous views from your Villa’s private porch or balcony.
Two-Bedroom Villas
Need more room for additional guests or extended family? The two-Bedroom Villas will sleep up to eight guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. Create special family dinners right in your villa in a fully equipped kitchen. But also enjoy that quiet time away from the crew in your master bedroom. There is also a second bedroom, two full bathrooms, washer and dryer, and a private porch or balcony.
Three-Bedroom Villas
Planning a big family reunion? The three-bedroom Villas will fit your whole family! These villas sleep up to 12 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. They also offer a fully equipped kitchen, one master bedroom, two-second bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and a private porch or balcony. That is a lot of room to create all the magical memories from your Disney vacation!
Cabins
Looking for a home away from home? These homey cabins will have all the comforts you love and more. Cabins accommodate up to 8 guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, two full bathrooms, washer and dryer, double-sided fireplace, and private, screened-in porch with built-in hot-tub.
We were able to tour these cabins recently and we ready to move in! They are gorgeous, spacious, and ready for all the magic, memories, and you!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Dining
Looking for Character meals, meals with real-life characters AND hilarious shenanigans, and all the other good Disney food you might want? Step right into Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort because they got it! And don’t forget to ask for Ketchup!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is home to fan favorites like Whispering Canyon Cafe, and newcomer Character dining that is quickly becoming a new favorite, Storybook Dining at Artist Point.
Just like comparable Deluxe resorts, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a Table Service restaurant, Quick Service dining, and lounge areas guests can enjoy during their stay.
Table Service
Whispering Canyon Café
Unlike the name might suggest, there’s nothing quiet about this joint! But the shenanigans that happen here are part of what makes this restaurant special! You’ll find yourself laughing out loud, potentially chasing condiments around the restaurant, all the while enjoying some finger-licking hearty skillets with a western flair.
Whispering Canyon Café is open for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our favorite dish is the all-you-care-to-enjoy skillet available during all mealtimes.
Enjoy biscuits with mouth-watering sausage gravy, breakfast meats, eggs, and more to start your day off with a tasty bang! Or for lunch and dinner, barbecue goodness with all your favorite fixings will fill your tummy and your heart right up!
Related: Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge adds new all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and more
And be sure to leave room for dessert! That chocolate cake is to die for!
Character Dining
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Step into a beloved classic fairytale and dine with Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy every evening. And if you’re brave enough, you can meet the Evil Queen before you depart!
This restaurant is open for Dinner time and reservations do book up quickly so be sure to lock those in advance if you wish to dine here!
The menu offers American cuisine served with a storybook flair that will delight your entire family! The shared desserts for the table look just like they would in a movie. But don’t be afraid to take a bite. Even the Poison Apple is safe here!
Although this restaurant has a set price per person, it is not a buffet. The good news is you don’t have to worry about specific dish pricing. Simply order what sounds good at the time and enjoy!
Related: Meet Disney characters with no line (and without a park ticket!)
Quick Service
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Located by the resort’s pool with sweeping views of Bay Lake, this al fresco dining restaurant offers lounge-style cocktails and small plates and lunch and dinner favorites like burgers, sandwiches, kids meals, and more!
Roaring Fork
This quick-service restaurant is located in the main building of the resort. Here, guests can pick up Resort Refill Mugs when they arrive. The menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with favorites like Mickey waffles for breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads for lunch and dinner, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.
Lounges
Territory Lounge
Enjoy some laid back adult time with cocktails, small plates, and other sweet treats after 5 pm at this rustic lounge. That’s what vacations are for, right?
Related: Check Out This NEW Must-Try Secret Menu Drink At Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Amenities and Activities
Pools
Copper Creek Springs Pool
Enjoy the Florida sunshine during a resort day at this fun and beautiful bubbling springs inspired pool area. Kids of all ages can shoot down a 67-foot waterslide or for a more relaxing time, enjoy hot tubs. And cold whirlpools too!
Your tiny Mouseketeers can now enjoy a recent addition at this resort’s splash area. They won’t want to leave!
Boulder Ridge Cove Pool
Looking for a quieter, more relaxing swim time? Head over to the Boulder Ridge Cove pool for a soak in the whirlpool spa, shaded areas to kick back, or a relaxing dip in the shallow end of the zero-depth pool entrance. Ahhh… we’ll be there in a sec!
Be the Flag Family
Unique to this resort, this special activity is one that is not guaranteed that you can participate in, but we highly encourage you to try!
When you arrive, during your check-in, ask a Cast Member to add your name to the list of families to be considered to be the Flag family. If chosen, you will be contacted and on the morning of the ceremony, you and your family will be able to experience a special tradition exclusive to this resort that offers incomparable views and an opportunity for a memory you won’t soon forget!
Buttons and Bells Arcade
Enjoy the newest and classic family favorite video games in this fun arcade.
Jogging Trails
We’ve mentioned already how beautiful this resort and its grounds are. But to really get an up-close and personal look, a nice jog or leisurely walk along the nature trails it offers is really the best way to see it all.
Hit up the sandy trail that follows along the shore of the lake. You can even get as far as the trails at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds for a nice long workout. You can request a map at the front desk so you can plan out your route.
Bike Rentals
Enjoy the above trail on wheels! Rent a traditional bike or make it a family adventure and pick a multi-passenger Surrey Bike! Helmets and child seats available are for free upon request.
Motorized Boat Rentals
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon!
Here is the current pricing and boat info:
Choose from a variety of watercraft:
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Sea Raycer by Sea Ray® – seats up to 2 Guests; $32 per half-hourClimb aboard and have a blast on these mini-speedboats. Drivers must be at least 12 years of age and at least 5 feet tall. Younger Guests may ride as passengers. Maximum weight: 320 pounds. Parent or guardian signature required for all drivers 12 to 18 years of age.
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Boston Whaler® Montauk – seats up to 6 Guests; $45 per half-hourChart a course for fun on one of these easy-to-pilot, versatile and roomy boats. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age. Maximum weight: 1,650 pounds. These boats are restricted to the waterway in which they were rented.
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Sun Tracker® Pontoon boats – seats up to 10 Guests; $45 per half-hourSmooth and spacious, the perfect choice for larger parties. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age. Maximum weight: 1,900 pounds.
Movies Under the Stars
Florida evenings, smores by the fire, and Disney classics? We can’t think of anything that could scream “You’re on VACATION” more than this! Enjoy it nightly, weather permitting.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Transportation
Disney Watercraft Transportation
Travel to Magic Kingdom in a special water taxi that will get you to the most magical place on earth as you navigate Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon.
These water taxis can also take you to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. You can also transfer upon arrival at Magic Kingdom and easily head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Disney Buses
No car? Hakuna Matata! This classic mode of Disney transportation can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go within the Walt Disney World Resort. Ready for a wild time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Or a magical time at any of the other theme parks? Hop on a bus and you’ll be there in no time!
Related: Animal Kingdom has a new addition, and you’ll love his (or her) name
Pro-Tip! The My Disney Experience app has current wait times so you can plan your bus trips more easily and get to your destination as quickly as possible!
Disney’s Minnie Van
Disney’s version of a ride-sharing service is adorable and convenient. Use the Lyft app to request a Minnie Van and see cost estimates for your desired ride.
Disney Extras
Guests at Disney Resorts, you can enjoy some extra pixie dust to make your stay even more magical!
Extra Magic Hours
Resort Hotel Guests exclusive playtime at the theme parks! Check the times on your My Disney Experience app so you can plan these times during your stay.
Early Access to FastPass+
Resort guests can make their FastPass+ reservations up to 60-days before they arrive.
PRO-TIP! Your FP+ booking window will open 60-days before you arrive plus the days you are staying (up to 10). So, lock in those popular attractions for your last days first to ensure you score those coveted FastPass+ for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Avatar Flight of Passage!
Complimentary MagicBands
Customize your MagicBand color before you arrive through your My Disney Experience. NEW options are now available to upgrade your complimentary MagicBand for a small fee. Availability is limited, so check back often.
Credit: Disney
Related: Resort Exclusive MagicBands Revealed for Grand Floridian and Riviera Guests
Enchanting Extras
Celebrate a birthday with an in-room celebration, order a customizable cake, book a VIP tour to peek inside the magic, limited-time events, nature tours, and more! Visit the Enchanting Extras site to learn more about the magic you can add to your stay!
Have you decided on this resort for your upcoming stay? Just writing this up is making us plan a visit here ASAP! However, if you decided you need to compare a few more resorts to really make that important decision, here are a few other complete Resort guides that might be of help!
If you need assistance planning that enchanted and unforgettable getaway, be sure to reach out to our friends at Academy Travel for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on your magical vacation.
See ya real soon!