This week I had the privilege of staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. I was super excited to get to stay here again because I haven’t had the chance to visit since the recent room refurbishment was completed!
Room Refurbishments
This in my opinion was one of the most anticipated resort room refurbishments in the deluxe resort category and boy, did Disney deliver! No more carpet, rooms are lighter and more spacious. Lots of storage as well as upgraded bathroom areas. The decor is beautifully done and still keeps with the rugged theming of this resort.
I’ve always felt the Wilderness was one of Disney’s sleeper resorts so to speak. When most people think of deluxe properties, their minds usually go to the Grand or the Polynesian, but as amazing as these resorts are, the price tag sometimes doesn’t match your budget expectation for your stay. With Wilderness, being considered an entry level deluxe as far as pricing, I feel it’s overlooked for its convenience and comfort. Not to mention the fact that it is by far the best and most tranquil escape from an exciting time at the parks. You are closer to Magic Kingdom than you realize, but you feel a world away from the fast paced buzz of theme park time.
Speaking of its proximity to the parks, let’s talk about transportation options here. Wilderness has direct boat service to the Magic Kingdom and very convenient bus services to the other three main parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Getting anywhere on the property is simple and easy from the Lodge and Villas.
Pools/Restaurants
If you’re planning on some resort time during your stay, Wilderness is the place. Two pools(Copper Creek Springs and Boulder Ridge Cove) two quick service restaurants (Geyser Point and The Roaring Fork), two sit down dining experiences(Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point), and a lounge(Territory Lounge) are all at your fingertips to relax, recharge, and satisfy your appetite for food and fun. There are also wilderness hiking trails, an arcade, and tons of resort activities unique to the theme of the lodge. Oh and let’s not forget the most important thing……S’MORES! You can roast marshmallows and make s’mores nightly at the lodge’s campfire!
Unique Features
I do have to mention a few of the resort’s unique features that really stand out to me when fulfilling that over the top deluxe Disney theming and attention to detail. Fire Rock Geyser, situated behind Copper Creek Springs pool is one of the features that makes me feel like I’m really in the wild wilderness! This geyser erupts every day on the hour from 10 am – 10 pm at night. It’s so cool to see it while enjoying a nice meal at Geyser Point….you see what they did there? Next is Copper Creek Falls. This beautiful roaring waterfall sits in the courtyard and is the perfect white noise for strolling around the grounds. And I think my favorite feature of all is hands down the massive and visually stunning lobby! My favorite corner of this amazing and welcoming space is the fireplace! Fun fact, the different layers of this literally huge piece of beautiful art are actually modeled after the layers of the actual Grand Canyon. And let’s not forget, it is the coziest place to grab a rocking chair and have coffee!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Staff!
The best and most important thing about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, much like Disney as a whole is its staff! From my friend Jack, greeter and wilderness guide to the wild and crazy folks over at Whispering Canyon with their lighthearted antics, to the welcoming and caring club level cast. You truly feel at home in this amazing property. I look forward to any time I can even pop in to say hi because these folks are just amazing! Overall if you are looking for that deluxe feel without a stiff feel, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a perfect choice! Whether you love an adventure or the serenity of the great outdoors, you cannot go wrong staying here! I know that I can’t wait to return!
