Over the years I have made a lot of special friends at Disney. And one
of my all time favorites is Ranger Jack from Disney’s Wilderness
Lodge! He is the face of the lodge in my book and seeing him greeting
us at arrival is the best way to know I am “home”. A few weeks ago I
had the privilege to interview Jack about his time at Disney and his
special place at the Lodge and I thought you would enjoy his insight
as a 30+ year cast member!

As I mentioned, Jack is the face I look for every time I arrive at
Wilderness Lodge! His being at the door to greet guests is one of the
most special things about the Lodge to me by far. But Ranger Jack has
another significant job here at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. He is
the guide for the lodge’s complimentary educational tour, Wonders of
the Lodge. This tour highlights the architecture of the lodge, its
history, and how it fits into the beautiful puzzle that is the Walt
Disney World Resort. But, my favorite highlight of this tour is how
Wilderness has incorporated the philosophy of Walt Disney through its
construction and continued service on the property.

From the towering Grand Canyon fireplace to the Native American
Headdresses, the sky reaching water plumes of Fire Rock Geyser, and
let’s not forget those beautifully intricate totem poles, there is
something to take in and enjoy everywhere you look while visiting the
lodge. The idea that you can take a tour with such a knowledgeable
cast member to learn about these and more is just an unbelievable
benefit to visiting the lodge. And having veteran cast member Jack as
your guide, well, I say you’ve found yourself some Disney magic and an
educational opportunity for kids and adults alike!

Talking with Ranger Jack, he explained that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
was a part of Walt’s vision for the Florida property as part of a
larger Wild West Hotel/City concept that would also include Disney’s
Fort Wilderness Campground, Circle D Ranch, and more. Of course, this
concept is reflected in many different spots on the property
although it did not fully realize Walt’s original concept. He also
highlighted how the property is a quiet escape from park life, leaving
guests feeling as if they are in a wild, peaceful frontier where
adventure could be around every turn! His love for the lodge really
shines through as he talks. A fun fact he shared with me, that I
intend to investigate further, is that unbeknownst to the actual
architect, at night from the ferry when the lodge lights are shining
in the dark, it actually forms the silhouette of a bear stretched out
on his tummy! According to Ranger Jack, this was brought to the
attention of the architect and he set out to see if this was actually
the case, and happily, it was! How perfect that a sweet bear watches
over the lake and the lodge!

Ranger Jack has become one of the faces I am always looking for when I
am at Disney. He is everything that embodies the Disney spirit and
love for Disney itself. I encourage you if you make your way to stay
or just to visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, that you look for my
friend, Ranger Jack, and strike up a conversation. I am so glad
that I met him so many years ago and I always have a friendly familiar
face to greet me! There are so many jewels in Disney’s cast members.
So take the time to get to know them. Listen to their stories and I
promise you’ll be better for it. Thank you Ranger Jack for being a
part of the magic of Disney!