We have loved our stays at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge so much that we’ve chosen it as our home away from home countless times over the years! Nestled on the shores of Bay Lake, this resort offers a serene escape that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the parks – and yet, it’s just a quick boat ride to Magic Kingdom.
Wilderness Lodge gives you the feeling of being tucked away in a quiet mountain retreat, while still being incredibly convenient to the parks. It’s cozy, comfortable, and full of charm. Whether you’re relaxing in a rocking chair in the lobby, enjoying a cocktail by the fireplace at Geyser Point, or taking a nature walk along the winding paths, this resort makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
Wilderness Lodge is also home to two villa type resorts – Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek – featuring everything from studios up through 3-bedroom grand villas and lake front cabins. You are immersed in nature here, feeling miles away from the madness.
Inspired by the grand National Park lodges of the American Northwest, Wilderness Lodge immerses you in towering pines, cascading waterfalls, and the rustic beauty of nature.
The main lobby alone is a showstopper – with its soaring ceilings in the American Craftsman style, hand-carved totem poles, and massive stone fireplace anchoring the space. Cozy sofas and rocking chairs invite you to sit and stay a while, and the attention to detail is simply breathtaking. One of my favorite features? The bubbling spring that begins right inside the lobby and flows all the way out to the pool – such a magical touch that truly brings the outdoors in!
I highly recommend the complimentary architectural walking tour, as I learned so much about both the inspiration and construction of Wilderness Lodge.
Christmas at Wilderness Lodge
Christmas at Wilderness Lodge really cannot be beat. The resort already feels cozy and magical year-round, but during the holidays? It’s simply breathtaking. Twinkle lights, lush garlands, and towering Christmas trees fill every nook – the whole place glows with holiday spirit. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to sip cocoa by the fire and soak it all in.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Rooms
Rooms at Wilderness Lodge are plenty spacious for a family of four. The 2021 renovation brought a fresh new look, with hardwood floors, brighter colors, modern amenities, and updated bathrooms – and I have to say, they look amazing! The entire resort has now been fully updated, so no matter which room you book, you’ll enjoy the refreshed design and comfortable touches throughout.
If you look closely you will see the subtle addition of beloved Disney characters. Chip and Dale appear over the light between the beds, and Bambi is in the coffee station.
I love the tasteful wilderness additions to the decor, including the geode nightlight art and camp signs.
The bathrooms are bright, clean and spacious. These rooms are a tremendous improvement!
This is a water view and we enjoyed a lovely, wooded view of the pool and grounds. Most views here are top notch!
On my most recent stay, I tried Nature View. We had a ground floor that overlooked a retention pond and then the cabins. It was nice but I do prefer Courtyard View!
Old Faithful Club Level Rooms
Like many of Disney’s deluxe resorts, Wilderness Lodge offers club level accommodations, and the Old Faithful Club is one of our absolute favorites. This lounge is consistently praised for having some of the best service on property, and it truly delivers.
Perched above the main lobby, the club offers spectacular views and a cozy, elevated ambiance. You’ll find a variety of casual seating areas throughout – perfect for enjoying a light meal, sipping a beer from the tap, catching a cartoon on TV, or even sneaking in a few emails in peace and quiet. It’s a relaxing retreat that adds just the right touch of extra magic to your stay.
There are 5 dining offerings throughout the day, and Old Faithful Club is the only lounge with beer on tap, including Elysian IPA and Kona Big Wave.
6:30 – 7 AM Coffee
7 – 10:30 AM Breakfast
11:30 AM – 3 PM Snacks
5 – 7 PM Hors d’ourves
8 – 10 PM Dessert & Cordials
The two outdoor balconies at the Old Faithful Club are also absolutely lovely. In the evenings, you can catch a glimpse of the Happily Ever After fireworks sparkling over the treetops – with the music perfectly piped in for the full magical experience. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to end a day at the parks, all without leaving the comfort of the resort.
Yosemite Vice Presidential Suite
The Yosemite Vice Presidential Suite is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful suites at Walt Disney World. The spacious living room, dining area, and built-in bar make it ideal for both relaxing and entertaining, whether you’re unwinding after a park day or hosting friends and family. There’s even a convenient half bath just off the main living space, adding to the comfort and functionality of the suite.
This suite is a bit of a unicorn – one of the most elusive to book at Disney. I was fortunate enough to find it for a client this fall, and I absolutely cannot wait for her to be wowed! It’s the kind of space that makes a Disney trip feel truly next-level.
A wrap-around balcony runs the length of the suite, offering unsurpassed views of the lake, the nightly Electrical Water Pageant, the peaceful courtyard, and the sparkling pool below – truly a breathtaking backdrop for any stay.
The first bedroom has a King bed and incredible spa bathroom. I love the colors, decor and absolute serenity in this space.
Perfect for a family, the second bedroom has two queen beds and a bathroom. This is truly a spectacular suite.
Copper Creek Cabin
For the ultimate in luxury and privacy, the Copper Creek Cabins are a dream come true. Nestled along the shores of Bay Lake, each cabin offers stunning water views, a peaceful setting, and a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities.
These beautiful stand-alone accommodations sleep up to 8 guests and feature:
- 1 King Bed
- 1 Queen Bed
- 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
- 1 Twin-Size Sleeper Chair
- 1 Single Pull-Down Bed
Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, two luxurious bathrooms, and a washer and dryer – all thoughtfully designed with woodsy, elegant touches. One of the most spectacular features is the private screened-in porch with a built-in hot tub, perfect for watching the Electrical Water Pageant drift by or just soaking in the serenity of Bay Lake.
The Copper Creek Cabins are ideal for families or groups looking for extra space, upscale comfort, and a truly unforgettable Disney resort experience. We have absolutely loved our two stays in the cabins!
Dining at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
One of our favorite meals at Wilderness Lodge is Geyser Point! This quick-serve spot is an absolute must if you’re staying at the resort. Over the years, we’ve consistently enjoyed not just the food but the entire dining experience.
There’s both covered and open-air seating, and we’ve done, and loved, both! Whether you want to cozy up away from the sun or soak in the fresh air and views, Geyser Point delivers.
The menu is delightfully unique, with everything from bison burgers topped with Tillamook cheddar and roasted salmon to shareable small plates, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Some of our favorite starters are the shrimp on a wire, the charcuterie board, and the cheesy barbecue brisket. And for cocktails? I’m obsessed with their black cherry mule – it’s the perfect refreshing twist.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
A true hidden gem among Disney Signature Dining options is Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge. Recently transformed into the magical Enchanted Forest, this prix fixe character dining experience is every bit as enchanting as it sounds!
The meal itself is wonderful, showcasing elevated flavors and thoughtful presentation. Plus, you get to meet some beloved characters, Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and The Queen, making it a memorable experience for guests of all ages.
Read my full Storybook Dining Review Here
Territory Lounge
Territory Lounge has long been one of our favorite spots at Disney. We love the warm, rustic lodge decor that instantly transports you to the American frontier. In the evenings, we often make a meal out of their delicious flatbreads, fondue, poutine, and charcuterie, It’s the perfect cozy retreat after a day in the parks.
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Whispering Canyon Cafe is another favorite of ours – a spot we’ve returned to many times over the years. Known for their tasty beverages and bottomless hearty platters, it’s a guaranteed satisfying meal. But what really makes Whispering Canyon truly memorable, and so quintessentially Disney, are the cast member antics! Their playful, interactive spirit turns every meal into a fun, lively experience that the whole family will remember.
Roaring Fork
This updated quick-service spot offers a delicious variety – from Mickey waffles and specialty sandwiches to flatbreads, grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and more. I especially love the outdoor dining area, perfect for soaking up the resort’s beautiful surroundings, or sometimes we just bring our food back to the room for a relaxed meal.
Recreation at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Just like the dining options, guests staying at Wilderness Lodge are just steps away from a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Here’s a sample of the fun to be had!
Boulder Ridge Cove Pool
This modern-day swimmin’ hole boasts a gorgeous backdrop and a charming backstory that adds to its appeal. Families with little ones will especially appreciate the zero-entry pool that makes splashing around easy and safe. We also loved the cabana-style seating areas, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis – perfect for relaxing poolside in comfort.
Copper Creek Springs Pool
The feature pool is heated and nestled among towering pine trees and natural boulders, creating a true wilderness oasis. My boys absolutely LOVE the waterslide built right into the rocks – it’s such a fun and unique touch! There’s also a splash area connected to the pool, perfect for little ones to cool off safely. And no visit is complete without the afternoon pool parties, packed with trivia, games, bingo, and other fun challenges that keep the whole family entertained.
The Water Playground
We are past that age now, but I fondly remember many early evenings spent at Disney playgrounds and spraygrounds – simple moments full of laughter and joy that made those trips so special.
The Geyser
My kids absolutely LOVE the geyser that sounds off every hour! We finally got to see the real Old Faithful this summer, but I have to say – the Disney version holds a special place in our hearts too. It’s such a fun, iconic moment that never fails to delight!
Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt
Be sure to pick up the Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt at the front desk. It’s such a fun way to explore the resort and discover little magical details you might otherwise miss!
Fireplace Nooks
Another favorite feature of Wilderness Lodge is the fireplace nooks overlooking the lobby. Some are simple, with just a couple of rocking chairs, while others – like this one – offer cozy fireplaces surrounded by sofas and chairs.
One unforgettable evening during a big storm, we brought up pizza and enjoyed dinner right in front of the fire. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the lodge’s rustic charm. This particular nook is on the fourth floor, just above the main front doors of the lodge. A truly special spot to relax and watch the world go by.
Electric Water Pageant
Each night, the Electrical Water Pageant makes a magical stop right at the Wilderness Lodge watefront. Be sure to check your times guide during your stay so you don’t miss this charming waterfront spectacle!
Teton Boat & Bike Rentals
Cruise around Bay Lake aboard a variety of watercraft, including family-friendly pontoon boats that make for a relaxing day on the water. For those who prefer to keep their feet on land, there are plenty of options too.
Cornhole, Ping Pong, Pool and More
Just off Geyser Point, tucked inside a covered pavilion, you’ll find fun games like ping pong, pool, giant Connect Four, cornhole, and more. Just ask for the equipment at the recreation window – it’s all easily accessible! Honey and I enjoyed a lovely lunch overlooking Bay Lake while the boys popped over between bites to play a few rounds of their favorite games. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone happy and entertained.
Campfire and S’mores
Each evening, the resort hosts a movie under the stars, lighting up the fire pits for a perfect night of s’mores and family fun. They provide sticks and marshmallows, and you can purchase s’mores kits at the quick-serve window next to Geyser Point. The kits run about $10 and have enough goodies to make around four s’mores – a delicious way to end the day!
Transportation to Parks
Before I go, I have to share one of our favorite things about Wilderness Lodge: taking the boat over to Magic Kingdom. It’s such a peaceful, scenic way to arrive and depart the park – a perfect start and end to a magical day. While the other parks are accessible by bus, Wilderness Lodge is an ideal choice for families planning to spend most of their time at Magic Kingdom or dining at the nearby monorail resorts like Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana, and 1900 Park Fare.
We absolutely love Wilderness Lodge and will definitely stay here again! I’ve found it to be one of the most affordable deluxe resorts on property, and you really can’t beat that – especially when you factor in the incredible theming, abundant activities, delicious dining options, and prime proximity to Magic Kingdom. Plus, it offers some of the more affordable club level room options among the deluxe resorts, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to add a little extra magic to their stay without breaking the bank.
Ready to experience the magic of Wilderness Lodge for yourself? Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a cozy couples’ retreat, or a celebration with friends, this resort truly has something for everyone. Reach out today to start planning your next Disney vacation. I’d love to help you find the perfect room, recommend dining, and create a stay full of unforgettable memories!
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