10 Reasons Why Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is One of Our Favorite Places to Stay

When it comes to selecting your perfect Walt Disney World resort there are a lot of factors to consider: ambiance, price, close proximity to the parks, nice dining options etc.  One of my favorite Walt Disney properties that offers all of these things in abundance is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Because it’s not on Disney’s monorail line this property is often overlooked, however, here are 10 reasons why we think a stay here is absolutely magical and we are sure you will too!

Just a Quick Boat Ride Away From the Magic

Wilderness Lodge is an incredible option for guests who plan on spending most of your time at Disney World’s most iconic theme park.  This deluxe property offers a regular water taxi service too and from the Magic Kingdom meaning you can be at the happiest place on earth within minutes.  With it’s close proximity to the theme park it makes it easy to hop on back to your room when temperatures start to soar for a quick siesta!

Breathtaking Rustic Decor

From the minute you enter the grand lobby you realize you are someplace truly special.  With its towering pillars made of rustic pine, 55 ft high totem pools, an 82 ft roaring fireplace and that pine forest sent,  this is resort reminiscent of the incredible lodges you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest! There’s even a bubbling brook that winds its way through the lobby and out into the pool area below. 

Bunk Beds

Let’s be honest if you’ll be traveling with small children, nothing gets them quite as excited as seeing bunk beds in their room.  This is one of only three Disney Deluxe resorts offering this kid-friendly option (the others being the cabins at Fort Wilderness and Animal Kingdom Lodge.) Paired with a queen bed this is a perfect option for a family of 4 looking for a room with some extra character. 

The Chance to Be the Flag Family

Each day one family at Wilderness Lodge is selected to be the “Flag Family”.  This is quite the honor as a cast member takes you to the roof where your family has the amazing task of raising the five flags atop this massive resort. The flags are said to represent America, Florida, Walt Disney World and Wilderness Lodge.  Getting chosen for this coveted role can be tricky.  A good starting point would be to ask about being the Flag Family as soon as you check in to Wilderness Lodge.

Snow White-Themed Character Dining

Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge is home to Disney World’s newest character dining experience. Storybook Dining With Snow White is offered at dinner and gives guests the rare opportunity to mingle with some of your favorite Disney characters including Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy.  For those preferring Disney Villains, the formidable Evil Queen is also on hand to pose for photos.   The food here features creative cocktails themed after the film, delicious entrees like prime rib and slow braised veal and wickedly wonderful desserts like the “Poison” Apple!  Dining here will set you back over $59 per adult or 1 Table Service Dining Credit. Advanced reservations are essential and can be made at 407.WDW.DINE. 

The Wonders of Wilderness Lodge Tour

For those planning on spending a relaxing day at Wilderness Lodge, you’ll definitely want to incorporate the Wonders of Wilderness Lodge Tour into your day.  This free tour meets by the fireplace in the lobby at 9am on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  During this 60 minute guided offering,  you’ll find out about the resort’s architecture, the symbolism behind many of the objects that are scattered throughout the property as well as other incredible tidbits.

Geyser Point Bar and Grill

This is Wilderness Lodge’s newest eatery. Located near the pool and boasting beautiful scenic views it’s the perfect place to fuel up and pass a lazy hour or two.  The menu is brimming with delicious cocktails,  as well as hearty lunch and dinner selections. Some of our favorites include the bison burger topped with Tilamook cheddar, the savory smoked turkey sandwich and for dessert the chocolate brownie mousse with caramel popcorn and toasted meringue. 

Click here for a complete look at the menu. 

Fire Rock Geyser

One of the focal points of Wilderness Lodge’s lush landscaped grounds is the fun man-made geyser that sits along its shores.   The Fire Rock Geyser modelled after Ol’ Faithful is able to shoot water up to 120 feet in the air and usually runs from around 7am in the morning periodically until 10 pm at night.  Be sure to check it out next time you’re at the Lodge.  It makes for that perfect family photo!

Copper Creek Springs Pool 

Follow the bubbling Copper Creek from the hotel lobby all the way to the great outdoors to discover a dazzling heated pool surrounded by nature. Here, you can zip down an exciting 67-foot waterslide built into rocks and relax in hot and cold whirlpool spas.  Smaller children can have a blast exploring the newly added activity play area.  This has to be one of my favorite pools in Walt Disney World and is perfect for relaxing after a long day at the parks. 

Budget-Friendly Deluxe

Finally my favorite thing about staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge- the cost! This property offers all of the luxuries of staying at a Walt Disney World deluxe property but is easy on the pocket book. Because it is not on the monorail line or adjacent to Epcot, it tends to be more affordable than some of the other deluxes and during discount time it’s not uncommon to see a room here for under $400 a night! This makes it the perfect option for those wanting a bit of pampering but who don’t want to spend the $700 a night that you’ll find at some of the other properties. 

Want to know more about a stay at Wilderness Lodge? Fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels. 

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical.  Best of all my services are absolutely FREE.  Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook

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