Seven Reasons to Visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
When you stay at Walt Disney World, you’ll enjoy a plethora of options.
All of Disney’s official resorts will thrill you thanks to their detailed theming and relaxing vibe.
Still, a few Disney hotels are better than the rest. Near the top of this list stands one log cabin of a building that Abraham Lincoln would have loved.
Here are seven reasons you should stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
The Theming
I’m not sure any resort will surprise you more when you approach than at Wilderness Lodge.
I say this because the thought of Disney naturally comes with an image of urban sprawl.
Walt Disney World theme parks represent Imagineers triumphing over swamp land and turning it into the Most Magical Place on Earth.
You’re expecting development, a concrete and steel structure that looks like any other hotel.
Instead, you’ll immediately notice what looks like oversized, multi-level log cabins hidden in the middle of a forest by the water.
This property represents Disney conservation at its finest. It’s a tranquil, throwback style of a hotel based on national park lodges of yesteryear.
You’re only a short distance from all of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, but the setting belies this fact.
Disney hired an architect to build a hotel that honors the gorgeous backdrop of trees in the area. It’s a rustic getaway that happens to be a Disney resort.
When you’re not at the parks, the theming at your hotel will make you feel like you’re on a family camping vacation instead.
The Lobby
Perhaps no spot on the hotel campus exemplifies the rustic setting more than the hotel lobby.
When you enter Wilderness Lodge’s main building, you’ll again gaze in confusion at the site.
The complete hotel interior uses wood instead of concrete. This IS a log cabin, albeit a remarkably large one.
Everywhere you look, you’ll take comfort in the intimate log cabin atmosphere. That’s true despite the fact it’s a multi-level hotel building.
Somehow, the entire place feels smaller because the log cabin style imbues the lobby with a cozy vibe.
The Majestic Chimney
You can’t miss the most remarkable part of this lobby. It’s an 82-foot-tall fireplace that stretches from the floor to the roof.
Disney has spared no expense in adding detail to this chimney, which lovingly mimics the structure of the Grand Canyon!
The lobby also includes a delightful sitting area that I highly recommend. It’s an excellent people-watching spot, and you can also catch your breath here.
Please take the time to sit here and admire the remarkable architectural feat that is the hotel lobby and its majestic fireplace!
The Restaurants
You’ll find two exceptional, wildly popular restaurants by the hotel lobby.
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is arguably the most popular character meal that Disney currently offers.
Inside the restaurant, Disney has created an authentic representation of the movie’s forest setting. It even has holiday lights for effect!
Meanwhile, Snow White and some of her favorite Dwarfs will visit your table. You can also meet the Evil Queen if you’re not too intimidated.
The other eatery here is Whispering Canyon Café, home of raucous servers, excellent pranks, and bottomless skillets of food.
I’ve previously posted glowing reviews of this restaurant, as it’s one of my favorites.
A few years ago, Disney added a new restaurant with a lakeside backdrop.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill is an outdoor eatery that can close its entire building if needed due to weather.
Most of the time, it’s a gorgeous place to eat, as it’s right beside the water.
Plus, Geyser Point is a sports bar with a few televisions. So, it’s a great place to catch a game while you’re on vacation!
The Pools
You’ll find two pools at Wilderness Lodge. The classic one resides just beyond the hotel lobby.
We’ve loved using this one throughout the years, as the idea of a pool inside a forest is unexpectedly calming. You’ll feel like you’re swimming in a lake!
The wood bridge over the pool is a nice touch as well. It maintains the resort’s overall theme of conservation.
Plus, the meticulous placement of stones here recreates the Grand Canyon vibe while you sunbathe.
Lately, we’ve fallen in love with the quiet pool here, though. Its theme centers on an abandoned construction site.
So, you’ll notice odd structures like a hanging crane above the pool. Disney has surrounded this pool with rocks, creating a layer of privacy.
I highly recommend swimming at Wilderness Lodge because the pools are divine, and the idyllic setting will mesmerize you.
The Location and the Boat Ride
Disney lists Wilderness Lodge as a Magic Kingdom area hotel, and a quick glance at a map will prove this point.
Google indicates that the distance from the hotel to the world’s most popular theme park is just 2.8 miles.
However, the path proves a bit circuitous for a bus due to the forest/waterfront setting of Wilderness Lodge.
Guests still reach Magic Kingdom in about six-to-ten minutes, depending on traffic, though.
Of course, I’d recommend a different approach. Wilderness Lodge operates a boat dock close to Geyser Point.
You can take this boat directly to the dock beside Magic Kingdom.
This serene boat ride takes only ten minutes, and the view of the forestry and water will calm you after a hectic park visit.
You can get an idea of the experience here:
Fort Wilderness Campground
Speaking of boat rides, you can take one directly to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground!
At this world-famous ranch, you’ll meet some of the horses who often perform at Magic Kingdom.
You can see these noble creatures in their natural habitat. It’s a lovely dude ranch hidden on the Disney campus.
You’ll also find a gorgeous walking trail, some carriage and horse rides, and other entertainment at Fort Wilderness.
While you’re there, you can take in a show at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, the most often performed show of its kind in the world.
Make sure to add a Fort Wilderness visit to your itinerary when you stay at Wilderness Lodge!
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