Disney's Wilderness Lodge (not to be confused with Disney's For Wilderness campground accommodation) is one of the most popular Disney luxury resorts - especially with kids.
Modeled after the National park lodges of the American Northwest, the lodge is really an amazing site. You feel like you're in a huge log cabin - a very upscale one.
The open eight-story lobby offers timber columns, tepee chandeliers and stained wood furniture with 2 huge totem poles and an 87-foot-tall fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook gorgeous rock formations and winding streams.
And of course there's the clincher - a 12-story geyser that shoots into the air every hour. Not hard to see why kids of all ages love this place.
Theme: National Park Lodges of the early 20th century
Room Notes: Rooms are on the small side for a deluxe resort. However they are still quite charming with Mission-style furniture, patios and/or balconies, Native-American patterned quilts and a wildlife motif throughout.
Dining Options: Although not as plentiful as at other resorts, you do have some decent dining options here including 1 counter service and 2 full service restaurants.
Unfortunately there are no character meals here. But the Whispering Canyon Cafe with stories, games and songs for kids is almost as good. There's also room service and snacks at the pool bar and lounge:
Artist Point (Full Service)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (Full Service)
Roaring Fork Snacks (Counter Service)
Transportation: Most visitors love the water taxi directly to the Magic Kingdom. Other options are:
- Water Taxi to Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness Resort and Contemporary Resort
- Buses to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Water parks and Disney Resorts.
Recreation: The Disney Wilderness lodge has a lot of fun options - including one of the best pools of all the resorts. Some recreation options are:
- 1 pool - Modeled on a natural spring with water slide and rock geyser
- Hot and Cold spa tubs
- Playground
- Arcade
- Beach
- Bike Rental
- Fishing
- Marina/Boat Rental
- Horse Drawn Wagon/Carriage rides
- Jogging Trail
- Campfire sing-a-longs
Strengths:
- Great theme that kids love
- One of the best pools of all the Disney resorts with geyser and waterslide
- Short boat taxi to Magic Kingdom
- Unique recreation options like bike rental, campfire sing-a-longs and horse drawn wagon/carriage rides
Weaknesses:
- Older adults may not appreciate the rustic theme, smaller rooms or high energy and price of the Whispering Canyon Cafe
- Limited dining options & No Character meals
