Escape to the Florida Wilderness at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a log-cabin inspired resort where the immersive theming transports you from tropical Florida to a cozy lodge nestled in the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest. Situated along the shore of Bay Lake, this Magic Kingdom-area resort draws its inspiration from the US National Parks.

Click here for a video overview of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.

Follow the hoof prints on the sidewalk leading to the resort and step inside to gaze up at the breath-taking lobby. Large, rustic chandeliers hang from the high ceilings, wood carvings, native artifacts and floor-to-ceiling totem poles fill the open space. 

Towering in the corner is the iconic Grand Canyon Fireplace. Standing 82 feet tall, with over 100 colors and layers representing the Grand Canyon’s strata deposits, this geological structure welcomes families to gather for storytelling. Pull up a wooden rocking chair and try to find the hidden Mickey etched into the stone!

During the holiday season, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge transforms into one of the most magically decorated resorts at Walt Disney World. With a Christmas tree that reaches up as high as you can see, the intimate warmth of the lodge is filled with holiday details that bring guests back year after year.

The main building is the central hub where you’ll find the front desk, gift shop and dining. Pick up sundries, beverages and snacks at Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. Here you can also snag unique souvenirs such as totem poles, decorative stones and resort-specific apparel.

Looking for rootin’ tootin’ good time? Then, don’t miss the shenanigans happening at the table-service Whispering Canyon Café located a few steps up from the lobby. This Cowboy-themed eatery serves up signature all-you-care-to-eat skillets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a side of fun-loving attitude. Fuel up your crew before you head out to the parks, or saddle up to re-charge after you get back. Just don’t ask for the ketchup!

If you’re in a hurry, head quick service spot Roaring Fork located not far from the lobby. Stop in or mobile order hot entrees like eggs, sausage and pancakes for breakfast, sandwiches and salads for lunch, and burgers and pasta dishes for dinner. Grab and go items such as yogurt, donuts, muffins, beer and wine are also available.

Looking to meet some Disney fairytale friends? Dine in the enchanted forest at Story Book Dining at Artist Point, where you’ll encounter Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Queen. The make-believe setting is inspired by the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Dinner, entrees include beef stew, roasted chicken and sustainable fish. Dare to share a “Poison” apple for dessert, or play it safe with a Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie.

Cozy up with a cocktail, mocktail or specialty bourbon in the intimate Territory Lounge, a wonderful hidden gem. Small bites including soups, charcuterie, and potato chips are available for snacking.

Walk out through the bustling lobby out into the serene courtyard. Tall pines, lush vegetation, and rock-lined trails invite you to explore the grounds. Walking bridges over the babbling stream leads you to the centerpiece of the courtyard, the Copper Creek Springs pool. Featuring a 67-foot waterslide built into rocks, hot and cold whirlpool spas, splash area and a kiddie pool, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a day of fun.

Nearby, Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers small bites and entrees including salads, hamburgers, and crab cakes, along with specialty cocktails. Eat at the patio tables or bring some grub back to your pool chairs. After indulging, adults may want to check out Salon by the Spa, offering manicures, pedicures and hair services. But the most unique courtyard feature that provides entertainment for all ages is the Fire Rock Geyser. Modeled after Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful, the sounds and sights of water shooting up into the sky is a fun treat.

There is another pool on the resort grounds, located next to the Boulder Ridge Villas. Aptly named the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, guests here can enjoy zero-depth entry and shaded seating areas.

Guest rooms are housed in the buildings surrounding the courtyard. The decor in the rooms continues the rustic, wilderness feel, with dark stained Mission-style furniture, accented with blue and red Native American patterns. Wilderness Lodge’s rooms are slightly smaller than other Disney Deluxe Resorts at 344 square feet. This central building, and the two adjacent wings, house 727 Standard View, Courtyard View and Nature View rooms that feature two queen size beds or a king bed. Fireworks View Room offer partial view the Magic Kingdom fireworks, just across the bay. Club Level Rooms provide access to the Club Level lounge.

Click here for a video tour of a Two-Queen Room.

Click here for a video tour of a King Room.

Click here for a video tour of a Club Level Deluxe Room.

A few years back, Disney completed construction on the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, which consist of new villas in the main lodge and 26 gorgeous waterfront “Cascade Cabins.” Each stand-alone cabin sleeps up to eight with two bedrooms, two baths and floor to ceiling windows in the large living and dining area. Add one of these to your Disney bucket list.

Click here for a video tour of a Cascade Cabin.

With a screened-in wraparound porch and private hot tub, guests can soak in the rustic elegance ambiance while listening to the sounds of the evening forest. Talk about glamping, Disney-style!

The already existing Disney Vacation Club villas have been re-imagined as the Boulder Ridge Villas. These two Disney Vacation Club sections of the resort offer guests like-home amenities. Enjoy spacious accommodations in a 1-, 2- or 3-Bedroom Villa that feature full kitchens, dining areas, separate bedrooms and washer/dryer. The Deluxe Studios are a great option for smaller travel parties or shorter stays, offering a queen-size sleeper sofa and kitchenette.

Situated across the bay from the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Resort that prices slightly lower than the neighboring monorail-resorts. Complimentary water taxi service is available for guests to jaunt across Bay Lake to Magic Kingdom park, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (Hoop-Dee-Doo dinner reservations, anyone?) and Disney’s Contemporary Resort (fireworks and dinner at California Grill!)

Disney bus transportation is also available to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The resort’s ideal location not only provides easy theme park access, but up-close viewing of the electrical water pageant and nightly fireworks.

Take a park break, and enjoy Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Watercraft rentals are available for guests to cruise on kayaks, sailboats, pedal boats and sea raycers. Subject to availability and pricing varies. Prefer to keep your feet planted on the ground? Walkers, joggers and bicyclists can get some fresh air and exercise on a 2.5-mile shaded nature trail that runs over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Sturdy Branches Health Club and spa offers guests 24-hour access to full club equipment including treadmills, exercise bicycles, and free weights. Treat yourself to a facial or massage at the spa treatment center.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the headquarters for a family-friendly vacation that makes you feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the world behind. Spend fun-filled days at the theme parks, then head back to decompress while surrounded in nature. Feel like a kid again, running through the great outdoors and exploring the simple treasures that exist around every corner.

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth Disney Vacation, Small World Vacations, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, is your best resource when planning a Disney Vacation. That’s why we’re recommended by MouseSavers, Disney Food Blog and WDW Prep School.

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