Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
It’s no secret that Wilderness Lodge is my absolute FAVORITE Walt Disney World resort. There simply isn’t a thing I don’t love about it. The sights, sounds, smells, food, rocking chairs…I just love it. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opened on May 28, 1994, and is modeled on the historic Old Faithful Lodge circa 1904 in Yellowstone National Park. So why should you stay here? Because it’s awesome and I said so. And there are reasons. Here are my Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge!
1. The Lobby
When I tell you this lobby is amazing, I’m not even scratching the surface. The lobby is a wonderful place to explore complete with an 80 foot tall fireplace and rocking chairs, hidden Mickeys, totem poles, wood carvings, teepee chandeliers and more. There are so many cozy seating options, and some secret nooks, that this place will have you visiting over and over again, just based on the lobby. One of the reasons this is my favorite resort is that you do truly feel like you’re in the beautiful pacific northwest. You don’t feel like you’re just at a hotel by Disney World. To me, this adds another layer of relaxation to your vacation that I just haven’t felt at any other resort on property.
2. Location, Location, Location
Located across Bay Lake from the Magic Kingdom, guests can access the Magic Kingdom via boat or bus. True, the monorail does not come back to this resort, but if you have your heart set on riding to EPCOT, just hop to one of the monorail resorts, either via boat or take the boat to the Magic Kingdom and hop on the monorail there. All other parks and Disney Springs can be accessed via free Disney bus transportation.
3. Dining
Since I’m just here for the food, I can tell you that you can’t go wrong with the dining options at Wilderness Lodge! Starting with table service, you can enjoy all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and more for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Whispering Canyon Café! My personal favorite is breakfast, but lunch and dinner are just as tasty! Or check out Storybook Dining at Artist Point, where you will dine with Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and the Evil Queen. And the food is INCREDIBLE.
For quick service options, you actually have two! First, Roaring Fork is your typical resort quick service location, with prepared food and grab and go items. Or you can head to Geyser Point Bar & Grill for incredible food AND drink options! And finally, head to Territory Lounge for great food and drinks! You could quite easily eat only at this hotel. It is that good.
4. Room Variety – DVC Properties and Standard Hotel Offerings
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has standard hotel rooms, concierge rooms, and these can sleep up to 5. In addition, there are bunk bed rooms available. But wait, there’s more! Copper Creek, a DVC property located inside Wilderness Lodge, offers studios, 1-,2-, and 3-bedroom villas, and cabins. These can accommodate anywhere from 4-12 people. And finally, Boulder Ridge Villas, a SECOND DVC property at Wilderness Lodge, offers studios and 1- and 2-bedroom villas. There are quite literally rooms to all family types, making it the perfect location for everyone!
5. Close Proximity to Fort Wilderness
Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness are NOT the same place, but they are close to each other. Why is this a benefit? The Fort has a TON of things to do, including archery, horseback riding, dining at Hoop Dee Doo or Trail’s End, and more. This is the perfect place to go for a non-parks day, with tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. And it is a mere boat ride away from Wilderness Lodge.
Book your next stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge today!