Wilderness Lodge review

Read on for my Wilderness Lodge review:

I have now stayed at Wilderness Lodge 3 times, in 3 different parts of the resort. I’ve stayed in the main building (club level), and in both DVC sections – Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge.

Wilderness Lodge didn’t initially call to me that much with its themeing, but now that I’ve stayed there, it has grown on me. I did get spoiled since my introduction was club level, and their lounge was really incredible. There are also a number of great dining options throughout the resort, and you have the convenience of being near Magic Kingdom.

I’ve also heard it’s beautiful at Christmas, so I might have to go back someday during the holiday season!

Location & Transportation

Wilderness Lodge is in the Magic Kingdom resort area, but it’s not on the monorail loop. The monorail loop contains the 3 hotels closest to Magic Kingdom – the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. Wilderness Lodge sits just a bit further away, behind the Contemporary.

It’s still very close to Magic Kingdom though! You can take a boat to/from the Magic Kingdom and a bus everywhere else. The bus system isn’t too bad here, though keep in mind that Wilderness Lodge usually shares a bus with other nearby resorts, so you might make multiple stops. Typically they share with the Contemporary, though occasionally the buses will do drop off and pick up at both Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.

Size of Wilderness Lodge

Compared to many other resorts, Wilderness Lodge is pretty small and compact. There’s the main building, where most of the rooms are, a separate building for the DVC Boulder Ridge rooms, and then the Copper Creek Cabins. There’s a decent amount of space outside, but not too much where you feel like it takes forever to get around.

Everything is in a central location, so you don’t have to go far for transportation, food options, or the pool.

There’s plenty of green space around outside, with large trees and several water features – including a geyser that goes off every hour! You’re also right on the edge of Bay Lake and have some very pretty views by the water’s edge.

The inside features lots of dark wood and stately pieces, as well as stone (including a great stone fireplace). The Boulder Ridge DVC section of the resort has an even more specific theme of trains. Even if you’re not staying in Boulder Ridge, you should pop into the lobby to explore the neat displays!

Wilderness Lodge also offers an Art and Architecture tour every morning to learn more about the design of the Lodge. We did this on our most recent trip and there is a lot to learn about the themeing and construction of this resort. In true Disney fashion, every detail means something, and there are probably lots of little details you didn’t even notice. I may write up a full blog post about it!

I have tried almost every dining option at Wilderness Lodge! Storybook Dining at Artist Point is available for dinner only, and is a character meal featuring Snow White. You’ll get the chance to meet her, the Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy. The food is prix fixe and includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert sampling. I remember the food being pretty tasty, but I also dined here after running the Dopey Challenge – so I think after that, almost anything would have tasted great!

Whispering Canyon Cafe is a unique experience and tons of fun. It has an old west theme and features all you can eat skillet meals. The food may not even be the highlight, though – the servers are! If you like antics, this is a ton of fun. The name “Whispering Canyon Cafe” might mislead you, as it can get rowdy in here!

There are two quick service options. Geyser Point is actually more of a “hybrid,” where you have a seating area that does require you to be seated by a cast member, but also a quick service window. Geyser Point also has a walk-up section of the bar, as it’s technically the pool bar as well. Then Roaring Fork is more of your typical quick service location. And Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a drink and some small bites!

Then you actually have two different DVC areas here. There’s Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek. Copper Creek is inside of the main building, but instead of standard rooms they offer the DVC options: studio rooms, 1-bedroom villas, and 2-bedroom villas. Then outside of the main building there’s a row of large 2-bedroom cabins, which are also part of the Copper Creek membership.

Boulder Ridge is a separate building right next to the main one. It’s just a short walk away down a covered pathway. They have the same DVC room types as Copper Creek, except without the 2-bedroom cabin.

I’ve stayed in a standard room (club level), as well as a 1-bedroom Copper Creek room and a 1-bedroom villa at Boulder Ridge. I’ve enjoyed all of my stays and found the rooms really nice. There’s something peaceful about the decor and setting here.

There’s a water slide, a hot tub, and a play area for kids.

Boulder Ridge also has a pool, the Boulder Ridge Cove pool. It’s more of a “quiet” pool location (you generally won’t find them playing pool games or doing trivia here). But it’s still really large and has its own hot tub, plus plenty of seating areas.

I enjoyed some time at the Copper Creek hot tub, as well as the Boulder Ridge hot tub. That one is quite large! Being in the pool area is just a really nice atmosphere. The rock work all around makes it feel less like “concrete swimming pool.”

Like all of the Disney resorts, they have your typical events and activities happening. These include things like movie night by the pool, an arcade, playgrounds, and a nightly campfire. Most of the resorts have a few “passive activities” you can take part in at anytime, including a scavenger hunt and nature walk.

In addition, at Wilderness Lodge you can take part in:

• Wonders of the Lodge Art & Architecture tour
• Storytime Yoga
• Tasteful Artistry (create a wooden art craft)
• Wild Wilderness Bingo
• Arts & Crafts

Keep in mind that these are subject to change, and some of them might require an extra fee.

As a deluxe resort, Wilderness Lodge has a fitness center available. Being on Bay Lake, there are a few other fun opportunities! You can book a guided fishing excursion, or catch the Electrical Water Pageant in the evening.

I actually think the biggest downside is the location. While you are close to Magic Kingdom, you’re not on that coveted monorail loop. I do love the boat ride. But getting to the other three parks can be a bit of a slog, since you are often sharing buses with another resort. If they had direct buses to and from Wilderness Lodge, that would greatly increase its value for me.

I’ve also heard that it’s incredible at Christmas, and I haven’t had the chance to experience that yet. So even after my June trip, I think I’ll need to try and stay here again someday in the holiday season!

What do you think of my Wilderness Lodge review? Have you stayed there?