DISNEY'S WILDERNESS LODGE AND VILLAS

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on one of the best themed resorts on Disney’s property – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Villas.  This incredible resort pays homage to the historical lodges of our Pacific Northwest National Parks.  There is an amazing attention to detail and pictures cannot do the lobby justice.  It would be difficult for first timers to walk through the doors without exclaiming “Wow!”   There is so much to take in from the towering totem poles, to the teepee chandeliers, to the 82 foot fireplace depicting the strata of the Grand Canyon, to the footbridge that crosses over a bubbling hot spring which “feeds” the pool at the end of a babbling brook.  There are so many details (and hidden Mickey’s!) to find, I encourage you to pick up a self-guided tour sheet. 
This resort is a Deluxe Resort but it is typically the most economical of the category.  It’s a boat ride to Magic Kingdom or to the nearby Contemporary Resort where you can hop on the monorail which stops at the Ticket and Transportation Center and circles the resorts and Magic Kingdom.  It offers several dining options: Roaring Forks, a quick service restaurant: Whispering Canyon’s, an incredibly entertaining family restaurant (be sure to ask for ketchup!); and Artist Point, a fine dining experience.  There is also the Trout Pass Pool Bar and Territory Lounge, which is next to Artist Point offering adult beverages and snacks.  One of our favorite things to do is to order the cheese plate and a couple of drinks to go from Territory Lounge and find one of several hidden fireplaces tucked away on the upper floors overlooking the lobby!  The Wilderness Lodge sits on Bay Lake and is one of the nightly stops for the Electrical Water Pageant.  You will definitely want to make your way down to the docks to enjoy this light and music parade that dates back to the first days of Disney World.  And you will also want to set your clock to be sure to catch Fire Rock Geyser, the Lodge’s version of Old Faithful which erupts every hour. 

The rooms at the Wilderness Lodge can be a bit small but there are some bunk bed rooms which provide a little better use of space than 2 queen beds and most kids love this option.  For more space, the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge are a short walk from the lobby and offer accommodations that include multiple sleeping areas, living rooms and kitchenettes.  

It’s easy to see why Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the favorite resorts at Disney World.  You will definitely want to put this amazing destination on your “to do” list.  When you are ready to book your next Disney World vacation, be sure to ask me about staying at this incredible resort.