Coming up the long drive, the lodge appears suddenly out of the thick forest, its green peaked roofs towering above the pines. The landscaping is all wildflowers and prairie grasses. The guard at the gate wishes you a genuine “welcome home.” A grazing buffalo wanders among the plants as you approach the grand building.
If this sounds like a trip to a grand National Park lodge, you’re wrong. Sort of. This isn’t northern California, it’s Central Florida. The buffalo is a meticulously-groomed topiary. This is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a grand hotel nestled among the pine forests in the northeast section of Walt Disney World, near the Magic Kingdom. In the cooler times of year, you could almost swear you were at Yellowstone.
About the Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge was built in the early 1990s, and was modeled after the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. Its lobby is graced by two hand-carved, 50-foot totem poles especially crafted for the resort, and anchored by an enormous seven-story fireplace that faithfully recreates (and describes, with the help of displays on each floor) the strata of rock in the Grand Canyon. Stepping into the huge lobby, guests are instantly enveloped in the feel of the grand old West: Roaring fires, comfortable mission-style furniture, wooden floors, and Native American art and décor all contribute to the atmosphere. A bubbling spring is crossed by a footbridge, its waters running outside, over a waterfall, and into the Silver Creek swimming pool complex. There is even a geyser behind the hotel, that would give Old Faithful a run for his money-this one is even more reliable, erupting each hour, on the hour.
Resort Layout and Rooms
Wilderness Lodge is shaped somewhat like a V, with its widest part facing towards Bay Lake. Rooms flank both sides of the V, and offer several different categories of views: standard view (which gives one a view of parking and service areas), Woods view (amply named for views of trees), and Courtyard view (those rooms on the inner sides of the V, which face the pool, waterfall, and often the lake). Concierge rooms and suites are also available on the uppermost floors. All rooms at the Lodge were recently redone, and feature two queen beds, one king bed, or one queen and a set of bunk beds. All rooms now have flat-screen televisions built into a special armoire, a small table and chairs, a small refrigerator, and double sinks in a vanity area separate from the shower and toilet. The décor can best be described as “comfortable Northwestern”: lots of wood, plaid, and nature themeing (the headboards feature carved animals atop the posts). Rooms facing the woods seem to be the quietest, and some of those on the north side of the building (on the outside of the V) have partially obstructed views of the Contemporary Resort, the monorail, Seven Seas Lagoon, and Cinderella Castle. Ask for a high floor, and you may get to watch the “Wishes” fireworks show from your balcony.
If you prefer the convenience of an efficiency or kitchen during your stay, the adjacent Villas at Wilderness Lodge may fit your needs. The Villas are linked to the Lodge by a covered walkway and share dining and check-in facilities, but the Villas have their own small quiet pool. Studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens are available. The Villas are a Disney Vacation Club time-share property, but are available to any guests when not used by members.
Dining and Shopping
Dining at the resort is varied. For adults and more sophisticated palettes, Artist Point features Northwestern cuisine: salmon and steaks are among the offerings. On the north side of the lobby, Whispering Canyon Café features an all-you-care-to-eat, family-style feast of various barbecued meats and side dishes: pulled pork, sausage, chicken, fantastic ribs, and heavenly mashed potatoes and cornbread. Don’t let the name fool you: this place does anything but whisper! Expect a raucous good time (be sure to ask for ketchup) that most kids will love. For a quick bite (or to purchase a refillable mug), visit the Roaring Fork, located on the lowest level, down the hall from Artist Point. This small counter-service restaurant features food typical of WDW resort food courts (omelettes, baked goods, sandwiches) but has a more limited selection than other resorts. Seating is also limited, to a small room next door and to the patio outside. While not exactly ideal for a resort of this size, the Roaring Fork will meet your needs if you’re only looking for a quick breakfast or dinner a few times during your stay. There are also two lounges: the Territory Lounge adjacent to Artist Point, and a small pool bar.
On the south side of the lobby, Wilderness Lodge Mercantile features Walt Disney World merchandise as well as a wide selection of items featuring the Wilderness Lodge name and logo (one of the largest selections of resort-specific merchandise in the World). The store also stocks a limited variety of wine, beer, and spirits, and some grocery items. Among the more unique offerings are small replicas of the Disney character totem that resides in front of the store, and tubs of Wilderness Lodge-themed Lincoln Logs.
Recreation and Entertainment
Wilderness Lodge has two pools: the small, quiet Villa pool, and the Silver Creek feature pool, which has a water slide. There is also a white-sand beach along the edges of Bay Lake, but swimming is not allowed. Bicycles, surreys, and watercraft are also available for rent at the marina.
Each night, the Electrical Water Pageant takes place in front of the Lodge at approximately 9:30 (weather permitting). This Disney World classic has been around since the 1970s, and features a series of barges topped with enormous screens, on which are wired thousands of tiny lights. The computer-controlled light show creates all sorts of fanciful creatures, as well as a patriotic salute, choreographed to catchy electronic music.
Several mornings per week (ask at the Concierge desk), the “Wonders of the Lodge” tour gives guests an inside peek at the construction, themeing, and architecture of the resort. Ranger Stan, longtime Disney employee and tour guide, is very entertaining and knowledgeable about all things Disney-don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Each morning, a family gets the opportunity to raise the flags on the roof of the Lodge-ask at the front desk first thing in the morning. There is also a children’s activity program; a listing of free activities for the week are usually included in your welcome packet.
Location and Transportation
The Lodge’s proximity to other Magic Kingdom area resorts makes it possible to visit other restaurants, shops, and activity centers during your stay. A boat takes guests to both the Fort Wilderness Campground (where activities include a campfire singalong and movie, horseback riding, and the popular Hoop-Dee-Do Revue) and the Contemporary Resort (home of Chef Mickey’s character dining, the award-winning California Grill, and monorail transportation to other resorts). Another efficient fleet of boats takes guests to the Magic Kingdom, while buses service the other theme parks and Downtown Disney.
Staff/Personal Impressions
When I visited the Lodge, I was most impressed by the friendliness of the hotel’s cast members. From the man behind the front desk, to the bell services staff, to our server in Whispering Canyon, the Wilderness Lodge staff were all outgoing and helpful. It is evident that they truly love their job, and do their best to make every guest’s day better.
The resort truly imparts a feeling of warmth and comfort, much as one would expect from an old Northwestern lodge. Its proximity to the Magic Kingdom, and the ability to visit other resorts without switching buses, makes it especially convenient. While the prices may be a bit steep for some, the money is truly worth it for an experience only Disney can provide.
Reference:
- For more information about the Wilderness Lodge, visit Deb’s WDW Information Page at www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_wl.htm
