Disney's Wilderness Lodge - A Rad Traveler Review
Tucked in the heart of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a captivating retreat that immerses guests in the rustic charm of the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by the national park lodges of the early 20th century, this resort transports visitors to a world of natural wonders and enchanting adventures. Real geysers, totem poles and waterfalls - it's a majestic and beautiful place. Let's walk through the charming and magnificent location that is Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Arrival
Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The towering lobby, with its massive timber beams, stone fireplace, and Native American-inspired artwork, exudes a sense of warmth and tranquility. The attention to detail in the architecture and design instantly transports you to a bygone era of exploration and discovery that seamlessly blends with the enchantment of Disney.
The expansive lobby offers numerous spots to congregate with a restaurant to your left and a large check-in/concierge desk to the right. If you gaze upward, you'll see open hallways looking down on the lobby. Straight to the back is a stream running through the back side of the lobby out to a waterfall and the beautiful lake beyond.
The Accommodations
The lodge offers a variety of rooms to suit different party sizes and preferences. From cozy rooms to spacious luxe cabins, each guest space is thoughtfully designed with rustic decor matching the theme of the resort and modern amenities. The warm color palettes, plush bedding, and wilderness-themed accents create a cozy and inviting ambiance, ensuring a comfortable stay. Many rooms offer views of the resort's stunning grounds, including the glistening Bay Lake or the meticulously landscaped gardens.
For our stay, we had a Two Queen Room with a Fireworks view and it was awesome. Our kids are young so we weren't able to stay out very late each night there, but we were still able to enjoy the evening's fireworks display each night. Our room faced the wooded area as well so it had a nature feel to it. We plan on going back within the year and I'd choose this room again.
Theme Park Proximity
One of the highlights of staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is its proximity to the Walt Disney World theme parks. Hop on a complimentary water taxi or a convenient shuttle bus, and within minutes you'll find yourself in the heart of the magic. Whether you're looking to explore the enchantment of Magic Kingdom, the futuristic realm of Epcot, or the whimsy of Disney's Hollywood Studios, the resort's convenient location allows for easy access to the parks, maximizing your time and creating unforgettable memories.
We took the water taxi to Magic Kingdom and it was very enjoyable. The trip was about twenty minutes long but it was scenic and the kids of course loved being on the water. Shuttle stations are conveniently located outside of the lobby area. Each park is marked well and it gives approximate wait times which I thought were very accurate. There is a short nature path directly behind the shuttle lanes, which if you just missed a shuttle and have to wait for the next one, it's a delightful little spot to burn the time while you wait.
Pool and Recreation
Escape the Florida heat and make a splash in the resort's stunning Silver Creek Springs Pool. With its bubbling hot springs, waterslide, and cozy whirlpool spas, the pool area offers relaxation and fun for guests of all ages. It's pretty amazing - the pool itself is fed from the spring that starts in the lobby of the lodge! For a more tranquil experience, explore the Copper Creek Springs Pool, a peaceful oasis surrounded by beautiful landscaping and a cascading waterfall. Engage in a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, bike rentals, and nature walks, allowing you to embrace the adventurous spirit of the lodge.
We explored both pool areas and our kids liked the Copper Creek Springs Pool - though the slide was fun, they enjoyed the less crowded side where they were able to swim freely. We enjoyed it was well as it was more relaxing of a swim, and they have servers coming around for food and drink orders that could all easily be charge on the Magic Band.
Food and Drink
Geyser Point Bar & Grill was our favorite spot to get a bite or drink at the end of day. This picturesque waterfront eatery provides a unique blend of delectable cuisine and breathtaking views of the lake. Indulge in a range of dishes inspired by Pacific Northwest flavors, from grilled salmon and bison burgers to refreshing salads and signature cocktails. Relax on the outdoor patio, listen to the soothing sounds of the geyser erupting, and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. We dined at Geyser Point one of the nights we were here and it was fantastic. There are views of the fireworks shows from here as well so you can sip a cocktail while taking in the Disney magic.
Other spots for dining is Story Book Dining at Artist Point. This is a Snow White themed dining experience - from the food to the visiting dwarves, it's a delight for all ages. Whispering Canyon Cafe is a western themed eatery where you come ready to eat! Roaring Fork is sort of a grab and go spot - there are made to order items on a menu, but it's a quick in and out spot. We'd grab a coffee and croissant or muffin here before hitting the water taxi or shuttle line. Last is the Territory Lounge - a rustic bar for snacks, small plates, sweets and cocktails. A great spot to end each night.
Disney Magic and Entertainment
As with all Disney resorts, Disney's Wilderness Lodge offers a wide range of magical experiences and entertainment. Be sure to catch the nightly "Electrical Water Pageant" on Bay Lake, a mesmerizing water parade featuring colorful floats and synchronized music. Have your kids be on the lookout for Disney characters around the resort - they're not always present but they like to make quick appearances and it's always fun to get a glimpse or take a picture with them. Also, if it's your birthday or first time at Disney, be sure and tell a staff member at the front desk on that day! They'll give you a "Birthday" or "First Timer" pin and you'll be treated like royalty the entire day.
All this to say, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a captivating retreat within Walt Disney World, seamlessly blending rustic charm, luxurious accommodations, and the magic of Disney. I highly recommend Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It is the perfect blend of Disney magic and rustic luxury that is perfect for the entire family. From the grandeur of the lobby to the tranquility of the pool area, every moment at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is filled with wonder and adventure, creating lasting memories for guests of all ages.
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