Depending on where you choose to stay, a hotel can be a simple place to rest your head at the end of a long day, or it can be an integral part of your adventure. The best ones, in my opinion, are the latter. With its relaxing, rustic atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, the Disney Wilderness Lodge Resort is just that. Its laidback vibe and wooded setting feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, making it the perfect antidote for a day spent fighting the crowds.
So, how does the Wilderness Lodge stack up to other deluxe Disney World resorts? Who should stay there? Read on for a roundup of everything you need to know about this enchanting resort. (Updated September 7, 2022)
Staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
The Wilderness Lodge is one of two Disney lodges. While the Animal Kingdom Lodge transports people to the savannas of Africa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge immerses guests in the majesty of America’s Pacific Northwest. The resort takes its inspiration from the grand lodges that dotted our country’s national parks at the turn of the century, where the craftsman-style architecture rests in harmony with the beauty of nature.
The resort is divided into three separate sections: the main Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas, and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. While each features its own unique style, all share a rough-hewn aesthetic, peaceful setting, and a playful sense of adventure.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge is the heart of this rustic, Magic Kingdom Area resort. Here you’ll find the resort’s more modest guestrooms, perfect for smaller families or couples, as well as the Old Faithful Club and its associated club-level rooms.
Standard View
- Available with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
- Sleeps up to either 2 adults (king room) or 4 adults (queen room)
- Views of rooftop, parking lot, or service areas
Nature View
- Available with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
- Sleeps up to either 2 adults (king room) or 4 adults (queen room)
- Views of trees, landscaping, or the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
Courtyard View
- Available with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
- Sleeps up to either 2 adults (king room) or 4 adults (queen room)
- Views of courtyard, Bay Lake, pool, or waterfall
Nature Fireworks View
- Available with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
- Sleeps up to either 2 adults (king room) or 4 adults (queen room)
- Looks out over landscaping or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, along with partial views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks
In general, all standard guest rooms at the Wilderness Lodge come stocked with a hairdryer, soaking tub, in-room safe, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, mini-fridge, telephone with voicemail, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Standard Room – Club Level
- Available with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed
- Sleeps up to either 2 adults (king room) or 4 adults (queen room)
- Views of courtyard, woodlands, waterfall, pool, or Bay Lake
Deluxe Room – Club Level
- Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Sleeps up to 6 adults
- Larger than standard club-level rooms
- Views of Bay Lake, courtyard, or woodlands
In general, all club-level guest rooms at the Wilderness Lodge include the same amenities provided in the standard rooms (see above for details) as well as the following benefits as part of the Old Faithful Club: complimentary access to the health club, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary newspapers in the Old Faithful Club, evening turndown service, and access to Disney Signature Services. Club-level guests are also able to access the Old Faithful Club with their key when refreshments are served between 7am and 10pm.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
As home to the resort’s older Disney Vacation Club villas, accommodations here feel cozier and more homespun than their newer counterparts over at Copper Creek. With rooms fitting between 4 to 8 adults, this is an excellent option for both smaller and larger families.
Deluxe Studio
- Sleeps up to 5 adults
- Comes with 1 queen bed, 1 double-size sofa sleeper, and 1 single pull-down bed
- Includes kitchenette with microwave and small fridge, as well as a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
1 Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes full kitchen, split bathroom with 2 sink areas and a whirlpool tub, washer and dryer, and a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
2 Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 8 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes full kitchen, 2 bathrooms with 3 sink areas and a whirlpool tub, washer and dryer, and a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
In general, studios and villas at Boulder Ridge come stocked with a highchair, hairdryer, soaking tub, in-room safe, iron, ironing board, flat-panel TV, coffee maker, telephone with voicemail, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek is the newest DVC resort at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and features modern, airy spaces with plenty of rustic-meets-elegant touches. While studios and 1-bedroom villas are perfect for smaller families, the cabins or larger villas are great for large groups or multiple families.
Deluxe Studio – With or Without a Walk-In Shower
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes kitchenette (with microwave, small fridge, and toaster), full bathroom, and a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, Bay Lake, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Boulder Ridge Villas
In addition to the kitchenette, studios at Copper Creek are stocked with a dual-line phone with voicemail, wet bar, iron, ironing, board, highchair, hairdryer, flat-panel TV, and in-room safe.
1 Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 4 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes full kitchen and split bathroom with 2 sink areas, as well as a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, Bay Lake, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Boulder Ridge Villas
2 Bedroom Villa
- Sleeps up to 8 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed, 2 queen beds, and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes full kitchen and 2 bathrooms with 4 sink areas, as well as a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, woodlands, Bay Lake, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Boulder Ridge Villas
3 Bedroom Grand Villa
- Sleeps up to 12 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed, 4 queen beds, and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
- Includes full kitchen with an island and formal dining area, 3 full bathrooms, and a porch or balcony
- Views of courtyard, pool, or Bay Lake
Villas at Copper Creek include the same amenities as the studios (see above for details), as well as a washer and dryer. The full kitchen comes stocked with a toaster, microwave, refrigerator, dishes, glasses, utensils, pots, pans, and dishwasher.
Cabin
- Sleeps up to 8 adults
- Comes with 1 king bed, 1 queen bed, 1 queen-size sofa sleeper, 1 single pull-down bed, and 1 twin-size sleeper chair
- Includes full kitchen with an island, 2 bathrooms, and a private porch with a hot tub
- Views of Bay Lake
Copper Creek cabins come with the same amenities as the Copper Creek villas (see above for details). However, the real highlight of the cabins is the private, screened-in deck looking out over the woods and Bay Lake – with a built-in hot tub.
Disney Wilderness Lodge Rates
For those of you wondering, “how much does it cost to stay at Wilderness Lodge?”, you’ll be happy to hear that room rates here tend to be the most affordable of the Disney World deluxe resorts. Now, does that mean that prices here are on par with Coronado Springs or Port Orleans? Unfortunately not, but if you’re hoping to stay at a deluxe resort but you’d still like to save some cash, then this is the hotel for you.
With the resort split up into three different sections – Wilderness Lodge, Boulder Ridge Villas, and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins – and room types available in everything from a standard king room to a three-bedroom grand villa, rates here vary dramatically. Room prices are also dependent on what kind of view you prefer as well as what dates you are traveling, specifically whether you are visiting during the low season or over a holiday.
Standard rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Deluxe Studios at both Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins are the cheapest options at the resort, starting out in the mid-$400s during the low season and climbing to around $900 over Christmas and New Year’s. In contrast, the most expensive at the resort, a 3 Bedroom Grand Villa at Copper Creek, is available for around $2,600 when crowds are lowest and tops out at over $5,000 during the winter holiday.
Here are the price ranges for the other room types available at this massive Magic Kingdom Area resort in 2023 (expect slightly lower rates in 2022):
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Standard View – $458-$916
- Nature View – $518-$932
- Courtyard View – $570-$946
- Nature Fireworks View – $734-$1,146
- Standard Club-Level Room – $754-$1,279
- Deluxe Club-Level Room – $958-$1,740
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Deluxe Studio – $458-$916
- 1 Bedroom Villa – $791-$1,225
- 2 Bedroom Villa – $1,312-$2,426
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Deluxe Studio – $454-$914
- 1 Bedroom Villa – $836-$1,376
- 2 Bedroom Villa – $1,331-$2,495
- Cabin – $2,518-$4,854
- 3 Bedroom Grand Villa – $2,658-$5,128
Wilderness Lodge Resort Amenities
Tucked back into the woods that surround Bay Lake, with cypress and pine trees towering overhead, a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge feels more like a vacation in the Pacific Northwest than a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Aside from the convenience of being a mere boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, the Wilderness Lodge has plenty to offer, from character dining with Snow White and her dwarf friends Grumpy and Dopey to rip-roaring fun in the pool and much more.
Wilderness Lodge Restaurants
As a deluxe resort, there are an array of dining options available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Whether you’re in the mood for some grab-and-go breakfast before heading to the parks, a hootenanny of a dinner, or a nightcap as the sun sets over Bay Lake, there’s something here for everyone and any time of day.
Artist Point and Storybook Dining with Snow White
Once the resort’s signature restaurant, Artist Point has been magically transformed into a Disney character dining experience: Storybook Dining with Snow White. Here you’ll step into the Enchanted Forest, where you’ll dine on rustically fanciful dishes evocative of the classic film beneath a blanket of fairy lights. As you eat, you’ll be greeted and entertained by a number of special guests including Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and The Queen – and you’ll even get to join in on the fun.
To kick off your meal, you’ll enjoy an assortment of shared appetizers like the Hunter’s Terrine, Mushroom Soup, and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Next, you’ll dig into your choice of entrée, with delightful options like Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken and Magic Mirror’s Slow-braised Pork Shank. You can even enjoy a meal inspired by Snow White’s German roots with the ‘Cottage’ Beef Stew served with spaetzle.
And be sure to save some room for dessert, as we’d argue that the shareable, highly themed sweets are the highlight of the entire meal. Our favorites are the ‘Poison’ Apple mousse with a sour surprise in the middle and the ominously smoking, but wickedly tasty The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Nestled along the shore of Bay Lake, Geyser Point Bar & Grill offers up adventurous drinks and eats inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest – all with a killer view. Located near the hotel’s pools, this open-air lounge isn’t just my favorite place to grab a cocktail at the Wilderness Lodge, it’s one of the best bars at Disney World. Keep in mind that, as a lounge, advance reservations aren’t available here, so plan on joining the walk-up list if a table isn’t available right away.
The menu here is filled with rustic dishes that would be right at home Oregon and Washington, such as Roasted Salmon and a Bison Bacon Cheeseburger, as well as lighter options like a Grilled Portobello Salad topped with your choice of protein. Desserts here, including the Campfire Mousse and Apple Cider Sorbet are a sweet ode to the great outdoors.
Even the drink menu takes its inspiration from the American West, like cocktails concocted with Zodiac and 44° North Vodkas made from Idaho potatoes, Ransom Whipper Snapper Whiskey from Oregon, or the ubiquitous huckleberry. Even beer and wine drinkers can be transported with craft beers and wine from both Washington and Oregon.
Roaring Fork
Located on the ground floor of the Wilderness Lodge near the door to the courtyard and Copper Creek Springs Pool, Roaring Fork is the resort’s quick service restaurant. This dining outlet is open all day long, serving up hearty American eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Stop in for Ranger Hash with beef brisket before heading to Magic Kingdom or refuel after a long day with a Lumberjack Platter mounded high with pulled pork and macaroni & cheese. While you’re there, be sure to save room for the restaurant’s most popular dessert: the Magic Cookie Bar.
Territory Lounge
Neighboring the Artist Point Restaurant, Territory Lounge the resort’s more modest hotel bar. While you won’t find any specially themed cocktails or sweeping views of Bay Lake here, this is a great spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink (mocktails too!) before whooping it up at Whispering Canyon Café or Storybook Dining with Snow White.
Although there aren’t too many food options on offer here, there are a few bar bites available like House-made Potato Chips with chimichurri ranch dip, Handcrafted Charcuterie, and even a slice of Granny Smith Apple Pie served with a scoop of ice cream.
Whispering Canyon Café
Don’t let the name fool you – if you’re looking for a peaceful meal in a dignified setting, Whispering Canyon Café isn’t it. This table service restaurant is located in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge, and oh boy, can it get rowdy. Themed after the Wild West, the eminently family-friendly Whispering Canyon Café dishes up tons of all manner of stick-to-your-ribs favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as sassy antics from the cast members and even some audience participation.
Although you can get other entrees here, the headlining option is the restaurant’s All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Signature Skillets. In the morning, dishes are piled high with comfort food favorites like buttermilk-cheddar biscuits topped with sausage gravy and wood-smoked breakfast meats.
For lunch and dinner, tuck into bottomless helpings of stick-to-your-ribs classics like barbecue and smashed potatoes. And you don’t need to be a meat eater to get in on the fun, as a Plant-based Signature Skillet is also available featuring everything from Maple-Chipotle Barbecued Jackfruit to Herb-Brushed Trick’n Chick’n.
Wilderness Lodge Pools
Guests staying at this sprawling resort have access to two different Wilderness Lodge pools: the Copper Creek Springs Pool and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. The Copper Creek Springs Pool is the resort’s feature pool and is made to look like it’s fed by the Copper Creek that flows from the main lobby, down a rushing waterfall, and into the pool. Glide through the rocks down a 67-foot-long waterslide and into this bucolic swimming hole or take an invigorating dip in one of the pool’s cold or hot whirlpool spas.
Or, for a more tranquil escape, visit the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool. This leisure pool is located next to the Boulder Ridge Villas. Wade in using the zero-depth entry, or relax your theme-park-weary feet in the hot tub.
Wilderness Lodge Merchandise Locations
Just around the corner from the main lobby, the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile is the resort’s onsite merchandise location – just look for the totem pole outside starring Mickey, Goofy, and Donald. This rustic shopping outpost is the place to go for snacks, souvenirs like Davy Crockett-style coon skin hats and Disney-inspired totem poles, and any supplies you may have forgotten at home.
Other Recreation at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Deluxe resorts boast some of the best amenities on Disney property, and the Wilderness Lodge is no exception. Thanks to its sprawling size and wooded location along Bay Lake, there are tons of recreational offerings available both outdoors and indoors.
Kids staying at the Wilderness Lodge will enjoy watching Disney favorites al fresco with the regular Movies Under the Stars, roasting marshmallows during the campfire, and trying their luck at the Buttons and Bells Arcade. Adults, meanwhile, can get in a run along the resort’s pastoral jogging trails.
And that’s not all – there are a slew of activities that the whole family can enjoy together. Book a guided catch-and-release fishing excursion, rent a bike, or go for a cruise on a motorized boat out on Bay Lake. And don’t miss out on hidden gems like Hidden Mickey scavenger hunts or the free Wonders of the Wilderness Lodge tour led by one of the resort rangers.
If you’re extra lucky, you can even take part in the resort’s daily flag-raising ceremony as a Flag Family – and take in some awesome views of the surrounding area from the roof of the lodge. Keep in mind that the activity schedule varies from day to day and availability is limited for some activities. So, be sure to ask a cast member for the most up-to-date information when checking in if there’s something that you’re interested in.
Disney Wilderness Lodge FAQs
Want to know more about Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Disney Wilderness Lodge worth the money?
Everyone’s budget is different, and for some families, the $400-and-up room rates may be a stretch. That being said, as I mentioned earlier, the Wilderness Lodge is the best value of all the deluxe Disney World resorts. Adults will be happy with the rustic, restful atmosphere and its ideal Magic Kingdom Resort Area location.
Kids will love the Whispering Canyon Café, character dining with Snow White, and the resort’s many recreation offerings – plus they’re sure to get a kick out of the regular eruptions of Fire Rock Geyser. In short, if it’s in your price range, the Wilderness Lodge is an excellent place to stay for guests of all ages.
Can you walk to Magic Kingdom from Wilderness Lodge?
Surprisingly not. Despite its location near the Contemporary Resort, there’s no walking path that connects the Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom. That means you can’t walk from the Wilderness Lodge to the Monorail or the Polynesian either. However, there is both a shuttle service that departs from the Bus Depot and water taxis that leave from the Boat Dock and connect to the Magic Kingdom, as well as the Contemporary and Fort Wilderness.
How long is the boat ride from Disney Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom?
The water taxi from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock to Magic Kingdom’s main entrance takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Although, depending on when you get in line and how many people are in front of you, you may be waiting a while for a boat to arrive or for there to be enough space.
Can you see fireworks from Wilderness Lodge?
Yup, although you’ll need to book the right room type to see them. Nature Fireworks View Rooms provide idyllic views of the surrounding woodlands as well as partial views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. And even if you don’t book a Nature Fireworks View Room, you can still see the Electric Water Pageant when it parades past the resort out on Bay Lake.
What are the best rooms at Wilderness Lodge?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there are some beautiful rooms with some glorious views at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. For some, the best room will be those with views of the fireworks. For others, it might be the shiny new cabins at Copper Creek.
And some people may think that the room that saves them the most money is obviously the best – that’d be the Standard View Rooms and the Deluxe Studios. Fortunately, room options run the gamut here, so you’re sure to find the room type that’s best for you.
Well ya’ll, that wraps up this review of the Disney Wilderness Lodge. Call me biased (and honestly, as someone who used to work the front desk here during my Disney College Program, I definitely am), but I love this resort. With its rustic atmosphere and plentiful outdoor recreational offerings, it’s a pleasant change from other Disney World resorts, and an excellent stay for couples, families with young children, and everything in between.
During your stay, be sure to get the most out of your time at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom by following our one-day plans. Or, make your budget stretch by checking out our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
Have you stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, eaten at one of the restaurants, or learned about the Wonders of the Wilderness Lodge? If you have, let us know in the comments!
