Disney Wilderness Lodge

Disney WIlderness Lodge is one of the most beautiful resorts at Disney World. The grounds are inspired by the Pacific Northwest's National Park Service lodges. The grounds of the resort include a hot spring, a geyser, a 55 foot tall totem pole and even a waterfall. In the spectacular 7 story lobby there is an 82 foot tall, yep, 82 foot, stone fireplace.

The Wilderness Lodge is a dual purpose resort. In addition to the 727 standard Disney hotel rooms, this resort also is a Disney Vacation Club Resort. There are 136 suites in the Wilderness Lodge Villas.

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Disney Wilderness Lodge

When you pull up to Disney Wilderness Lodge, you don't get a feel for the beauty of the hotel. The entrance is big and impressive, but the real show is behind the resort. It all starts inside the lobby where a hot spring (no it's not a real hot spring, but it is hot water) comes out of the ground and flows through the lobby, outside, down over a waterfall, ending in the swimming pool area..

There is a geyser that sprays 120 feet in the air. Spoiler Alert: this is Disney Magic, not a real geyser, it's just water shot into the air by compressed air.

Guest Rooms

The Guest Rooms at the Disney Wilderness Lodge are smaller than those in the other Deluxe Resorts. They don't have day beds and only sleep 4, but they are some of the nicest looking on property. There are even some that have bunk beds that active kids love.

Dad's Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge guest room page

In the Lobby

The lobby of the Disney Wilderness Lodge is the hub of all activities. Inside you'll find restaurants, shops, front desks for both the hotel and the villas, a huge fireplace, and just a warm inviting open area. So what does a Disney hotel do with a warm inviting area? They put down couches and chairs for guest to rest in while the wait for ... (just about everything)

The lobby atrium is 8 stories tall. (Which make for a great place for a really big Christmas Tree.) Over to one side is the huge fire pit. It's more than a fire place. It's an 82 foot tall behemoth complete with raging infernos and rocking chairs. In the middle are 2 50+ foot tall totem poles. One called Eagle and one called Raven after the animals that top the poles. The poles were created by Native American Totem Pole artists and took over a year to complete. In front of the Mercantile you'll see a Disney totem complete with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Humphrey Bear.

All around the lobby, you'll see intricate carvings, Native American Art and lots of detail. The kind that Disney's famous for. Most the furnishings are wood or leather which give a real forestry feeling to the area.

Dining

Located in or near the lobby are the resorts 3 eating locations. They are -

Artist Point - is the upscale dining experience in the resort. It serves Northwestern inspired dishes in a serene, beautiful setting.
Whispering Canyon Cafe - this full service restaurant is located to the left as you come in the main doors. The name Whispering Canyon is anything but true. This is one of the loudest restaurants anywhere.
Roaring Forks - is the fast food joint all the Deluxe Resorts have. It has both quick meals and grocery items for your enjoyment.

Pools, Activities and more

The Disney Wilderness Lodge has the standard Disney Deluxe Resort amenities. There is transportation to the parks, a marina (where you can rent the Sea Raycers and go fishing on Bay Lake). There are bike rentals, the is a jogging trail (if your feet don't hurt enough), there's even a regular sing around the campfire with Chip and Dale.

Dad's Bay Lake page

Transportation

You can get to the Lodge either by land or by "sea". Disney runs luxury motor coaches to all the parks and Downtown Disney. There is also a launch that will take you to the Magic Kingdom.

Dad's Wilderness Lodge Transportation page

Location

The Wilderness Lodge is one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts. Unlike the other Magic Kingdom resorts, it's not on the monorail. It's located on Bay Lake, behind the Contemporary Resort.

View Disney Wilderness Lodge in a larger map

So how do you get there? Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom. You will have to go through the Magic Kingdom parking booth. At the booth be all the way to the right. You will turn right on Timberline Drive. (yes, there will be a sign) and follow it right up to the entrance to the Resort.

Address and Phone Number

Wilderness Lodge
901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830
(407)824-3200

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Dad's Bottom Line

Even if you don't stay here, take a few minutes and look around. For a real treat, take the boat over from the Magic Kingdom and walk up to the lobby. It's prettier that way.