Wilderness Lodge & Villas
Walt Disney World
Cozy Comfort & Rustic Charm
Located near Magic Kingdom but off the monorail line, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a fabulous option for guests wanting to stay near the flagship park at a slightly lower rate. This resort is also a top recommendation for guests visiting during the holidays, as it offers a homey yet awe-inspiring atmosphere throughout November and December.
As a Native family, we have always appreciated the nods to Native culture throughout the resort, and my grandparents, who also loved nature and the outdoors, were fans of the Lodge as well. Wilderness Lodge has always felt like a place where the details tell a story, and that’s a big part of what makes it so special.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
901 Timberline Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-3200
Guest Rooms | Club Level | Shopping | Dining | Recreation
Room Rates: $500+/night
Room Occupancy: 4 in standard rooms, 4+ in suites, deluxe rooms and villas
Transportation: Boat to Magic Kingdom; bust to all other Disney guest areas
Boat Launch
Bust Stop
Bus Service
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are warm, cozy and inviting, bringing that classic lodge feel right into your vacation space. Rich textures, natural elements and comfortable furnishings create a relaxing retreat after a day in the parks.
Rooms include a beverage cooler, coffee and tea setup, coffee maker, complimentary high-speed WiFi, flat-panel television, hairdryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, plus a patio or balcony to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Standard Rooms
- Standard Room – 2 queen beds; up to 4 adults; view categories include resort (landscape, woods, rooftop or parking areas), water (pool, waterfall, Bay Lake or Copper Creek), fireworks (landscaping or Copper Creek and partial view of Magic Kingdom Fireworks)
- Kind Room – 1 king; up to 4 adults; view categories include resort (landscape, woods, rooftop or parking areas), water (pool, waterfall, Bay Lake or Copper Creek), fireworks (landscape or Copper Creek and partial view of Magic Kingdom Fireworks)
- Deluxe Room – Views of Bay Lake, woods, or interior courtyard; 2 queens, 1 queen sleeper sofa; up to 6 adults; includes club level access
*Resort view standard and king rooms may be booked with club level access, as well.
Standard Room
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Adorable!
Bunk beds were always a hit with our crew, but sadly they are no longer an option outside of Fort Wilderness.
This was a standard view despite overlooking the courtyard…I’m guessing it’s this tree’s fault.
A little treat left for us during construction at Wilderness Lodge
Deluxe Room
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Front Hall
Closet holds safe, iron and ironing board, as well as extra linens
Hall Hanger
Living Area
Living Area
And my sad camera case that has since been stolen by an American Airlines employee. 🙁
Queen Sleeper
Living Area
Wet Bar
Living Area
From the balcony
Restroom
Vanity
Bedroom
From the vanity area
Queen Bed
Armoire
Bedroom
Doors to living room and bedroom balcony
Door Between Living Room & Bedroom
Bedroom Balcony
View from Living Room Balcony
View from Bedroom Balcony
Living Room Balcony
From living room
Living Room Balcony
View from Bedroom Balcony
View from Living Room Balcony
Nighttime View from Living Room Balcony
Morning View from Living Room Balcony
Morning View from Living Room Balcony
Exterior of Deluxe Rooms
Studios
Studios include a kitchenette.
- Boulder Ridge Deluxe Studio – Views of pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 queen bed, 1 queen sleeper sofa/pulldown, 1 twin pulldown; up to 5 adults
- Copper Creek Deluxe Studio – Views of pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 queen bed and 1 queen pulldown; up to 4 adults
- Copper Creek Deluxe Studio with Shower – Views of pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 queen bed and 1 queen pulldown; up to 4 adults; features walk-in shower instead of a tub/shower combo
Villas
In addition to sleeping quarters, villas feature a living area, full kitchen and washer dryer. Select villas also include club access.
- Boulder Ridge 1 Bedroom – Views of Bay Lake, pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 queen, 1 queen pulldown OR 1 king, 1 queen sleeper sofa; up to 4 adults
- Copper Creek 1 Bedroom – Views of Bay Lake, pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 king, 1 queen pulldown; up to 4 adults
- Boulder Ridge 2 Bedroom – Views of Bay Lake, pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 king, 2 queens, 1 queen pulldown OR 1 king, 2 queens, 1 queen sleeper sofa; up to 8 adults
- Copper Creek 2 Bedroom – Views of Bay Lake, pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 king, 2 queens, 1 queen pulldown; up to 8 adults
- Copper Creek 2 Bedroom Lock-off – Views of Bay Lake, pool, woods, courtyard or hotel; 1 king, 1 queen, 2 queen pulldowns; up to 8 adults; also available with shower instead of shower/tub combo
- Copper Creek 3 Bedroom – Views of Bay Lake, pool, courtyard; 1 king, 4 queens, 1 queen pulldown; up to 12 adults
- Cabin – Views of Bay Lake; 1 king, 1 queen, 1 queen pulldown, 1 twin pulldown, 1 twin sleeper chair; up to 8 adults; includes private porch with hot tub
Kilimanjaro Club
The club level cast members at Wilderness Lodge may be some of the best on property. While Disney’s club level teams are generally known for going above and beyond, our experience at the Lodge was truly exceptional. The attention to detail, warm hospitality and genuine care from the cast made this experience feel extra special.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any photos to share from our club level stay (they were from an very old iPhone), but I suppose that just means we’ll have to stay again soon for your benefit. The things we do for research, right? 😉
Is Club Level Worth It?
Club Level can be a fun way to add extra magic to your Disney stay, but whether it’s worth the splurge depends on how you’ll use it. We break down the perks, costs and who it’s really best for in our guide to Club Level at Walt Disney World.
Shopping & Sundries
Wilderness Lodge Mercantile is located in the main lobby and serves both the resort and Boulder Ridge Villas, offering Disney gifts, souvenirs, snacks, groceries and vacation essentials. Thanks to the villas, the Mercantile features a larger grocery selection than many resort shops, making it a convenient stop for families looking to stock up.
And before you head out, don’t forget to rub the nose of Humphrey the Bear on the 10-foot totem pole for a little extra vacation luck. Legend has it that his shiny black nose brings good fortune and a little extra magic to your stay. Are we saying it’s scientifically proven? Absolutely not. Are we saying we’d skip it? Also absolutely not.
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Dining
I’ll be totally honest here: Initially, Animal Kingdom Lodge was not at the top of my dining list. After my first dinner at Boma, I wasn’t completely convinced. Some of the flavors were outside my comfort zone, and a few dishes felt a little too adventurous for my then-picky palate. Let’s just say I wasn’t sure if I was discovering new favorites or actually eating crow.
Thankfully, tastes change, and I’m very happy to admit I was wrong. After giving Boma another try, my entire opinion of the AKL dining scene shifted. From incredible flavors and unique experiences some restaurants have become must-dos for our family.
Animal Kingdom Lodge isn’t just a resort where you happen to find good food—it’s a destination for Disney foodies.
Artist Point
Home to the enchanting Storybook Dining with Snow White, Artist Point is a must-do for the OG princess fans. With character interactions featuring Snow White, the Evil Queen and friends from the forest, this dining experience brings classic fairytale magic to the table. Before or after dinner, stop by Territory Lounge just off Artist Point for cocktails, wine and light fare.
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Grumpy Guys
Royal Prime Rib Roast
Desserts
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Do not come here if you’re lame. I know that sounds mean, but, seriously. Only book Whispering Canyon Cafe if you’re ready to have a goofy, good time. Yes, the servers can tone it down if you’re not up for antics, but that’s the whole point of this oxymoronically (that’s a word, right?) named restaurant. Come in ready to play and ready to grub, because the atmosphere is fun, and the food is delicious! And that’s coming from a good ol’ chunky Oklahoma girl who knows her home cookin’!
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The Traditional
Oak-smoked Mustard-Barbecued Beef Brisket, Maple-Chipotle Pork Ribs, Slow-smoked Pulled Pork, Citrus-Herb Chicken, Western-style Sausage, Smashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Sautéed Green Beans
The Pig
Braised Pork Belly, Maple-Chipotle Barbecued Pork Ribs, Slow-smoked Pulled Pork, Mustard-Barbecued ‘Piggy Wings’, Western-style Sausage, Smashed Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Sautéed Green Beans
Ketchuuuuup!
Chocolate Milkshake
Roaring Fork
At the end of a somewhat lengthy hallway off the main lobby sits Roaring Fork, your spot for a hot or cold breakfast, and sandwiches, pizza, salads and more for lunch or dinner. Beer and wine are also available.
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Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Geyser Point is the perfect spot to relax by the water with a refreshing cocktail while the kids burn off some energy nearby. Just remember: it’s hot, you’re in public and Disney has enough stories without yours becoming the next one. 😉 Drink responsibly, friends.
This lakeside spot also serves a full menu all day with lightly themed offerings like campfire mousse and a bison cheeseburger, making it a great option whether you’re stopping in for a drink, a snack or a full meal.
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Recreation & Activities
There is no shortage of ways to enjoy a resort day at Wilderness Lodge. With its beautiful waterfront setting, guests can enjoy the feature pools, guided fishing excursions and watercraft rentals, or simply relax and watch the charming Electrical Water Pageant drift across Bay Lake each evening.
If you’d rather stay on land, rent a bike or surrey bike, explore the jogging trails, visit the Buttons and Bells Arcade, work out at Sturdy Branches Health Club or gather around the nightly campfire before settling in for Movie Under the Stars.
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Buttons and Bells Arcade
Buttons and Bells Arcade
Buttons and Bells Arcade
Buttons and Bells Arcade
Buttons and Bells Arcade
Fishing
Copper Creek Springs Pool
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Creek
Leads to Copper Creek Springs pool
Copper Creek Springs Pool
Renamed with the addition of Copper Creek Villas and Cabins
The legs crack me up every time!
Slide
Slide
3:00 Pool Party
3:00 Pool Party
Hot Tub
Sprayground
Around the Resort
One of our favorite things about Wilderness Lodge is simply slowing down and exploring. With so many Native artifacts and design details sprinkled throughout the resort, it feels like there’s always something new to notice. As a Native family, it’s especially meaningful to see items that remind us of pieces in our own homes woven throughout the Lodge.
Don’t just rush through on your way to the parks. Wander the trails, linger in the lobby, explore the quiet corners and take time to appreciate all of the little details that make Wilderness Lodge so special.
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Waterfall
Topiaries
Beach
Lobby Light Fixture
Sitting Area
From the club lounge
Cradleboard
The gma’s good friend makes these.
Native Dress
Our tribe has very similar dresses.
Native Dress
And Native gma!
Hallway Light Fixture
Elevator Panel
Designated smoking area near the arcade
Lobby
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Looking Down from the Club Lounge
Lobby Light Fixture
Ramp to the lobby from the main pool, Roaring Fork and a set of guest elevators
Holidays at the Lodge
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Lobby Tree
Lobby Tree
Lobby Tree
Balcony Garland
Balcony Garland
Main Entrance
Lobby
Lobby
More Magic Tips
A few tips go a long way toward making your getaway at the Lodge even more magical!
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Take the Wonders of the Lodge Tour. This complimentary art and architecture tour meets near the lobby fireplace and is one of the best ways to appreciate all of the stories and details built into Wilderness Lodge. Check with the front desk for the current schedule.
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Don’t miss the Carolwood Pacific Room. Located at Boulder Ridge Villas, this hidden gem showcases memorabilia from Walt Disney’s beloved Carolwood Pacific Railroad, including artifacts from his miniature railroad and other fascinating pieces of railroad history.
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Don’t forget the ketchup at Whispering Canyon Café. Trust me on this one. And while you’re at it…ask for a large refill. But definitely the ketchup. 😏
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Take the boat to Fort Wilderness. It’s a relaxing ride and opens up even more adventures, from horseback riding and bike rentals to the free nightly Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long and Movie Under the Stars.
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Use a travel planner who knows the details. The little things are what make Wilderness Lodge shine, and I’d love to help you plan a vacation that includes all of the hidden gems, not just the headline attractions.
Our Take on the Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge is the spot for Christmas at Walt Disney World. The towering tree, cozy atmosphere and holiday details make this resort feel like stepping into a Christmas story. Beyond the seasonal magic, we love the calmness of the resort, the cultural touchstones throughout the property and the ability to stay close to Magic Kingdom without the price tag of some other nearby resorts.
The rooms are a little smaller than what our family typically needs, so we don’t get to stay here as often as we’d like. But we find ourselves back at Wilderness Lodge often for dining, exploring the grounds and soaking in all the details that make this resort so special.
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