Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Teddy Roosevelt would exclaim “bully” to Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park lodge. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its impressive eight-story lobby. A marvel of timber, sheer walls of lodgepole pine logs, and rugged rock surround the vast, open expanse filled with oversize leather chairs and Native American crafts of beaded moccasins, feathered headdresses, textiles, and drums. Two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles overlook rustic stone and hardwood floors topped with Native American rugs, tepee-topped chandeliers, and a bevy of “park ranger” staff who roam the lodge attending to guests. A favorite pastime is relaxing in rocking chairs, fronting the massive, 82-foot-tall fireplace composed of rockwork replicating the diverse strata of the Grand Canyon. Another is finding peace and quiet in the charming nooks and crannies on the floors above the lobby or on the back porch rockers that overlook a serene scene of natural beauty.

Seven floors of guest rooms are found above the lobby level, and two six-story wings composed of quarry stone, chunky logs, and green tin rooftops are surrounded by an enchanting scene of roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. What begins in the lobby as a bubbling hot spring turns into Silver Creek which in turn widens to become a sparkling waterfall emptying into the boulder-lined, hot springs–style Copper Creek Springs Pool, one of Disney’s best. Listen for crickets chirping beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, sotols, and wildflowers. On the shores of Bay Lake, the resort’s very own re-created geyser, surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity, erupts at the top of every hour from early morning to late night. Wait until after dark when the waterfall is lit and the scenery even more spectacular.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill gives guests the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors from a deck located poolside along with drinks, sandwiches and salads, and perfect views of beautiful Bay Lake.

725 rooms. 901 Timberline Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-824-3200; Fax 407-824-3232. Check-in 3 p.m.; Check-out 11 a.m.

  • Welcome to Disney's Wilderness Lodge!

    Welcome to Disney's Wilderness Lodge!

  • The resort's jaw-dropping lobby

    The resort's jaw-dropping lobby

  • Everyone's favorite spot is in front of the lobby fireplace

    Everyone's favorite spot is in front of the lobby fireplace

  • Cozy alcove seating around the fireplace can be found just off the lobby

    Cozy alcove seating around the fireplace can be found just off the lobby

  • The resort's stream starts in the lobby and ends in Bay Lake

    The resort's stream starts in the lobby and ends in Bay Lake

  • Wilderness Lodge grounds

    Wilderness Lodge grounds

  • The waterfall is lit beautifully at night

    The waterfall is lit beautifully at night

  • The lovely boulder-lined swimming pool

    The lovely boulder-lined swimming pool

  • Splash play area

    Splash play area

  • The resort's very own geyser

    The resort's very own geyser

  • Nature at Disney's best

    Nature at Disney's best

  • Enticing nature areas

    Enticing nature areas

  • Guest room with two queen beds

    Guest room with two queen beds

  • King bed guest room

    King bed guest room

  • Guest room

    Guest room

  • Guest Room bath

    Guest Room bath
    Baths are a few feet smaller than other deluxe resorts.

  • Guest Room shower

    Guest Room shower

  • Courtyard View balcony

    Courtyard View balcony

  • Nature Fireworks View

    Nature Fireworks View

  • Yosemite Suite living area

    Yosemite Suite living area

  • Yosemite Suite dining room

    Yosemite Suite dining room

  • Yosemite Suite's wet bar.

    Yosemite Suite's wet bar.

  • Yosemite Suite master bedroom

    Yosemite Suite master bedroom

  • Yosemite Suite master bath

    Yosemite Suite master bath

  • Yosemite Suite guest room

    Yosemite Suite guest room

  • Yosemite Suite balcony and view

    Yosemite Suite balcony and view

  • Old Faithful Club concierge lounge food

    Old Faithful Club concierge lounge food

  • There's even Washington State beer on tap!

    There's even Washington State beer on tap!

  • Old Faithful Club concierge lounge

    Old Faithful Club concierge lounge

  • Tables overlooking the lobby below at Old Faithful Club

    Tables overlooking the lobby below at Old Faithful Club

  • View from Old Faithful Club of Magic Kingdom fireworks

    View from Old Faithful Club of Magic Kingdom fireworks
    Photo courtesy of Shawn Culbert

  • Whispering Canyon Cafe for hearty Western fare with all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and shenanigans!

    Whispering Canyon Cafe for hearty Western fare with all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and shenanigans!

  • Story Book Dining at Artist's Point with Snow White

    Story Book Dining at Artist's Point with Snow White
    Temporarily Closed

  • Territory Lounge for drinks and Pacific Northwest appetizers

    Territory Lounge for drinks and Pacific Northwest appetizers

  • Geyser Point Bar & Grill is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and nature

    Geyser Point Bar & Grill is the perfect place to enjoy drinks and nature

  • Nestled among the pine trees

    Nestled among the pine trees

  • Your boat awaits to Magic Kingdom

    Your boat awaits to Magic Kingdom

  • A great place to plan a fishing excursion

    A great place to plan a fishing excursion

  • Magic Kingdom fireworks view from the resort

    Magic Kingdom fireworks view from the resort

Accommodations

Guest Rooms

Those who have experienced other deluxe Disney resorts may be surprised at the smallish guest rooms here, measuring only 345 square feet. However, the new room renovations make the size seem more efficient, with space under beds to stash luggage and a smaller stackable table and chairs. And the replacement of faux wood laminate floors in place of carpeting adds a sense of space that wasn’t there before. Bedding is either two queen-size beds or a king-size bed. Crisp white sheeting is quite stark, but mattresses and pillows have been replaced and are quite comfortable. Behind the beds are padded, tan leather headboards with an arrow motif and a nature-inspired accent wall, which adds a much-needed pop of color. Personal reading lights are built into the headboard, and additional sconces surrounding the bed make for excellent lighting. A large flat-panel TV hangs above a charcoal-hued marble top dresser with plenty of drawer space, and next to that are two native print chairs and small stackable tables. Kitchy “Camp” and “Cabin” signs on each side of the beds are a fun addition to the room. King rooms have the addition of an easy chair with an ottoman as well as a desk and chair. Forest leaf motif curtains lead to a small balcony with a table and two chairs featuring views according to the room category. King bed rooms also come with a desk.

A wardrobe closet in the entry featuring an electronic safe is attached to a marble countertop coffee area with a Keurig coffeemaker and an under-counter refrigerator. There is no iron and board, but rather a handheld steamer. Tucked behind barn door sliders is the bathroom, a few feet smaller than other deluxe resorts, which has white and gray marble countertops in the separate vanity area holding two small sinks with bronze faucets. A pane of light with geologic shapes is near the sinks and can light up on either side of the bath and bedroom. An adjoining bathtub/commode area is embellished with a barn door-style sliding glass shower enclosure (some rooms have a shower only), and the rain shower–style shower head and handheld are a plus. There’s a lighted makeup mirror and a full-length mirror.

Room view choices include Standard View with a look at either the parking lot or rooftops; Nature View facing the trees or Copper Creek Villas and Cabins; Courtyard View of the pool, waterfall, and/or Bay Lake; and a Nature Fireworks View with a partial view of Magic Kingdom fireworks (note some of these rooms also come with a view of a service parking area so request a room towards the back of the resort). Sixth-floor rooms in the outer wings closer to the lake come with dormer balconies that require standing for a view.

Tour Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Courtyard View Room on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Tour Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Nature Fireworks View King Room on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Concierge Rooms

Concierge rooms on one half of the seventh floor (the other half being the Copper Creek villas) include standard-size rooms with a variety of views and the Yosemite Suite. All 7th-floor concierge rooms have dormer balconies that require standing for a view.

Although none are located on the club level’s seventh floor, Deluxe Rooms do come with concierge privileges. At 500 square feet and sleeping six, these rooms offer a comfortable, but not sizeable balconied parlor area holding a cherry red queen-size sofa sleeper, a small table and two chairs, coffee table, flat-panel TV above a bureau, wet bar with Keurig coffeemake and small refrigerator. The bedroom is decorated similar to standard rooms but with a desk and chair, separated by a frosted glass French door from the parlor, has two queen-size beds, a TV, and a French-style, stand-up balcony. The double-sink bathroom with a separate commode and shower area is accessed from either the bedroom or the foyer. Most of these rooms come with some sort of water view, and because of the distance from the concierge lounge have their refrigerator stocked with beverages on request. These rooms sleep 6. View Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on Disney’s Travel Professionals YouTube channel.

Concierge guests receive the services of an accommodating private staff and access to the Old Faithful Club. Additional concierge amenities include robes and daily housekeeping. A scattering of tables around the balcony overlooks the lobby, and adjacent is a small lounge with a small stand-up balcony adding to the appeal. And those that like a brewski will love that this is the only concierge lounge offering beer on draft (Elysian Brewing Dragonstooth Imperial Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Cream Ale) along with a nice assortment of bottled beer on request. Breakfast consists of fresh fruit, juice, build-your-own yogurt, cereal, muesli, mini muffins, bread and bagels, danish, croissants, hard-boiled eggs, smoked salmon, oatmeal, sausage, and a daily hot egg dish. Afternoon refreshments are fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookies, muffins, danish, croissants, make-your-own trail mix, marinated olives, bagged chips and pretzels served with the likes of garbanzo dip, olive tapenade, pimento cheese dip, lemon goat cheese, and chipotle dip, along with tea, lemonade, Geyser Grog, and spa water. Evenings bring hearty food catered from Whispering Canyon Café. Cold items could be crudities and dip, shrimp cocktail with Asian slaw, charcuterie, house-made coleslaw, Caprese salad with lemon pesto, and chicken salad with citrus vinaigrette. Hot dishes include a hearty soup such as mushroom soup or tomato-basil bisque, oak-smoked brisket, slow-smoked pork with chipotle barbecue sauce, slow-smoked ribs, wild game stew, BBQ chicken skewers, and sweet and sour venison meatball. Kids look forward to their own selections such as PB&J shooters and kid’s pasta. Wine offerings are Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut sparkling wine, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Indaba Savignon Blanc, La Fiera Moscato (unfortunately they are not offering Chardonnay as an option), Hogue Cabernet, Columbia Crest H3 Merlot, and Acrobat Pinot Noir. There’s also a self-service Nespresso machine. After dinner, wine and cordials come with scrumptious hot fruit cobbler and such desserts as citrus curd with chantilly, wild berry cupcakes, chocolate caramel cupcakes, oreo cupcakes, blood orange cupcakes, chocolate whiskey cake, pineapple-coconut panna cotta, s’mores in a jar, cookies, mini lemon meringue tarts, chocolate mousse, and more. View Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Old Faithful Club Lounge on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Suites

The 1230-square-foot Yosemite Suite offers two bedrooms outfitted in an upscale nature theme. The suite offers hardwood flooring throughout with a scattering of contemporary Native-American-style area rugs. In the living area are a beige sectional sleeper sofa, an easy chair, oversized flat-screen TV, and a wall of dark wood shelving. A wet bar is nearby with a sink, KitchenAid drawer microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, and an under-counter refrigerator, and in the dining area is a wood table seating six. You’ll find a half bath with a single sink off the entry hall. A lovely balcony wraps around the living and dining area with marvelous views of the resort’s pool and geyser and sparkling Bay Lake. In the bedroom are a king bed, a bureau above which hangs the TV, and a navy-blue leather sofa and tree trunk-style coffee tables at the foot of the bed. The Bambi-themed master bath is a freestanding soaking tub, double above-counter, white porcelain basins set on a white marble vanity, a large shower, and a separate commode area with a Toto Washlet. The guestroom holds two queen beds with upgraded bedding and Native-American-print textile headboards, a large bureau, another TV, its own balcony, and an accessible single-sink bath with a roll-in shower. The Yosemite Suite is one of the better-priced suites at the Disney Deluxe properties and certainly one to consider for a nice upgrade. Tour Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Yosemite Suite on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel.

Tour Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on the Glass Slipper Concierge YouTube channel!

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