Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the resort’s most in-demand hotels thanks to its intricate theme and grandiose scale. However, there are some things a first-time guest NEEDS to know.
Located on Bay Lake, the resort — which opened in 1994 — “celebrates American craftsmanship and honors the beauty of the untamed wilderness” according to Disney. Guests can “soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek” and “discover towering totem poles, headdresses and more, and enjoy the rustic elegance of the stone hearth and roaring fireplace.”
Transportation Times
While the Wilderness Lodge and its neighbor, Fort Wilderness Campground, are close to the Magic Kingdom — and sometimes grouped into the Magic Kingdom Resort Area with the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resorts — the resort is NOT on the Walt Disney World Monorail line, meaning that water travel is the primary way to get to the Magic Kingdom from the resort.
In addition, the resort’s location on property means bus rides to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs are longer than most other areas of Walt Disney World.
Whispering Canyon’s “Antics”
One of Wilderness Lodge’s most popular eateries, the Whispering Canyon Cafe provides “hearty Western fare with all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and shenanigans!”
While the restaurant’s offerings, including BBQ and plant-based skillets, are delicious, the atmosphere may not be for everyone. The environment is boisterous and loud, with Cast Members and guests alike becoming part of the show. While there are many who’ll enjoy this, there are some who simply would prefer a quiet dinner. If you find yourself in the latter camp, Whispering Canyon may not be for you.
Whispering Canyon Cafe Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Room Size
The Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe Tier resort, and its overall size and grandeur — that massive lobby is one of our favorite places on property — is not necessarily reflected in the hotel’s room sizes.
Now, don’t get us wrong, the Lodge’s rooms aren’t “bad” or anything, but some guests may find them a bit underwhelming size-wise compared to the rest of the hotel.
If you’re planning a first trip to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, definitely keep these things in mind! Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World hotel tips.
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Have you ever stayed at Wilderness Lodge? Let us know in the comments below.
I stayed here for the first time during XMas time and it was fabulous. Beautifully decorated for the holidays. Wonderful staff and great customer service. Additionally we ate at the Whispering Canyon and had no idea about the antics. We were surprised and loved it! We were exhausted and very much appreciated the laughter and entertaining staff. Will come back again!
The room size is more than adequate. And who spends THAT much time in their room when WDW is at their fingertips??? It IS a phenomenal resort
I’m a vacation club member since 2000. When I looked into purchasing my membership, the representative tried to talk me into buying at Boardwalk. That resort was at its tail end of new member purchases. But I said no, I wanted to hold out until Wilderness Lodge was going on sale because I wanted my home resort to be Wilderness Lodge. Yes, I like it that much. As the author says, travel can be a pain because of the resort not being on the monorail. But that’s a big part of the ambience – the woodsy, tranquil, outdoorsy, nature inspired feel of the resort.