I have stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 5 times, and these are some of the downsides to this Disney World resort.
Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, the Wilderness Lodge is a themed resort unto itself. Many guests feel that they could stay at the resort for their entire trip and still have had relaxing vacation with their money well spent. While there are SO many great qualities about this hotel, there are 5 that might be signs that this isn’t the right hotel for you.
1. The Food Options
There are some great restaurants at Wilderness Lodge. For quick service, you can grab savory burgers, sandwiches, and house-smoked BBQ at Roaring Fork. For those who are hungry, Whispering Canyon Cafe will be a treat. They are known for their all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets full of smoked meats, green beans, mashed potatoes, and more. Geyser Point Bar & Grill serves up cocktails and more American flavors.
They even have a character dining experience at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. While we enjoy all of these restaurants, they aren’t known for their adventurous menu. If you have someone in your travel party who likes variety or different flavors, they might get bored easily with these restaurants.
2. It Can Be Loud
The lobby is massive, and with the rowdy Whispering Canyon Cafe open to the area, it can get loud in here during peak times. Now, I have been here during early mornings, and it’s so peaceful, but be aware that it could happen.
3. We’re THIS Close, But No Monorail?!
While this resort is SO close to Magic Kingdom (close enough to see the fireworks), you won’t find a monorail here. Instead, you will take a boat to Magic Kingdom. This boat ride is quick, but during busy times like before the park opens and at night, the wait for the boat can be long. If you’re looking for that monorail resort experience, you’ll want to look into the other Magic Kingdom resorts.
4. Nighttime Music… Not in a Good Way
Speaking of being close to Magic Kingdom, did you know that this resort pipes in music from Happily Ever After, the Magic Kingdom fireworks? That’s right! However, if you’re like me and if you go to bed early (maybe even with sleeping kids), this music might interrupt your sleep. This also happens when the Water Pageant goes by at night. The music isn’t coming straight into your room, but we could absolutely hear it being pumped outside.
5. It Doesn’t SCREAM Disney
Being a deluxe resort, the Wilderness Lodge has more hidden Disney elements instead of large character statues around the resort. There are absolutely still hidden Mickeys and even Disney art, but it’s more subtle. If you are looking for a resort that screams Disney, you might enjoy a resort like Disney’s Art of Animation more.
With so many Disney resorts, there is one that is the right fit for your travel party! For more Disney World information to help you on your next vacation, be sure to follow us at AllEars.net.
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What is your favorite Disney World resort to stay at? Tell us in the comments below!
I have stayed at Wilderness Lodge 3 times. It is my favorite. Yes, it does have great food options. I have always been there in December and the decor is amazing. I don’t think monorail access is that great. You have to fight the huge morning crowds. I think the boat from there is faster and you are delivered right in front of Magic Kingdom. I have never found it excessively noisy. My only other option is the beautiful Fort Wilderness.
None of those were serious downsides. A few of those were upsides.