2 of the Absolute Worst Things About Disney’s Wilderness Lodge From a Gal Who Actually LOVES Staying There

It’s my job to review Disney World hotels for YouTube videos so I know a lot about where you should and should not stay.

One of my favorite hotels in Disney World is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort — in fact, it even ranked number ONE on my ranking of the deluxe category Disney World hotels. From some of the best $6 coffee on property to easy transportation to Magic Kingdom, this resort has a lot to love. But even I can say there are two issues with this resort.

While I do love the design of these hotel rooms, my one complaint about them is those surprisingly low ceilings in the entryway to the hotel rooms. It’s such a small detail, but every time I walk in, it feels a little cramped and dim compared to the grand, airy feeling you get in the lobby. It’s almost like you go from “wow, this place is stunning” to “why does this hallway feel so tight?” in a matter of steps. Now, is this a huge deal? Probably not. If you don’t spend a ton of time in your hotel room, you might not even notice.

The other frustration? Missing the boat to Magic Kingdom. The boat transportation is one of the best perks of staying here — it’s scenic, relaxing, and feels very “Disney.” But it can also be a bit unpredictable. If you just miss one, you could be waiting longer than you’d expect, especially during busy times. And when you’re trying to rope drop or make a dining reservation, that wait can feel extra painful. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s definitely one of those moments where you’re like, “Okay… maybe I should’ve left five minutes earlier.”

Not to mention in 2026, the boat is going under refurbishment. At the beginning of the year, the Wilderness Lodge saw their boat docks close for refurbishment. It didn’t take long for them to reopen, but for a couple of weeks, the boats weren’t available at the resort. The inconvenience is that the resort is near Magic Kingdom, and the boats are one way to get to the park (the buses being the other).

Unfortunately, the boat docks are closing once again, only this time for a longer period. We got word that from April 13th through late July 2026, the boat dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo routine maintenance.

Even with these quirks, I would stay at Wilderness Lodge again in a heartbeat. The overall experience far outweighs the minor inconveniences, but hey, if you go in knowing about them, you’ll be that much more prepared.

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